University of Virginia
EN-2: Student Orientation

Prior to arrival, every resident was sent a Green living Guide in their packet of information. The UVa Green Living Guide was created specifically for new UVa students. The guide is distributed to students during orientation and covers energy, water, recycling and waste reduction topics as well as ways to get involved with sustainability programs.In addition, we created a video on how to have a green dorm room and made a how-to-recycle in residential areas video. Finally, every RA has received a Green Living Guide. Upon arrival, staff and student employees from UVa Sustainability are present at every orientation's resource fair to answer questions about sustainability. Partnerships are key to sharing sustainability with new students. One of the most high profile opportunities to engage new students in sustainability is working with Athletics on their very well attended Welcome Week event. We tabled with the bike smoothie, recruited Sustainability Advocates, passed out "Green Living Guides," and talked about how to recycle in the dorms. We partnered with the First Year Leadership Experience Program to ensure the Sustainability Advocates (SAs), our peer educators for sustainability, are a part of each dorm’s House Council. SAs often provide the first introduction to sustainability for new students. We’re also providing each RA a list of the Sustainability Advocates in their dorm so that they know who their point person is for sustainability issues. UVa Dining Services has an information session that includes sustainability, including reusable to-go boxes, local and organic foods, and sustainable seafood. Parents and students have their meals in the dining halls, where sustainability information is prominent. Parking & Transportation includes its TDM information, including ZipCar and UBike programs, at orientation events in which we often co-present.

UVa has two orientations, one in the month of July and one during move-in at the start of the fall semester. Students get their classes scheduled, tour Grounds, and meet fellow students in the summer. The orientation move-in covers more immediate logistics. There is also a host of Welcome Week activities for new students.