UEF Community Engagement Policy

Community engagement activities are initiatives that foster collaboration between Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance (UEF) and the broader community, with the aim of addressing social issues within the scope of the University’s functions and responsibilities, thereby contributing meaningful benefits to the community and society at large.
UEF’s community engagement activities are implemented based on clear principles to ensure consistency, alignment with the University’s development orientation, and responsiveness to practical needs. Specifically, the University has established the following five principles:

Figure 1. UEF community engagement principles

Based on these guiding principles, the University has developed a Community Engagement Policy to meet community and societal needs, align with its objectives, and create opportunities for internal and external stakeholders to participate in University activities. The University has support mechanisms in terms of finance, facilities, and human resources, based on the established contents, to effectively organize and implement community engagement activities; recognize achievements and provide rewards to internal and external groups and individuals participating in community engagement activities in proportion to their contributions; and prioritize the implementation of policies supporting education, scientific research, technology transfer, industry collaboration, culture, sports, learner support, and volunteer activities for the community.
To effectively implement community engagement activities, the University has identified activity types that are consistent with its functions, responsibilities, and development orientation, with the following four main groups:

1. Community engagement in education and professional consulting

-    Provide training programs, professional development courses, and short courses for learners, agencies, businesses, and partners.
-    Deliver courses integrated with community engagement activities (Service-Learning, Community-Engaged Learning) and implement practical projects that enable learners to apply knowledge and skills to solve community issues.
-    Participate in relevant professional associations to provide advice on academic disciplines, and organize professional consulting activities for agencies, businesses, and partners.
-    Provide consultation, review, and solutions to support policy development and local socio-economic growth..

Figure 2. UEF community engagement highlights in education and professional consulting

2. Community engagement in the fields of science and technology

-    Conduct research activities driven by the practical needs of the community, with the participation of relevant stakeholders, and apply the results in practice.
-    Develop, implement, and expand technology transfer services aligned with the University’s capabilities and societal needs.
-    Participate in specialized scientific councils and provide input to support the economic, social, cultural, and educational development of communities and localities.
-    Organize conferences and seminars related to the University’s academic and science and technology activities.

Figure 3. UEF community engagement highlights in the fields of science and technology

3. Community engagement in learner and societal support

-    Organize learning support activities, career orientation, internship and job counseling, and entrepreneurship support for learners.
-    Implement healthcare, psychological counseling, legal advisory services, and provide essential skills training for learners.
-    Conduct career and admissions counseling; organize campus visits and university experience programs for high school students; and support secondary schools in academic and professional activities.
-    Raise funds, provide scholarships, and expand access to facilities and learning resources for the community.

Figure 4. UEF community engagement highlights in learner and societal support

4. Community engagement through volunteering, humanitarian, charitable, and social work activities

-    Organize volunteer activities to support local communities in improving facilities for education, culture, sports, and community life.
-    Implement humanitarian and charitable programs to support disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, including those in remote areas and those affected by natural disasters and epidemics.
-    Conduct activities to raise awareness of environmental protection, prevent social issues, and promote other initiatives that create value for the community and society.
-    Collaborate with agencies, organizations, and unions to implement volunteer programs, social work, and other community-focused activities.

Figure 5. UEF community engagement highlights in volunteering, humanitarian, charitable, and social work activities

UEF’s community engagement activities are implemented in a systematic manner, from goal setting and planning to implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement, to meet the needs and satisfaction of stakeholders. Through these activities, community engagement is not only aligned with the University’s objectives, development orientation, and available resources, and helps strengthen the connection between the University and society, but also enhances the awareness, roles, and responsibilities of faculty, staff, learners, and University units, organizations, and associations, while reinforcing the University’s position and reputation within the community.
(Detailed information on UEF’s community activities and projects is available at: https://www.uef.edu.vn/servicelearning).