San Diego State University
ER-3: Sustainability in New Student Orientation

Sustainability is a core value at SDSU and we seek to communicate this value to new students from their first day on campus. We demonstrate our commitment to building a more sustainable world at orientations through educational outreach programs, by highlighting resources for students, and by setting an example at events through sustainable campus practices. SDSU offers a series of orientations for new student and parents throughout the summer, which culminate with an All-University Convocation and Welcome Week in the fall. Educational outreach efforts at orientation include the AS Green Love educational outreach booth where students can learn about sustainable lifestyle choices on and off campus and talk with peers about involvement opportunities. The Center for Regional Sustainability provides a sustainability fact sheet, resource, and student involvement guide to new students to encourage them to get involved and utilize campus programs and resources. Sustainability focused student organizations including E3 the Enviro Business Society and Green Campus also participate in the orientation information fair during Welcome Week to get new students involved in campus sustainability from day one. Sustainable practices prominently featured at orientation include: waste minimization efforts such as recycling and composting (in limited areas), and by offering more materials on-line to reduce printing; food service; and promotion of alternative transportation options; programs that support diversity, student achievement, and community engagement; health and wellness resources for students; and the Aztec Shops Book Store textbook rental program.

Beginning in 2012 the Center for Regional Sustainability is offering presentations on sustainability at Undergraduate Studies and select academic program orientations and on-line materials for all new students. These presentations by the campus sustainability coordinator or representatives from green student organizations focus on sustainability in the curriculum and information on co-curricular and academic engagement opportunities around sustainability. Undergraduate Studies programs include the Honors and Compact Scholars Programs and Undeclared and Liberal Studies majors with more than 800 new students students for fall 2012.