Ithaca College
EN-2: Student Orientation

The Office of Energy Management & Sustainability (OEMS), in partnership with the Office of New Student & Transition Programs, incorporates sustainability throughout the orientation program. OEMS gives a brief introduction to sustainability on campus, including sustainability “challenges” (limit shower length, use a reusable water bottle, etc.), to all incoming students and their parents. Informational bulletin boards are located throughout residence halls and posters are located in every campus restroom with information about personal behavior change. Brochures, postcards, and other materials are also provided during the Orientation Fair, which features tabling by many offices on campus. Prior to orientation, OEMS also meets with Orientation Leaders (student orientation advisors) to educate them about sustainability on campus. Incoming students are also offered the opportunity to participate in the GREEN Tour (Gardening, Recycling, Eating, Enjoying Nature), where they can learn about sustainability and connect with other students and the Ithaca community by exploring local food systems and outdoor activities. The group travels by city bus to experience the diversity of food production systems in use on a variety of farms around Cayuga Lake. A hike in the Taughannock Falls gorge and dinner at Stewart Park are also trip highlights. GREEN Tour Guides help ne students learn about being part of a connected community and understand the impact they have on a local, regional, and global scale.