Framework and Endorsement
In order to be a UWC Short Course, you need to provide evidence that your short course will deliver to the UWC Short Course framework, and then apply for and receive formal UWC Short Course Endorsement. This resource platform is intended to help you with your application. Your application will be via a digital platform.
Short Course Framework
The UWC Short Course Framework brings together five of the six experiences in the UWC Education Model: social awareness, personal development, outdoor learning, active participation and service opportunities. Below is a slide pack containing more information about the UWC Short Course Framework and the expectations for the components of your course.
UWC Short Course FrameworkShort Course Endorsement
The following section walks you through what 'endorsement' is, its purpose and the process of applying for UWC endorsement.
UWC Endorsement
UWC endorsement is the formal 'stamp' of agreement from UWC International that you may deliver a UWC Short Course. Learn more about UWC liability here.
The Endorsement Process
The endorsement process takes you on a journey of collaboration with UWC International. It involves you learning about the UWC movement and what it takes to be a UWC Short Course, building a suitable team, deciding on a theme, thinking about logistics and carrying out risk assessments, contacting key stakeholders, and finally applying for UWC endorsement.
Once you've completed all of the above and submitted your form, the UWC Short Course Development Initiative team will review it and provide feedback, likely with an ask for further information or clarification surrounding some areas. You should then integrate this feedback and tweak your endorsement application, while continuing through the Planning Stage of the resource platform, before submitting the revised endorsement form again to UWC International. Here UWC International will again consider the proposal, and will either grant or withhold UWC endorsement.
We advise you to review the endorsement form now (visit the link above) and maintain a view of the questions which it asks, while you work through the steps of the Initiation Stage.
Until you are endorsed, this resource platform and UWC SCDI team, via the short courses mailbox, will be your first point of contact. In the meantime, we recommend you have a look at these brief introductory videos on what UWC Short Courses are, what the SCDI does and why there is a required Endorsement process for UWC Short Courses.
Purpose of the Endorsement Process
The endorsement process is based on the framework above, and has been designed to ensure:
The integrity of UWC values is maintained
All programmes deliver a certain level of participant experience
Safety standards and risk management plans
An appropriate curriculum
Financial accountability and sustainability
Preventing and Managing Serious Incidents
A major aspect of your endorsement application is proof that you have thoroughly considered and mitigated against risks to your short course. Further information on risk assessments and safeguarding is available in the perspective pages.
Supporting Evidence
As part of your endorsement application, you must submit various supporting documents. This will likely involve you engaging with the Planning Stage of this resource platform to a degree. Please keep in mind you will need the following to complete your endorsement application:
CV of the main organiser(s)
A copy of your police check or two references if you cannot get a police check - details here
Key team roles
Course overview
Course curriculum/schedule (drafts are accepted at this stage)
Risk assessments
Proof of insurance
Information on the location and venue
Preliminary course budget
A letter of support from the UWC entity(s) local to your short course
Proof and details of support if you're partnering with an external organisation
Links to your website/social media pages (if applicable)
You cannot submit your endorsement application without these supporting documents. If you have difficulty obtaining any of the supporting documentation or submitting the online application, please contact the UWC SCDI team by email.
Immediately after you have received formal UWC Short Course endorsement, you will be asked to provide further details in a promotion form about your course for publicity purposes (links to your website and social media pages, high-quality pictures, a high-quality video (if available), the deadline for applications, information on any scholarship availability and a course overview description), so do think about this at this early stage.
For more details on what this supporting evidence entails and what is still required from UWC International once you have received formal endorsement, see the Apply for UWC Endorsement section.