Connected and Engaged: Hints for Building Stronger and More Inclusive Academic Communities – Online Session

On 12 June, from 11:00 to 13:00, we invite employees, active students and representatives of organisations and entities cooperating with European higher education institutions to join a two-hour online session featuring two webinars focused on building engaged academic communities and creating inclusive environments for participation and action. Participants will gain fresh perspectives, practical tools, and concrete examples to apply in their own academic contexts.

The sessions will be based on conclusions and experiences gained during the over two-year international project UNICOMM. More than 700 people from all over Europe took part in the project activities!

Join us to explore new ways of fostering belonging, trust, and meaningful collaboration in higher education. You will also learn where to find further resources and tips.

Participants will receive online certificates of participation in the event.

When: 12 June, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, CET
Where: ZOOM Platform, online

Organiser: University of Warsaw – Volunteer Centre UW, UNICOMM Project coordinator

How to join?
Fill out a short form by 4 June, 2025:
https://uw-edu-pl.zoom.us/meeting/register/-g7vHp7fRsG5XCAjIAkxbw

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required

Agenda and webinars description

 Introduction  

  •  A few words about the UNICOMM Project

 Webinar 1

  • Stronger Together: Peer Coaching as a Tool for Enhancing Engagement
    Małgorzata Wiśniewska, the Volunteer Centre of the University of Warsaw

    How can we foster real connection within academic communities? In this session, we will explore the Peer Coaching Group (PCG) method — a structured yet flexible approach that empowers students and staff to learn from one another, build trust, and co-create meaningful change on campus. Drawing on practical experience and proven facilitation techniques, we will share how PCGs can become a powerful tool for developing belonging, agency, and sustained collaboration in higher education settings.

    Whether you are working with student groups, academic teams, or broader university networks, this webinar will offer fresh insights, concrete examples, and space for reflection on what it takes to truly engage a community.


 Webinar 2

  • Creating Spaces for Student Participation: Practical Insights and Hints
    Miriam Kołak, the Volunteer Centre of the University of Warsaw
    Marharyta Ispravnikova, the University of Warsaw actively engaged student

    How can we create spaces in academic settings where everyone feels invited to participate, be engaged and build a sense of belonging? In this session, we will explore lessons from the UNICOMM Project focused on strengthening academic communities.

    Based on hands-on experience and selected practices from the UNICOMM HintBook, we will look at what it takes to foster trust, openness, and inclusion—especially in diverse and dynamic university environments. Through stories, tools, and concrete examples, we will explore how to create the conditions for deeper community engagement.

    This webinar is for anyone interested in creating more supportive academic spaces—whether in classrooms, student groups, or university initiatives.


 Final

  •  Q&A and interactive summary

The UNICOMM Project is coordinated by the University of Warsaw in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences of Upper Austria, Palacky University in Olomouc and the European Students’ Union within the Erasmus+ programme.
More info: https://wolontariat.uw.edu.pl/unicomm/

For questions or further information, please contact: wolontariat@uw.edu.pl

See you at our event!


Unicomm Project is co-funded by the European Union
Project number:  2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000086907