Announcing the Presidential Study Abroad Challenge

Dear colleagues,

It was encouraging to see last week's Study Abroad Fair on the Mall so well attended. Our students are ambitious and eager to explore the world. Helping them act on their curiosity is part of how we deliver on our commitment to student success, which remains our North Star.

Last year, I challenged the University of Arizona to triple study abroad participation by 2029. That goal stands. This year, Provost Prelock and I are asking colleges, departments, and academic advisors to work with the Study Abroad Office to take an important step: help students see clearly how study abroad fits within their degree and path to graduation.

The specific priorities and implementation guidance are outlined in How to Meet the Presidential Study Abroad Challenge. College deans will be identifying appropriate colleagues in their units to lead this work. The Study Abroad Office will support implementation from start to finish, and I look forward to their progress report at the close of the year.

I am grateful to all of you who will help our students navigate this path that includes study abroad as an important part of their experience.

Suresh