Elon University
EN-2: Student Orientation

Fall 2023 Undergraduate Students:
Sustainability information is included in the Elon Bound Virtual Pre-Orientation for all incoming students, including contact information for the Office of Sustainability, how to properly sort waste on campus and how Elon defines sustainability (including people, planet and prosperity).
Additionally, the Office of Sustainability meets with Team Leads, student staff that train and mentor Orientation Leaders, to provide important information about sustainability at Elon before Orientation Leader training. Sustainability information is included in the training materials for all Orientation staff. This includes the definition of sustainability as well as practical information about waste sorting and how to get involved in sustainability on campus. Orientation staff are asked to share that information with new students (first-year and transfer) in their small group sessions during Orientation weekend. The Family Sendoff and Phoenix Tailgate held during Orientation weekend are nearly no-landfill events with compostable or recyclable products provided. Students and families are responsible for appropriately sorting their items into the provided bins, which are monitored by student volunteers.
Inclusivity is a broad theme during Orientation, and new students (first-year and transfer) participate in a session called I Am Elon on identity, diversity and social responsibility.
Plastic bags are no longer used to give out orientation materials. Instead, students receive a folder with their materials with the hope that they reuse the folder in the future. Additionally, they receive a lanyard for their nametag instead of a sticky nametag with the hope that they reuse that as well. To reduce single use cans and plastic bottles, water stations are available throughout campus for people to refill their reusable water bottles on move-in day.