Iowa State University
EN-2: Student Orientation

In the Department of Residence (DOR) there is a house meeting during summer orientation where the recycling program is explained to all new residents. Community Advisors (CA) lead each house, and after attending summer training on sustainability, they discuss sustainability with residents as well as describe the Recycling Chair and Sustainability Coordinator positions that residents can apply for. A staff member in the Department of Residence and a leader in the GreenHouse Group, which is the DOR’s liaison student group promoting sustainability in university residences, provide the training. Additionally, there are several events during new student orientation where sustainability is incorporated. ISU Dining facilities include signage during orientation meals about local foods served. There is also a resource fair, which includes a booth for Iowa State’s Live Green! Sustainability Initiative. Finally, all students who attend orientation are taken on a campus tour, during which the Live Green! Initiative is discussed as well as some of the sustainable features on campus. Finally, part of ISU’s new student orientation includes a several-day event right before the start of classes called Destination Iowa State. Sustainability is incorporated into the event by recycling waste at several of the food events. Destination Iowa State also encourages all students to give back to the Ames community by participating in a community service project on the final day of the event. In addition, during summer orientation a conscious effort is made to keep activities close to each other to eliminate driving to activities. Guests are encouraged to park in a free lot and either walk or take the city bus to save fuel.