Huge success for WSKZ - we received the Erasmus Charter for higher education!

We are proud to announce that the College of Vocational Education in Wrocław has been awarded an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) by the European Commission! This prestigious award opens up new prospects for our University's international academic cooperation and participation in the Erasmus+ - one of the European Union's most important educational programmes.

Obtaining the ECHE Charter is a great success for the entire WSKZ academic community. It confirms the high quality of education, the transparency of activities and our commitment to the development of international mobility of students and teaching staff. The Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) is a document awarded by the European Commission which confirms that the university meets certain quality standards in terms of mobility and international cooperation. With this card, the university can apply for funding to carry out a variety of activities, such as:

Student mobility:

• Study trips abroad.

• Apprenticeships abroad.

Worker mobility:

• Teaching staff trips abroad for teaching.
• Training for academic staff abroad.

Cooperation projects:

• Participation in educational projects implemented under the Erasmus+ programme.
• Partnerships between universities from different countries.
• Other activities to support international academic cooperation.

Having an ECHE Card opens up the full potential of the Erasmus+ programme to our students and staff, which will translate into enriching their experience, developing their language and intercultural skills.

This is another step towards building a strong, modern university that is open to the world. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success!

Partner Papes another institution with which WSKZ has started to cooperate

18 June 2025. a meeting was held at the company's headquarters Partner Papes, during which the CEO, Mr Sebastian Bigos, discussed with the Chair of the Stakeholder Council and the Dean's Plenipotentiary for Cooperation with the Socio-Economic Environment, dr. Wojciech Kazanecki, the extent of cooperation in relation to student development, as well as in the areas of teaching and research and development.

Partner Papes has been distributing and supplying school and office supplies to 10,000 companies nationwide for 30 years.

Supreme Technical Organisation in Legnica partner of WSKZ

17 June 2025 at the NOT in Legnica A meeting was held between representatives of the Legnica Chief Technical Organisation, chaired by Director Stanisław Sirojcio, and the Chairman of the WSKZ Stakeholder Council, Dr Wojciech Kazanecki, on cooperation between the university and NOT. During the discussions, the topic of joint training and student internships was discussed. 

Vice-President, Office Director Mr Stanisław Sirojć signs the cooperation agreement. Photo WK.

Cooperation agreement between the Higher Vocational Training School and the Centre for Preparations for Foreign Missions

We are delighted to announce that on 13 June 2025 was signed cooperation agreement between:

• dr. Bartosz Blaszczak, Managing Director University College of Professional Education in Wrocław, a
• Col. Krzysztof Orzech, representing Centre for Preparations for Foreign Missions in Kielce.

This agreement is the result of several months of joint activities aimed at establishing a lasting partnership between academia and an institution of strategic importance to international security.

The preparation of the agreement actively involved representatives of Advisory and Consultative Group on Security of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Vocational Trainingwho played a key substantive and expert role in developing its principles and a shared vision for further cooperation.

The scope of the agreement includes inter alia.:

• the organisation of training courses, seminars and workshops on security, crisis management and preparation for international missions;
• the participation of the Centre's experts in the teaching process, as lecturers and expert advisors;
• implementation of work placements and research projects by WSKZ students;
• co-creation of educational materials and initiatives to promote knowledge in the field of defence and international cooperation.

The agreement concluded is an important step towards strengthening the practical dimension of education and to develop students' competences in areas related to security, public administration and inter-institutional and international cooperation.

WSKZ at the Legnica Business Meeting as part of the Partner Business Clubs

On On 12 June, WSKZ representatives met for the third time with the elite of the local business community - this time on Legnica Business Meeting. At the meeting, there was an opportunity to share experiences and build a solid foundation for the further cooperation agreements - in line with the philosophy prevailing at our university, according to which relations with business and representatives of public and third sector institutions are at the core of thinking about student education.

Above-average workshop activity of Mr Bartosz Glowacki - Inspiration, Professionalism, Passion

In the summer semester of the academic year 2024/2025, Mr Bartosz Głowacki (Institute of Psychology of the JSC) organised a a series of unique development and integration workshops, which have met with a very positive response from participants. In total, he conducted six diverse meetings with topics including personal development, confidence boosting, aromatherapy, light therapy, artistic expression and the creation of natural cosmetics.

Each event was perfectly prepared - from the substantive structure to the visual material and photographic documentation. As the Institute of Psychology at WSKZ, we would like to express our special appreciation for Mr Bartosz's professionalism, creativity and enormous commitment. His work is an excellent example of valuable educational and integrative activities in the academic environment.

List of workshops held:

2. "Discover Your Strength. A journey to inner confidence"
   Date: 31.01.2025
   Topics: Discovering strengths and talents, creative exercises (jewellery making), stress reduction techniques.
3. "Scent of power" - scented candle making and self-esteem enhancement workshop
   Date: 22.02.2025
   Topics: Aromatherapy, self-esteem exercises, creative expression through candle making.
4. "Strength and Harmony" - light therapy and aromatherapy
   Date: 22.03.2025
   Topics: relaxation, colour therapy, creating a relaxation kit, coffee peeling.
5. "Natural cosmetics - practical workshop".
   Date: 25.04.2025
   Topics: creating natural cosmetics, education about ingredients, empowering femininity.
6. "Smile in the lens" - workshops with elements of speech therapy and facial gymnastics
   Date: 17.05.2025
   Topics: Mimicry, mouth and tongue gymnastics, integration through photography.
7. "The power of community and support" - creative and integrative workshop for women
   Date: 21.06.2025
   Topics: relationship building, artistic activities (photo frames), interpersonal development.

On behalf of the Director of the Institute of Psychology - Dr Artur Ziolkowski, Prof. WSKZ, and the entire Institute community, thank you for your exceptional contribution in the teaching and social life of our University!

"Awakening" - G2 Forum in Wroclaw 2025: On the resilience of the state and society in the face of new threats

One of the most important events in Poland dedicated to geopolitics, the economy, security and innovation - the G2 Forum - is behind us. This year's event was held under the motto "Awakening", being a symbolic and analytical response to the changing balance of power in the European and international arena. It is also a call for lessons to be learned and action to be taken - both in the security sphere and in every area of public and social life.

The debates and panels were attended by representatives of the political, business, academic and expert communities from Poland and abroad. Among the invited guests were also representatives of the University College of Professional Education - members Security Advisory Group: Gen. Dr. Jarosław Kaleta, Gen. Paweł Dzierżak, Gen. Artur Bielecki, Gen. Michał Otrębski and Programme Director of the Institute of Internal Security and Criminology Dr. Rafał Guzowski.

Expert panel: Hybrid warfare - how to prevent and immunize society, local governments and business

One of the highlights of the programme was a panel on hybrid warfare and the dangers of actions below the threshold of war - such as disinformation, cyber attacks, economic pressure or manipulation of public perception of threat. Panellists included inter alia. Dr Rafał Guzowski, Programme Director of Direction Homeland Security and Criminology WSKZ and Lieutenant General Jarosław Kaleta, MD, an expert in security and crisis management.

Experts unanimously stressed that hybrid warfare is not a distant prospect, but a reality that is already destabilising societies and state structures. "Hybrid warfare is a war waged not with weapons but with information. Today the shot is not a bullet but a manipulated headline." - emphasised Dr Rafał Guzowski.

According to the speakers, a key element in countering hybrid warfare is social resilienceand therefore the ability of citizens, institutions and businesses to recognise, respond to and work together to neutralise threats."It is not enough that the services know how the adversary operates. It is equally important that the citizen is able to recognise manipulation and that local authorities are not defenceless against organised disinformation campaigns. We need to realise that resilience is not a luxury, but a necessity. Local government, schools, local media - all must be part of a system that not only reacts, but prevents in the first place." - Dr Jarosław Kaleta noted.

Resilience as a system

During the panel discussion, experts highlighted the need to create systemic solutions based on three pillars:

• Civic and media education,
• Advanced technological tools for detecting threats,
• Cooperation between administration, business and academia.

It is the synergy of these areas - in Dr Kaleta's view - that can realistically increase state resilience and counter the effects of hybrid warfare.

The G2 Forum - a space for responsible dialogue

The Wrocław G2 Forum not only sets directions for strategic thinking, but also integrates communities that rarely have the opportunity to meet at the same table: representatives of the armed forces, universities, local authorities and the private sector. The participation of experts from the College of Vocational Training proves that the university can - and should - take an active role in shaping security policies and strategic education."Security in the 21st century is no longer just about the military and the services. It's also students, businesses, civil servants, local media. We need to think of resilience as a shared responsibility." - Dr Jarosław Kaleta added.

Awakening - not just a slogan

The slogan of this year's Forum - 'Awakening' - proved to be not just a symbolic motto, but a real challenge. The G2 Forum, which took place on 12 June 2025, showed that the Awareness of risks is growing steadily, but readiness to act should grow even more rapidly. It is from such an awakening - full of reflection and decisions - that a resilient future is born. 

Please join us for an open lecture by Professor Robin Goodwin: "The psychology of disasters".

We are pleased to announce that on 6 July 2025 (Sunday) at 11.30am there will be an open lecture entitled 'The importance of the European Union. "The psychology of disasters".who will deliver Prof. Robin Goodwin - an eminent specialist in the psychology of individual and societal reactions to traumatic events.

📍 Lecture venue: University of Wrocław, Faculty of Law, Administration and Economics, Aula 1D.

Professor Robin Goodwin has conducted interdisciplinary research on the effects of earthquakes, floods, terrorist attacks and pandemics for many years. He has worked as an advisor to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Health Organisation on the psychological consequences of nuclear accidents. He currently heads an international research consortium CONTAIN (Contact Tracing, Infection and Transmission: an interdisciplinary approach), which examines patterns of human contact in the context of the spread of new infectious diseases.

The lecture is aimed at students, academic staff and anyone interested in the topics of crisis psychology and emergency management.

You are cordially invited!

Strategic International Agreement between the Vocational Training College and the University of Prešov - Together for the Development of Science, Education and Academic Partnerships

On 2 July 2025, the College of Vocational Training, represented by the Dr Irena MalinowskaProf. WSKZ - Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Prof. Dariusz Brakoniecki with the Centre for International Cooperation, concluded a bilateral agreement on scientific and didactic cooperation with the University of Prešov in Prešov (Slov. Prešovská univerzita v Prešove), a public academic university based in eastern Slovakia, represented by the Rector, Prof. Peter Kónya and Prof. Kamila Kardis.

Objectives and Results of the Arrangement

The agreement provides for the implementation of joint scientific projects, exchanges of academic staff and students, the organisation of international conferences and the implementation of innovative forms of education in line with European standards. Visiting professors, the participation of representatives of both institutions in the scientific committees of conferences and the scientific councils of academic journals are important elements of cooperation.

The agreement is an expression of the two universities' desire to deepen academic relations, support interdisciplinary research, publish the results of scientific work and jointly apply for scientific development funds under international funding programmes.

The role of the Centre for International Cooperation

The agreement is the result of the intensive and professional work of the team at the Centre for International Cooperation at the Vocational Training College, which actively creates and coordinates activities for the internationalisation of the university.

Benefits for the Academic Community

For academic staff and students, it opens up new spaces for scientific collaboration, exchange of experiences and strengthening scientific output in international initiatives. Students gain access to a broader dimension of education, development of professional competences and participation in projects of global significance.

Dr Tomasz Witkowski in the media - recent appearances

Dr Tomasz Witkowski is a recognised expert in social psychology, emotion, motivation and scientific methodology. He has more than 30 years of teaching and training experience, has conducted research in Germany and collaborated with the University of Malta. He is the author of 16 books, including four published in the USA, as well as dozens of scientific articles that have appeared in prestigious journals such as British Journal of Social Psychology i Skeptical Inquirer. Below are Dr Witkowski's most recent media appearances.

• 9 January 2025 - Dr Tomasz Witkowski guested on the podcast CHARISMATIC, where he spoke to David Straszak about the mental health crisis. The topics of the talk were based on his latest book 'Puncture the gurus who advise on how to live and other essays'. Dr Witkowski also touched on the overabundance of psychologists and challenges in the context of mental health. Link to podcast
• 15 January 2025 - An audio version of Dr Witkowski's book 'Forbidden Psychology, Volume I. Between science and charlatanry'.
• 7 February 2025 - Another appearance was a podcast conversation WORDS, in which Dr Witkowski discussed the manipulations presented in the book 'Psychomanipulations. How to recognise and deal with them'. He discussed the mechanisms that keep people in sects and toxic relationships. Link to podcast
• 14 February 2025 - Dr Witkowski appeared in Focus.co.uk on health, where, in a conversation with Beata Igielska, he discussed Robert Sternberg and Karin Weiss's book The New Psychology of Love, of which he was the scientific editor. The topic was romantic love, its role and its impact on contemporary society. Link to article
• 15 February 2025 - Dr Witkowski's lecture entitled. "The evolution of morality" was delivered as part of the "10th Wrocław Darwin Days", organised by the Institute of Biology of the University of Wrocław and the Polish Association of Rationalists. Link to lecture
• 19 March 2025 - Dr Witkowski appeared in Radio Wnetwhere he touched on the Polish mental health treatment system. In an interview with editor Jasmina Nowak, he shared his comments on the crisis of the system and the mistakes that need to be corrected. Link to broadcast
• 3 April 2025 - Dr Witkowski was a guest on the podcast Chronicles of a departure from reasonwhere, together with Dr Katarzyna Szumlewicz and editor Boyan Stanislavski, they discussed ignorance being considered a virtue and its impact on human attitudes. Link to podcast
• 5 April 2025 - Dr Witkowski's lecture entitled. "Psychology without simplification. You won't learn this on the internet" was held as part of the conference Holistic Talk in Bielsko-Biała, where issues were raised about the work of psychologists and which professionals are worth listening to. Link to the event
• 5 June 2025 - Dr Witkowski led a lecture and workshop entitled. "If not therapy, then what?" on self-help for mental health problems and disorders, organised by the Rhea Foundation in Częstochowa. Link to the event
• June 2025 - Dr Tomasz Witkowski was interviewed in the June issue of Cogito, where he discussed science, pseudoscience and critical thinking in the context of the development of scientific disciplines.
• 12 June 2025 - Dr Witkowski guested on the podcast Chronicles of a departure from reason, where he addressed the topic of exaggeration in psychology and the harm of simplifications that can result from a misunderstanding of the field. Link to podcast

With his knowledge, experience and passion for psychology, Dr Tomasz Witkowski regularly shares his thoughts and analyses with a wide audience. His activity in the media is an important contribution to the popularisation of sound psychology and critical thinking. We encourage you to follow his presentations and explore the topics he addresses.