COLOURS EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY
JDU AT LIBORI FESTIVAL & COLOURS ALLIANCE WORKSHOPS IN PADERBORN
On July 25-27, 2025, the celebration of the Libori festival took place in Paderborn – one of the oldest and largest urban events in Germany, combining religious and cultural traditions and an extensive programme emphasizing the regional character of this event. At the same time, the international workshop of the COLOURS European Universities Alliance was carried out, hosted by the University of Paderborn – the consortium leader. In these events, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa was represented by the Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Internationalisation and a student of German Philology Zofia Piwowarska. The presence of our representatives was possible thanks to the invitation of the Mayor of the city of Paderborn.
During the visit, our representatives took an active part in the COLOURS workshops, the aim of which was to jointly plan a development strategy and identify the key advantages of the partnership of European universities.
Thanks to the special kindness of the hosts and the organisational support of the Mayor of Paderborn, we were able to fully engage in a rich programme of meetings and workshops, developing the international cooperation of JDU.
Thank you very much for the invitation and the extremely inspiring atmosphere!
COLOURS WEEK IN PADERBORN
Universität Paderborn, the leader of the COLOURS European University Alliance, hosted two events attended by representatives of JDU Bartłomiej Kowalik (chief specialist in charge of the Department for International Cooperation), Zofia Piwowarska (second-year student of German Philology) and Grzegorz Witkowski (second-year law student).
From 24 to 26 June, the "Communicating green change" CoLab took place – an event dedicated to the analysis of challenges related to sustainable development and the development of solutions for green transformation. It provided a space for discussion on environmental change, transport and mobility, and the improvement of communication strategies. During the workshops and group work, the participants discussed issues in the field of intercultural communication, marketing, disinformation and current social challenges, and at the end they presented their projects. The next day, the participants of the event visited a local entrepreneur specialising in the medical industry.
The second event was the "Hackathon – COLOURful Impact: Shape Your City", which took place on June 26-28. The main theme of the competition was the development of modern, sustainable urban solutions for the cities of the future. The hackathon was based on the "train-the-trainer" formula, and the participating students and staff gained practical and theoretical knowledge about innovation, while contributing real ideas for cities. The event was organised by the COLOURS Student Forum with the support of the COLOURS Coordination and Support Office. The hackathon combined creative thinking with a practical approach to real-world problems, while offering a taste of cooperation with the business, corporate and administrative sectors – through work on projects inspired by the "Shark Tank" programme and the presence of representatives from the city of Paderborn.
Participation in the Hackathon was a valuable and very developing experience. The selection of speakers allowed for a better understanding of what urban planners and city authorities struggle with and to learn how to solve them. Comments on teamwork, creating project presentations and problem solving also turned out to be extremely important.
The recipients of both events were students, university employees, specialists in the field of business, research, administration and people from all over Europe, and the place of their implementation was the Start-up Campus OWL, Ausblick 1, 33100 Paderborn.
REPRESENTATIVES OF JDU & COLOURS ALLIANCE PARTICIPATE IN THE EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES NETWORK FORUM
On 12-13 June, the University of Wrocław was hosting the European Universities Network Forum. The event was organised as part of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Among the participants of the Forum was a delegation of JDU and the COLOURS Alliance (COLlaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional UniverSities): acting Rector, Vice-Rector for Research prof. Bogusław Przywora, Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Internationalisation prof. Marcin Sosnowski, and the Chief Specialist in charge of the Department for International Cooperation mgr Bartłomiej Kowalik.
The Forum provides a platform for dialogue, exchange of experiences and shaping the future of European higher education. The event brings together academic and administrative representatives of the various networks, representatives of National Agencies, and decision-makers and representatives of public administrations to jointly analyse the key challenges and perspectives facing the European higher education area.
The event was divided into eight discussion sessions:
1. The impact of European Universities alliances and best practices in tackling shared challenges
2. Union of Skills Initiative: Key priorities for European Universities Alliances in shaping the future competitiveness of the EU,
3. The future of European Universities Initiative – paving the way towards sustainable funding,
4. Optimising impact with and for external stakeholders,
5. Parallel sessions: (1) From European University to European Degree, (2) Students in the centre of EUI, (3) Research and innovation dimension,
6. EUI as role model for systemic transformation,
accompanied by numerous networking meetings with representatives of higher education institutions from all over Europe. More information about the event on the website of the University of Wrocław: https://international.uni.wroc.pl/forum-sieci-uniwersytetow-europejskich
COLOURS PROJECT MEETING
On 27-28 May 2025, prof. Olga Binczyk (Faculty of Humanities) and prof. Anna Nowik-Zając (Faculty of Science and Technology) participated in the COLOURS project meeting, which took place at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences in Latvia. The visit was aimed at discussing the progress in the implementation of WP3 tasks and planning the next stages of cooperation within the framework of challenge-based education. The agenda of the meeting included, among others, working sessions, a visit to the MOOC studio and a study trip to the radio telescope in Irbene. Particularly noteworthy was the extraordinary hospitality of the hosts, who took care of the inspiring atmosphere both during official meetings and accompanying events. The exchange of experiences allowed for the deepening of inter-university relations and further strengthening of international cooperation.
More information HERE
JDU STUDENT TOOK PART IN EUROPEAN STUDENT ASSEMBLY IN STRASBOURG
Zofia Piwowarska, a second-year student of German Philology at our University, took part in the European Student Assembly 2025 (ESA25), which took place on May 26-28, 2025 in Strasbourg. The student represented both Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa and the European University COLOURS Alliance together with representatives of COLOURS partner universities from other countries.
My experience with ESA 25 – European Student Assembly:
- On 26/28.05.2025 I had the pleasure to participate in a unique event: European Student Assembly 2025 (ESA25), which took place at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. ESA is an initiative organised as part of the European Universities network, which aims to engage students from all over Europe in a debate on the key challenges facing the European Union. ESA gathers nearly 250 students every year, creating a space for international exchange of views, group work and formulating recommendations for EU institutions. The event takes the form of a simulation of parliamentary proceedings, during which participants – divided into thematic panels – discuss issues such as mental health, sustainable development, artificial intelligence, security, migration policy or housing for young people. The whole thing is preceded by several months of preparation, which includes online meetings, joint work on documents and participation in training.
Participation in ESA 25 gave me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of the functioning of the EU, gain valuable experience in conducting discussions in an international environment, public speaking and critical thinking. This would not have been possible if it had not been for our University's membership in the COLOURS Alliance.
INVITATION TO AN INTERDISCIPLINARY SERIES OF LECTURES ENTITLED "CONCEPTS OF EUROPE FROM AN INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVE"
The Department for International Relations of JDU would like to inform about the invitation from Professor Schreckenberg from the University of Paderborn to participate in an interdisciplinary series of lectures entitled "Concepts of Europe from an interdisciplinary perspective", which will take place in the upcoming winter semester (October 2025 – February 2026).
This course provides a valuable platform to engage with European ideas, values and challenges from the points of view of different disciplines.
The invitation applies to all lecturers and researchers.
The text of the invitation from Professor Schreckenberg is below. If you are interested in participating, please contact Professor Schreckenberg (stefan.schreckenberg@upb.de) directly for further information.
Dear colleagues from COLOURS partner universities!
As every year, the University of Paderborn is offering a course entitled "Concepts of Europe from an Interdisciplinary Perspective" in the upcoming winter semester (October 2025 to early February 2026). This course is aimed at students of the Bachelor's degree in European Studies/Etudes Européennes (a joint programme with Le Mans Université) and the Master's degree programme in Culture and Society/European Studies, but it is also open to all interested parties.
During each session, staff from the University of Paderborn and invited guests will present a topic from their field (history, philology, philosophy, economics, politics, law, music, theology, etc.) that deals with the phenomenon of Europe. The following questions will be discussed from the perspective of different disciplines: which ideas and concepts of Europe are (or, from a historical perspective, have been) relevant to the subject? What trends towards Europeanisation or globalisation can be observed in this subject, perhaps in the context of national perspectives? Are issues such as Eurocentrism, European identity and diversity, European values, alternatives to the European/"Western" model, etc. problematic in your subject?
I would be delighted if we could include the contribution of our COLOURS partner universities in this year's programme. The event will take place on Thursdays from 18:00 to 20:00. The lectures will be held online.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Stefan Schreckenberg
Institute of Romance Studies
University of Paderborn
stefan.schreckenberg@upb.de"
EXPERT MEETING WITHIN THE COLOURS ALLIANCE
On May 12-13, an extremely fruitful meeting of experts from the COLOURS Alliance took place at Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa. The event was attended by representatives of partner universities from Paderborn, Le Mans and Kristianstad, and the other partners joined remotely. These were two days of intensive work and fruitful discussions on the key areas of cooperation within the package: Cooperation without barriers.
The main topic of the meeting was the development of micro-credentials, digital credentials, studies and the process of integration of the Alliance's digital infrastructure – including a common catalogue of courses and connected e-learning platforms for all universities.
A special point of the programme was the lecture by prof. Dorota Piotrowska, Head of the Centre for International Cooperation at Lodz University of Technology, entitled "Empowering Learning Pathways: The Strategic Role of Microcredentials in European Alliances". The presentation familiarised the participants with the importance of micro-events on the scale of European alliences and was repeatedly referred to during the meeting.
The most important achievements of the meeting are:
· Agreement on concrete steps to implement the pilot version of the common course catalogue
· Development of a coherent plan for the implementation and management of digital COLOURS badges at all partner universities
· Clarification of the technical requirements and rules for the management of the COHUB system and related e-learning platforms
· Development of a common position on the role of micro-credentials in creating flexible and accessible learning pathways within the COLOURS Alliance
The meeting created an invaluable space for direct conversations, building trust and better mutual understanding – the foundations of effective cooperation within the COLOURS university community.
We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this event. Special thanks go to the Weimar Excellence Initiative 2024, whose financial support made it possible to organise the meeting.
"HEALTHY AND ACTIVE AGEING IN THE CONTEXT OF COLOURS ALLIANCE: ACTORS AND CHALLENGE"
We cordially invite the whole academic community to participate in the meeting organised by the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) entitled "Healthy and Active Ageing in the context of COLOURS Alliance: actors and challenge".
Date: May 19-20
Venue: Assembly Hall, Toledo University General Hospital
Mode of participation: in person or online (Microsoft Teams)
Registration: registration link (language can be changed in the upper right corner of the page)
More details about the CoLab can be found HERE
"ART SPACES" INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AND "ART THERAPY / ART SPACES" SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM
We are very happy to invite you to participate in the upcoming CoLab and Hackathon event "Art Therapy / Art Spaces", which will take place at Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa on May 29-31 and June 9-15, 2025, organised by the Faculty of Art and the Interdisciplinary Research Centre of Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa.
The event is organised as part of the implementation of tasks specified in the schedule of the "European Universities" project, which brings together 9 Partner Universities in the COLOURS alliance: Paderborn University (Germany) - Alliance leader, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa (Poland), Josip Jurai Strossmayer University in Osijek (Croatia), Le Mans University (France), Kristianstad University (Sweden), University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), University of Ferrara (Italy), University St. Kliment Ohridski - Bitola (North Macedonia) and Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (Latvia).
The aim of the festival is to integrate national and international academic and creative communities, promote young talents, educate through art, present artistic achievements and create a space for debate on the future of artistic education.
Main events of the festival:
- International Artistic Hackathons, i.e. intensive creative competitions that engage students of art faculties from Poland and abroad (also from outside the art academy). They will include:
- Visual Arts Competition: "Dialogue with Space / In the Space of Emotions"
- Musical Interpretation Competition: "Spaces of Interpretation" - Final concert: "Spaces of Emotions"
- Exhibition of large-format works: "Big Size"
The festival will also include the International Scientific Symposium "Art Therapy / Art Spaces". The aim of the symposium will be a multifaceted analysis of challenges, problems and opportunities related to art therapy and to create a space for the exchange of ideas and experiences between theoreticians and practitioners.
Venues:
- Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa
- Social Welfare Home, 2 Kontkiewicza St., Czestochowa
- Konduktorownia – Regional Society for the Encouragement of Fine Arts, 34/36 Piłsudskiego St., Czestochowa
Music Interpretation Competition
REPRESENTATIVES OF VENTSPILS UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES VISIT JDU
On March 31 and April 1, our University was visited by Kristiana Balode, MA and Estere Vitola, MA, from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (Latvia), a partner university within the COLOURS alliance. During the visit, the current tasks of Work Packages 2 and 3, initiatives implemented in cooperation with VUAS, such as the international conference "Beyond Words: (Inter)lingual Reflections in Practice" and the accompanying CoLab (9-10 October 2025), as well as potential areas of joint education, were discussed. On behalf of JDU, the meetings were attended by: Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Internationalisation, prof. Marcin Sosnowski, prof. Elżbieta Pawlikowska-Asendrych, prof. Bożena Woźna-Szcześniak, prof. Małgorzata Kurek, Bartłomiej Kowalik, MA, and prof. Olga Binczyk.
JDU STUDENT WILL TAKE PART IN EUROPEAN STUDENT ASSEMBLY 2025
We are happy to announce that Zofia Piwowarska, a second-year student of German Philology at our University, has qualified to participate in the European Student Assembly 2025 (ESA25), which will take place on May 26-28, 2025 in Strasbourg. The student will represent both Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa and the European University COLOURS Alliance together with representatives of four COLOURS partner universities: Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Paderborn University, University of Ferrara, University of Castilla-La Mancha. When asked why she applied to participate in ESA25, Zofia answered:
- "This is an international conference in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, during which it will be possible to speak about the vision of young people about the future in the European Union.
From among the various panels, I chose the first one called "Mentally (un)stable". In the era of the Internet, rapid development, and thus an excess of stimuli, more and more young people are struggling with mental problems. I would like to contribute to changes that will help us all function better in the environment around us. And to ensure that young people have the chance to enjoy life, to become successful and responsible EU citizens."
Detailed information about the event can be found HERE
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COLOURS PRESENT AT JDU OPEN DAY!
During the JDU Open Day, the representatives of the WP6/11 work package – mgr Klaudia Żurawska and mgr Illia Kulchikovskyi coordinated the stand of the COLOURS Alliance. The stand was located at Armii Krajowej 13/15 and was very popular among the visitors. The participants of the Open Day could obtain information about the Alliance, educational opportunities and exchange programmes for students offered by JDU as part of COLOURS.
The European University Alliance COLOURS is a strategic partnership of European universities, the aim of which is to support international academic cooperation, improve the quality of education and promote the mobility of students and academic staff. Thanks to this initiative, JDU students gain access to modern teaching methods, interdisciplinary study programmes and numerous opportunities for development in an international academic environment. COLOURS, i.e. COLlaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities is an alliance of nine universities from EU countries, whose common feature is a strong commitment to regional development, which, apart from Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, includes: Paderborn University (Germany) - leader, University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), University of Ferrara (Italy), Le Mans University (France), Kristianstad University (Sweden), Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in Osijek (Croatia), University St. Kliment Ohridski Bitola (Macedonia), Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (Latvia).
COLOURS ALLIANCE PRESIDENT VISITS JDU
In response to the invitation of the Rector of Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, prof. Janusz Kapuśniak, and the Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Internationalisation, prof. Marcin Sosnowski, on January 24-25, 2025, our University had the honour to host representatives of the University of Paderborn – the leader of the European University COLORS Alliance, prof. Torsten Meier, President of the COLORS Alliance, Vice-President for International Relations, and dr Katrin Renkwitz, Assistant to the Vice-President for International Relations (International Relations Office).
During the visit, the President of the COLOURS Alliance, prof. Torsten Meier and dr Katrin Renkwitz, met with the authorities of JDU and the JDU COLOURS Team, which includes the coordinators of individual Work Packages, staff of the Foreign Language Study Centre, as well as students and doctoral students representing our University within the COLOURS Alliance.
During the meeting, the activities and key aspects of cooperation within the work packages, as well as the activities of the Foreign Language Study Centre of JDU as part of the COLOURS Language Centres were summarised. The objectives achieved so far and the effects of joint initiatives carried out by the Alliance partners were discussed. Plans for 2025 were also presented, which include the development of new educational initiatives, the organisation of international events (including another CoLAB) and the intensification of cooperation between partner universities.
Our guests also took part in the ceremonial inauguration of the "Lectures at Długosz's" series. This event included an inaugural lecture by prof. Jerzy Bralczyk entitled "On the Limits of the Language" and an evening concert at the Częstochowa Philharmonic, during which world premieres of works composed by the staff of the Department of Music of JDU were presented.
The visit of the representatives of the University of Paderborn was extremely fruitful and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in the development of education and science.
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INVITE YOUR STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE STUDENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARATHON!
The University of Le Mans and the Pays de la Loire Pépite is pleased to invite your students to the Student Entrepreneurship Marathon to be held on Tuesday 21 January 2025 at Le Mans University.
This event offers students the opportunity to learn about creating entrepreneurial projects by working in multi-disciplinary teams throughout the day. Guided by practical workshops (creativity, business model canvas, art of the pitch), participants will be able to explore entrepreneurial methodology and develop valuable cross-disciplinary skills.
Why encourage your students to take part?
They will have the opportunity to put themselves in the shoes of entrepreneurs and come up with innovative solutions in response to a given theme.
They will help to solve local problems while learning about local issues.
They will develop their collaborative working and project management skills.
They will become acculturated to tools and concepts linked to the structuring and creation of entrepreneurial projects.
This experience will enrich their career path and enhance essential qualities such as creativity, adaptability, public speaking and much more.
They will be able to expand their network by meeting other students and inspiring professionals.
And of course, they'll have the chance to win prizes!
VIRTUAL JOURNEY WEEK
On Friday, the International Virtual Journey Week organised by the Foreign Language Study Centre, which lasted from 18.11 to 22.11.2024, came to an end. It was a cultural and educational event, bringing together 9 European universities as part of the COLOURS Alliance. The aim of the meeting was to take a multifaceted look at the activities of partner universities, especially in the context of international exchange, to learn about the culture of given countries and university cities. Daily meetings have been diversified with mini language courses.
The “live" meetings were attended by nearly 200 students of JDU, several participants of the Erasmus + programme and a large group of academic lecturers together with representatives of the authorities of our University. At the same time, both our students and partner countries participated in multimedia online activities on the BloomHub platform.
FLSC together with the JDU students had the pleasure to act as a host, presenting our University, the city and the region, as well as the culture and customs of Poland. In a nice and cheerful international atmosphere, we spent time with Polish delicacies and music.
According to the statistical data presented by the COLOURS partners, students and staff of JDU showed the highest percentage result of participation in the event, which proves the great commitment of our academic community and the need to organise initiatives of a similar nature.
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"HEALTHY DIET FOR CHILDREN" INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE
The International Conference "Healthy Diet for Children" organised by Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa as part of the implementation of the tasks specified in the schedule of the "European Universities" project, which brings together 9 Partner Universities in the COLOURS alliance: Paderborn University (Germany) - Alliance leader, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa (Poland), Josip Jurai Strossmayer University in Osijek (Croatia), Le Mans University (France), Kristianstad University (Sweden), University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), University of Ferrara (Italy), University St. Kliment Ohridski - Bitola (North Macedonia) and Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (Latvia) ended yesterday.
The event was held under the Honorary Patronage of the Minister of Health, the Ministry of National Education, the Ombudsman for Children and the Mayor of the City of Częstochowa.
The aim of the Conference, which was a multifaceted analysis of the challenges and problems faced by children and adolescents in the field of following a balanced diet, was fully achieved. Nine speeches and an expert panel discussed various aspects of healthy eating, social systems and practices that shape the perception of children and adolescents, their parents and caregivers in the environment, while defining the adverse situation experienced by people on a diet.
The organisers hope that the interdisciplinary nature of the discussions among experts on changes in the area of social approach to people who follow a diet will contribute to reflection not only at the national but also at the international level.
Among the invited guests were representatives of the legislative authority, educational institutions, the Polish Society of Food Technologists, the Polish Society of Dietetics, non-governmental organisations (the Polish Association of People with Celiac Disease and on a Gluten-Free Diet, the "Premium Foods" and "Learn Health" Foundations), as well as a dietician, clinical dietician, paediatrician, researchers from both our University and the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, as well as practitioners and theoreticians dealing with the broadly understood subject of healthy eating. The event was also attended by numerous business partners and external stakeholders, who supported the event with their substantive knowledge and experience. The event was accompanied by practical workshops, including field workshops, organised by fruit growers: Szymon Wierus (Owocowa Przystań" – a family farm with tradition), and Jerzy Halaba (Orchards with a heart), as well as teachers and students of the Secondary School and the No. 37 "Montessorki.pl" Kindergarten in Częstochowa.
It is worth noting that the entire event was interpreted simultaneously and consecutively by JDU interpreters, in cooperation with the Legwan company from Łódź.
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FIRST COLOURS CONFERENCE
The JDU's partner university, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, was the organiser of the first conference of the COLOURS (COLlaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities) European University. The event took place in Osijek (Croatia) on October 23-25, 2024.
Among the participants of the conference were representatives of students, PhD students and staff of nine COLOURS partner universities, associated partners, including Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University (Ukraine), and other institutions/organisations cooperating with the Alliance. The team of Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa composed of:
dr hab. inż. Marcin Sosnowski, prof. UJD, Vice-Rector for Cooperation & Internationalisation
dr hab. Piotr Rychter, prof. UJD, Head of the Interdisciplinary Scientific and Research Centre
dr Olga Binczyk, prof. UJD, Vice-Dean for Education and Student Affairs, Faculty of Humanities
dr Małgorzata Kurek, prof. UJD, Institute of Linguistics
mgr Bartłomiej Kowalik, Chief Specialist of the Department for International Cooperation
mgr Anna Tarnowska, Facutly of Art & JDU Doctoral School
lic. Julia Polak, student representative, Faculty of Science & Technology
The conference was of a hybrid nature. In addition to the participation in the above-mentioned activities, there was an opportunity to join selected session online by representatives of individual COLOURS working teams.
On October 23, an important event took place – Field Study, devoted to smart specialisations in IT and digital transformation. Our representatives had the opportunity to learn about innovative technological solutions and participate in the exchange of experiences with partners from all over Europe. The conference participants met with representatives of Jabil Inc., a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics solutions, and BIOS Business Incubator, a leading business incubator supporting startups and SMEs in Osijek.
The official opening of the conference with the participation of invited guests and speakers, including the authorities of the COLOURS university and the associated partners of the Alliance, took place on October 24. The programme of the event included:
A discussion panel in the form of a debate with representatives of the COLOURS External Advisory Board and students representing universities that are part of the Alliance.
Singing the "We are the COLOURS" anthem.
Workshops on key topics for our Universities, for example, changes in the behaviour of food consumers, the future of education in the context of advanced materials, learning entrepreneurship among students.
Meeting with representatives of other European Universities alliances: YUFE, EU-Conexus, EDUC. COLOURS Convention – an event summarising the activities carried out in the first 10 months of the Alliance's operation.
A day later, on October 25, meetings of individual COLOURS working groups were held: CIO Leads Meeting, Student Forum Meeting, CoSpace Officers Meetings, Language Centres Meeting, WP Leads + CoLeads Meeting, International Officers' Meeting, Student Chief Ambassadors Meeting, Steering Committee. In between sessions, participants could visit "creative stands", where representatives of partner universities presented innovative, practical and ingenious solutions to everyday challenges:
Future of Hydrogen
Crazy Challenge: Solve a challenge with impossible materials
Mishmash Booth
Step into Tomorrow: Feel Aging in Action
COLOURS Students Cuisine
Colourful Linguistic Diversity: Let's Put Positive Words Together!
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF COLOURS ALLIANCE AT JDU
In response to the invitation of the Rector of Jan Dlugosz University, prof. Janusz Kapuśniak, from 13 to 16 October 2024, dr Annette Klinkert (Universität Paderborn), Managing Director of the COLOURS European University Alliance, was a guest of Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa. On October 14, dr Klinkert took part in the "Together in the EU" Forum, as part of the Festival of European Knowledge and Culture, as an expert on the panel on the European Universities initiative. People directly involved in building and running European Universities were invited to participate in the discussion:
- EUNICE, Poznan University of Technology (leader), represented by the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, prof. Mariusz Głąbowski;
- EU4Dual, Koszalin University of Technology, represented by the Vice-Rector for Education and Student Affairs, prof. Krzysztof Wasilewski;
- Challenge. EU, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, represented by the Rector's Plenipotentiary for the European University, prof. Paweł Wielgosz;
- COLOURS, represented by dr Annette Klinkert (Universität Paderborn);
- KreativEU, Opole University of Technology, represented by the Vice-Rector for Cooperation, dr inż. Aneta Kucińska-Landwójtowicz.T
The panel was chaired by prof. prof. Marcin Sosnowski, the Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Internationalisation of JDU.
On October 15, dr Klinkert met with the authorities of Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa and the JDU COLOURS project team, which includes the coordinators of individual Work Packages, representatives of the COLOURS office of the European University at JDU, and students and doctoral students representing JDU in the COLOURS Student Forum.
PARTICIPATION IN EUROPEAN STUDENT AMBASSADOR FORUM
On September 12-14, 2024, third-year law student Oliwia Pierzgalska represented COLOURS students at the European Student Ambassador Forum (EUSAF), which took place at the Warsaw School of Economics. It was the first event of its kind, bringing together student representatives from more than 40 European University Alliances (EUAs). The Forum's focus was on the challenges, opportunities and future of higher education in Europe.
The Forum discussed the challenges faced by the European University Alliances and how the alliances can better respond to the changing needs of students and society. Particular attention was paid to the topic of accessibility and development of alliances, as well as the involvement of students in the decision-making process at universities.
During the poster session, projects were awarded that particularly showed how students can make positive changes and influence the development of international cooperation. During the workshops, ideas for initiatives that can increase students' participation in academic life and for new forms of supporting their professional and personal development were exchanged.
One of the main conclusions was the need to strengthen cooperation between alliances and to support students as partners in the process of shaping university policies and alliances. It was also emphasized that it is crucial to be open to international partnerships, which can lead to the creation of innovative projects and joint initiatives.
Despite the end of the Forum, work on recommendations continues. The next online meeting will be dedicated to summarising the discussion and developing guidelines for all European University Alliances to strengthen their role in shaping the future of higher education in Europe.
MEETING WITH VICE-PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS OF COLOURS ALLIANCE AT JDU
On September 16, 2024, a meeting of the European University COLOURS project team with the Vice-President for Student Affairs of the COLOURS project, Nicolas Thieffry, was held at the University.
The aim of the meeting was to present good practices, tools to facilitate communication and cooperation between students involved in the COLOURS project. Mr. Nicolas presented solutions that can help JDU students actively participate in the activities of the COLOURS Alliance, but also support them in cooperation with students from other partner universities of the COLORS Alliance.
Among these proposals, we have, for example, the COLOURS Handbook for students, which should help to present and promote the COLOURS Alliance among students at our university. The structure of the COLOURS Student Forum was also presented at the meeting, as well as the activities that are carried out by students.
DURING THE MEETING OF THE COLOURS UNIVERSITY ALLIANCE IN SPAIN
On July 17-19, 2024 in Tragacete (Cuenca, Spain), as part of the COLOURS alliance of the European University, a meeting of people responsible for organising and launching CoSpaces, i.e. a space for cooperation in the field of research and innovation, was held. They will initiate the so-called CoLABs on specific issues correlated with the needs of individual regions, in which representatives of companies and institutions, local authorities, civil society, as well as University staff and students will participate. For the latter, student hecathons will also be organised and a student entrepreneurship centre will be launched, where students will not only receive substantive support and mentoring, but also the opportunity to finance the implementation of the most creative initiatives.
The meeting in Tragacete was organised by the University of Castilla La Mancha and was set up as a space for dialogue on demographic challenges in rural areas. Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa was represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Science & Technology prof. Marcin Sosnowski and prof. Piotr Rychter.
Later this calendar year, a similar meeting will be organised by our University. It will cover crucial topics for our region. We will keep you posted on the details of this event.
INTRODUCTORY MEETING TO EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY COLOURS PROJECT
On March 18-19, Universität Paderborn – UPB (Germany), the leader of the European University COLOURS Alliance (COLlaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities), hosted representatives of COLOURS partner universities and associated partners of the Alliance from Croatia, France, Spain, Latvia, North Macedonia, Poland, Sweden and Italy. It was the first on-site meeting of the consortium after the project application was qualified for funding, and its aim was to introduce the project and integrate the partners. The event was attended by JDU delegation: prof. Janusz Kapuśniak (Vice-Rector for Research & International Relations), prof. Marcin Sosnowski (Dean of the Faculty of Science & Technology), prof. Piotr Rychter (Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Science and Research ICNB), prof. Joanna Górna (Head of the University of the Third Age), dr Olga Binczyk (Vice-Dean for Student and Didactic Affairs of the Faculty of Humanities), prof. Małgorzata Kurek (Institute of Linguistics), dr Rafał Głębocki (Department of Contemporary Security Problems), mgr Bartłomiej Kowalik (Department for Research & International Relations), mgr Anna Tarnowska (President of the PhD Student Government), and Julia Polak (Deputy Chairman of the University Student Government Council).
The agenda of the event included both plenary sessions and meetings of international working groups (Work Packages) devoted to summarizing the activities of the project so far and setting plans for the coming months, trips around the city and the UPB campus, as well as numerous opportunities for networking.
On the first day of the meeting, representatives of the authorities of the partner universities were invited to a meeting with the President of the Universität Paderborn, Prof. Dr. Birgitt Riegraf, and then, together with the student representatives, went to meet the Mayor of the City of Paderborn, Mr. Michael Dreier, at the Town Hall. Our university was represented by prof. Janusz Kapuśniak, prof. Marcin Sosnowski and mgr Anna Tarnowska.
The launch ceremony of the COLOURS project took place on Monday at the UPB campus. Among the invited guests was Julia Désirée Eisentraut, Member of the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia, who gave a speech on "Science, Freedom and Democracy: COLOURful Research and Innovation in a World of Transformation".
During the ceremonial part of the event, three discussion panels were also organised with the participation of the authorities and students of COLOURS partner universities, which were attended by representatives of the University: prof. Janusz Kapuśniak (panel entitled "COLOURS as a Driver of Change in Regional Innovation Ecosystems") and mgr Anna Tarnowska (panel "Expectations, Challenges and the Role of Students in the COLOURS Alliance"). The discussion was moderated by dr Annette Klinkert, Managing Director of the COLOURS Alliance. The event was graced by a saxophone concert by Ulrich Lettermann, an academic of UPB, and the presentation and singing of the COLOURS anthem "We Are the COLOURS!".
After the official part of the meeting, the partners met at the "Market Square", where COLOURS member universities presented their institutions, cities and regions at special stands. There was also a culinary aspect and delicacies from different parts of Europe.
We would like to thank our associated partners, institutions and companies from the region for their support in the preparation of the stand and for providing information and promotional materials and food products, including:
Częstochowa City Hall https://www.czestochowa.pl/
Marshal's Office of the Silesian Voivodeship https://www.slaskie.pl/
Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Częstochowa https://www.riph.eu/
Makarony Babuni Ryszard Kaczorowski http://www.eko-mak.eu/
Regional Association of Beekeepers in Częstochowa https://rzpcz.pl/
"Społem" PSS "Jedność" in Częstochowa https://spolemczestochowa.pl/
„Sady z Sercem" Jerzy Halaba http://sadyzsercem.pl/
During Market Square, we also treated the participants to cookies prepared by students of dietetics of JDU.
At the end of the event, on the second day of the meeting, working meetings with the coordinators of individual modules were held, addressed to representatives of COLOURS Implementation Offices, WP Leads, CoSpace Officers – a meeting led by prof. Marcin Sosnowski, International Relations Offices and Student Representatives.
COLOURS KICK-OFF MEETING AT PADERBORN UNIVERSITY, GERMANY
On March 18-19, a delegation of JDU, headed by the Vice-Rector for Research & International Relations, prof. Janusz Kapuśniak, participates in the introductory meeting of the Alliance of European Universities COLOURS, which takes place at the University of Paderborn (Germany) as the leader of the alliance. On March 18 (Monday) from 16:00 to 18:00, part of the event was also broadcast live.
More information available HERE
COLOURS EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY’S OFFICE
Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, as a beneficiary of the EU programme entitled European Universities, cooperates intensively with 8 European universities. On 1 February 2024, the Office of the COLOURS European University was launched within the structure of the Department for Research & International Relations, whose tasks include: coordinating the work of the Alliance, cooperating with representatives of working groups (Work Packages) at JDU and partner universities, and representing the University and the Alliance at the international arena. The person in charge of the office is the Senior International Cooperation Specialist, Institutional Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Programme, Bartłomiej Kowalik, MA. The office is located in room 142 (first floor), Waszyngtona 4/8.
The name of the consortium COLOURS is an acronym derived from the words COLlaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities. The COLOURS alliance brings together 9 universities from different parts of Europe with approx. 126,000 students and over 12,000 employees. Full members of the Alliance are: Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, Josip Jurai Strossmayer University of Osijek (Croatia), Le Mans University (France), Kristianstad University (Sweden), Paderborn University (Germany) - consortium leader, University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), University of Ferrara (Italy), University St. Kliment Ohridski - Bitola (North Macedonia), Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (Latvia). The total amount of EU funding for the project is over EUR 14 million.
CONFERENCE OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES OF EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES
From 7 December to 10 December, the first Conference of Student Representatives of European Universities took place in Coimbra, Portugal.
In the context of participation in the conference, the main objective was to obtain relevant information on the challenges of student representation at the European level. This meeting was an excellent opportunity to share experiences and proposals for solutions that have the potential to be used as part of the participation of JDU in the COLOURS consortium.
Organised by ESU (European Student's Union), the Conference provides a platform for the development of student representation at the European level. It acts as a consultative body, integrating the views of student representatives from different academic alliances.
During the ESU Conference, key topics related to the social dimension, student representation, mobility, funding and quality assurance of teaching from the perspective of students were discussed. Discussions were also held on maintaining continuity and involvement of student communities of individual universities in the context of the consortia to which they belong. Lack of continuity may lead to the loss of important knowledge and a decrease in engagement within partner universities. This poses a real threat to all Consortia.
The ESU Conference acts as a consultative body within the ESU structures. Its role includes consulting on policy documents related to the European Universities Initiative and other transnational initiatives in the field of higher education. It is planned to set up working groups within the Conference, focusing on areas such as quality assurance, funding and democratic representation of students.
In the future, subsequent conferences will be attended by people representing the entire student community, not only of Jan Dlugosz University, but of all members of the COLOURS consortium. This means that through the Student Forum, which will be created as part of the Alliance, students of member universities will have the opportunity to influence the legislature of higher education at the European level.
The representative of the COLOURS Alliance at the conference was a JDU student Aleksander Frymus.
PARTNERS OF COLOURS ALLIANCE MEET IN CZESTOCHOWA
Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa is hosting the Partners implementing the COLOURS project together with our University. The opening ceremony took place on November 13, 2023 in the "Auditorium Maximum". The participants of the meeting were welcomed by: prof. dr Anna Wypych-Gawrońska, Rector of Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, prof. dr Janusz Kapuśniak, Vice-Rector for Research & International Relations of Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa and the initiator of the JDU's accession to the consortium and the chairman of the team of University staff members preparing the application for EU status, Stefan Schwan, Head of the International Relations Office of Paderborn University (project leader, Germany), prof. dr Jerzy Buzek, Member of the European Parliament, former President of the European Parliament, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland and Piotr Grzybowski, Deputy Mayor of Częstochowa.
- The COLOURS project is of great importance for the whole Europe, which strives for innovation and transformation in many areas – says prof. dr Jerzy Buzek. - By acting together, universities can contribute to the development and implementation of innovative solutions.
- I am extremely glad that we have been able to start the project and obtain the honourable status of the European University, - emphasizes prof. dr Anna Wypych-Gawrońska, Rector of Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa. - This is an opportunity for the University, but also a development of cooperation between our partners from Częstochowa and from the cities and regions represented by our foreign partners. We hope that we will be able to create permanent bonds of cooperation that will pay off in the years to come.
- This is a great opportunity to internationalise our University and make it even more open to Europe, - explains prof. dr Janusz Kapuśniak. - We hope that the COLOURS project and the status of the European University will have an influence on this process and will have a lasting impact on the exchange of students and staff. We hope that the project will allow us together with our partners to develop innovative solutions, which will be implemented in many areas of business.
The partner meeting at the University of Częstochowa is aimed at organising plenary sessions and workshops devoted to individual Work Packages. Further organisational and substantive issues related to the establishment of a joint European University will be discussed.
COLOURS, i.e. COLlaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities, is an alliance of nine universities from EU countries, whose common feature is a strong commitment to the development of the regions, which, apart from Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, includes: Paderborn University (Germany) - leader, University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), University of Ferrara (Italy), Le Mans University (France), Kristianstad University (Sweden), Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in Osijek (Croatia), University St. Kliment Ohridski Bitola (Macedonia), Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (Latvia).
The project will start in January 2024.
Media about the event:
- Radio Fiat
- Radio Katowice
- Dziennik Zachodni
- Życie Częstochowy i Powiatu
COLOURS EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY - MEETING WITH RECTOR AND CHANCELLOR AUTHORITIES
On October 18, in the Auditorium Maximum, a meeting of the Rector and Chancellor Authorities of Jan Dlugosz University with the University employees was held. The main topic of the meeting was the activities planned at the University for the year 2023/2024, in particular the objectives of the European University COLOURS project, which will be implemented by the JDU community in the years 2024-2027.
The JDU European University COLOURS project team, chaired by the Vice-Rector for Research and International Relations, Prof. Janusz Kapuśniak, presented the structure and action plans of the Alliance. The agenda of the meeting consisted of the following parts:
Introduction to the project by the Vice-Rector for Research and International Relations
What are "European Universities"?
The COLOURS project in numbers
The Alliance's vision and key objectives
Implementation of the project in practice – during which all Work packages were discussed, i.e. packages within which international project teams will cooperate
The Alliance's plans for the coming months, including the organisation of a meeting of the entire consortium in Częstochowa in November this year, discussion
The persons responsible for the presentation of individual Work Packages were the employees of the University: WP1 Consortium management and decision-making – Bartłomiej Kowalik, MA (Department for Research and International Relations), WP2/7 Cooperation without barriers – dr Rafał Głębocki (Faculty of Science and Technology), WP3/8 Open education and challenge-based education – dr Olga Binczyk (Faculty of Humanities), WP4/9 Research and innovation based on regional challenges – prof. Marcin Sosnowski (Faculty of Science and Technology), WP5/10 Equality, diversity and inclusion – prof. Joanna Górna, (Faculty of Social Sciences), WP6/11 Communication, dissemination of information and increasing visibility – Illia Kulchikovskyi, MA (Department for Research and International Relations).
ASSOCIATED PARTNERS OF COLOURS ALLIANCE MEET AT JDU
On October 10, a meeting of the JDU European University COLOURS project team with the Associated Partners of the Alliance was held at the University's premises. The aim of the meeting was to introduce the Associated Partners to the project, who will be the Alliance's collaborators in regional innovation ecosystems, combining open innovation, challenge-based learning and impact-oriented research with regional smart specialisations.
The event was opened by the Rector of Jan Dlugosz University, Prof. Anna Wypych-Gawrońska, after which the Vice-Rector for Research and International Relations, Prof. Janusz Kapuśniak, introduced the participants to the subject of the meeting. The agenda of the meeting consisted of the following parts:
What are "European Universities"?
The COLOURS project in numbers,
The Alliance's vision and key objectives,
Implementation of the project in practice – during which all Work packages were discussed, i.e. packages within which international project teams will cooperate,
The Alliance's plans for the coming months, including the organisation of a meeting of the entire consortium in Częstochowa in November this year, discussion
The persons responsible for the presentation of individual Work Packages were the employees of the University: WP1 Consortium management and decision-making – Bartłomiej Kowalik, MA (Department for Research and International Relations), WP2/7 Cooperation without barriers – dr Rafał Głębocki (Faculty of Science and Technology), WP3/8 Open education and challenge-based education – dr Olga Binczyk (Faculty of Humanities), WP4/9 Research and innovation based on regional challenges – prof. Marcin Sosnowski (Faculty of Science and Technology), WP5/10 Equality, diversity and inclusion – prof. Joanna Górna, (Faculty of Social Sciences), WP6/11 Communication, dissemination of information and increasing visibility – Illia Kulchikovskyi, MA (Department for Research and International Relations).
Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa has invited the largest number of associated partners among all consortium members, which include (in alphabetical order) – together with representatives of the listed below institutions present at the meeting:
Regional Development Agency in Czestochowa:
Marcin Kozak, Chairman
Public Library of Czestochowa:
Beata Grzanka, Director
Oczami Brata Foundation:
Paweł Bilski, Chairman
Jurajski Agro Fresh Park S.A.:
Monika Pohorecka, Vice-Chairwoman
Robert Leciński, Vice-Chairman
Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University
Municipal Art Gallery in Częstochowa:
Anna Paleczek-Szumlas, Director
Czestochowa Museum:
Katarzyna Ozimek, Director
Monika Świerczewska, Head of Education and Exhibitions Department
Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Czestochowa:
Monika Wawrzyniak-Czaińska, President
Marta Krawczyk, Training Specialist
Regional Organisation of Employers in Czestochowa:
District Office in Czestochowa:
Nina Ślusarek, Sub-Inspector, Department of Education, Health, Culture, Sport and Promotion of the District
“Emigrant" Association:
Koryun Saakyan, Chairman
Auxilio Venire Social Work Association:
prof. Mariola Mirowska, Chairwoman
Czestochowa City Hall:
Piotr Grzybowski, Deputy Mayor of Czestochowa
Aleksander Wierny, Head of the Information and Communication Department
COLOURS ALLIANCE MEETING IN KRISTIANSTAD
On September 11-12 in Kristianstad (Sweden) the first stationary meeting of the COLOURS team, European Universities initiative, took place, once the Alliance project proposal had been selected for funding. The event was organised by the partner university, Kristianstad University. The meeting was attended by JDU representatives:
- Prof. Janusz Kapuśniak, Vice-Rector for Research and International Relations
- Prof. Marcin Sosnowski, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology
- dr Rafał Głębocki, Faculty of Science and Technology
- Bartłomiej Kowalik, MA, Department for Research and International Relations
and other universities that are part of the Alliance, which, apart from Kristianstad University, include: Josip Juraj Strossmayer University Osijek (Croatia), University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), University St Kliment Ohridski Bitola (North Macedonia), Paderborn University (Germany) - consortium leader, University of Ferrara (Italy). A novelty introduced during the event was the hybrid nature of the meeting, which enabled participation in meetings not only in a stationary form, but also online – from their home centres, which was used by other members of the COLOURS team from JDU.
During the plenary sessions and workshops devoted to individual Work Packages, organisational and substantive issues related to the creation of a common European University were discussed. The event was also an ideal opportunity for numerous networking meetings, including with representatives of business and local governments, which include Krinova – Incubator and Science park and Kristianstad Municipality.
The contract with the European Commission is expected to be signed in October this year, and the implementation of the project will start in January 2024. The next meeting of the entire Alliance in November this year will be organised by Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa.
European Universities - COLOURS 2.0
The JDU representatives of academics and students participated in a meeting organised by Le Mans University related to the initiative of European Universities. Together with partners from several universities, such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden and Croatia, our University will apply for the competition with a project with the acronym COLOURS 2.0. It will be an alliance of European universities strongly involved in the development of the regions they represent. This initiative will promote joint educational programmes in international and interdisciplinary teams in the field of research and innovation, in cooperation with local external stakeholders.
Date added: 01 April 2024