CBSS Summer University

About

The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) is the link between various Higher Education institutions in the region that cooperate on the most relevant topics for the region. The goal of the CBSS Summer University is to provide a platform for building partnerships between Summer University programmes in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). It aims to support students with additional study opportunities and future host institutions with teaching expertise. Over the past years, the CBSS has implemented several Summer Universities in collaboration with partner universities in the region. 

The CBSS Summer Universities must be related to at least one of the three CBSS long-term priorities: 

• “Safe and Secure Region” aims to make everyone feel safe and secure in every corner of our region by strengthening civil security, preventing exploitation and protecting the most vulnerable individuals in the Baltic Sea Region and reinforcing the importance of cross-border and cross-disciplinary cooperation.  
• “Sustainable and Prosperous Region” supports viable and resilient societies, with particular attention to the adaptation to climate change and its impacts on communities and ecosystems, as well as ensuring environmentally friendly, sustainable economic and social development.  
• “Regional Identity” aims to foster social inclusion through creative cultural, high education and youth initiatives. The social cohesion this generates is the cornerstone on which the other priority areas rest, for we recognise that when connected through a strong sense of cultural identity, future leaders are better equipped to address complex challenges in ways that benefit society as a whole.

Role of the CBSS

When organising summer schools there is a possibility for CBSS to have a considerable impact in the long run in raising awareness about the BSR and increasing overall cooperation. Moreover, the participants gain personal experience, which can help them to advance in their future careers. For example, some of the previous CBSS Summer University partakers now work in the national ministries as well as other organisations, which are involved in the BSR cooperation.

The CBSS is willing to explore other formats, like digital or web-based Summer Universities. It is ready to offer materials, such as publications, papers and its various Member State networks. The CBSS  is eager to be involved in planning the programme and giving input to the format. It is also willing to participate in the programme and has its role in assisting with specific seminars and workshops. The responsibility for the final programme is placed unambiguously on the ‘Lead’ University.

The CBSS will provide its logo and network support (connections to relevant Baltic Sea Region stakeholders) in addition to academic project partners interested in undertaking a Summer University. The relevant information on the Summer University concept will be published through the CBSS channels (the CBSS website, newsletters, social media and various academic partners, etc.).

To become an Associated Partner, the criteria are as follows:

1. The theme of the Summer University should focus on the Baltic Sea Region and be in line with one or more of the three CBSS long-term priorities: Regional Identity, Sustainable & Prosperous Region, Safe & Secure Region. (See www.cbss.org for more details).
2. There should be at least two partner universities and/or lecturers from three CBSS Member States.
3. The Summer University should be open to students from all CBSS Member States and Observer States*.
4. The Summer University should be able to offer European Academic Credits to its students. This would simultaneously ensure that the curriculum of the Summer University fulfils internal quality control processes enabling EACs. If EACs cannot be provided, the CBSS Secretariat will assess the academic value of the proposed Summer University and decide on a case-by-case basis.
5. The Summer University’s theme/curriculum should be in line with the CBSS principles of empowering regional cooperation and consensus.
6. A budget for the Summer University should be presented to the CBSS Secretariat, outlining any remaining funding gaps, which will require fundraising support from the CBSS Secretariat. It should be stressed that the CBSS currently has no funds of its own allocated to Summer University financing. However, it has historically been successful in enabling additional funding through various sources, and the Secretariat would endeavour to enable the necessary funding for any agreed CBSS-branded Summer University.

Organisers

The CBSS Summer Universities are organised by the CBSS and funded by the universities organising the summer school, and other donors that the Universities have identified. The CBSS supports the acquisition of further funding once the Summer University is approved.

Contact

Dr Kazimierz Musiał (Ph.D.), Senior Adviser for Priority Area Regional Identity. Email: [email protected]