Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 72.17
Liaison Chris Frantsvog
Submission Date March 1, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Luther College
IN-24: Innovation A

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Toby Cain
Sustainability Coordinator
Center for Sustainable Communities
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Endeavor Together

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:

Endeavor Together: An Immersive Pre-Orientation Program

Since 2015, the Center for Sustainable Communities has offered a week-long immersive outdoor pre-orientation program focused on building camaraderie, developing community and building self-confidence for incoming first-year students. In addition, the outdoor immersive experience drives students to develop a greater sense of place and awareness for the natural world. In 2017, working in conjunction with our Center for Intercultural Engagement and Student Success team we were able to grow the scope and size of our program and bridge the gap between our other pre-orientation programs that were geared towards international students and domestic students of color. Together, we launched Endeavor Together, one unifying college-wide pre-orientation program with the goal of creating a more inclusive college campus while developing renewed confidence and an emerging sense of place for our students.

The Endeavor Together program is designed to bring together small cohorts of incoming first year students in order to share in fellowship and adventure while building an inclusive community and preparing for college life. Students will spend six days living and adventuring together, within the Luther College area or in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of the Upper Midwest. All incoming first-year students are encouraged to attend.

Sponsored by the Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities and the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Student Success, the Endeavor Together Program connects people and place to build lasting community that will ease the transition to college life.

Our Endeavor Together Students Grow Through Participation
Students build camaraderie and lasting friendships with other incoming students through teamwork and challenges that enhance trust, compassion and empathy.
They strengthen self-efficacy and gain confidence by overcoming personal and group challenges. The Endeavor Together program allows students to broaden their perspectives by engaging with students of diverse backgrounds from across the country and the world. Through the trips, students engage in activities throughout the Luther College region that develop a sense of place and belonging.

Testimony about Endeavor Together from Luther College first year:
"As a self-identified non athletic person, this was an extremely gratifying and enlightening experience. I also learned that I am completely capable of being without technology and modern comforts. I think Endeavor Together made me a more connected person, and helped me realize the value of face to face interactions and nature.”


Which of the following impact areas does the innovation most closely relate to? (select up to three):
Campus Engagement
Diversity & Affordability
Wellbeing & Work

A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.