Networking
In addition to the work carried out within the UAB, there are a number of university SL networks in which the UAB is involved.
- In Catalonia, we are part of the Service-Learning Network of Catalan Universities, ApS(U)Cat Network which was responsible for organising the 11th National and 5th International Congress on University Service-Learning (Barcelona 2023).
- In Spain, the most important network is the Spanish University Service-Learning Network (ApS-U).
- At European level, there exists the European Observatory of Service-Learning in Higher Education.
- Also at European level, but beyond the specific scope of Service-Learning, the UAB is part of the ECIU University, which seeks to address the challenges of the territory through challenge-based learning (CBL). The SL Office coordinates with the ECIU University and the new UAB Challenges Offices to meet any social or environmental needs that come across our desk.
Networks
The Catalan University Service-Learning Network [ApS(U)CAT] is a relatively new network that was created in July 2015 to exchange experiences and build knowledge on the promotion, implementation, assessment and institutionalisation of service-learning in the context of Catalan universities.
The ApS(U)CAT Network is made up of teaching staff from all Catalan universities and is also open to the organisations with which it develops SL projects, in addition to interested students. Since its formation, the Network holds a meeting each year, normally in July. Each meeting serves to bring together anyone interested in discussing and learning more about issues related to university service-learning and reaching agreements on lines of action for the academic year. So far, meetings have been organised at Pompeu Fabra University (2015), the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (2016), the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (2017) and the University of Girona (2018).
Declaration of the Catalan University Service-Learning Network
For more information, click here.
The Spanish University Service-Learning Network (ApS-U) is an initiative of university teaching staff who incorporate SL methodology into their teaching and research and constitutes a virtual forum where university and non-university professionals may broaden their knowledge of SL.
Its purpose is to disseminate and develop educational and social projects based on university service-learning that contribute to enhancing development, learning, training and wellbeing, particularly among children and young people.
Its mission is to strengthen cooperation within the field of teaching, research and university service-learning-based social action among members of the Network and its partner institutions.
There is also the Spanish Service-Learning Network (REDAPS), a non-profit association whose mission is to disseminate service-learning, heighten cooperation between territorial groups and represent them before other supralocal institutions.