UHasselt, a civic university

We are convinced that we can best serve society as a civic university. Civic universities have a significant social, economic, cultural and ecological impact in their region. They influence both public spaces and wellbeing. They are regional drivers of social mobility, economic resilience, innovation and prosperity. They enrich their region’s cultural life. They are custodians of heritage, serve as public forums and are a catalyst for social cohesion and innovative use of public space. They play a leading role in the switch to a sustainable and healthy society.

Hasselt University therefore reaffirms its commitment to and engagement with society, building on its history. This engagement is made possible through the work of our staff, the growth of our students, the success of our alumni and the strength of our partnerships. It is characterised by a continuous endeavour to listen, act, inspire and build bridges, and it manifests itself on our campuses, in our immediate surroundings, and more widely in our region, in Flanders, Belgium, the Euregion, Europe and beyond. 

Civic is in our historical DNA

Our choice to be a civic university aligns with our historical roots. More than fifty years ago, the downfall of old industries and rising inequalities tore apart the region’s social and economic fabric. Many young people had the brains but not the means to go to college. This lack of highly educated professionals hampered the growth of new industries, putting the region’s prosperity at stake. A university in the region would enhance the future and well-being of its people. This thought fuelled a grassroots movement of committed citizens, politicians, entrepreneurs and civil society members. In the end, their demands, dreams and ambitions led to the legal foundation of Hasselt University, in 1971.

In the past five decades, the world has changed at a tremendously fast pace. Amidst shifting tectonic plates in our economy and society, Hasselt University changed too. Our initial focus on educating young people was broadened to include doing research and fostering innovation. We developed new programmes, created new partnerships and defined new research priorities.

Our connection to the Region has remained close, but our role as civic university has grown. More than ever before, we believe that knowledge comes with responsibility and commitment.

_REFERENCES:

_{Goddard, J. and Vallance, P. (2013) The University and the City, London: Routledge.
Goddard, J., Hazelkorn, E., Kempton, L. and Vallance, P. (2016) The Civic University: The Policy and Leadership Challenges, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.}

Principles of our civic identity

The following four principles make our civic identity tangible and guide all our ambitions:

Our mission

Hasselt University is a civic university that nurtures talent, knowledge and innovation and creates impact – with and for people, businesses and organisations in our region and beyond.

Our vision

Our vision for Hasselt University is a University that helps shape a society that is more economically, socially and ecologically sustainable and more agile  – through excellent education, top-tier research, great innovative power and a vast network of regional, national and international partners. 

Our values

To do fully justice to our mission and realize our vision, we are guided by the following values:

• Connected and engaged
  We are profoundly connected with each other and with the world around us. We are fully aware of society’s challenges. In the search for solutions, we work with each other, with our partners and our stakeholders.

• Honest and respectful
  An honest and respectful attitude comes first in everything we do. We act with impartiality – openly, ethically and independently – and with respect for one another and for our environment.

• Responsible and enterprising
  We have a sense of responsibility for present and future. We are determined to (help) solve problems and to seize opportunities – whatever the circumstances. We believe that the future is sustainable and that solutions must be too.

• Innovative
  We believe that new times and challenges call for new answers. We dare to do things differently and to do different things.

• Critical and broad-minded
  We believe that an open and critical spirit and broad-mindedness are essential for a well-functioning academic community. We put the truth first, embrace new ideas and welcome fresh insights.

Fostering a sustainable society. Stimulating health and wellbeing. Enhancing the region’s economic fabric. Improving equity in education. Safeguarding heritage. Hasselt University works to build a Region that is strong and prosperous. Education and research are both a goal in itself as well as a means for attaining an even better future.