| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.08 |
| Liaison | Katherine Straub |
| Submission Date | Aug. 21, 2020 |
Susquehanna University
IN-48: Innovation B
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 0.50 |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
A unique characteristic of Susquehanna University is the graduation requirement that all our students must complete a cross-cultural experience. This is a culturally enriching growth opportunity but poses sustainability concerns. These cross cultural experiences are an ideal time for students to not only expand their mindset but understand the world around them. The UN SDGs provide a framework for students to understand the world, its challenges, and how to build a better world. The Office of Sustainability has collaborated with the Global Opportunities (GO) Office (which manages our study abroad program) to infuse the UN SDGs across its work. Faculty and staff (called program directors) design and lead shorter trips (usually between 2-3 weeks). As such, the Office of Sustainability and the GO Office have offered trainings to all program directors about sustainability. In fall 2019, a training was offered specifically about the UN SDGs, introducing what they are and how program directors can use them during their programs. After that, the GO Office created a matrix connecting every short study abroad program to the UN SDGs. The GO Office identified 4 SDGs that all programs address just by following the GO Program requirements. Further SDGs were identified based on the program's itinerary and discussions with the program directors to understand what they cover in each program. A matrix was created that shows that the GO Program connects to every UN SDG (except goal 17, Partnerships for the Goals). The GO Program itineraries, which students use to help them decide on a program, are being expanded to include the SDGs that each trip will address. In summer 2020, a curriculum is being developed that all program directors can use in the preparation course (pre-trip) and in their reflection course (post-trip). The AASHE Conference Committee approved SU's presentation application to present about integrating the SDGs into our study abroad program for the Oct. 2020 Annual Conference.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The UN SDG matrix attached is representative of our study abroad programs as of July 2020, the changing nature of these programs could change the relevant UN SDGs going into the future.
The UN SDG matrix attached is representative of our study abroad programs as of July 2020, the changing nature of these programs could change the relevant UN SDGs going into the future.
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.