University of Wisconsin-River Falls
EN-2: Student Orientation

UWRF Sustainability and Custodial Supervisor, Mark Klapatch, is a member of the WOW (Weeks of Welcome) committee. he works with other campus contacts to incorporate sustainability into orientation activities. In 2016, mark worked the Athletics department to host a sustainability awareness themed block party before the first home volleyball game. The event was open to all students and was utilized to bring awareness about campus sustainability initiatives, educate students on the recycling procedures on campus, promote the surplus property program, and educate students on how they can be more sustainable in their daily lives. During new student move in, Sustainability student employees were stationed at the dumpsters to help people break down boxes and get items in the correct containers. This was the first year we did this on campus and we saw our recycling percentage increase significantly! Additionally, Dining Services held tours and events that all students were encouraged to attend where members of the dining services staff talked about the sustainability features of dining which included nutrition, healthy eating, and decreasing food waste. Lastly, all new students received a handbook which had campus sustainability information and resources.