SDG Action & Awareness Week is a global celebration created by the University Global Coalition (UGC) to promote awareness of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The week is also designed to inspire action among faculty, students, and staff in higher education to further the SDGs on campus and in the community.
The theme for the third SDG Action & Awareness Week at the University of Central Arkansas is Catalysts for Change: Campus Champions for the #GlobalGoals . To celebrate, the Center for Global Learning and Engagement invites students, faculty, and staff to participate in the events below.
Visit the SDG Resources page to learn more about UCA’s past efforts to raise awareness about the SDGs.
Tuesday, March 3
Party at the Polls – Primary Edition
The Green at Donaghey Hall, 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: UCA Bears at the Ballot
Party at the Polls is a celebration of the democratic process and takes place at UCA’s campus polling site on every election day that the site is open! We will have free food, giveaways, and information for voters. We address Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Wednesday, March 4
COIL Unfiltered: The Highs, Lows, and Learning in Global Collaboration: Student Panel
Mashburn Hall, 11:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m.
Sponsored by: Department of Teaching and Learning, Center for Global Learning and Engagement
What actually happens when classrooms across the globe engage in learning? Join us for an honest, student-led conversation about the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) experience. Our panelists will discuss their experiences building international connections and the inevitable, more challenging moments in international collaboration. From navigating time zones and digital hurdles to developing a global mindset and global competency, discover what students really gained from COIL.
Rising Above in Arkansas: Japanese American Incarceration during World War II
Burdick 205, 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: Center for Asian Languages and Cultures and Center for Global Learning and Engagement
Join Prof. Kimball Erdman (University of Arkansas – Fayetteville) and Angie Payne (Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies) for an exploration of the rich new digital resource “Rising Above in Arkansas: Japanese American Incarceration at Rohwer and Jerome during World War II.” This event not only offers vital context for understanding an important and difficult chapter in Arkansas and American history, but also showcases how scholars use digital humanities to preserve vanishing cultural landscapes and support peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Thursday, March 5
Global Learning Scholar Program Info Session & Reception
Schichtl Hall, Room 114, 1:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m.
Sponsored by: Center for Global Learning and Engagement
This sessions will inform students about the Global Learning Scholar Program (GLSP), which encourages students to choose academic coursework with global learning content. The GLSP application for graduation will be discussed as well the requirements for the final reflection. Juniors and seniors are especially invited to attend because it is not too late to complete a track in the GLSP even for those graduating in May 2026.
Syria in Transition
Schichtl Hall, Room 115, 4:00 p.m. -5:30 p.m.
Sponsored by: Center for Global Learning and Engagement, Schedler’s Honors College, SETF & Rotaract
Two UCA alumni with the Syrian Emergency Task Force will update us on Syria following the 2024 revolution. This event will explore the nation’s ongoing efforts toward freedom, democracy, and stability, highlighting progress and continuing challenges. Building on the 2023 Honors College Challenge Week on Global Conflict, the discussion will also connect Syria’s transformation to key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
(SDGs 3, 8, 10, 16 and 17.) Presenters: Natalie Larrison, SETF Director of Humanitarian Programs and Mouaz Moustafa, Executive Director of SETF
All are welcome to attend and engage in this important conversation about the future of Syria.
Thursday, March 12
Global Spotlight: Rise of the Organization of Turkic States: Can Culture Lead to Economic Unity in Central Asia?
Schichtl Hall, Room 115 , 5:00 p.m. -6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by: Center for Global Learning and Engagement, Center for Asian Languages and Cultures
Join us for a talk by Mr. Ulan Nukan exploring how shared cultural and historical connections among Turkic nations are fostering new patterns of cooperation in Central Asia. Drawing on his research on the Organization of Turkic States, he will examine how these ties are shaping regional relationships and economic collaboration today. All are welcome to attend and engage in this timely discussion.