IMPULS supports lecturers from all disciplines of the University of Basel who wish to integrate sustainability topics into their courses. By taking such courses, we want to enable our students to become change agents for sustainability.

We are convinced that this can be achieved by applying the service learning approach.

Service Learning is a teaching and learning approach that combines academic learning with project work. It offers students the opportunity to improve their team and organizational skills through project work. Through periods of reflection during the semester, students gain a deeper understanding of the course contents and the importance of social commitment. The projects are based on the topic of the course and create a meaningful service for society as they are developed by students together with project partners from society and are linked to the SDGs. As Service Learning can be implemented in nearly all disciplines, most sustainability challenges can be addressed.

IMPULS offers a wide range of support for integrating the Service Learning approach. Amongst others, for lecturers to execute their courses: financial support and further education training. For students: financial support and coaching to help realizing their projects.

IMPULS also helps strengthening the sustainability culture through actions within project implementations on campus or indirectly by making activities visible. This in turn can motivate university members to take sustainable action or come up with project ideas of their own.

The program is offered by the Sustainability Office and is funded by U Change (a program of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences) and the University of Basel in 2019 and 2020.