ERASMUS CHARTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION 2021-2027

The College of Sports and Health (CSH) realizes its mission in the field of science, education and knowledge transfer in accordance with a system of values that is generally accepted in developed European countries. It applies the academic standards established by international agreements signed and ratified by the Republic of Serbia. By implementing unified European standards and acting in accordance with the good and commonly accepted practice of European countries, the CSH removes obstacles that prevent or impede the exchange of information, ideas, knowledge, people and resources in a unified Europe and thereby confirms its determination to be an open European higher education institution (HEI).

The CSH has awareness of social responsibility and all activities are in line with international standards. Particular attention is paid to each of the seven principles of social responsibility: reliability, transparency, ethical action, respect for local authorities, the rule of law, international norms of treatment and human rights.

When selecting its partners, the CSH focuses on HEIs with a similar curriculum, with the aim of simplifying and accelerating the mobility of employees and students. Priorities in international cooperation are the leading EU and Western Balkans HEIs which would provide a valuable insight into new approaches and good practice, and which would benefit the most from the extensive experience and knowledge possessed by the CSH. Our partners will be foreign HEIs with whom we already have quality cooperation, which we could continue, expand and improve within the Erasmus + program. At the moment, those are institutions from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Croatia, Bulgaria and Republic of Belarus.

The CSH has been one of the leading professional, sports and medical HEIs in the region for a long time. One of the strategic goals is to keep this position permanently. At the same time, the CSH, as a socially responsible institution, has the obligation to contribute to the development of other HEIs in the region, thus reinforcing the international reputation of the social community to which it belongs.

The CSH is recognizable in Europe, but not to the extent that matches its potentials and achievements in the field of sports and health. One of the priority strategic goals is to increase the visibility, recognition and reputation of the College, its teachers, associates and graduates in Europe. The CSH should be recognized and known as an institution that has an active role in the field of education and knowledge transfer, globally. Teachers, associates, researchers and students should participate in as many international scientific and professional meetings. In accordance with financial and other possibilities, it is necessary to organize international high level conferences independently, or in cooperation with foreign institutions and organizations, in the areas in which the College achieves outstanding results.

Priority strategic goals are the standardization of study programs based on international standards and requirements, development and implementation of mobility programs for teachers and participation in joint educational research projects. The long-term strategic goal is the development and realization of student mobility programs, especially in the first cycle (basic vocational studies). For now, the College has no accredited study program in English. We are aware of the fact that we will attract foreign students with quality study programs and courses in foreign languages, so in the future the College will work on the development of a study program in English. In the upcoming period until 2020 we are not able to develop and implement new programs of joint and dual degrees.

The CSH should be involved in the existing networks of HEIs, international organizations, which enable more durable and more direct functional connections in the field of science, education and transfer of knowledge and technology.

The College advocates equal opportunities for all, including the right to diversity, and for that purpose it nurtures the approach to fostering academic mobility of students with disabilities, members of minorities and socially vulnerable categories by providing them with in-depth info about the opportunities and benefits of mobility. The CSH works to contribute to the creation of the society of equal and active citizens in which everyone needs to be empowered to live and decide on their life independently, in accordance with their needs and resources. The College will strive to utilize all the positive experiences with its Paralympics students in order to transfer the acquired knowledge and skills within the existing study programs. Particular emphasis is placed on guaranteeing equality to all  vulnerable categories of students, providing nondiscrimination, as well as their full participation in the society and the wider international community.

Strategy for the organisation and implementation of international (EU and non-EU) cooperation projects within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme

Participation in the mobility programs of the European Union and a wider exchange of professors, associates, researchers, non-teaching staff and students within the Erasmus plus program is one of the strategic priorities of the CSH. Also, the strategic interest of the College is to establish and promote the exchange of employees and students with individual educational institutions, international organizations and associations, headquartered outside the EU. Our goal of academic mobility in the European Union lies not only in the context of the right to free movement belonging to all European citizens but in fostering the sense of belonging to Europe among the citizens, improving social and professional integration and ensuring the competitiveness of the European economy in a globalized environment.

The construction of the „European Knowledge Area“ will be a priority. It is precisely through education that students can acquire common cultural references that will form the basis of the European citizenship. Openness to foreign cultures and the ability to work and gain education in multilingual environments is necessary for the competitiveness of the European economy, and the precondition for such abilities is to discover the diversity in Europe and to increase mutual contacts and the exchange of knowledge and experience among the citizens of Europe.

In order to increase general mobility, the CSH will actively initiate bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements with higher education institutions and institutions around the world. The development of international cooperation and mobility is of great importance for further improvement and strengthening of the general standards of education at the CSH, so this institution encourages the development of international qualifications, knowledge of foreign languages and intercultural competences among employees and students, as well as the promotion of research activities, development and harmonization of the curriculum. Also, the College considers the mobility of students and employees an excellent opportunity to start research projects.

The CSH seeks to be involved in the existing networks of higher education institutions, international organizations, which enable more durable and more direct functional connections in the field of science, education and transfer of knowledge and technology.

The College has always encouraged equal opportunities for all its students and employees and has endeavored to eliminate discrimination from all aspects of education.

The CES has not participated in the Erasmus+ program so far. The College will encourage participation in Erasmus + projects, with special attention dedicated to the participation in academic mobility programs, strategic partnerships and Jean Monnet activities.

Expected impact of participation in the Erasmus+ Programme on the modernisation of our
institution

  1. Concerning tackling future skills mismatches and promoting excellence in skills development the first priority is provided by constant evaluation of the annual plans and programs in the existing study programs, introducing new ways of teaching, encouraging student-teacher interaction, introducing open discussions and encouraging discussion by students with a large number of guest speakers on topics related to specific teaching areas from relevant high-level institutions in the Republic of Serbia.
  2. When it comes to building inclusive and connected higher education systems, the College wants equal opportunities for all, including the right to diversity, and for that purpose it seeks to improve the academic mobility of students with disabilities, socially vulnerable categories and members of minorities by offering additional services and information concerning the opportunities and benefits of mobility. Within the education of students in the teaching process, relevant scientific literature of recent dates is used, whose goal, methodology and results of scientific research are presented to students in order to understand the significance of information, research and develop an open-minded approach during the study period, but also after the completion of the educational process. Through the Erasmus + program, the College seeks to create better conditions for intercultural and inter-institutional exchange in order to gain experience and offer new opportunities to all its students and staff members, thus promoting equality and non-discrimination on all professional and educational levels.
  3. Our contribution to innovation is conducted by introducing students and teachers to the significance of scientific research. It is expected that with each generation of students, the number of scientific works will increase, students will increasingly work in cooperation with teachers, which would also raise their awareness of the significance of research, comparison, assessment, insight into the influence of certain factors, and eventually lead to a higher educational and scientific level. The teaching staff of the College participates in a large number of projects of the Ministry of Science, but also in various scientific research studies in their fields, which is clearly indicated by the number of published scientific papers in eminent journals in the country and abroad. Within the courses they teach, the teachers enable students to organize discussions and interactive conversations about the importance of research in order to achieve better results in the process of education.
  4. Supporting effective and efficient higher education systems could be achieved through the exchange of experiences, policies and good practice observed in partner institutions through international cooperation. Erasmus + will help boost the scientific and practical awareness of both students and staff and provide them with the opportunity to observe new work methods, develop new ideas, and engage in research activity as much as possible.