Colorado State University
EN-8: Employee Orientation

All new CSU employees are required to participate in the new employee orientation as part of their onboarding process. The University Employee Orientation, coordinated by Talent Development, includes both the broad accomplishments and importance of sustainability here at CSU. Informational materials and resources are provided to all attendees regarding energy, water and resource conservation opportunities for employees. Information includes "Ideas to Save Electricity", recycling guidelines, and general sustainability practices here at CSU.

The Alternative Transportation team also provides information about a variety of options for employees to utilize sustainable transportation. Every new employee receives a direct personal email from Transportation Services, in partnership with multiple other offices at the university, regarding alternative transportation options, as well as housing, employee assistance, and childcare resources. In the email they are invited to request a customized transportation plan that is delivered via email, over the phone or a one-on-one meeting with a member of the Alternative Transportation team. Employees are also given information about numerous sustainable transportation options such as free transit passes that are available to all faculty and staff, a Guaranteed Ride Home program, discounted Zipcar memberships, free bicycling education classes and more.

Additionally, the Campus Recreation Center provides information on health and wellness opportunities open to faculty and staff.

Outside of the University Employee Orientation, sustainability is also highlighted through numerous unit-level / departmental orientation programs. To highlight a few:

New employees in Facilities Management and Housing & Dining Services receive sustainability education as part of the departmental on-boarding process. Information includes basic energy conservation practices, recycling / composting guides, professional development opportunities, and tips and encouragement to utilize alternative transportation options.

Environmental Health and Safety delivers mandatory safety and sustainability-related training to new lab users through its website.

CSU also provides a specific series on trainings for ‘New Faculty Orientation’ – coordinated by the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs. Sustainability has been incorporated into the module for the Responsible Conduct of Research. The module includes information that there is a ‘role for everyone in sustainability at CSU,’ the focus highlights CSU Green Labs, providing programs and resources to help researchers decrease energy usage and waste and make better purchasing decisions. The curriculum also addresses actions that those without labs can take to advance sustainability at CSU.