Launch of USR MOOC “Introduction to University Social Responsibility” co-developed by PolyU and Kyoto University

The USR MOOC “Introduction to University Social Responsibility”, a new joint project from the University Social Responsibility Network (USRN), is now open for enrollment on edX.

Co-developed by PolyU and Kyoto University, this pilot massive open online course (MOOC) describes the theoretical underpinnings of University Social Responsibility (USR) and showcases effective practices and activities from seven USRN member institutions from around the world - PolyU, Kyoto University, The University of Manchester, Simon Fraser University, University of New South Wales, University of Pretoria and University of Sao Paulo. The course also promotes understanding of the USR concept, its implications, impacts, evaluation, implementation methods and replicability. In doing so, the course contributes to the expansion and consolidation of the USR movement. It provides a knowledge base for designing, planning, implementing and evaluating programmes based upon the fundamentals of USR and existing good practices.

Learners are expected to gain a better understanding of the USR concept and its implications, and to observe how USR is materialised in a wide range of activities and social engagement. They will also learn to design, plan, implement and evaluate USR activities, as well as understanding key challenges faced when implementing the activities.

About the University Social Responsibility Network

Established in 2015, the USRN is a global alliance comprising 16 universities unified by one mission, which is to steer global discussion and advocacy for broader social responsibility in higher education. Member institutions believe that universities have an obligation to work together to find solutions to address economic, social and environmental challenges facing the world today, thus making the world more just, inclusive, peaceful and sustainable.

PolyU is one of the USRN’s founding members. The Network Secretariat is currently hosted at the Global Engagement Office of PolyU. Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President, and Ir Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and International Affairs), are Co-Chairs of the USRN Executive Committee.

Course Trailer: https://youtu.be/khLtqxjQgNo
Course Enrollment: https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-to-university-social-responsibility