General Information

The Department of Social Disciplines, as a separate structural unit of the National University of Water Management and Nature Resources, was established in April 2013, according to the decision of the Academic Council and the order of the university's rector. Over the years, it has been headed by Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Yuriy Pelekh (2013–2016) and Yuriy Oleksin, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor (2016–2024). Since 2024, the duties of the department head are performed by Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Valentina Sokal.

Today, the educational process in the department is supported by 15 scientific and pedagogical workers, including 2 professors (Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences and Doctor of Psychological Sciences), 10 candidates of sciences (4 candidates of pedagogical sciences and 6 candidates of psychological sciences, of whom two work part-time), and 3 senior lecturers (two of whom work part-time).

In 2013, the Department of Social Disciplines successfully accredited its first two master's educational programs: "Higher Education Pedagogy" and "Management of Educational Institutions." After the successful accreditation of these programs, over 200 graduates received their master's degrees. We take pride in our master's students, who now hold positions as leaders of educational institutions and work as lecturers at universities, colleges, and general secondary and vocational education institutions.

In response to the needs of modern society, the educational and professional program "Psychology" at the first (bachelor's) level for full-time and part-time study was launched in 2019. After its successful accreditation, a master's program in the same specialty was introduced. Subsequently, the department began training specialists in the specialty 014.03 Secondary Education (History) for obtaining the first (bachelor's) level of higher education, and from 2024 – the second (master's) level. A master's program in the specialty 011 Educational Pedagogical Sciences is also being developed under the educational program "Social and Educational Work with Children and Youth" for both full-time and part-time forms of study.

To ensure high-quality training of specialists, the department's lecturers constantly enhance their professional level and activate scientific research activities. The central theme of the department's scientific research has been the project "Social Disciplines as a Factor in Forming Civilizational Competence: Modern Educational Challenges and Development Prospects," registered on January 25, 2021 (state registration number 0121U107604).

As part of this project, a series of events were held, including a national scientific and practical conference in April 2019 and an international conference in May 2021 in Rivne. Two monographs edited by Professor Yu. Oleksin were published, highlighting key educational challenges and prospects for expanding civilizational competence.

The department's lecturers participated in the implementation of modules under the Jean Monnet EU grants: "Europe - the Diversity of the Interpenetrating Cultures," "Axiological Foundation of European Political Culture and its Reflection," and "Trends in Education in the EU: Challenges of Civilization." These studies became resources for enriching practice, contributed to expanding knowledge about Ukrainian pedagogical science, deepened discussions around socio-educational issues, and stimulated interest in innovative ideas.

Based on the conducted research, courses for social and psychological training aimed at enhancing the qualifications of civil servants were developed and implemented. The course topics cover issues such as professional burnout, development of leadership qualities, stress management, ways to cope with difficult situations, and counteracting manipulative influences. These courses are successfully provided through lectures, training, and consultations at the Rivne Regional Center for Retraining and Advanced Training of State Enterprise, Institution, and Organization Employees.

Based on the scientific work and practical experience of the department’s professor O. Stavytskyi, a teaching and methodological guide "Social Deviance and Victimhood: Psychological and Legal Aspects" was developed, which is actively used in the training of students majoring in 053 "Psychology" at NUVHP, the Rivne Regional Center for Children, Family, and Youth, as well as by other organizations working with various types of deviations. The use of this material is confirmed by the registration certificate of copyright for the work No. 106619 dated July 23, 2021, and the certificate No. 99 dated March 2, 2023. To promote the development of professional competency among social workers, as well as other representatives of social services, seminars on "Stress Management" and mental health training are regularly organized. The program for such events takes into account modern methods and proven practices of psychological support for individuals experiencing or staying in traumatic events. Additionally, stress management techniques aimed at preventing emotional burnout among specialists are being implemented.

A number of events have been organized aimed at improving the mental health of various population groups, developing resilience to stress, and aiding in overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder. In particular, a seminar titled "Psychological Competence in Sexual Education for Youth" was held as part of a professional partnership with the public organization "CIVITAS Center for Social Actions." During the event, key aspects of social health, psychological approaches to meeting the needs of youth, and relevant strategies for educational activities were discussed. The research results of the lecturers at the National University of Water Management and Nature Resources are actively applied by the KZ "Center for National-Patriotic Education and Out-of-School Education" of the Rivne Regional Council. Several events aimed at supporting mental health and overcoming the effects of psychological trauma during martial law have also been implemented for student youth.

Psycho-educational meetings dedicated to issues of ensuring psychological safety in higher education institutions are held regularly.

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