Defining social engagement together
Université Laval’s social engagement vision is being developed in collaboration with the university community. It aims to recognize, support, and promote involvement in community development and social and environmental issues.
Articulating our vision
Luc Audebrand
Full professor, Faculty of Business Administration
Titulaire de la Chaire de leadership en enseignement sur l’engagement social
Holder of the Educational Leadership Chair in Social Engagement
We’re calling on the entire university community to help implement our social engagement vision and define its main priorities. Staff, faculty, and students are invited to participate in preparatory workshops and attend the inaugural conference as we work together to define social engagement at Université Laval.
Social engagement, a pillar of our strategic planning
Rénald Bergeron
Vice Rector of External and International Affairs and Health
Engagement is one of Université Laval’s three pillars of strategic planning, clearly signalling our intention to enrich teaching and research through engagement, and to nurture engagement through cooperation, international solidarity, and community involvement. Going forward, social engagement will be at the heart of our mission and actions, and a shared priority for all.
Statement of Social Engagement
Our Statement of Social Engagement was written by members of the university community. Its signatories declare their desire to engage socially, to promote social engagement, and to invite everyone to join the process.
Our vision for social engagement: Key priorities
Our seven key priorities point to areas where members of the university community can work together. These priorities are based on our Statement of Social Commitment, which was written by members of the university community.
- Promote engaged studies and engagement in academic progress
- Contribute to the advancement and transfer of knowledge on social engagement
- Encourage engaged research
- Promote social engagement, existing initiatives, and concrete opportunities
- Facilitate individual and collective engagement initiatives led by members of the university community
- Recognize the social engagement of members of the university community
- Increase dialogue with members of civil society
Social engagement and teaching
“It’s important to combine student learning with a community contribution. In one class, students choose a seniors’ residence and meet with the management team. At the end of the semester, they issue recommendations and suggest resources to help the facility improve its services. This collaboration is highly appreciated by participants on both sides, and helps bring about genuine change.”
- Dominique Giroux, Faculty of Medicine
Social engagement and research
“As someone who works on Indigenous questions, one particular issue I deal with is decolonization. I don’t do research ‘on’ Indigenous peoples, but rather ‘with’ them. When starting a project, it’s important to work with Indigenous organizations and communities from the get-go in order to limit as much as possible any kind of colonial posture. The resulting research is more salient and more valuable.”
- Thierry Rodon, Faculty of Social Sciences
Social engagement and community service
“Operation Red Nose was born in December 1984 as a means to raise funds to provide scholarships for our best student athletes. The first year, most of the volunteer drivers were members of the Rouge et Or swim team. We raised enough in tips and sponsorships to fund a scholarship program to help our students pursue their academic and sporting goals at Université Laval.”
- Jean-Marie De Koninck, Faculty of Science and Engineering
An engaged community
Université Laval already has a well-established culture of social engagement, as evidenced by the many projects involving our students, faculty, and staff.
Reasons to get involved
Alice Magny
Co-chair, Jeunes philanthropes de l'Université Laval
Victoria Thân
Co-chair, Jeunes philanthropes de l'Université Laval
It’s a well-known fact that social engagement enriches our lives and career paths. Above and beyond contributing to a cause, getting involved is a great way to acquire new skills, put our knowledge to work, and acquire new experiences, both personal and professional.
Some inspiring projects
Here’s a sampling of projects illustrating the many faces of social engagement at Université Laval.
Accès Savoirs
Accès Savoirs is a “knowledge boutique” where non-profit organizations can tap into student expertise free of charge for help with real-life problems and projects.
AJPUL
AJPUL is an association of young philanthropists dedicated to representing and promoting philanthropic activity among students and professionals at Université Laval.
Educational Leadership Chair in Social Engagement
The Educational Leadership Chair (CLE) in Social Engagement promotes a culture of social engagement at Université Laval through various activities.
Recognition of student involvement
Université Laval’s recognition policy encourages students to get involved in extracurricular activities by allowing them to have their work with organizations or projects officially recognized.
Volunteer opportunities
The Université Laval Professional Development Service maintains a list of volunteer opportunities for students, employees, and graduates.
Are you involved in a project?
Tell us about your project or about initiatives in your community by writing to
Governance
Université Laval’s social engagement vision is overseen by a scientific director and draws on an steering committee of university community members and a collaborative structure known as the Social Engagement Conference.
Media
Des universitaires branchés sur la société, ULaval news
Stimuler la culture philanthropique, ULaval news
Team
Luc Audebrand
Scientific Director
Gabriel Huot
Administrative Manager
Partners
