Examples of Good Practice from Pontifical Salesian University

This example refers to the practice of the faculty of education where Professor Guglielmo Malizia is lecturing to offer a four days’ introduction at the beginning of the academic year to first year students. His faculty is an international one where 60% of the 700 students are Italian, but the other 40% come from about 30 different countries. Therefore, it is fundamental to create a climate of tolerance, respect, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, cooperation and solidarity from the beginning.

The first day is dedicated to reciprocal knowledge especially through group dynamics. In the second day, the dean illustrates the general study organization of the faculty and the secretary of the university explains the regulations regarding the university and the faculty. In the third day, faculty of various specializations present the various curricula and start preparing with the students their personal plan of studies. The fourth day is all in the hands of the representatives of the students. Moreover, it is dedicated to the visit of the premises of the university and of the faculty and the students are accompanied by students of advanced courses and meet the heads of the various departments in their place of work. The evaluation of the initiative has always been positive.

During the first year, two other one day meetings are offered to the first year students according to their specializations and they can discuss their problems and make their proposals together with the students of other courses and their professors.

This page is part of a series of Examples of Good Practice.