Carnegie Mellon University
EN-2: Student Orientation

During fall orientation, first-year, transfer and graduate students have the opportunity to participate in the following sustainability activities or programs: 

All first-year and transfer students share meals together during orientation week. These meals are served in a large space that has special educational waste bins set up for orientation week. Volunteers, sustainability staff, and dining staff stand by the bins during most meals and assist new students with sorting their waste, while educating them about campus composting opportunities and the reasons behind these efforts.  

Graduates students are invited to attend a Resource Fair and first-year students and their families are invited to attend the Family Resource Fair, where campus departments that focus on sustainability efforts, such as the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Green Practies, Transportation Services and the Office of Wellness and Meaning-Making Programs, provide resources and information to new students. 

An entire day of orientation is dedicated to well-being. In addition to a presenation on campus wellness programs, campus partners are invited to offer well-being samplers. The sustainability-focused samplers included planting microgreens, forest bathing, a garden workday, and more. 

Campus partners are invited to offer one-hour sessions for first-year and transfer students during orientation week. The session "Green Guide: Sustainably at CMU", which was described as and interactive session that allows students to explore ways to be more sustainable during their time at CMU. There will be items to try, giveaways, and a chance to meet sustainability staff. They will also introduce campus initiatives and services that happen throughout the year, while highlighting ways you can be involved and make an impact. Stop by to share your passions, future interests, and ideas for action or learn about tangible opportunities.