Northern Arizona University
EN-2: Student Orientation

Freshman and transfer students take part in new student orientation every semester. The Office of Sustainability collaborates with NAU’s orientation team to infuse sustainability into the orientation informational expo, new student assemblies, and orientation handouts. New student orientation stresses the importance of meeting the university’s sixth strategic goal, "Sustainability and Effectiveness: Exemplify a sustainable, innovative, and effective university community."

One new student orientation assembly in particular focuses on the university’s sustainability efforts. Every new student (both freshman and transfers) attend an hour assembly put on by the NAU Bookstore, NAU Office of Sustainability, and NAU reads program. At this assembly, the NAU Bookstore focuses on minimizing waste and consumption. Reusable bags and bottles are given out, the textbook rental program is emphasized, and the ability to shop electronically for e-text books and other no impact products are advertised.

The Office of Sustainability’s coordinator explains to the students and their families the university’s commitment to carbon neutrality and goal to become carbon neutral by 2020. Students are shown a video explaining the multitude of sustainability initiatives, programs, and projects taking place on campus that they can participate in and benefit from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhpdU-Z6UD4

Other strategies for including sustainability in the orientation experience include move-in day education. Students receive both a magnet outlining the 10 best ways to live sustainability on campus as well as a reusable shopping bag to take around campus. The shopping bag comes with information on why NAU dining does not use plastic bags in its retail locations.