Binghamton University
EN-2: Student Orientation

Since fall 2015, Binghamton University has provided over 300 student-initiated and/or student-oriented events incorporating the principles of sustainability (using AASHE’s definition). A full list of events is available upon request. However, here is a small sample:

IDEAS for Binghamton: What is Real Food? Two Real Food Challenge coordinators hold a workshop to address: 1, What is “real food” and how students can obtain it on campus?; 2, What are the prevalent issues of the Food Industry and how they relate to campus food services?; 3, How can we join the hundreds of schools leveraging their purchasing power to build a sustainable food system?; and 4, How do prejudices and inequities inherent in our communities prevent many people from accessing healthy, sustainable, and ethical food options?

Student United Way: Trip to Carlisle After-School Program. Student United Way is a volunteer organization on campus that volunteers in the local community. The organization often visits Carlisle, a housing community for low-income families in the Binghamton area. Carlisle holds an after-school program daily, and students attend the after-school program to spend time with the children.

Mental Health Outreach Peer Educators: Assertiveness Training. Fulfilling the Mental Health Advocate Certification series’ category of training in Interpersonal Skills, the Mental Health Outreach Peer Educators’ workshop teaches students how to voice their true thoughts and feelings, speak up for their needs, and stand up for themselves.

Food, Money, Books - As part of this orientation session Transportation and Parking Service (TAPS) provides information to incoming freshmen and parents on alternative transportation options (public transportation options, ride share, Escape buses, etc.) In addition, TAPS tables at the service fair in order to answer more detailed questions. TAPS also has a video detailing the transportation sustainability options.

Hilarity for Charity (Alzheimer’s Association) Talent Show. Hilarity for Charity is an organization founded by actor Seth Rogen and his wife that raises both money and awareness for Alzheimer's disease. BU students working closely with the HFC organization and the Alzheimer's association strive to bring much needed attention to this cause neglected cause. Hilarity for Charity hosts a fundraising Talent Show featuring BU students to support the Alzheimer's Association.

Depression and College Students: Recognizing the Signs, Getting Help, and Beating It! In this seminar, students learn the facts and myths around depression, how to recognize the signs of depression, and what to do get help themselves and/or their peers. The seminar will also offer useful tips on reducing the risk of depression and managing one’s overall mental well-being.
10 Days to Zero Campaign Partners in Health fundraiser/meeting All money raised during this campaign will go towards ending Tuberculosis in Carabayllo, Peru.
Of programs offered by student organizations in 2014-15 there were over 200 programs focusing on one of six area of wellness:
• 28% on knowledge acquisition
• 25% on physical health/nutrition
• 25% on emotional/mental health
• 14% on social health and
• 4% on vocational planning and spiritual health

Recycling and Resource Management is present at every student orientation providing information related Campus recycling efforts, composting programs, and educational events which include RecycleMania, Earth Day Festival, educational tabling, and lectures about campus recycling and sustainability. All incoming freshman and transfer students are taught what recycling containers they should expect to have in their campus dorm, along with what containers are available on campus and what they can recycle. RAs and RDs are required to show new students in their buildings where to locate recycling receptacles.