To continue the cooperation started in 2023 by Oleksandr Cherevko, Rector of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy, and Andrzej Sokala, Rector of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland, a delegation from BKNUC took part in the “Student and Staff Well-being Days”, organized by Polish colleagues.

The university was represented by Vice-Rector for Scientific and Innovation Activities, Oleksandr Spriahailo, Head of the International Relations Office, Oleksandra Demianenko, and Director of the Educational-Scientific Centre for Mental Health, Yulia Sidenko.

The participants from Ukraine were welcomed by Vice-Rector for International Relations, Professor Magdalena Barwiołek, Head of the International Relations Office, Karol Mojkowski, Specialists of the Erasmus+ Office, Natalia Przytarska and Paulina Lewandowska.

Within the framework of the three-day program, a number of activities aimed at exchanging experience in creating an environment in universities that is conducive to students and staff, as well as conditions and opportunities for supporting their psychological well-being, were provided. Participants were introduced to the directions of international cooperation of Nicolaus Copernicus University under EU programs, the successful experience of the transformation of the university library, as well as the work of the university’s Erasmus+ Office, the Copernican Integration Centre, the Institute of Psychology, the University Centre for Support and Personal Development, and visited the recreation areas of the university.

One of the events within the “Student and Staff Well-being Days” was the Career Orientation Week for 150 students participating in the incoming semester mobility program at Nicolaus Copernicus University from 24 countries (including students of Ukrainian higher education institutions). Professor of International Public Law Michał Balcerzak gave an introductory lecture to the participants.

“Communication and exchange of practices, methods, experience, and knowledge guide scientific and pedagogical staff and students toward creating new powerful collaborative projects of scientific and applied research. And what is quite important is that it opens the way for young researchers to the integration of national and European education, joint humanitarian research and their implementation in Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy for the development of the potential of the university and the entire Cherkasy region,” says Oleksandra Demianenko.

Oleksandr Spriahailo is sure that in today’s world, the development of education and science is impossible without deepening internationalization. He noted:

“Particularly important are the prospects for the implementation of integrated educational and PhD programs, as well as joint scientific projects, which, thanks to the amalgamation of multinational experience, will allow finding the best solutions related to globalization, technological changes, security challenges, and social transformations. At Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy, we strive to create such an environment where everyone can realize their potential, choosing the best practices from around the world, and thus form a new generation of professionals ready to work in an international context.

In total, 28 representatives from 9 Ukrainian partner universities of Nicolaus Copernicus University were invited to participate in the “Student and Staff Well-being Days”, namely Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Lviv Polytechnic National University, National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics, Ukrainian Catholic University, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University.

The International Relations Office