Institutionalization of service-learning in an intercongregational university

Abstract

The University of Monterrey (UDEM) has been characterized since its foundation as a university aimed at improving the living conditions of the community, through service and social action. The process of implementation of service-learning (SL) began at the undergraduate level during 2012 and is currently mandatory. The objective of this work is to analyze interdepartmental relations during the process of institutionalization of the SL, considering its founding principles and intercongregational vision from a sociological perspective for the generation of a replicable model in Catholic-inspired educational contexts. The relationships of the actors that contributed to internal institutionalization are analyzed, from the structuring theory of Anthony Giddens through the analysis of their interdepartmental interactions. This analysis allows the creation of an internal operating model to promote SL across the institution. This allows understanding and generating knowledge based on recurring social practices.