University Committee “Solidarity with Ukraine” – building an Academic Bridge of Support

Russia’s attack on Ukraine has changed our world. It has also changed the University. Since the first hours of the war, we have been acting on behalf of our Ukrainian students, doctoral students, employees and their families

From now on our activities will take an organised form. The Rector of the University of Wrocław, prof. Przemysław Wiszewski, established the University Committee “Solidarity with Ukraine” under the chairperson of prof. Jarosław Syrnyk.

The spontaneous response of Polish society, including members of our academic community, fills us with pride.

However, as members of the Committee, we know that the crisis triggered by Russia’s attack on Ukraine will be long-lasting and dynamic, and needs will change over time.

In order to be as effective as possible in helping those in need, we must learn to divide our efforts in a short time. Therefore, the Committee’s work scope will be coordinated and complementary with the activities of the state, local government, church and non-governmental institutions.

1. We will focus on matters directly concerning members of our community – students, doctoral students and employees from Ukraine – organisational and material help. On www.uni.wroc.pl website, we have launched the Academic Bridge Ukraine service, aimed primarily at those who need support and those who can provide it.
2. We will also address our activities to our Ukrainian partners, our friends from the universities of Lviv and Kharkiv, including, for example, providing them with temporary emergency shelter from members of our community who will offer this kind of support.
3. The university intends to take on legal, linguistic, psychological and other assistance. We also intend to launch rapid courses in the Ukrainian language for volunteers to support teachers, psychologists, and school pedagogues. An information centre will be set up.
4. The university will cooperate with institutions and organisations and inform academic community members about proven support options. We will also direct our volunteers to these institutions.
5. The Committee undertakes the coordination of initiatives arising among members of our community.
6. We have created an address in the university domain ukraina@uwr.edu.pl, and from Friday, 4 March, our first information centre at ul. Kuźnicza. Information about our activities will be published on our website and social media.
7. Our academic community has repeatedly shown that it can responsibly and with commitment help those in need. We are and work for all those who will build with us an academic bridge of support for Ukraine in the current crisis.

prof. Jarosław Syrnyk – Chairperson of the University Committee “Solidarity with Ukraine”
dr Anna Ursulenko Vice-chairperson

members:

dr Alina Czapiga
prof. Tomasz Kalisz
dr Kamila Kamińska-Sztark
dr Barbara Kowalczyk
prof. Patrycja Matusz
dr Katarzyna Uczkiewicz