We mark the beginning of the new academic year 2023/2024.

On October 2, 2023, we officially opened the new academic year 2023/2024. Students took an oath, and speeches were delivered by the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, and the Rector of Collegium Civitas, Prof. Stanisław Mocek. Distinguished scientists, lecturers, students, and alumni were also recognized and received awards.

The inauguration was attended by ambassadors from allied embassies in Poland, distinguished rectors and vice-rectors from higher education institutions, representatives of the city of Warsaw’s authorities, as well as members of scientific and educational institutions.

The Rector received numerous letters and congratulations filled with wishes for continued success and the achievement of future plans and strategic goals The President of the city of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, who has been a lecturer at our university for many years, also took the floor to convey his well-wishes to the students embarking on their academic journey at Collegium Civitas.

Professor Stanisław Mocek, in his speech, summarized the achievements and successes of the University including, inter alia, obtaining positive assessments from the Polish Accreditation Commission (PKA) for the fields of Sociology, International Relations, and Management (for a duration of 6 years), receiving a category B+ rating for sociological sciences, political science and administration, establishing the Academic Center Of Teaching Excellence at Collegium Civitas and contributing to the establishment of the CIVITAS non-public high school. Professor Mocek emphasized the crucial role played by all members of our community at the University, who not only drive developmental initiatives but also demonstrate exceptional commitment, responsibility, and initiative. Professor Mocek stressed the vital role played by all members of our university community, who not only spearhead innovative projects but also exhibit exceptional dedication, responsibility, and proactive spirit:

“Each of us strives for our successes because we are committed to the continuous development of the University, regardless of unfavorable external circumstances. Collegium Civitas is our shared, extraordinary, and invaluable asset. We have passed various tests, including those that came upon us unexpectedly, with the highest possible grades, and for this, I extend my thanks to every member of our collegial community – without you, this would not have been possible!”

Rektor Mocek extended his wishes of perseverance, creativity, and success in pursuing their chosen goals and making wise choices to students from both domestic and international backgrounds, as well as to participants of postgraduate studies, MBA programs, and the University of the Third Age (UTW).

During the ceremony, awards were presented to individuals for their dedication to the development of research and projects. The recipients were:

1. Dr. Katarzyna Iwińska – notably for coordinating and completing the interdisciplinary international project PASSION, publications in journals with impact factors, conducting podcasts to disseminate research, and submitting three applications for international grants.
2. Dr. Mariusz Finkielsztein – particularly for organizing an international conference and contributing to the development of the Zoon Politikon journal, establishing the “Journal of Boredom Studies” (as Editor-in-Chief), and for his publishing activities.
3. Dr hab. Krzysztof Kasianiuk, Prof. CC – especially for leading two international projects, publishing in journals with impact factors, and engaging in dissemination activities.
4. Dr. hab. Małgorzata Baran, Prof. CC – notably for her publishing activities in a new field of study.

Awards for teaching achievements were presented to:

1. Barbara Hrybacz, recognized by the Department of Journalism and New Media for her overall support in teaching provided to the entire faculty of the Department of Journalism and New Media. She was appreciated for her commitment to developing innovative teaching methods and creating a conducive learning environment.
2. Katarzyna Krakowska, nominated by the Department of Sociology, was honored for her unwavering dedication and enthusiasm in teaching since the very beginning of her tenure at Collegium Civitas. She was commended for her ability to identify the needs of students and consistently provide appropriate support at both the group and individual levels. She spared no effort in terms of meetings, consultations, feedback, and continuous improvement of her e-learning teaching skills.
3. Dr. Katarzyna Maniszewska, nominated by the Department of International Relations, was acknowledged for her overall commitment to teaching and her continuous dedication to conducting classes with great emphasis on the excellence of the teaching process.
4. Izabela Szlaska, nominated by the Department of Management, was recognized for her exceptional involvement in teaching and student affairs in the Management Department. She was also acknowledged for her supervision of the Procuratio Science Club.

Celebrating the successes of our students, they were honored with university awards, the CIVITAS statuettes, across seven distinct categories, in recognition of their outstanding academic accomplishments and notable sports achievements:

1. Artistic Soul – the statuette was awarded to Kateryna Hashuta;
2. Born Olympian – the statuette was awarded to Aleksandra Jeglińska;
3. Soul of the University – the statuette was awarded to Alina Palamarchuk;
4. Student Activist – the statuette was awarded to Alina Palamarchuk;
5. Helping Hand – the statuette was awarded to Jakub Brzeziński;
6. Academic Talent – the statuettes were awarded to the following students, all with a perfect GPA of 5.5: Kornelia Moczuło, Dominika Wajda, Paulina Urbańska-Pacocha;
7. Best Student Initiative – the statuette was awarded to the Buddy Program CC organization.

The inauguration also provided a fitting moment to honor graduates who received excellent grades during the defense of their thesis. Among the awardees were:

1. Martyna Dałkowska, a graduate in Sociology, author of the thesis “Why Didn’t Wanda Want to Marry a German?” The Influence of National Stereotypes on Cross-National Couples in Poland – An Analysis Based on In-depth Interviews,’ written under the supervision of Dr. Paweł Kuczyński;
2. Yuliya Laptsenak, a graduate in Sociology, author of the thesis titled “The Role of Social Media Influence on an Individual’s Daily Life in the (Post)Pandemic Situation: An Autoethnographic Experiment”, written under the guidance of Dr. hab. Izabela Wagner-Saffray, Prof. CC;
3. Carlos Javier Mosquera Tamayo, a graduate in International Relations, author of the thesis “Analysis of the Multilateral Trade Agreement between the European Union and Ecuador”, written under the supervision of Dr. Kerry Longhurst;
4. Alina Palamarchuk, a graduate in International Relations, author of the thesis “The Increasing Role of Women in International Politics: A Case Study of Poland, the USA, and Saudi Arabia in the 21st Century”, written under the supervision of Prof. Dr. hab. Tomasz Aleksandrowicz;
5. Diana Przyborowska, a graduate in Sociology, author of the thesis “The Role of Film in Shaping Social Awareness Regarding Mental Disorders: An Analysis Based on Qualitative Research Involving Films Chosen by the Respondents Themselves”, written under the guidance of Dr. Agnieszka Bukowska;
6. Piotr Sikora, a graduate in Management, author of the thesis ‘The Debut of Non-Endemic Brands in the World of Gaming and e-sports: A Case Study of Alior Bank’s Marketing Activities”, written under the guidance of Dr. hab. Małgorzata Baran, Prof. CC;
7. Julita Welenc, a graduate in International Relations, author of the thesis “The Consequences of Climate Change as a Threat to International Security in the Context of Mass Migrations and Limited Access to Natural Resources”, written under the supervision of Dr. Piotr Łaciński.

On behalf of the Student Council, Alina Palamarchuk delivered a speech and the first-year students solemnly pledged to “diligently and steadfastly acquire knowledge imparted by the Professors of Collegium Civitas”.

After the official opening of the 2023/2024 academic year by Prof. Stanisław Mocek, the first lecture of the new year, titled “And the Walls shall fall down, fall down, fall down”, was delivered by Dr. Hanna Machińska. Dr. Machińska served as the Director of the Council of Europe Office in Warsaw from 1991 to 2017 and, from 2017 to 2022, as the Deputy Commissioner for Human Rights.

Gaudeamus igitur, iuvenes dum sumus!