Wellesley College
EN-2: Student Orientation

The Office of Sustainability is a member of the First-Year Orientation planning committee and actively participates throughout the year. The Office reaches out to the new students with a table at the Orientation Welcome Wagon. It is also in charge of funding the First-Year reusable water bottles that each new student receives. Each year the Office of Sustainability sits down with the organizers of the First-Year Orientation to propose new initiatives and projects which will help make the week-long orientation a much more sustainable event. For example, we work with food services to make meals environmentally friendly with less waste, consistent recycling, and compost bins. Additionally, the Office of Sustainability presents to every first year student in a program called "who's in your neighborhood?" about campus sustainability resources and how to get involved. On top of this, the first year student newsletter that the incoming students receive during the summer includes a description of the sustainable move-in rummage sale, a sustainable packing list and suggestions, and an overview of campus sustainability resources. The Move-In Sale encourages first years to buy reused items for their dorms instead of buying new ones, creating a more sustainable campus and environmental awareness. The Office is present at "Welcome Wagon", a day where students and families get to know different departments on campus. We promote sustainability and recruit new students who are interested in being a part of our group. We also run a mandatory program as part of Orientation schedule. There is a community and wellness fair during orientation in which the Sustainability Office will be hosting a table with activities and information. Finally, RAs and Student Leaders will participate in a mandatory program to educate on sustainability on campus to pass along to residents and first year mentor groups throughout orientation week.