Mills College
EN-2: Student Orientation

During the initial check-in at Orientation, there are a variety of tables that address different components of sustainability. The Sustainability Center has a table and checks in with each students regarding different programs on campus, creek restoration, energy conservation and recycling programs. Student Orientation Leaders host a table that distributes universal bus passes and gives information about public transit. Another table is hosted by AC Transit, the bus system, giving out maps and information. Lastly, check-in also hosts a table discussing local and sustainable food options through the dining services on campus. On the second day, Sustainability and Social Justice are prominently highlighted together in the session called: Journeys in Social Justice. During Orientation 2014, the first hour of the session included three journeys: 1. An Introduction to the Diversity and Social Justice Resource Center and "Brave Space" 2. Allyship: A Critical Thinking Framework for Solidarity 3. An Introduction to the Sustainability Center and the Intersections of Sustainability and Social Justice. After this presentation, students were handed field guide called: Exploring a Sense of Place: Mills College. They had to go to different areas on campus including the farm, the creek restoration site, and the shuttle stop. At each site, they engaged in activities such as waste sorting, sharing family recipes that include produce from the farm, creek and farm tours, native plant trivia, and sitting with the senses. They were then able to keep their guide as they continued through Orientation. All new students are also given reusables canvas bags with the Mills logo and an Oak tree to encourage reuse.