What is L.C.R.?
 

L.C.R. - short for Learning. Commitment. Responsibility. - is a hands-on educational method in which students become more actively involved at various social institutions, or initiate their own projects, and earn ECTS credits for their involvement.

Based on didactic concepts of "service learning" and "volunteering", the course encourages students to apply their own expertise and interests to not only benefit the community but also, by means of reflection, acquire new skills to support personal and professional growth.
 

How does it work?

Following an introduction course, you have the opportunity to select an organization in which you would like to become more involved, or put your own project(s) into practice.

If you wish, the course instructor can assist in finding a fitting organization, or helping to create a project.

Once you have successfully completed your activities (40, 60 or 80 hours), you can reflect on your experiences both in writing and as part of a personal interview. We can also provide a certificate of competency upon request.

I already volunteer now. Does this count?

The short answer is: yes!

The long answer: As part of this course, your past volunteering activities can be approved for partial academic credit. In this way, the JKU acknowledges volunteering as an enriching experience that contributes significantly to a more well-rounded educational experience that is also important for personal and professional growth, as well as personal enrichment.

Providing you fulfill the criteria to earn academic credit, you could count up to a maximum of 50% for past/completed/current activities toward fulfilling the course requirements. The requirements will be discussed as part of a personal interview.
 

What do I get out of L.C.R aside from ECTS credits?

Volunteering is not only an opportunity to share your professional and social expertise to benefit the common good, it is also an opportunity to acquire new skills and insight.

You acquire professional, real-world insight, grow your network of contacts, and experience life from new perspectives. Volunteer work helps to instill both a sense of empathy and social responsibility, while simultaneously building self-esteem by experiencing a sense of purpose.

Why is a university offering L.C.R.?

The JKU's Linz Institute for Transformative Change organizes the L.C.R. course. LIFT_C supports the university's "third mission" which is based on the idea that universities should answer the call to actively address growing social challenges and become more involved in the community. In an effort to drive social transformation processes forward, the community needs to become more active and empathetic, and experience-based educational courses such as L.C.R. can support these efforts.

Course instructor: Mag. Petra Köppl