Global Learning, within the Division of Global Engagement, is excited to announce a successful transition to Via TRM, a study abroad program management platform. This change is part of an ongoing commitment to improving the user experience and accessibility for students seeking to embark on international and domestic educational experiences while also streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
Program management platforms are essential for ensuring efficient program applications and pre-departure logistics, and connecting students to programs that best meet their academic, professional, and personal goals through a thorough search tool.
After careful evaluation and feedback from students and staff, the Global Learning team recognized the need for a more user-friendly, intuitive, and dynamic platform. The Via TRM platform offers modernized features that streamline the application process, enhance student engagement, and provide improved support to our campus community.
At UC Santa Cruz, our version of Via TRM is known as the Global Learning Portal.
“The transition to a new platform has streamlined the application process, making it more intuitive and accessible for students. As a result, students are experiencing clearer guidance and greater support throughout their study abroad journey. The new platform has also streamlined advisor workload, allowing advisors to focus more on personalized advising and enhancing the overall student experience,” said Executive Director of Global Mobility Alice Michel.
What is Via TRM?
Via TRM is a comprehensive study abroad program management platform designed specifically for study abroad offices and their students. It offers a range of features that will enhance the experience for UC Santa Cruz students, including:
- Personalized Program Matching: Students can explore programs tailored to their academic and personal interests.
- User-friendly Interface: The platform simplifies application submission, making the process more intuitive.
- Enhanced Communication Tools: Students can easily track their application status and receive timely updates.
- Mobile Accessibility: Students can engage with the platform from any device, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
Transition Timeline
The move to Via TRM began in the winter and spring of 2024 and is now fully implemented, with improvements to platform features and program details rolling out during the 2024-25 academic year. The transition, led by Lucy Zoe Jones, Systems Analyst & SEVIS Administrator, included data migration, system integration, and staff support.
“Our team focused on simplifying the student experience, organizing content across all programs, and automating processes wherever possible,” said Jones. “Additionally, we added UCEAP program brochures to the search experience. Overall, we’re pleased with the new interface and will continue to find ways to enhance the student experience.”
Exploring Programs in the Global Learning Portal
Students interested in studying abroad or away at UC Santa Cruz can get started by setting up their profiles in the Global Learning Portal and exploring programs. Faculty and staff at UC Santa Cruz can browse the many study abroad or away programs offered at UC Santa Cruz by visiting the Program Dashboard or by selecting programs on the Global Learning website.
Providing Global Learning Opportunities for All is key to the UC Santa Cruz Strategic Plan for Internationalization.