

In the world of “Idle no more,” “Occupy. . . ,” “Me to We” , and where 16 year old Malala Yousafzai addresses the United Nations—what is the role higher education? Of course, there are many valid answers to the question, but for this world a growing response is that liberal arts universities are particularly well placed to facilitate?action?and critical reflection on significant world events.
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The “global village” has replaced the local commons. Our students are not confined to city, provincial, or national borders. In an unprecedented manner their world is beyond borders! A liberal arts university has a responsibility to prepare students to become reflective, active, and responsible citizens of this world!
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The Centre for Responsible Citizenship?is the St. Jerome’s University response to this challenge.
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Solidarity. Alternative Perspectives. Global. Academically centered, Beyond Borders is the capstone experience in international service learning, taking upper year students out of their comfort zone and into the world.
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Social Justice. Dignity. Local. Partnered with local organizations, Beyond U pushes students outside their comfort zone to develop deeper understandings of local development, sustainability, ethics, and democracy through non-profit work.
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Coffee. Equality. Global. A unique two-and-a-half week service learning experience, it is an intensive program for students, exploring issues of common global needs and social justice while working with coffee farmers and a local women’s shelter in Peru.
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Connection. Food Justice. Complexity. Discover. Local. A five-day, for-credit, immersive, experiential learning opportunity that engages students deeply in a social justice issue in the Kitchener-Waterloo community. As an alternative to reading week, Encounter?KW introduces students to community members and organizations that are working to address local social justice issues.
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Coming Together. Community. Minka. Join us for as we unite as a village would, dialoguing about a social justice issue that influences the Kitchener-Waterloo area people. Participate in the conversation around what changes could make a lasting impact.