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

New student orientation is an extended, multi-phase process at UofL. Beginning in 2010, the Sustainability Council has worked closely each year with Admissions and the Office of First-Year Initiatives to integrate sustainability into the orientation process with the following elements: Sustainability in Summer Orientation (two-day, mandatory session offered ten different times): • In-person training is provided by UofL’s sustainability coordinator for all Student Orientation Staff (SOSers) on the principles of sustainability, UofL’s commitment to sustainability, and ways students can contribute and engage. • Orientation staff receive a one-page hand-out covering 10 key points about UofL sustainability, and a list of campus groups involved, as well as details about our new alternative transportation programs. • Themes of campus sustainability are integrated into evening “Real World” skits. • Reusable UofL Sustainability/Office of Health Promotion water bottles (made in USA of 100% recycled materials) are provided for all new students (2700), with water filling stations in the Student Activity Center, Strickler Lobby, Bigelow Hall, and Unitas lobby. • A Sustainability Council ad including the Cards Go Green! pledge is printed in the Summer Orientation Guide magazine that all participants receive. • Campus sustainability clue(s) are included in the mandatory “Cardinal Challenge” text message scavenger hunt. • Green campus post(s) are included in Admissions blog at http://uoflblog.com/uncategorized/uofls-green-committment/ • Sustainability slides are included in the slideshow loops on monitors in SAC, Strickler, etc. and in the pre-show slideshow during gathering. • UofL Sustainability buttons are provided for all Orientation staff (made in the USA of recycled materials). • Bike maps have been included in orientation packets for international students. • A reusable shoulder bag made with recycled material content is provided to all families and they are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles. • Attention is given to adequate provision and placement of recycling bins. • All new students must spend a night in Unitas Hall, featuring our new Building Dashboard system that provides real-time feedback about energy use in the dorm. • The student environmental group, GRASS, recruits at Cards Expo during lunches (2nd day of Orientation). • UofL Sustainability Council representatives are present for all Family Orientation Receptions to inform about more sustainable choices and transportation alternatives. • In partnership with the University Admissions office and Louisville Farm to Table, UofL Dining Service is increasing the amount of local ingredients included in the 8000 meals served to parents and new students during Orientation. Commensurate marketing materials accompany this meal service, including menu identification of local foods and a leaflet stating “U of L Likes Local” with five reasons why the university supports the use of local food and a list of campus sustainability efforts. • The UofL Sustainability banner & Tree Campus USA flag is in the SAC. • A large photo of campus sustainability activities has been hung in the gathering space at Strickler. Sustainability in Welcome Week: • Morning Walk: Discover Old Louisville! Highlighting local businesses and healthy local food options! • Car-Free Lunch Trip to Gray St. Farmers' Market. Cyclists gather in front of the Red Barn. Bus riders meet at the TARC Route #18 stop across from the the Belknap Bus Station. Both groups meet up at UofL's farmers' market ant learn about local food and how to traverse the city without a car on this trip from Belknap campus to UofL's Health Sciences Center. All attendees receive a reusable UofL Sustainability shopping bag made in the USA of 100% recycled materials! • Health Promotion’s Cardinal Quest Treasure Hunt features UofL Sustainability initiatives! • UofL's Sustainability Council has teamed up with Breaking New Grounds to co-host a Student Outreach Uniting Louisville (SOUL) volunteer project focused on sustainable urban agriculture.