Sustainability Accomplishments Dashboard

Students

Resources and information for students planning and participating on study abroad programs.

  • Integrated sustainability topics into the Study Abroad and Study Away Handbook
  • Completed the Environmental Studies Major Advising Page.
  • Added sustainability considerations to the “Get Started” webpage
  • Incorporated sustainability content into student pre-departure orientations.
  • Developed the Badger GO Green Scholarship to support study abroad students with a demonstrated interest/commitment to sustainability.
  • Sustainability-focused events:
    • Travel Gear Drive (2025): Connected students with gently used travel supplies from the campus and local community.
    • UW–Madison Earth Fest presentations promoting sustainable study abroad practices.

Program leaders and partners

Resources and information for incorporating sustainability into program and course design.

  • The new program idea intake form encourages faculty to consider sustainability practices as they formulate their program idea and course syllabus development.
  • Syllabus development guidelines include resources for faculty to consider incorporating sustainability-related learning outcomes.
  • Sustainability resources for faculty leading programs are included in the Program Leader Manual.

Programs

Programs with opportunities to learn about sustainability across a range of subjects.

  • Ability to search for programs with a focus on sustainability by selecting the “sustainability” filter within “Academic Credit”.
  • Added a “Commitment to Sustainability” to every program page:
    • We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW–Madison’s climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

Operations

Actions International Academic Programs has taken to make our operations more sustainable.

  • Implemented e-records and discontinued paper filing.
  • Initiated an e-payment system and discontinued in-person submission and paper processing of acceptance deposits.
  • Provide data to the UW Sustainability Office on student travel for use in annual STARS reporting.
  • Prioritized purchasing of sustainable SWAG, including:
    • Eco-friendly click pen made with recycled paper and/or PLA, a nature-based plastic made from corn, an annually renewable resource. This biodegradable material reverts back to nature at the end of it’s useful life. Complies with CPSIA.
    • Reusable tote bags.
    • Metal luggage tags (replacing plastic tags).
    • T-shirts made of cotton and recycled polyester in a WRAP-certified factory.
  • Participation in Green Office Certification Program
    • International Academic Programs: Platinum Certification
    • CALS Study Abroad (CALS Academic Affairs Office): Platinum Certification
  • Participation in Green Events Certification Program
    • 2026 Study Abroad Fair: Bronze Certification