Stanford University
EN-2: Student Orientation

Prior to arriving on campus, all incoming and transfer students are introduced to campus sustainability through a series of articles in New Student Orientation’s weekly e-newsletter. Articles include campus sustainability information and digital resources, such as the "Student Sustainable Living Guide” and “Sustainable Living Video." These resources provide a helpful overview of Stanford's sustainability programs and practical advice on how to save energy and water and reduce waste on campus. The guide and video include remarks from university leadership describing why Stanford considers sustainability to be a key component of the university’s mission and the overall Stanford experience. Hard copies of the Sustainable Living Guide are also offered to all incoming students on move-in day. All freshmen participate in a zero waste lunch during New Student Orientation. Boxed lunches that include only compostable and recyclable materials are prepared for all students. At the zero waste lunch students learn details about waste reduction efforts at Stanford, including how to compost and recycle successfully on campus. Student volunteers station themselves at each compost and recycle bin to ensure waste is sorted and disposed of properly. Volunteers also solicit pledges from attendees to live sustainably on campus. In addition, informational signage displayed throughout the event provides information about sustainability on campus. All sustainability staff members attend the event and are available for student questions. An article detailing the academic year 2015-16 Zero Waste Lunch can be found here: http://www.stanforddaily.com/2015/09/20/nsos-zero-waste-lunch-reduces-its-waste-this-year. Partnerships with multiple student affairs organizations allow sustainability to be included in other campus events during New Student Orientation as well. A sustainability information table is present during bike registration. Sustainability interns participate in the student activities informational panel. A tour of the new Central Energy Facility is offered to all incoming graduate students by the Graduate Life Office. Residential Living displays sustainability signage throughout their staff training location. Sustainability is even further integrated into New Student Orientation through green event practices at all events. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are included in all meals. Plastic water bottles are avoided by using compostable cups. Recycling bins, compost bins, and compostable service ware are provided for all campus-sponsored events during the week. In addition, orientation staff are trained to help the incoming students sort their waste during the entire week of orientation.