University of Wisconsin–Madison

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