Discerning the Future of Jesuit Higher Education
The 2022 International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU) Assembly will take place at Boston College from Wednesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 6, 2022. Throughout the event, more than 400 leaders from Jesuit colleges and universities across the world will gather to discern the central question: What direction should Jesuit higher education take in the future, particularly in the next three to five years?
The Journey to Boston College Assembly
IAJU was established in 2018 at the Deusto University Assembly in Spain. It is comprised of six regional associations and serves as “the international advisory and coordinating body of the Secretariat of Jesuit Higher Education.” Within IAJU, there are eight appointed Task Forces, which propose priorities and share best practices:
- Civic and Political Leadership Formation
- Solidarity with Migrants and Refugees
- Integrated Economic and Environmental Justice
- Formation of Lay and Jesuit Leadership
- Interfaith Dialogue
- Peace and Reconciliation
- Theology Education
- An Inspirational Paradigm for Jesuit Business Education
Read the IAJU Charter here and more about the Task Forces here.
2022 IAJU Assembly Highlights and Intentions
During the first two days of the 2022 IAJU Assembly, participants will hear from members of the Task Forces during plenary sessions. The panels will address:
Jesuit universities and the formation of global citizens
What can Jesuit institutions do to ease suffering and advocate for hospitality?
How can Jesuit institutions contribute toward reconciliation and peace?
Becoming aLaudato Si’ University
An inspirational paradigm for Jesuit business education
Promoting theological literacy
The Assembly will further showcase groundbreaking programs within Jesuit higher education, including the Global Citizenship Fellows Program, Magis Exchange Program, Reconciliation and Peace Centers, and the Best Practices in Jesuit Higher Education Project.
Finally, the Assembly will provide valuable meeting time for the regional associations. Following these meetings, Assembly participants will gather to determine concrete projects and tasks for IAJU to address—at the conference and global level—over the next three to five years.
Preparing for the Assembly
To prepare for the 2022 Assembly, make sure to take the following steps:
- Explore the Assembly website and schedule.
- Follow the Assembly social media platforms and hashtags: #IAJU2022. (IAJU Twitter and IAJU Facebook)
- Watch the virtual Boston College Campus Tour.
- Consider the most pressing questions and exciting innovations in Jesuit higher education in your institution and geographic region.
We look forward to welcoming you to Boston College on August 3!
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