‘University. Introduction to Corporate Ethics’: an online course for students at St Petersburg University

The principle of integration

Education at St Petersburg University is underpinned by: integration of science; education and practice with a focus on current research; direct participation of students with academic staff in research; creation of knowledge; and development of approaches for their practical application.

The principle of interdisciplinarity

St Petersburg University applies an interdisciplinary approach to the development and implementation of academic programmes. The defining features of the interdisciplinary academic programmes at St Petersburg University are: the intersection of two or more areas of knowledge, areas of professional activity; and formation of competencies from various disciplinary areas and (or) areas of training.

The principle of consistency

Control of the quality of education at St Petersburg University at all stages of the development and implementation of academic programmes is ensured by: a systematic combination of internal assessment of the quality of education formed by leading scientists of St Petersburg University; and external assessment of the professional training of graduates conducted by leading representatives of the professional community and employers.

The principle of ethics

St Petersburg University has a unified code of conduct for the University students and staff, which establishes standards of conduct that correspond to the moral and cultural traditions of the University, generally accepted moral and ethical standards, including in research, and respect for spiritual values.

The principle of openness

St Petersburg University follows the principle of openness of information about its activities and guarantees the publicity of decision-making mechanisms.

Students can see information about the need to take an online course in their schedule in the section ‘Online Courses’. Enrolment is carried out according to the lists from academic departments.

The online course ‘University. Introduction to Corporate Ethics’ was developed for students and is aimed to introduce the history, traditions and values of St Petersburg University. Students will also learn about the internal structure, rules for students and academic staff, corporate ethics, i.e. how the University corporate culture is formed following the principles of organising educational activities at St Petersburg University.

The course structure includes five main topics for a step-by-step introduction to the principles of St Petersburg University:

1. The University in history and culture. Students will study almost 300 years of history of the University since its foundation in 1724, during the periods of modern history (Petrograd / Leningrad / St Petersburg University) and in modern times. They will learn in detail about the life and work of famous University students and staff who are outstanding figures of national and world culture.
2. The University space. Students will get introduced to the unique historical objects: the spaces of the Academic University, St Petersburg Imperial University, the University in the 20th – early 21st centuries.
3. The University is a responsible social corporation. The module focuses on the main regulations in force at St Petersburg University, the rights and obligations of academic staff and students, the main elements of the corporate identity and symbols of St Petersburg University (the history of the coat of arms and anthems). The module will discuss the psychological prerequisites for corporate culture and ethics, the advantages of cooperation in the ‘student-university’ system, the Nobel Prize winners at the University. In other words, students will get acquainted with the key points of the University's activities.
4. The educational process at St Petersburg University is focused on acquiring practical skills. This stage of the course discusses the issues related to the employment and advantages of the University graduates in the labour market, the potential for their professional growth and academic career. In addition to the theory, students learn how to: write a CV and have interviews; work on self-presentation; and get acquainted with the reputation and image of the University student.
5. The universe of diversity. This block of the course introduces more about the opportunities available during training. Students will find out: in which areas St Petersburg University offers opportunities for practice (the model of clinics); how employers participate in the educational process; and how the University Research Park works and what technological capabilities it has. The expositions and collections of St Petersburg University will introduce you to the unique historical objects of the University. It provides detailed information about extracurricular activities (the student council and trade union, sports and creative activities, various student associations and many others).