Mainstreaming Social Formation Activities at the Ateneo de Manila University

• Main Author: Dela Cruz, Leland Joseph R
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2022
• Subjects: social formation; university; Philippines; Jesuit education; Civic and Community Engagement; Community-Based Learning; Education; Higher Education; University Extension
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/dev-stud-faculty-pubs/272; https://archium.ateneo.edu/context/dev-stud-faculty-pubs/article/1272/viewcontent/15._Ateneo_de_Manila_University_Leland_Joseph_R._Dela_Cruz_PhD.pdf
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

The year 2022 marks the end of the first full four-year implementation of a revised program of studies for all undergraduates of the Ateneo de Manila University, a Jesuit University in Metro Manila, Philippines. One of the key characteristics of this revised program of studies is that it seamlessly integrates social formation activities into the academic experience of all students. What follows is a description of the university’s revised social formation program and how it is integrated into the program of study of all students. Student evaluations of the program have been highly favorable with students recognizing how the social formation activities are relevant to their academic formation. By integrating various social engagement experiences into academic courses, developing social formation outcomes that are progressive and build on each other year after year, and having a dedicated pool of professionals to design and implement the program and who work closely with faculty, the Ateneo de Manila University has put into place a comprehensive social formation program that heeds Fr. Pedro Arrupe’s mandate for Jesuit universities to form persons for others.