A shared vision of development. Meeting of the University authorities with the academic staff of the Faculty of Social Sciences

Already 10 June 2025 at 16:00 a meeting will take place on the Google Meet platform, bringing together the University and Faculty of Social Sciences authorities with academics. This is an important moment to look to the future together.

On the agenda - key areas that shape the Faculty's identity and development strategies. Participants will look at, among other things:

• organisational and functional aspects;
• teaching and research plans;
• the development prospects of the student community;
• cooperation with the socio-economic environment;
• technological solutions and infrastructure facilities.

Who will be present?

The meeting will be attended by University and Faculty authorities, heads of institutes and those responsible for:

• cooperation with the socio-economic environment;
• graduation process;
• evaluation of scientific activities;
• administrative support for the teaching process.

It is not only a presentation of the areas of activitybut above all opportunity to talk, exchanging experiences and jointly building the quality of education and research.

"With the law on you, or practically about the law" - webinar with Dr. Damian Wąsik

On 17 June, as part of a series of workshops "With the law on you, or practically about the law" will be held a meeting entitled "On the need to respect patients' rights in the treatment process - the perspective of patients and medical professionals". The topic will be the importance of patients' rights as an inalienable element of human rights and the need to adapt them to the dynamic development of medicine. It will address the issue of preserving the subjectivity of patients and their autonomy in deciding whether to participate in medical procedures.

The operator, based on the applicable legislation, well-established court case law and his/her own professional experience will present how the basic rights of the patient are implemented, the consequences of their violation and the patients' entitlements. The following will also be discussed the limits of patients' rights and the related duties of doctors, nurses, midwives and paramedics.

Profile of the leader

Dr Damian Wąsik - Doctor of Laws, a long-standing academic lecturer and researcher. Former legal adviser employed in the health sector and court-appointed attorney in numerous cases concerning medical malpractice. Author, co-author, editor and co-editor of more than 200 scientific publications and popular science in the field of medical law and criminal law. Participant in more than 100 Polish and international scientific conferences devoted to legal and medical issues. Plenipotentiary of the Rector of the School of Vocational Training for Persons with Disabilities.

Webinar schedule

During the webinar, the presenter will answer the following questions:

1. How the catalogue of patient rights is formulated in the Polish legal system?
2. What the patient's right is to provide health services in a safe and efficient manner?
3. What information can the patient ask for in the course of treatment, who should provide it and how?
4. How medical confidentiality is shaping up in relation to the patient? What responsibilities do medical professionals have?
5. Is patient consent required in all cases for treatment? When, in what form and to whom should it be given? What are the consequences for medical staff for providing medical assistance without the patient's consent?
6. How the patient's right is shaping up to medical records?
7. What responsibilities do medical staff have in relation to the need to respect the patient's intimacy and dignity and to respect his private and family life during hospitalisation?
8. What is the issue of damage compensation for violation of patient rights?

Following the presentation, there will be time for questions from webinar participants and answers from the presenter.

The limits of freedom of expression in the spotlight. Conclusion of the glossary competition

Institute of Law of the University of Applied Sciences settled a competition for a glossary. The Competition Commission has completed the evaluation of the works analysing the Constitutional Court's judgment (ref. SK 54/13) -. concerning the limits of freedom of expression and offence to religious feelings. The level of content of the submitted analyses was very high, and the participants demonstrated an excellent knowledge of constitutional law, a feel for the issues of freedom of expression and the ability to argue in a factual manner.

Competition theme and objective

The theme of the competition was the Constitutional Court ruling of 6 October 2015. - concerning the case of singer Doda. The participants' task was to the preparation of a gloss, i.e. a legal commentary analysing the ruling in the context of human rights and constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.

Competition winners

• 1st place: Arkadiusz Morka - 83 points / 90 points
• 2nd place: Sebastian Binkowski - 81 points / 90 points
• 3rd place: Catherine Stobieca - 79 points / 90 points

Congratulations to the winners - The works of the prize-winners stood out for both their substantive depth and clarity of argument.

A student voice on an important issue. Competition committee and reflections

We would like to thank all participants for their commitment and the high level of work submitted. We are delighted that so many students in the College of Vocational Training undertook the analysis of the one of the most famous rulings of recent years.

The entries were judged by a Competition Committee consisting of:

• chairman of the commission - Dr Kamil Stępniak,
• deputy chairman of the commission - Dr Damian Wąsik,
• member of the commission - Dr Mirosław Dela,
• member of the commission - Dr Katarzyna Julia Kowalska,
• member of the commission - Dr Daniel Szalbot,
• member of the commission - Dr Natalia Wąsik.

See you in future editions of the competitions - let the voice of the students of our University resound boldly in the debate on human rights and the limits of freedom of expression.

 "Faces of Sadness. Depression in its various guises" - A masterful lecture that makes you think

Last Saturday, as part of a series of masterclasses, a meeting was held on one of the most serious mental health challenges - depression. The theme of the event was a lecture entitled 'Faces of sadness. Depression in its various facets'. The event was initiated by Professor Ryszard Poprawa, to whom we would like to thank him for his involvement in organising the lecture.

Expert perspective of Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz

The speaker was Professor Jan Chodkiewicz, Ph. - recognised clinical psychologist, certified psychotherapist and specialist in addiction psychotherapy, who has been combining academic work with psychotherapeutic practice for more than 30 years, helping people with addiction problems and their families.

Professor Chodkiewicz shared his extensive knowledge and clinical and scientific experience, focusing on the complexity of the phenomenon of depression.

The different faces of depression and their consequences

The topic of the meeting was not only classical depressionbut also its less obvious 'faces'. The lecture provided an introduction to the issue, presenting both the classic symptoms of (internalising) depression - such as disorders of mood, motivation, cognitive function or somatic complaints - as well as the various variants of this disorder, occurring in different age groups and situational contexts, such as depression in children and adolescents, the elderly, postnatal, seasonal or existential depression.

Male depression, comorbidity and counteracting stigma

Particular attention was paid to externalisation depression, also known as 'male depression'. Professor Chodkiewicz discussed the so-called 'male depression'. gender paradox - juxtaposing the higher suicide rate among men with the higher diagnosis of depression in women - and pointed to specific forms of expression of this variety of depression: impulsivity, aggression, substance abuse or escape into work.

During the lecture issues related to the co-occurrence of depression with other mental disorders were also addressed, the diagnosis of this disorder and the importance of education and anti-stigma in the context of helping people struggling with depression.

We would like to thank Professor Jan Chodkiewicz for an extremely valuable lecture and Professor Ryszard Poprawa for his initiative and organisational support. The event certainly contributed to the knowledge of the our academic community and open up space for further reflection on this important topic.

Don't ignore sadness. Learn the truth about depression - masterclass by Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz

You are cordially invited to a unique masterclass entitled 'Faces of sadness. Depression in its various facets", which will take place 7 June 2025 at 11:30 am w the 3D Hall of the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Wrocław. The lecture will be given by Mr. Professor Dr Jan Chodkiewicz - a prominent specialist in clinical psychology, psychotherapy and addiction psychology. 

The organiser of the event is the Institute of Psychology University of Vocational Training in Wrocław.

Depression - the disease of civilisation of our time

The modern world presents us with numerous challenges, and depression is becoming one of society's most pressing problems. This disease does not only affect individuals - affects entire societies, changing their functioning and psychological safety.

Depression can cause:

• psychosocial factors - chronic stress, low self-esteem, insecurity, low level of social skills;
• biological factors - hormonal disorders, genetic predisposition;
• sociological factors - difficult family situation, poor financial situation, alcohol abuse, violence.

The multifaceted nature of the causes means that depression remains one of the greatest health challenges of our time.

During the lecture Professor Jan Chodkiewicz will address the key issues of the, such as:

• Biological, psychological and social causes of depression;
• recognising the different facets of depression,
• specific problems associated with depression in men,
• effective methods of psychotherapy for people struggling with depression.

The presentation will not only provide an opportunity to expand knowledge, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the disease and the social challenges of depression in a rapidly changing world.

Who are you, Professor Jan Chodkiewicz, Professor of the University of Łódź?

Professor Jan Chodkiewicz is a respected clinical psychologist, specialist in addiction psychotherapy and certified cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist. For almost 30 years, he has combined his scientific activity with his therapeutic practice, helping addicts and their families.

On a day-to-day basis, Mr Professor works with the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology at the Institute of Psychology, University of Łódź. His areas of expertise include:

• addiction psychology,
• the issue of depression in men,
• cognitive behavioural therapy.

The Professor's scientific output includes:

• Co-author and author of numerous books, including:
  • "Bouncing off the bottom? The role of quality of life in the course and outcome of treatment for alcohol dependence" (Łódź, 2012),
  • "Alcohol addiction. Faces of the problem" (Warsaw, 2020);
• More than 100 scientific articles and chapters in monographs;
• Participation in numerous research projects funded by PARPA, NCPU and NCBiR.

He is also an active member of numerous scientific organisations:

• Polish Psychological Association,
• Polish Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies,
• Polish Society for Research on Addictions,
• Section on Addictions of the Polish Psychiatric Association.

Why take part?

Masterclass by Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz entitled. "Faces of sadness. Depression in various guises" is an excellent opportunity to:

• broaden their knowledge of contemporary psychological issues;
• better understand the importance of mental health in everyday life;
• gain reliable information on effective forms of help for people in mental health crisis.

It is also a chance to meet an eminent scientist whose knowledge and experience inspire both practitioners and those interested in psychology. 

You are cordially invited to participate!

Thanks to the initiator of the master class project

Special thanks go to Mr Professor Dr Ryszard PoprawaHe is the originator of the entire master class project. It is thanks to his initiative and commitment that we can participate in extraordinary meetings with eminent representatives of the world of science, which broaden horizons, inspire and strengthen the academic identity of our University.

2nd WSKZ Conference 'Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support' - an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary problems

The 2nd WSKZ Conference entitled "Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support" brought together a group of eminent professionals from a variety of fields, including psychology, psychotherapy, social and medical sciences. The event aimed to explore the contemporary challenges of psychological support for people affected by trauma resulting from flooding, war and domestic violence. The conference provided a unique opportunity to exchange of knowledge and experience in the face of such pressing social problemsthat the modern world is facing.

Diversity of participants and conference themes

The conference was attended by around 100 participants, including representatives from academia, students and social service providers such as MOPS and crisis intervention units. Such a broad representation from different fields showed the importance of exchange of knowledge and experience between specialistswho work with people experiencing trauma on a daily basis.

22 hours of lectures and workshops - three main thematic blocks

The 22 hours of lectures and workshops, delivered by 18 experts, provided participants with practical tools for working with people affected by trauma. Presentations were given by academics and practitioners, which allowed the transfer of theoretical knowledge embedded in the realities of everyday work.

The event was divided into three main thematic areas: flood trauma, war trauma and domestic violence trauma. Each of these topics provided a space for in-depth reflection on the psychological and social aspects of trauma, as well as knowledge of the latest research in the field.

Pre-conference meeting of multiple perspectives

A great deal of interest was shown in pre-conference workshopswhich addressed the topics of body work in stress reduction, psychological first aid and contact with a person after sexual violence. Participants had the opportunity to acquire practical skillswhich they can use in their daily work.

The speakers represented various professional backgrounds, from clinical psychology to education to the uniformed services. This made the conference an excellent opportunity to exchanges of experience and the combination of theory and practice.

Gala dinner - establishing links and cooperation

After the first day of the conference a gala dinner was heldwhich became an informal but valuable moment for networking and further exchange of reflections and experiences between the event's participants.

Building bridges between science and practice

The conference "The trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support" was not only an opportunity to learnbut also to build bridges between different disciplines. We would like to thank all participants and speakers for their active participation, as well as their commitment to development of scientific cooperation and practical.

Meeting with an authority - Prof. Dariusz Dolinski in the series "In the Circle of Authorities"

Already on 4 June 2025 at 14:00, the second meeting of the "In the Circle of Authorities" series will take place. This time, the special guest will be Professor Dariusz Doliński, PhD - a prominent social psychologist, author and co-author of numerous scientific publications, including the book 'One Hundred Techniques of Social Influence', written together with Professor Tomasz Grzyb. The event will be streamed live online, allowing a wide audience to participate.

Manipulation all around us - how to recognise and defend against it?

The topic of the talk will be the everyday mechanisms of social influence - often unnoticed but extremely effective. Participants will learn, among other things:

• What are techniques for exerting influence - and why we succumb to them so easily.
• How to recognise manipulation attempts - both in private and professional relationships.
• How to defend yourself against peer pressure - and make decisions in a more informed manner.

The talk will be hosted by Dorota Wodecka, a journalist known for her insightful, inspiring conversations with authorities from the world of science and culture.

Meeting the champion - don't miss the broadcast

The meeting with Professor Dolinski is an excellent opportunity to reflect on how everyday interactions shape our decisions and emotions. The event is open and will be streamed live - we encourage you to book a time and join online. This is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and look at social mechanisms of influence from a completely new perspective.

Groundbreaking collaboration between the College of Vocational Training and the State Vocational College at the 7th Scientific Conference

On 5-6 June 2025  at the Prof. Edward F. Szczepaniak State Vocational College in Suwałki. Szczepaniak in Suwałki will host the 7th Scientific Conference. The event will address the key topic: "Competences, tasks and capacities of governmental and self-governmental bodies in the field of civil defence and counter-hybrid and anti-cognitive actions used by Russia on a large scale in Ukraine, as well as against the countries of Central and Eastern Europe". This unique endeavour is not only an opportunity to explore international security issues, but also to exchange experiences between academics and professionals in the field.

Scientific cooperation growing in importance

University of Vocational Training in Wrocław as co-organiser of the event, reaffirms its key contribution to shaping the academic space dedicated to security. The Managing Director of the College of Vocational Training, Dr Bartosz Blaszczak, has assumed Honorary Patronage of the Conference, which is a great asset for the eventstrengthening the university's position in the international arena. Cooperation with the State Vocational College in Suwałki means an important step towards the development of scientific cooperation between universities.

Representatives of the College of Vocational Training

Representatives of our University will actively participate in the conference:

• Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences - Prof. Irena Malinowska, University of Applied Sciences;
• Director of the Institute of Law and Criminology - Dr Janusz Bryk;
• Director of the Institute of Administration and Political Science - Dr Jan Znajdek.

Summary of guest lecture by Lt. Col. Res. Dr. Samir Rawat - prominent military psychologist and authority on mental toughness

On Saturday, 24 May 2025, the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław hosted an extraordinary guest lecture by Col. Res. Dr. Samir Rawat, a world-class expert in military psychology, developmental psychology and leadership in extreme conditions.

Lecture topic - "Self-Regulation in Dealing with PTSD and PTG". (Self-regulation in the context of coping with post-traumatic stress syndrome and post-traumatic growth) - was met with great interest by the participants. Dr Rawat shared his unique knowledge and experience gained as an infantry company commander in the extreme conditions of the Siachen Glacier and as a psychologist at the elite National Defence Academy in India.

The lecture was interactive and concluded with a lively discussion. Students actively asked questions, often of a problematic nature, raising issues of practical aspects of self-regulation and psychological support for people after traumatic experiences. The meeting was not only a source of valuable knowledge, but also an inspiration to reflect on the role of mental resilience in the modern world.

Dr Rawat's visit to Wrocław had a wider dimension. On 22-23 May, he also participated as a speaker at the 2nd WSKZ Conference "Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support", organised by the Institute of Psychology of the Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław. The event brought together prominent professionals involved in trauma support, and Dr Rawat's participation was highly appreciated by academics and practitioners.

During his stay in Wrocław, Dr Rawat also had the opportunity to explore the city - he visited, among others, the Racławice Panoramawhere he was accompanied by the Director of the Institute of Psychology and a representative of the Centre for International Cooperation. The meeting was not only an opportunity to exchange experiences, but also to strengthen international cooperation in the field of extreme psychology and intercultural education. We would like to thank all the participants for their activity and Dr Rawat for his inspiring speech, which will remain in the memory of the audience for a long time.

International meeting on human trafficking with an expert from the School of Vocational Training

29 May 2025 in Warsaw, in the conference rooms of the National Stadium, hosted a seminar of the European Crime Prevention Network EUCPN (European Crime Prevention Network). The theme of the event was prevention of trafficking in human beings with particular focus on public educationincluding in the context of the situation of migrants affected by the war in Ukraine. The seminar was organised in the framework of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and lasted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Speeches, debates and participation of an expert from the School of Vocational Training

The programme included speeches by representatives of government institutions and civil society organisations and the scientific community. Participants in the event included both Polish and foreign experts representing EU Member States. The seminar was held in English, which underlined its international character.

Our University represented by Dr Witold Yakimko, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Law of the University of Vocational Training in Wrocław. He took part in an expert panel on anti-trafficking research and education campaigns by universities and the private sector.