Strategic directions of development - meeting between University authorities and academic staff of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Day 10 June 2025 at 16:00 on the platform Google Meet a three-hour meeting between the University's authorities and representatives of the academic staff of the Faculty of Social Sciences was held, attended by around 120 people. The event was of crucial importance for the future of the Faculty, providing not only a forum for the exchange of ideas but, above all, an opportunity to jointly define the strategic development directions - both in the areas of teaching and research activities.

Highlights of the meeting

During the discussion, key issues affecting the development of the Faculty were discussed:

• Modernisation of the teaching offeradapted to the changing needs of the labour market.
• Strengthening student activities, through the development of mentoring and scholarship programmes.
• Expanding international cooperation, enabling participation in global research projects.
• Use of modern technology, supporting innovative teaching and research methods.

Participants and speakers

The meeting started Managing Director, Dr Bartosz Blaszczak, who discussed organisational matters and the aims of the debate. The following spoke next Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr Irena Malinowska - continued the meeting, emphasising its unique nature as a space for sharing experiences, reflecting on the common academic mission and setting new directions for the university. In her speech, she also stressed the importance of the university's internationalisation, pointing to the active activities of the Centre for International Cooperation and the anticipation of the European Commission's decision on the Erasmus Charter, which will enable further cooperation with prestigious scientific centres around the world.

She also pointed out that the development of the university is based on scientific and publishing activities, encouraging the meeting participants to actively participate in conferences, workshops and the publication of articles in the university's journals.

At the end of the speech, the Dean thanked everyone for their contribution to the academic and scientific development of the University, emphasising that the commitment of the academic community is the foundation for the future of the Faculty. Later in the meeting, the following spoke:

• Acting Dean for Educational Quality, Dr Justyna Jasińska-Rudzka - study directions and teaching objectives;
• Vice-Dean for Student Affairs, Dr Aneta Kazanecka - perspectives on the development of student activities and academic support;
• Dean's Plenipotentiary for Cooperation with the Social and Economic Environment, Dr Wojciech Kazanecki - cooperation initiatives with the business sector and social organisations;
• Vice-Chancellor for Science and Development - development of scientific staff and raising research standards;
• Vice-Chancellor for International Relations - the internationalisation of the University and the development of foreign cooperation.

Development directions of the Institutes

During the meeting directors of scientific institutes presented their visions and development plans in key areas:

• Institute of Criminology and Homeland Security - Dr Janusz Bryk discussed strategies to strengthen crime research and modern methods of providing security.
• Law Institute - Dr Andrzej Chajbowicz presented plans to expand cooperation with legal institutions and innovative training courses.
• Institute of Psychology - Professor Artur Ziolkowski presented new areas of research in social and clinical psychology.
• Institute of Administration and Political Science - Dr Jan Znajdek discussed the development of public management studies and international politics.
• Institute of Management and Quality Sciences - Dr Marika Szymanska pointed to innovative approaches to managing organisations and improving service quality.
• Institute for Media and Social Communication - Professor Aleksander Woźny presented research directions on digital media and communication in the technological age.

Action on social responsibility and equality

The meeting also discussed relevant initiatives:

• Equality and anti-discrimination measures - The Rector's Plenipotentiary for Equal Treatment, Małgorzata Piórkowska, presented programmes supporting equal opportunities policies.
• Initiatives for people with disabilities - The Rector's Plenipotentiary for Persons with Disabilities, Dr Damian Wąsik, presented solutions to facilitate access to education.
• Organisational matters in the Office of the Dean - The Director of the Dean's Office, Magdalena Nogga, presented the current administrative announcements.

Summary and conclusions

The meeting was key moment in determining strategic orientations for the development of the Facultyand its participants unanimously stressed the need for further cooperation at academic and scientific level. The University authorities committed to:

• Research development, through increased funding and participation in international projects.
• Strengthening internationalisation, through academic exchange programmes and cooperation with foreign institutions.
• Increasing support for students, through new mentoring and scholarship initiatives.

We would like to thank all participants for their engagement, valuable discussions and inspiring ideas. Together we are building the future of the Faculty and the University as a wholemeeting the challenges of modern science and education!