1. National service programs and proposals
Costa RicaMrs. Maria de los Angeles Gonzalez
Vice Rector for Social Action
Rodrigo Facio City University Trabajo Communal Universitario (TCU) is an interdisciplinary program in which professors and students join in problem-solving activities with members of the communities where they serve. This arrangement contributes to the well-being of the communities and of Costa Rican society as a whole. TCU integrates the teaching, research, and social action functions of the University. It was instituted in 1974 after the mandate by the Third University Congress. Objectives. The main objectives of TCU are as follows: 1) to raise the social consciousness of future professionals by bringing them into direct contact with their society, 2) to partially reimburse the society for what it has invested in the preparation of its university students, 3) to promote the students' social responsibility so that they will continue to serve throughout their professional careers, and 4) to provide feedback to the University by means of the knowledge and experience acquired through the program. Size. Each year, on average, 1,811 students participate in 74 projects under the guidance of 90 professors. Service in TCU accounts for 300 hours in the study programs leading to a bachelor's degree, and for 150 hours in programs leading to a certificate. Eligibility. Since 1975 all students of the University have been required to participate in TCU before graduation. Before participating in TCU, students must have completed the first half of their program of studies as well as a seminar on social awareness. Students do their TCU work regularly and continuously, and serve in a TCU project for a maximum of 12 months. Procedures. TCU projects must be interdisciplinary, must last no less than three years, must be prepared in accordance with the need for social action and the resources of the University, and must provide feedback to the University. TCU projects are drawn up by the schools of the University in coordination with the Social Action Office. The projects then are approved by the Faculty Council and are sent to the Social Action Office for final approval. Service Activities. The 86 current TCU projects are undertaken in four major areas. In public health the work is mainly preventive and educational and includes projects based on epidemiological research. In general science, the emphasis is on in-service training programs for primary school teachers. In the social sciences, most projects provide technical assistance to the production sector, although some pertain to legal problems and delinquent children. In the fine arts and letters, projects include recreational and educational programs that help preserve traditional values of the region. Links. TCU works closely with both public and private institutions, which oftengive financial and other assistance that complements the work of the students and professors. |