Luther College
EN-2: Student Orientation

Throughout orientation for new and transfer students there are many opportunities to learn about sustainability at Luther.

Activities Fair: The activities fair provides an opportunity for students to learn about the ways they can get involved with the sustainability office and the student environmental groups on campus.

Various outdoor activities were offered to new students to provide both physical activity and a fun way to learn about sustainability and the unique geography and topography of NE Iowa. Names of students who participated in any activity were placed in a drawing for a number of gifts, ranging from an ice cream party, to insulated mugs, gift cards, and the grand prize of a hammock. The activities included sand lot volleyball, sustainability scavenger hunt, and walks to natural areas around campus. Kayaking was cancelled because of low river volumes.

Sustainability included colorful and informative vinyl stickers in the "Welcome Bags" given to every new students in partnership with Luther Wellness. They include a "Love Your Mother" (earth), "Eat Local," "Luther Sustainability" (wind generator against a rainbow sky), and "Use Less, Value More."

Since 2015, the Center for Sustainable Communities has offered a multi-day, immersive, outdoor pre-orientation program focused on building camaraderie, developing community and building self-confidence for incoming first-year students, both domestic and international. Endeavor Together is 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. This unique approach to pre-orientation is highlighted in our Innovation Credits.