UTSDGs

【USR】The Good Cycle of "You and I, Together"—Advocacy, Care, and Field Management for Community Sustainability - Auckland Exchange Meeting - "Exploration of Transnational Issues in University Social Responsibility and Curriculum Design"

In the context of globalization, the practice of University Social Responsibility (USR) not only involves local contributions but also requires the expansion of cross-national collaboration. The project team had the privilege of inviting Professor Wan Rongxu and his team from the University of Auckland to jointly explore how universities can deepen the practice of transnational social responsibility issues through innovative curriculum design and field exploration. During the exchange meeting, Professor Rongxu shared Auckland University's advanced experiences and challenges in implementing USR, particularly how to balance local cultural needs with global issues, achieving multi-layered value creation in educational resources. He emphasized that many universities are increasingly integrating curriculum design with social responsibility goals, shifting from traditional teaching models to more participatory learning, allowing students to experience, reflect, and practice in real social settings. Professor Rongxu also highlighted that incorporating international perspectives and cross-cultural elements into curriculum design helps students better understand global issues and sparks innovative thinking from local practices. The project team shared how the "You and I Together" project, based on a diverse range of professional fields, combines expressive arts therapy and psychological health support to enhance community participation and self-management abilities. The project piloted in the Yonghe Minquan community successfully integrated local resources and established a sustainable long-term development model, receiving high recognition from the community residents. In the exchange, both parties discussed how curriculum design can be closely integrated with social fields, such as connecting interdisciplinary teaching methods with community needs, transforming students' classroom learning into practical actions, and promoting deep community engagement and co-creation. Furthermore, regarding the exploration of transnational issues, the project team and Professor Rongxu also discussed ways to deepen the exchange of practical experiences between universities in Taiwan and Auckland through student exchange programs, collaborative research between teachers, and bilateral workshops, while jointly exploring educational strategies that intertwine globalization and localization. During the discussion, Professor Rongxu specifically mentioned that the "You and I Together" project exemplifies the promotion of USR in high-density cities, especially in situations with limited resources. Through collaboration and innovation, it has achieved dual benefits in academic research and social impact. After the meeting, both parties agreed that cross-national dialogue has opened up a broader perspective for the practice of USR and provided more possibilities for curriculum design and field exploration. In the future, the project team hopes to engage in more collaboration with Professor Rongxu, jointly promoting the internationalization of USR and creating a greater positive impact for global and local communities.

Implemented by Center for Teaching and Learning Development
Date: 2024/12/09