Pomona College
ER-3: Sustainability in New Student Orientation

There are three ways that sustainable, responsible living is integrated into orientation for new students at Pomona College. First, all new students are invited to participate in Orientation Adventure experiences, most of which are focused on outdoor activities (backpacking, camping, sailing, kayaking, biking). These trips introduce incoming students to the cultures, landscapes, and wildlife of Southern California. Each trip leader is trained in sustainability, and is expected to complete a Sustainable OA checklist with her group. The items on the list encourage all OA groups to treat their campsite with respect and to think about the ways that they can reduce their own impact on the surrounding environment. Second, all incoming students receive a brief talk from the Coordinator of the Sustainability Integration Office, who discusses responsible, sustainable living at Pomona College, from dorms to dining halls to classrooms. Third, all sponsors, resident advisors, and other student mentors receive green living training to pass along to all new students and are required to engage in sustainability programming in the residence halls. Finally, on move-in day, the Sustainability Integration Office hosts a "Sustainability Fair" for all incoming first-year students. Students have the opportunity to meet representatives from various student-run organizations on campus, such as the Organic Farm, Green Bikes, Pomona for Environmental Activism and Responsibility (PEAR). The event also includes the very popular annual ReCoop Fall Sale, which sells all of the goods (furniture, refrigerators, microwaves, lamps, fans, rugs, etc.) left behind by students during move-out of the previous year.