Universus has, for over a decade, been expanding its operational horizons based on the international experience already developed through other European projects (Socrates, Leonardo, Adapt, Equal, Altener, Interreg etc.). Of central strategic importance is the promotion and execution of international projects and initiatives, activities already carried out through the professional relationships forged with other institutions through active networks within the Mediterranean area as well as other European countries.
The main interests of Universus relate to projects aimed at the development of professional competition with a regional perspective and the technical skills necessary for internationalisation and participation in thematic networks of learning. In this context one of our key educational roles is that of promoting the Lifelong Learning Program (LLP), or rather lifelong learning programs promoted by the European Community in order to encourage trade, cooperation and mobility between education and training systems, in order to place them as a benchmark of quality worldwide.

A dedicated International Office (international@universus.it) maintains relationships with the partners making up foreign networks, with the aim of promoting exchange of good practice, mainstreaming actions, networks of poles of excellence on issues in management and engineering, which characterize our training service provision.

Universus is the organizational home of the European Summer School of Bari, an international learning environment in Bari, which sees the participation of local institutions including the three universities of the city.

Located throughout the whole of the Apulia region with centres in Bari, Lecce, Brindisi, Foggia, Taranto and Corato, Universus aims at being a place to promote the "pleasure of lifelong learning", freeing creativity, enhancing the talents of individuals, stimulating a passion and sense of responsibility for the common good, encouraging both individual and collective planning ability. By participating in local, national and international networks alongside private companies, government agencies, universities, trade associations, professional bodies and colleges, the Consortium organizes activities aimed at training young diploma-qualified students and graduates, continuous training for technicians and managers of small businesses, freelance professionals and staff within local authorities, as well as applied research and innovation support.
Starting from the belief that learners – and adults in particular - should be the protagonists of the learning process, rather than just a passive recipient of knowledge, Universus offers learning pathways aimed towards the transfer or updating of content, to develop a critical consciousness that can produce change and growth for the common good. The training activities proposed are in complete synthesis with current regulations and the new needs of a society looking towards sustainability and a commitment to enhancing human resources. Designed and implemented using a wide range of active teaching methods (lectures, case studies, exercises, role plays, business games, discussion forums, simulations, project work, etc.), both at our centres and at distance, the training activities of Universus exploit the complete potential of the pro-active use of new educational technology.
Placed at the centre of an active network of professional contexts based on research and innovation and interested in extending its activities, mainly in the direction of Border Regions (those most directly linked to the local situation), the Consortium actively participates in national and international innovation and technology transfer projects, with training being only one of our areas of expertise.

Universus Board - 2007 / 2009

	THE POLYTECNICH OF BARI
	THE UNIVERSITY OF BARI
	THE UNIVERSITY OF SALENTO
	THE UNIVERSITY OF FOGGIA
	THE POPULAR BANK OF BARI
	LUM Jean Monnet - Free Mediterranean University

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Prof. Eng. Umberto Ruggiero, President
Prof. Nicola DI CAGNO, Vice President (The University of Salento)
Prof. Eng. Emanuele DI CANDIA, Councillor(The University of Bari)
Prof. Giancarlo BOGHETICH, Councillor(The Polytechnic of Bari)
Dr. Giorgio TREGLIA, Councillor (The Popular Bank of Bari)
Prof. Patrizia DE PASQUALE, Councillor (LUM Jean Monnet)

AUDITORS
Prof. Mario SCICUTELLA, President
Dr. Emanuele Pio ANCONA, Effective
Dr. Michele D'AMBROSIO, Effective
Prof. Dr. Nicola D'AMATI, Supply
Rag. Francesco DI SALVO, Supply

SCIENTIFIC TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
Prof. Saverio MONGELLI (The University of Salento)
Dr. Emma FORTUNATO (The Popular Bank of Bari)
Prof. Nicola MELONE (The University of Bari)
Prof. Felice GNAGNARELLA (LUM Jean Monnet)
Prof. Eng. Vito ALBINO (The Polytechnic of Bari)

DIRECTOR
Dr. Ettore RUGGIERO