Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t see the answer that you were looking for? Email Kim Carson at kcarson@uoregon.edu!

Where will we be sleeping?

Each itinerary is different. Each trip includes 1 to 4 nights in approved campsites or on privately owned farms. Coast Conscious will stay one night in UO-owned dorms at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.

Will I get my first choice of trip?

Trips will fill on a first-come, first-served basis. As programs fill, we will indicate on the registration page that the trip is no longer available.

How physically rigorous are the orientation trips?

Each program incorporates physical activity that should be considered beginning to moderate. We plan breaks throughout the day to balance the biking, hiking, or harvesting. Exercise leading up to the program is encouraged, not just to prepare for the orientation trip, but for healthy and sustained well-being throughout your life. Send an email to ecoleaders@uoregon.edu if you have further questions about trip logistics.

I’m signed up for a residential FIG but want to go on an orientation trip anyway, can I?

The Community for Ecological Leaders is designed to be an immersive sustainability experience that begins with an orientation trip. Therefore, only students who plan to live in the CEL may attend an orientation trip.

What if the person I want to share a room with isn’t registered for CEL?

We only guarantee space in the Community for Ecological Leaders for students who have registered before July 31st. Depending on space availability and housing preferences, some students will be placed in the hall who haven’t registered for the CEL. These students will arrive after you, during the general move-in. Your preferred roommate should select CEL as their first choice for Special Programs on the Housing Application, and may be placed with you if there is room.

What if I have a food allergy / am vegetarian?

Make sure you note your food preference on the registration form. We’ll definitely accommodate you!

I can’t arrive on campus until Sunday, September 18th or after…

All CEL residents need to move in between the designated move-in hours and attend the welcome dinner on Saturday, September 17.

I wasn’t planning on bringing a bike to campus. Can I still do Project Tomato or the Pedal Project?

Yes! First, indicate you need to borrow a bike on your CEL application and we will provide you with one. ( Psst: you can also rent a bike for the whole term/year through the Bike Loan Program).

I don’t have a sleeping bag or a backpack!

A limited supply of backpacks, sleeping mats, and sleeping bags are available. If you need to borrow one of these items, please indicate on your registration form and we will accommodate as many students as we can based on a first come, first served basis.