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

Orientation reduces waste at meals by using reusable plates, silverware, and bags. Recycling is provided for single-serve beverages at lunch. Dinner is at a trayless dining hall, offering local food. Vegetarian and vegan options are available throughout. The Office of Sustainability outreach tool, the "sustainability hut" interacts with students and parents as part of the resource fair and campus sustainability features are mentioned on the campus tour. Students receive a flash drive of information in place of flyers, including a pdf about sustainability at UF and how to get involved. Each student receives a refillable bottle and a Green Guide upon moving into the residence halls. RA's have resources to promote sustainability throughout the year and each residence hall has at least one Eco-Rep. The Common Reading Book relates to sustainability issues (this year it's The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind). The Office of Sustainability partners with New Student Programs on speakers series and volunteer opportunities throughout the year- including Gator Plunge, and Make a Difference Day- two campus wide service events. A section of our freshman experience course, SLS1102-First Year Florida, is themed on sustainability.