Thompson Rivers University
EN-2: Student Orientation

The TRU Sustainability Office has booths at all new student orientation events. The purpose of these booths is to increase interest in sustainability, both on and off campus. In addition, it allows students to share their thoughts on the subject. Materials available at the booths introduces students to TRU’s efforts to increase sustainability on campus, as well as what students can do to help and get involved. TRU’s Green Guide is made available every year to students at orientation and other times during the year. The Green Guide informs students about many of the simple and every-day ‘green’ actions they can take. Sign up sheets for volunteer and Sustainability Ambassador positions are also presented at the booth. At the 2019 student orientation, the Tap Water challenge was available for students to participate in. This challenge ensures students are educated in the quality of Kamloops' drinking water, and that there is no need to buy/use disposable water bottles. Reusable stainless steel water bottles are given to participants to take home and use on a daily basis. At the zero waste stations across campus, volunteers were stationed to help new students sort recyclables, compost, and landfill waste. Additionally, information about how to use the TRU car and bike share programs is shared to encourage students to pursue greener transportation options. Lastly, students can learn about the Student Sustainability Ambassador program and how they can become more actively involved in championing sustainability in the community.

For fall 2020 orientation, the following video was made for all incoming TRU students. Due to Covid-19, face-to-face interactions were not allowed so this video was the next best thing. https://www.facebook.com/125809807481698/videos/674283693203792
Also, a simple double-sided postcard was created to be included in the 400 hand-out bags for all new-to-TRU students. On the postcard were some simple sustainability messages, as well as how to contact the TRU Sustainability Office for any reason (see attachment below under 'Additional documentation to support the submission').

Initiatives found from the URL noted above are shared with students at the orientation.