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Training and support for associative projects

Section #sciencespo

Training for student association leaders

Included in the resources offered by Sciences Po to those in charge of student associations and initiatives, is a range of specific training courses comprising 5 mandatory modules.

These foundation classes are tailored to be highly practical and valuable assets for associative activities at Sciences Po.

The executive teams of student associations and initiatives are the primary beneficiaries.

Mandatory modules (taught in French)

Module 1: Running a student association at Sciences Po

Duration: 2 hours

The particularities of associative life at Sciences Po, and the basic tools for the smooth running of an association.

  • The key principles of student life at Sciences Po (within the framework of the Student Life regulations, who does what, reminder of best practices, etc.);
  • The different categories of student associations and the corresponding policies;
  • Organising an event at or outside Sciences Po;
  • Communication;
  • Useful tips for running an association;
  • Internal funding options (Student Life Commission, student association fund);
  • Continuity of activities from one year to the next.

Presented by the Department of Student Life and/or the student life coordinators on the regional campuses.

Module 2: Combating sexual and gender-based violence

Duration: 2 hours

This module aims to equip association leaders with the necessary tools for prevention and action in the event of sexual and gender-based violence.

As well as identifying the different forms of sexual and gender-based violence (definition, characterisation, penalties incurred, etc.), it will also deal with cycles of violence, enabling participants to recognise the signs shown by possible victims, and clarifying the framework of responsibility of witnesses. Importantly, the module explains ways to prevent and address any situation of sexual and gender-based violence arising during association activities.

Module 3: Combating racism, antisemitism and all forms of discrimination

Duration: 2 hours

This training session aims to provide student associations with the resources necessary to prevent and combat actions and behaviour of a racist, antisemitic or discriminatory nature.

The module identifies the different types of discrimination according to French law, putting them in context in order to better implement prevention within the association and to adopt the appropriate reactions in the event of such behaviour. It aims to raise awareness about the different forms of hate crime and to reiterate the roles and responsibilities of student association leaders.

Module 4: Prevention and risk management at festive events

Duration: 6 hours (divided into 2 or 3 sessions)

The aim of this module is to manage the risks linked to the consumption of alcohol or psychoactive substances during student events and parties.

Content:

  • Fundamentals in addictology
  • Obligations and responsibilities
  • How to cope with the rise in drug-related (GHB) and needle-spiking offences
  • Methodology and prevention practices

This module is optional for student associations who do not organise any festive events (parties, afterworks, weekends, etc.).

Module 5: Protecting yourself and others in the digital world

Duration: 2 hours

Legal framework, responsibilities, institutional guidelines and best practices for discussion groups and challenging situations (social media, cyberbullying, notifications, etc.).

Objectives:

To manage applicable legislation and best practices in digital exchanges (social media, video-conferences, collaborative messaging tools).

To identify issues such as cyber-bullying, libel, false allegations, the disciplinary and legal penalties for participating in abuse linked to the use of social media, the obligations of those monitoring discussion groups, specifically concerning moderation and resources to help protect yourself and others (alerts and notification procedures, etc.).

This module is run by the Data Protection Officer at Sciences Po and offered specifically during the periods of renewal of association representatives or selection of student initiatives (July, September/October, January/February).

Optional modules (taught in French)

Module 1 (optional): “Loi 1901” associations and legal procedures

Duration: 1 hour

  • What does the “Loi 1901” mean?
  • Statutes and formalities
  • Transferring reponsibility from one executive team to the next

Module 2 (optional): introduction to first aid

Duration: 2 hours

This module enables students to acquire the basic foundations of first aid:

  • Protection;
  • Emergency;
  • Victim is unconscious and not breathing;
  • Chest compressions and using a defibrillator;
  • Victim is unconscious and breathing (recovery position);
  • What to do if someone is having a stroke.
Section #exterieur

Associative Workshops

Open to the student community as a whole, these workshops, run by specialists from the associative or philanthropic sectors in France or internationally, provide the necessary resources for setting up and running a non-profit project within an association.

Students can therefore choose their workshop according to the field they wish to discover or explore further. 
This optional course, open to the whole of the student community, offers the necessary tools to devise and develop an associative project, whether it be at Sciences Po or elsewhere.

Two different formats:

  • Intensive workshops: 16 hours over a period of 8 weeks, enabling participants to acquire a strong foundation and the skills required to develop projects for an association or a not-for-profit organisation (NGO). Subject to attendance, these workshops can earn 2 ECTS credits.
  • Focus workshops: between 4 and 6 hours, addressing a specific theme linked to the running or development of a project (sources of funding, project management, etc.). Subject to attendance, these workshops can earn 1 ECTS credit.

Download the 2022 - 2023 workshop programme (PDF in French, 695 KB).

These workshops are available on the Paris campus.

A newsletter outlining the schedule and how to register is sent at the beginning of each semester.

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Student Life contacts

Sébastien Thubert
Director of Student Life
Email

Baptiste Vivien
Student Engagement Manager
Email

Paris campus

Marion de Peretti
In charge of student associations
Email

Regional campuses

Student life regulations

The Student Life Regulations (PDF, 357 Ko), adopted by the Student Life & Education Committee (Conseil de la vie étudiante et de la formation), set down a frame of reference and determine how Sciences Po students may exercise their political, cultural, community and student union activities.

Find out more