Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 77.06
Liaison Laura Bain
Submission Date June 22, 2021

STARS v2.2

Furman University
EN-2: Student Orientation

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Laura Bain
Associate Director of Sustainability Assessment
David E. Shi Center for Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Are the following students provided an opportunity to participate in orientation activities and programming that prominently include sustainability?:
Yes or No
First-year students Yes
Transfer students Yes
Entering graduate students N/A - institution does not have graduate students

Percentage of all entering students that are provided an opportunity to participate in orientation activities and programming that prominently include sustainability:
100

A brief description of how sustainability is included prominently in new student orientation :

During three separate new student summer orientation events, sustainability was one of two sessions students could choose from to learn more about a specific area of university life. Each session was approximately one hour in length, with an interactive discussion about sustainability programs and initiatives. Staff also covered the history of sustainability commitments and reporting at Furman and the holistic, interdisciplinary nature of the topic. A Resource Fair followed the session and included a table where students could learn more about sustainability initiatives, internship opportunities, and programs on campus and sign up for more information.

During the fall orientation event, the Shi Institute hosted an open house where students toured the university's organic farm and LEED-certified Shi Institute for Sustainability. The Shi Institute hosts an annual film series on a different sustainability theme each year - the kick off film each year is included as part of the first year orientation schedule.


Website URL where information about sustainability in student orientation is available:
---

Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

The Email sent out during Orientation to all first year students:

The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities welcomes you to Furman!
The Shi Institute is an interdisciplinary academic center here on campus that promotes the study and practice of sustainability on campus and in the greater community. We work closely with faculty, staff, students, and community leaders to tackle real world sustainability issues. We are excited to see you in the fall, and want to share with you some great student opportunities and tips for sustainable living as you get ready to come to campus.

How to Get Involved
• Student Sustainability Fellowships: The Shi Institute offers a number of paid student fellowships during the academic year to help address a sustainability problem on Furman’s campus or in the community. Applications are due during the first few weeks of school, and, yes, first-year students can and are encouraged to apply! (Don’t be bashful, we have a lot of first-year student fellows). Click HERE to learn more. Email kellygrant.purvis@furman.edu if you have questions.
o Deadline for applications Sept 6th

• EcoReps: The EcoReps program is a student peer to peer program aimed at promoting a sustainable lifestyle in the residence halls. This is a great way for you to get involved with exploring and encouraging sustainable lifestyle choices among your fellow hallmates. Visit THIS WEBSITE to learn more and apply to become an Eco Rep. Email furmanecoreps@gmail.com if you have questions.
o EcoRep application deadline: Aug 14th

• Volunteer! There are multiple ways to volunteer your time and talents in the name of sustainability:
o Volunteer on our organic-practice farm, adjacent to the Shi Center. Get your hands in the dirt and help grow some local, organic food! Stop by the Shi Center or the farm for more info.
o Volunteer with the Community Conservation Corps and learn how to “weatherize” a home (caulking, attic insulation, etc.) Click HERE to learn more; email ccc@furman.edu if you want to sign up or have questions.

• Paladins on Bikes: Rent a bike with us for the whole semester or the entire academic year. You get a bike, a helmet and a lock for $35 per semester or $60 for the year. Bikes are first come first serve so if you would like a bike APPLY HERE today!

What YOU can DO!
• Check out The Green Guide to sustainable living on Furman’s campus, attached to this email! In the guide, you can find information about:
o Recycling
o Campus transportation (like our bike rental program FUPOB)
o Energy and water saving tips for your room
o Local farmers markets
o Nearby hiking trails

• UCapture: Help Furman go carbon neutral at no cost to you! Create a FREE account at www.ucapture.com/furman and install the web-browser extension. When you shop online, a portion of your purchase will support sustainability projects like reforestation and methane capture. A really easy way to be part of the solution!

Upcoming Events
• Ride a 7-Seater Bike: Monday, August 26th, 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Stop by the tent in front of the library and take a short ride on a 7-person circular bike. Bring your roommate and friends, and we will take you on a spin around Milford Mall while telling you about the Shi Center for Sustainability and opportunities for you to get involved with campus and community sustainability. James B. Duke Library, Front Patio.

• The Human Element (Film CLP): Wednesday, August 28th, 7:00 – 8:45 pm. Join us for the viewing of this thought provoking and arresting documentary film as environmental photographer James Balog captures the lives of everyday Americans on the front lines of climate change. With rare compassion and heart, THE HUMAN ELEMENT inspires us to reevaluate our relationship with the natural world. From the Academy Award® Winning Filmmakers of “The Cove” and “Chasing Ice”. Sponsored by the Shi Center for Sustainability. Burgiss Theater, Trone Student center.

If you want to join our mailing list and receive a periodic newsletter, please indicate your interest by emailing us at sustainability@furman.edu. We look forward to being a part of your four-year pathway here at Furman!

Sincerely,
Your Sustainability Team

The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, Furman University

The mission of the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University is to promote interdisciplinary research and teaching in support of sustainability on campus and in the greater community.


The Email sent out during Orientation to all first year students:

The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities welcomes you to Furman!
The Shi Institute is an interdisciplinary academic center here on campus that promotes the study and practice of sustainability on campus and in the greater community. We work closely with faculty, staff, students, and community leaders to tackle real world sustainability issues. We are excited to see you in the fall, and want to share with you some great student opportunities and tips for sustainable living as you get ready to come to campus.

How to Get Involved
• Student Sustainability Fellowships: The Shi Institute offers a number of paid student fellowships during the academic year to help address a sustainability problem on Furman’s campus or in the community. Applications are due during the first few weeks of school, and, yes, first-year students can and are encouraged to apply! (Don’t be bashful, we have a lot of first-year student fellows). Click HERE to learn more. Email kellygrant.purvis@furman.edu if you have questions.
o Deadline for applications Sept 6th

• EcoReps: The EcoReps program is a student peer to peer program aimed at promoting a sustainable lifestyle in the residence halls. This is a great way for you to get involved with exploring and encouraging sustainable lifestyle choices among your fellow hallmates. Visit THIS WEBSITE to learn more and apply to become an Eco Rep. Email furmanecoreps@gmail.com if you have questions.
o EcoRep application deadline: Aug 14th

• Volunteer! There are multiple ways to volunteer your time and talents in the name of sustainability:
o Volunteer on our organic-practice farm, adjacent to the Shi Center. Get your hands in the dirt and help grow some local, organic food! Stop by the Shi Center or the farm for more info.
o Volunteer with the Community Conservation Corps and learn how to “weatherize” a home (caulking, attic insulation, etc.) Click HERE to learn more; email ccc@furman.edu if you want to sign up or have questions.

• Paladins on Bikes: Rent a bike with us for the whole semester or the entire academic year. You get a bike, a helmet and a lock for $35 per semester or $60 for the year. Bikes are first come first serve so if you would like a bike APPLY HERE today!

What YOU can DO!
• Check out The Green Guide to sustainable living on Furman’s campus, attached to this email! In the guide, you can find information about:
o Recycling
o Campus transportation (like our bike rental program FUPOB)
o Energy and water saving tips for your room
o Local farmers markets
o Nearby hiking trails

• UCapture: Help Furman go carbon neutral at no cost to you! Create a FREE account at www.ucapture.com/furman and install the web-browser extension. When you shop online, a portion of your purchase will support sustainability projects like reforestation and methane capture. A really easy way to be part of the solution!

Upcoming Events
• Ride a 7-Seater Bike: Monday, August 26th, 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Stop by the tent in front of the library and take a short ride on a 7-person circular bike. Bring your roommate and friends, and we will take you on a spin around Milford Mall while telling you about the Shi Center for Sustainability and opportunities for you to get involved with campus and community sustainability. James B. Duke Library, Front Patio.

• The Human Element (Film CLP): Wednesday, August 28th, 7:00 – 8:45 pm. Join us for the viewing of this thought provoking and arresting documentary film as environmental photographer James Balog captures the lives of everyday Americans on the front lines of climate change. With rare compassion and heart, THE HUMAN ELEMENT inspires us to reevaluate our relationship with the natural world. From the Academy Award® Winning Filmmakers of “The Cove” and “Chasing Ice”. Sponsored by the Shi Center for Sustainability. Burgiss Theater, Trone Student center.

If you want to join our mailing list and receive a periodic newsletter, please indicate your interest by emailing us at sustainability@furman.edu. We look forward to being a part of your four-year pathway here at Furman!

Sincerely,
Your Sustainability Team

The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, Furman University

The mission of the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University is to promote interdisciplinary research and teaching in support of sustainability on campus and in the greater community.

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