University of Florida
EN-2: Student Orientation

Orientation – known as UF Preview – is a requirement for all incoming students, whether they are transferring from another institution or entering UF as a freshman. UF hosts a number of Preview sessions throughout the summer in order to orient these approximately 9,000 incoming students each year. UF Preview has taken strides to incorporate more sustainability efforts over the past few years. Efforts art taken to reduce waste at meals by using reusable plates and silverware. Recycling of cans and bottles is also encouraged throughout orientation. Students are also provided dinner at one of the two campus dining halls, which incorporates a number of sustainability efforts, including: trayless dining (to reduce food waste and water/energy use); the incorporation of local produce and products; fair-trade coffee/tea; vegan and vegetarian meal options; reusable to-go containers; and collection of pre- and post-consumer food waste for composting. Each student and his or her family member(s) receives a reusable water bottle upon check-in to Preview. No single-use bottles are provided to Preview attendees. Instead, attendees are encouraged to fill their bottles at one of several large water coolers provided by catering and located outside of the auditorium where the first Preview welcome session takes place. As the Preview attendees go about their day, they are provided ample opportunity to refill their water bottles at filling stations and water fountains throughout campus. The Office of Sustainability staffs an information table at the Preview resource fair on the first day that new students and their families are on campus. Staff and interns provide information about topics including sustainable transportation options, recycling and reuse, volunteer opportunities, and more. Students are directed to a special ‘New to UF’ section of the Office of Sustainability website, which goes into more detail about sustainability efforts taking place at UF, and how new students can better acquaint themselves with the available resources and opportunities for involvement. The online resource was developed in order to further reduce paper waste, as earlier versions of the ‘Green Guide’ were printed and distributed at each Preview session. Additionally, various sustainability facts are incorporated into the Preview tours that travel throughout campus.

General information about Preview: https://www.dso.ufl.edu/nsfp/orientation/preview/ Information about sustainability in dining halls: http://www.gatordining.com/sustainability