University of Alaska Anchorage
ER-3: Sustainability in New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is conducted by Orientation Leaders. In the summer of 2010, Orientation Leaders received a one hour training about sustainability and sustainable actions at UAA with a focus on reducing use of plastics. To support this training, the Leaders were provided with metal water bottles with UAA's sustainability logo for themselves and to distribute to new students at the time they discussed reducing the use of plastics. The sustainability focus at new student orientation changes each summer. This summer (2011) the Sustainability Director has spoken at each of our HOWL Days (new student orientation) during the lunch hour about sustainability on campus and how students can get involved. The Office of Sustainability also hosts a table at the resource fair alongside the student Sustainability Club. Our New Student Orientation gives students the option of participating in Big Wild Orientation (BWO). BWO is a week long journey in the second only wilderness canoe trail system in the U.S. (Boundary Waters is the other). On this journey college and college life will be the topics of discussion and learning. The focus of BWO is to prepare and aid the new student for the transition to college and independent life while fostering academic and personal success. BWO observes the principles of leave no trace.