Different faces of trauma - a master class by Prof. Dr. Nina Ogińska-Bulik is behind us

The lecture is over! The meeting attracted an impressive number of participants interested in the topic of trauma and its multidimensional approach. The masterclass by Prof. Dr. Nina Ogińska-Bulik, entitled Different faces of trauma, met with great interest and was very well received by the audience.

Lecture topics included:

• the negative face of trauma - concept, prevalence, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma in children and adolescents;
• the positive face of trauma - Post-traumatic growth phenomenon, definition, incidence, determinants;
• secondary traumatisation.

It was an inspiring meeting, full of commitment and good energy - the most interesting moments were captured in the photos, which are available below.

Communication can do more than you think - a workshop for paramedics!

A workshop like no other in Poland. Responsible for its preparation and implementation is Prof. Aleksander Woźny Director of the Institute of Media and Social Communication at the School of Vocational Training, who will lead it together with the mgr Agnieszka Nehring and guest expert Ms Bogna Bartosz. The aim is more than imparting knowledge - it is about understanding, empathy and effective dialogue in border situations.

Unique workshop for paramedics launched in Wroclaw

360 employees of the Wrocław ambulance service - paramedics, nurses and doctors - will take part in the ground-breaking communication workshop. This is the first training in Poland that aims not only to improve communication skills in difficult emergency situations, but also to counter verbal aggression from patients and professional burnout. The programme covers, among other things, delivering bad news, sensitive communication and building trust in crisis situations.

Effective treatment begins with a conversation

As Professor Woźny, author of the book, points out Narrative medicine and communication in border situationscommunication skills should be considered as an essential part of medical education. It is worth recalling here the results of a study conducted in the United States, which showed a significant discrepancy between the assessment of doctors and the feelings of patients. as many as 75% medics feel they communicate well with patientswhile only 25% patients view these relationships positively. Lack of competence in this area can lead to serious consequences - from difficulties in building trust to a real undermining of treatment effectiveness.

Fresh energy, real change - Student Council gets in the game!

It was no ordinary day at the University - the elections for the Student Council of the School of Vocational Training had just concluded. Students have clearly identified the people they want to entrust their vote to and responsibility for issues that matter both on a daily basis and in the future. From now on, the official representatives of the academic community begin their activities, enjoying the full confidence of their colleagues and taking on the mission of actively contributing to the life of the university from within.

Time for action - students take the initiative

Newly established Local Government takes on the challenges of building an engaged community, organising social and cultural events and creating a space where every student can feel part of the academic community.

Thanks to the energy, creativity and determination of the student representatives, the coming months promise to be a a time of intense action and positive change. Congratulations to all those elected and thanks to those who took part in the vote. This is the start of a new phase in WSKZ student life.

Article by Prof. Stanisław Kowalkowski soon to be published in prestigious journal

We are pleased to announce that our academic lecturer, Prof. Dr. Stanisław Kowalkowski, has written an article titled 'The importance of the project. Analysis of the performance properties of coating systems for military applicationswhich will officially appear on 1 April 2025 in the magazine Advances in Science and Technology Research Journal (19(5), s. 200-212). 

The publication analyses the physicochemical properties of two-layer camouflage coatings used in military technology. The research involved systems modified with carbon nanotubes and glass microspheres, showing high corrosion resistance, low surface roughness and good mechanical properties. The results confirm the practical applicability of the coatings in armaments and military vehicles.
A link to the article can be found below:
https://www.astrj.com/Analysis-of-the-performance-properties-of-coating-systems-for-military-applications,201155,0,2.html

Who is Professor Stanisław Kowalkowski?

Prof. Kowalkowski is an experienced specialist in the field of engineering military and security. He is a graduate of, among others, the Engineering and Communication Forces Officers' School in Wrocław, the Engineering Forces Officers' College and the National Defence Academy. Since 1997 he has been associated with the National Defence Academy. His research interests include engineering support to military operations, military movement direction, public safety and civil-military cooperation in crisis management.

New perspectives for WSKZ students and staff

We are pleased to announce that 20 March 2025. a meeting was held between the Vice-Dean of the College of Vocational Education for Student Affairs, Dr Aneta Kazanecka, and the Director of the Office for Cooperation with Higher Education Institutions, Tomasz Janos, and the Deputy Director of the Office, Monika Sochacka. Discussions focused on the broad possibilities and potential forms of cooperationwhich can significantly support the development of our students and academic staff. Importantly, representatives of the Office enthusiastically accepted the invitation to the inauguration of the academic year at the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław.

New opportunities for our community

The discussions resulted in the following programmes and initiatives that offer real support for students and the University.

Student Activity Fund (FAST)

This fund allows obtaining funding from the municipal budget for study circles, student organisations and groups from universities located in Wrocław. The project is open to initiatives supporting the development of academic entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity and academic excellence.

• maximum amount of funding - PLN 15 000;
• deadline for applications - 28 March 2025.

It's excellent opportunity to implement ideaswhich can significantly enrich the activities of study circles. For more information, please visit:
https://www.wroclaw.pl/akademicki-wroclaw/fundusz-aktywnosci-studenckiej-fast

Competition "Wrocław Magnolia"

The competition is aimed at graduates of Wrocław's universities (both public and non-public). Its aim is to honour the best master's theses that deal with improving the quality of life of Wrocław's inhabitants, such as public health, environmental protection or green space management.

• amount of the award - up to PLN 10 000;
• Only works already defended may be submitted.

Additional information about the competition can be found here:
https://www.wroclaw.pl/akademicki-wroclaw/o-konkursie-wroclawska-magnolia

Student Scholarship Fund

The programme is aimed at students in their third year and above of unified master's studies, second year of first-cycle studies and second-cycle studies (full-time studies). The main objective is to provide financial support to students who have been given the opportunity to study at foreign universities.

• is a great support for, among others, participants in the Erasmus programme;
• the university is currently waiting for the granting of ECHE cards by the European Commission, which will create additional opportunities for participation in international exchanges.

Promotion of academic events

The Office of University Relations provides the opportunity to promote the academic events organised by the WSKZ by publishing information on its website. This will allow increase the visibility of the conference and reach a wider audience.

Working together for development

Study circles, student groups and tutors are encouraged to actively engage with the programmes available to support academic initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to develop projects and create innovative activities together. Details of the Student Activity Fund (FAST) will be communicated to the tutors of the study circles soon.

Thanks to the commitment of the Vocational Training College and the fruitful coordination with the Office for Cooperation with Higher Education Institutions, it is possible to promote academic innovation and provide real support for student activities in the local community. Programmes such as FAST or "Wrocław Magnolia" reinforce the importance of science in practice and create a space to connect knowledge with real social challenges. We encourage you to visit the website:
https://www.wroclaw.pl/akademicki-wroclaw/wroclawskie-centrum-akademickie

Lecture by Dr. Krzysztof Śmiszek for students of WSKZ

On Sunday, 16 March 2025, from 12:00 to 13:00, an open lecture was held for students of the Higher School of Vocational Education in Wrocław. The guest of the event was Dr Krzysztof Śmiszek - lawyer, advocate, doctor of legal sciences and experienced academic lecturer. The topic of the meeting was: The European Union - developments, challenges, prospects, threats.

Expert in European law

Dr Śmiszek specialises in issues relating to the European Union and the protection of human rights. In 2016, he obtained a doctorate in jurisprudence with a specialisation in European law, defending a dissertation entitled 'European Law'. The European standard of equality and Polish law. The substantive and institutional aspect. He has also been qualified as a barrister since 2021.

Key issues covered in the lecture

The lecture discussed the key challenges facing the European Union. The speaker addressed, among other issues:

• EU priorities in economic and social policy;
• necessary institutional reforms;
• ways of responding to the migration crisis;
• the importance of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in the context of the protection of human rights.

Importance of open lectures

The event was conducted in accordance with the academic principle of freedom of research. Meetings of this kind support students' cognitive development, shape critical thinking and provide an opportunity to explore current political and legal issues in contemporary Europe.

Completed workshop - creating scented candles Scent the power!

On 22 February 2025, a workshop was held Scent of Power. The event was designed for women who wanted to combine creativity with confidence-building. Participants had the opportunity to develop their manual skills, discover the power of scents and boost their self-esteem in a friendly creative atmosphere.

Purpose of the workshop

The workshop combined handicraft techniques with exercises to support self-esteem. Through practical tasks and moments of reflection, the participants were able to learn more about their strengths and realise their own capabilities.

Main assumptions

• developing creativity through the creation of scented candles;
• improving manual skills;
• strengthening self-esteem and self-confidence;
• discovering individual talents;
• improvement of well-being and relaxation.

Course of the workshop

The workshop began with a welcome and discussion of the objective and agenda. The first part was devoted to the creation of scented candles - the participants learned about the technique of making them and selected the ingredients themselves.

The second part consisted of self-esteem-boosting exercises. Participants took part in tasks to help them see their strengths, build confidence and see themselves from the perspective of others. The workshop ended with a summary and presentation of the candles made.

End of workshop

At the end of the workshop, the proceedings were summarised, the candles made were presented and the participants had the opportunity to share your impressions. Workshop Scent of Power not only allowed participants to explore the secrets of scented candle making, but also provided an opportunity to boost confidence and find inspiration.

"The erosion of liberal democracy in Poland after 2015". - new article by Prof. Dr. Andrzej Antoszewski

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Andrzej Antoszewski, a renowned political scientist working with the School of Vocational Training, has published an article entitled 'Erosion of liberal democracy in Poland after 2015' in the prestigious journal Wrocław Political Studies (33(1), 2024). His text analyses in detail the changes taking place in the Polish political system, indicating a gradual retreat from the liberal democracy model.

Who is Professor Andrzej Antoszewski?

Prof. Andrzej Antoszewski, Ph.D., is a renowned political scientist and an expert in the theory of democracy and political systems. His research focuses on the functioning of political parties, electoral behaviour and contemporary parliamentarism. He is the author and co-author of numerous scientific publications, for which he has received prestigious awards, including the Award of the Polish Academy of Sciences and distinctions from the Minister of Education.

The erosion of democratic institutions and the influence of the Church on state policy

The author draws attention to the growing tendency to limit the independence of democratic institutions, including the Constitutional Court. He describes how conservative political parties, led by the Law and Justice party, are undermining the legitimacy of the liberal order, arguing that it is the result of a compromise with post-communist elites.

The growing influence of the Catholic Church on state politics and the mechanisms of the erosion of democracy, including the system of informal patronage, are also important aspects of the analysis.

Why read the article?

The text by Prof. Andrzej Antoszewski, a lecturer cooperating with the Higher School of Vocational Training, is an important voice in the debate on the future of Polish democracy. The publication provides a thorough analysis of de-democratisation processes, their causes and consequences for society and the political system. We encourage you to read it: https://wuwr.pl/wrsp/article/view/17198.

First meeting of the Centre for Disinformation and Cyber Security Research - a new initiative of the College of Vocational Training!

On 28 February 2025, an organisational meeting of the team working on the creation of the Centre for Disinformation and Cyber Security Studies (CBDiC), a new research and teaching unit at the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław. It will aim to conduct research on disinformation and develop education in the area of information threats and security in the digital space.

Participants included:

• Dr Irena Malinowska - Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences;
• MA Anna Piguła - WSKZ Associate Dean for Educational Quality;
• Przemysław Żabnicki, MA - Plenipotentiary of the Rector for relations with the social and economic environment;
• Dr Mariusz Michalski - adjunct professor at WSKZ;
• Marta Matuszewska - Coordinator of the WNS Dean's Office.

The event was also attended by researchers and practitioners specialising in disinformation, information threats and cyber security issueswho jointly agreed on the main lines of action.

Objectives and scope of the Centre's activities

The Centre for Disinformation and Cyber Security Research was established in response to the Increasing risks from information and digital manipulation. Its activities will focus on:

• development of educational programmes, which will take into account the latest disinformation threats and effective strategies to combat them;
• implementation of learning activities focused on information manipulation mechanisms, source verification methods and the role of digital security;
• organisation of scientific conferences and workshops dedicated to combating disinformation and enhancing cyber security competences;
• conducting research on modern information threats and publishing their results in specialised publications;
• raising public awareness on the impact of disinformation and digital threats on the functioning of modern societies.

New opportunities for students and the academic community

The activities of the Centre for Disinformation and Cyber Security Research will contribute to developing the competences of MCCU students in information analysis, strategic communication and digital threat identification. Our University will become a place where science meets practice and project participants will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the rapidly developing field of information security.

This initiative will not only strengthen the academic research facilities of our University, but will also create a opportunities to improve knowledge on protection against disinformation and cyber threatswhich is crucial in today's world.

Award from Amnesty International for WSKZ lecturer

Dr Kamil Stępniak, WSKZ lecturer and constitutional lawyer, has received a prestigious award in a competition organised by Amnesty International!

Feather of Hope is an award granted by Amnesty International since 2002. Its aim is to recognise individuals working in the media in Poland and having a real impact on positive change for human rights.

Who is eligible for this award? First and foremost, bloggers, writers, journalists, film-makers, cartoonists and anyone who promotes human rights on a large scale through social media.

A unique award this year was Audience Award, awarded on the occasion of Amnesty International's 35th anniversary in Poland. In this category Dr Kamil Stępniak received the most votes from internet users lecturer from the JCS.

He is a specialist in constitutional law, human rights and new technologies running a thriving Instagram account. His profile - @constitutionalist - is watched by more than 78,000 people.

On his social media, Dr Kamil Stępniak focuses on the dissemination of knowledge in the field of constitutional law and human rights. Analyses current political events and explains issues relating to the constitution and civic education.

- I try to show and raise awareness of the importance of the role of the Constitution in the life of every citizen - says Dr Kamil Stępniak.

The following justification appeared in his application for the award:

"Dr Kamil Stępniak proves with his work that legal knowledge can and should be accessible to everyone. His work is an important voice in defence of human rights, the rule of law and democracy."

- I always strive to put human rights and the Constitution first, regardless of who is in power, and I am glad that this has been recognised. This award is a motivation for me to continue my work and a great commitment - Dr Kamil Stępniak adds.

Congratulations!