Conference "Transforming the University through Service-Learning"

Under the theme "Transforming the University through Service-Learning", an initiative dedicated to reflection on how the service-learning methodology (SL) can help train students to be true agents of social change in the construction of a more just and caring society, will be held on 22 and 23 June 2022, at the Porto Regional Centre of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa.

The initiative is organised within the UNISERVITATE programme, which promotes SL in Catholic Higher Education and of which UCP is a member. It reinforces the CApS - Catholic University and Service-Learning: Innovation and Social Responsibility project, whose aim is to institutionalise and consolidate the SL methodology in specific curricular areas, as well as in transversal and extracurricular areas, within UCP and to create guidelines for other HEIs that want to follow suit.

The meeting will bring together, over two days, the partner universities of the Uniservitate programme Deusto (Spain), St Mary's (London), Sacro Cuore (Rome), UCP authorities, students, lecturers, community partners and experts, in a unique opportunity to strengthen ties, exchange experiences, reflect, debate and, above all, learn about the SL methodology.

In this sense, moments are scheduled for different target audiences: on one hand, partners of the CApS project and the internal UCP community and, on the other hand, Higher Education Institutions, teachers and researchers interested in deepening this methodology. This second moment will take place in partnership with ORSIES (Observatory of Social Responsibility and Institutions of Higher Education).

SL is a teaching methodology that combines academic learning with community service, so that students are formed, personally and professionally, by working with the real needs of the community. In this methodology the active participation of students and community members and reflection on the experience lived are valued.

Free Access, subject to prior registration.

+ More information: Joana Barreto | jbarreto@ucp.pt
Register - questionnaire soon

PROGRAMME

22nd June

Conference for the Academic Community UCP
14h30 | Opening, Rector of the Catholic University of Portugal, Isabel Capeloa Gil
14h40 |Opening Conference:
      - SL key elements, Maria Rosa Tapia, Coordinator of the Uniservitate Programme
      - Institutionalization and spirituality in SL, Nieves Tapia Founder and Director of CLAYSS

15h00 | Presentation of the CApS project, Luísa Mota Ribeiro, FEP UCP
      - Presentation of some SL experiences in UCP by teachers and students. Moderation: Ana Oliveira, FCH UCP
16h15 | Coffee-break
16h30 | Barriers and facilitators in the implementation of SL projects, Maria Rosa Tapia, Coordinator of the Uniservitate program
17h20 | Closing session

June 23rd

Conference in partnership with ORSIES for the general public
10h00 | Opening, Vice-Rector of UCP, Isabel Vasconcelos and ORSIES (speaker to be confirmed)
10h15 | Conference: The importance of SL in the social responsibility mission of Universities, Andres Peregalli, Catholic University of Argentina (Moderation: Marian Alaez)
10h45 | Presentation: The process of institutionalisation of SL at the University of Deusto through the Plan for the development of transversal competences. The specific case of the Legal Clinic, Almudena Eizaguirre and José Ramón Canedo, University of Deusto
11h15 | Coffee-Break
11h45 | Round Table: Good Practices of SL experiences through the 4 pillars:
      - Candelaria Ferrara, Regional Hubs Coordinator Uniservitate - Learning
      - José Ramón Canedo, University of Deusto - Service
      - Andres Peregalli, Catholic University of Argentina - Participation
      - Marianne Rozario, St Mary's University - Reflection
      - (Moderation: Maria José Correia)
13h00 | Learning - Key, María García Feijoo, University of Deusto
13h00 | Closing Session