SLS-9a Service-Learning and Leadership Office - Socially Responsible Global Citizens

Every five years, PolyU updates its Strategic Plan.  Around 2017-18, much discussion were conducted in preparation for the then upcoming 2019/20-2024/25 Strategic Plan.  By the time, we had graduated several cohorts of students who have all completed the Service-Learning Requirement. The positive learning outcomes achieved by the students  have been evident through so many channels - the quality and impact of the projects that they carry out, the performance and enthusiasm of the students, the material interest from donors and other stake holders, as well as results from rigorous research.  Under the section “PolyU Today”, it says, 

“The University’s pioneering Service-Learning programme integrates academic study with community service, inspiring students to apply professional knowledge and skills to serve the underprivileged and give back to society. To date, nearly 13,000 students have spent more than 510,000 hours providing services for over 68,000 needy people in Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and overseas.”

As a result, when it was proposed to include social responsibility as a desired graduate attribute, it was quickly accepted by the working group.  The Mission Statement in the new Strategic Plan now reads, partially, 

“… To nurture critical thinkers, effective communicators, innovative problem solvers and socially responsible global citizens. …”

Under “Quality of the Student Experience of Teaching and Learning”, it says

“… Identify themes of interdisciplinary Service-Learning and social innovation projects for deeper and broader impact. …”

Under “Knowledge Transfer and Wider Engagement”, 

“… Integrate identified themes into interdisciplinary Service-Learning and social innovation projects for deeper and broader impact. …”

Under “Enhanced Internationalization and Engaging the Nation”, very much inline with our strong effort on international service-learning, 

“… Strive to provide every undergraduate student with an opportunity to take a student mobility programme outside Hong Kong, and diversify students’ nonlocal learning opportunities. …”

There is plenty of evidence that service-learning and community engagement is now a critical element of PolyU education, very much part of PolyU culture.  We have come a long way since 2010, when the Senate decided to make service-learning credit-bearing and compulsory.