Conference Agenda

This reflection analyses the evolution or transition of service-learning (SL) within CIVIS, a European Civic University Alliance, moving from a collection of isolated initiatives to a coordinated institutional commitment. In its initial phase, SL was primarily linked to "Open Labs" and perceived as a method for local engagement. However, the experience demonstrated that to truly anchor a civic engagement and a democratic culture at our universities, which is necessary according to the Council of Europe (2023), SL must be prioritized and integrated transversally into the curriculum.

A central strategy was the creation of a dedicated SL Expert Group (EG). This informal working group allowed for the provision of systemic support and advice to the Alliance's governance bodies. This group has acted as a catalyst by developing the Recommendations for the promotion of SL in the CIVIS Alliance, a foundational document approved by the governing body that establishes common principles, roles, and institutional responsibilities for all member universities. providing a common policy framework for all member universities, explicitly linking SL to the promotion of social justice, critical thinking, and sustainable development.

Reflecting on the barriers to institutionalization, the Alliance identified the lack of recognition for faculty as a major hurdle. To overcome this, the Recommendations document explicitly encourages institutions to recognize SL participation in teacher evaluations and to explore incentives such us reduced teaching assignments. Furthermore, the EG has developed practical resources, including a SL Guides, several BIPs in which the students participate in international and hybrid SL projects, and a Staff Training Week with an accompanying Moodle course. These initiatives aim to lower entry barriers for staff and provide the systemic support that faculty often lack.

To ensure sustainability towards 2030, the Alliance is shifting from "awards-based" recognition model towards structural integration. Current efforts focus on a comprehensive mapping of existing projects to identify gaps and opportunities for transnational collaboration. The strategic vision includes the creation of a CIVIS Micro-Credential in SL to certify community partner engagement, an open badge system to recognize students´ earned competences, and the establishment of SL offices in each partner university to provide permanent logistical and pedagogical support.

In conclusion, the CIVIS experience shows that European university alliances facilitate institutionalisation by enabling diverse universities to share expertise, harmonize quality standards, and pool resources for staff training. This collective approach transforms SL from an innovative pedagogy into a core methodological pillar of universities’ civic responsibility.