Catholic and Marist identity of the University

For a number of years, the Direction of the ?Pontificia Universade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul? ? PUCRS has been establishing activities designed for the continuing formation of its collaborators. In 2000 there was intensification in this matter through the ?Projet Reflexions?, with a policy of permanent qualification of its teachers and administrative technicians which is a constant of the Strategic Institutional Plan. The basic reason for it is that higher education -, teaching, research, helping society and community actions ? to be directed well require the competence and commitment of all those involved. The Catholic and Marist University has an even greater responsibility and a special commitment vis-à-vis youth and society. To reflect in depth on this identity and mission, such is the essential sense of the project.In the international domain, UNESCO as well as FIUC (International Federation of Catholic) insists on the specific vocation of higher education in order to build a more human future for every one. The Marist charism and the hundred years of educative tradition of the PUCRS are characteristics of our university identity which deserves to be deepened because of the excellence of their pedagogical, social and religious values.The 13th issue (Presentation) of the plan took place from 23rd to 25th September 2010. The meeting brought together teachers, officials, administrators and Brothers, ( à temps plein), from outside the University. Through conferences, study in groups, during common times of interaction, they study the themes: A look at the University, Catholic and Marist identity of the University and the Commitment of those working in the University.Despite the large number of people who work in this area, more than 1850 collaborators have already participated in the event.. A commission of co-ordination, consisting of Brothers and lay-people, permanently work at guiding the project by promoting complementary activities, such as Faith, Culture and Formation of teachers.The evaluations given by the participants stress the joy of participating in the formation of the present 30,000 young students more than the satisfaction of the common life.. In 2008 public recognition was expressed by the prize Top Ser Humano, awarded by the Brazilian Association for Human Resources (ABRH/RS). The Brothers and laity together ensure that the PUCR is one of the best private universities in Brazil, according to the evaluation of the Ministry of Education of the country.For other information (in Portuguese) see www.pucrs.br.______________Br. Armando L. Bortolini.