From Social Responsibility to “Civic University”: The Case of Mariupol State University

Abstract

The essence of the “civic university” as the highest manifestation of the social role of the institution of higher education has been defined and analysed in the article. It has been established that the social mission of the university can have various forms and vectors of practical implementation; they include educational, research, socio-cultural, ethical, economic dimensions, social support of students and employees, development of social dialogue, charity and volunteering, internationalisation.
 The strengthening of the social role of the university in the context of hybrid Russian aggression, large-scale invasion and the need to develop the most effective tools for post-war reconstruction has been analysed using the case of Mariupol State University (MSU). The author has defined and characterised the main spheres of MSU activity, which reflect the practical implementation of the principles of its social responsibility before the beginning of the large-scale invasion. The determinants of the transformation of the interaction of the MSU with the community because of the temporary relocation to the Kyiv have been distinguished. The basic components of the “civic university” in the Strategic Development Plan for 2021-2025 under conditions of relocation in the 2023 edition have been determined, as well as practical steps to implement the chosen mission — “a national leader among pro-social universities, an ambassador of Mariupol in Ukraine and the world.” The activity of the higher education institution in the field of support for representatives of the Mariupol community in the capital and the prospects for the implementation of the “civic university” model has been highlighted.
 On the basis of analysis it has been established that the modern activity of the MSU in the conditions of displacement demonstrates a clear focus on preserving the Mariupol identity, social support of its employees and students, humanitarian support to all internally displaced persons from Mariupol in the capital, conducting various activities aimed at their professional and moral preparing to the return and revival of the de-occupied city, educational activities regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war, popularisation of the experience of the MSU in conditions of displacement.