George Washington University
ER-3: Sustainability in New Student Orientation

GW's orientation program, Colonial Inauguration (CI), takes place in June. Incoming Freshman register to attend one of four two-and-a-half day sessions on campus. They then return to campus in the fall for the start of school. Sustainability is featured at CI in several ways. During the opening videos shown to all students, a welcome from the Office of Sustainability showcases how students can get involved once they arrive on campus. This video message highlights GW's commitment to sustainability and makes a direct appeal to students to get involved. The Office of Sustainability also partners with orientation organizers to ensure that meals and activities are conducted with sustainability in mind. The Office also provides information to each student in their residence hall room about recycling, water and electricity while they are on campus. At the CI Activities Fair, student engagement interns from the Office of Sustainability provide information about programs available to incoming freshmen. There are also tours of campus that highlight many of the campus' green features. The new pan-university, interdisciplinary, sustainability minor for undergraduates is also previewed during the majors fair that all students attend. During Welcome Week (the week prior to the start of classes) similar engagement activities are conducted. During Welcome Week students are encouraged to sign-up to serve as Eco-Reps and learn about the fall Eco-Challenge competition. There are also opportunities to register for green-themed student groups, volunteer in the garden and take green campus tours. Everyone is given a water bottle, as part of 'Take back the tap' campaign to promote the use of reusable water bottles.