University of Alberta
ER-3: Sustainability in New Student Orientation

In previous years, sustainability has played a role in new student orientation. For example, in 2009 the Environmental Coordination Office of Students (renamed Sustain SU) delivered presentations entitled Living Green on Campus as part of the new student orientation program. Other examples include using reusable dishes, limiting printing/handouts etc.

However, in 2011, sustainability became included more prominently in new student Orientation. The Office of Sustainability worked collaboratively with the Centre for Student Development, a service of the undergraduate Students’ Union, to incorporate several sustainability features in their new student Orientation. The following sustainability features have been implemented:
- Informational slides about campus sustainability, co-developed by the Office of Sustainability, were shown to new students at the beginning of each of their themed Orientation presentations. Slides were present during all four required sessions (i.e. Student Life, Administration, Academics and the Student Experience), attended by nearly 5,000 students who were given the opportunity to learn more and engage with campus sustainability initiatives
- Specific ‘Sustainability Stops’ that communicated visible sustainability features of our North Campus, were incorporated into all tours delivered by Orientation Volunteers. These ‘stops’ are marked by lawn signs that identify the features and also act as a prompt to encourage an awareness and focus on sustainability
- Recycling and composting stations were made available at major events, giving students the opportunity to get to know the recycling system on campus
- No paper materials were produced to be distributed to new students during Orientation, and the recruitment/registration process is almost entirely electronic
- During training sessions the nearly 600 Orientation volunteers used reusable dishes, demonstrating sustainable event planning and sustainability values

A series of student-engagement events called Week of Welcome is coordinated by the Students’ Union, and takes place each September and includes educational and social programming with the ultimate goal of celebrating the return of students to the university community. Events are focused on incorporating new and returning students into university culture and preparing them for their year. In addition to these new student Orientation features, Week of Welcome has also considered sustainability in their program delivery, including:
- During the pancake breakfast, 6000 meals were handed out using compostable plates and composting bins were
provided
- Any printing that is necessary used Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) certified paper
- Beer gardens distributed beverages in aluminum cans and provided appropriate recycling bins

The Office of Sustainability staff were also present during Orientation at high-profile locations, staffing outreach tables that offered the chance to learn about campus sustainability and the opportunities that exist for students to be involved in sustainability. As part of this engagement strategy, a game called “Campus Sustainability 101” invited students to drop a plinko chip and answer a question relating categories such as “Getting involved,” “Recycling on campus,” “Your green campus,” and “Studying sustainably.” Anyone that attempted to answer three questions took home a water bottle or a reusable shopping bag. One of the categories is “Recycling on Campus” that refers to the series of recycling bins available inside our tent for demonstration purposes. The Office of Sustainability also invited students to make a commitment to adopt one simple act to reduce their environmental impact; student participants left with a branded certificate highlighting their commitment. All those engaged were entered to win prizes such as an iPad, provided by the UAlberta Bookstore, and were added to the sustainability electronic newsletter.

One Simple Act on Campus:
www.sustainability.ualberta.ca/osa

Students' Union Orientation:
www.su.ualberta.ca/services/orientation/