ACB MUS is inspired by proven participatory budgeting practices used in local governments. The Maritime University of Szczecin brings this idea into the academic environment – together we decide how to use a dedicated pool of funds.

Main goals of the Academic Citizens’ Budget

• Real influence of the academic community on university spending.
• Strengthening the sense of shared responsibility for the development of the Maritime University of Szczecin.
• Democratization of decision‑making processes.
• Greater involvement of students, doctoral students, and employees in campus life.
• Promoting social responsibility and equal opportunities – in line with the University’s Declaration of Social Responsibility and the MUS Equal Opportunities Plan.
• Building a competitive advantage by shaping an open, modern university that listens to the needs of its community.

How ACB MUS works – allocation of funds

Each year, a fixed amount is allocated to the Academic Citizens’ Budget. The funds are divided into two categories:

• projects for students and doctoral students
• projects for employees.

Each project must fit within the budget limit assigned to its category. Unused funds do not carry over to the next budget year.

Schedule of the 1st edition of ACB MUS 2026

• March 9, 2026 – official announcement of the call for ACB MUS projects
• until March 27, 2026 – deadline for submitting project proposals (inclusive)
• April 10–17, 2026 – evaluation of projects by the ACB MUS Commission (formal, substantive, and feasibility assessment)
• April 20–22, 2026 – publication of the list of projects qualified for voting and start of voting
• April 24, 2026 – announcement of winning projects selected for implementation.

Submitting projects – who can apply and how?

Projects may be submitted by all members of the academic community: students, doctoral students, and employees of the Maritime University of Szczecin.
One person may submit any number of projects.
Each submission must include one designated contact person (name, surname, e‑mail).
Submissions are made via a dedicated online form, which requires:

• a detailed project description
• justification of the project’s purpose and necessity
• a realistic cost estimate (including operating costs in subsequent years, if applicable)

Full details are provided in the official regulations.

Voting – how to cast your vote?

Voting will take place from April 20–22, 2026:

• primarily online, via an anonymous Microsoft Forms survey (accessible only from @pm.szczecin.pl accounts)
• for employees without regular computer access – the option to vote using a paper ballot.

The Commission will oversee the proper conduct of the voting process and will publish an official protocol of the results. Projects selected in the vote will be included in the university’s implementation plan in accordance with the schedule and rules set out in the ACB MUS regulations.

Why participate?

The Academic Citizens’ Budget is founded on the principle that the academic community is best positioned to identify the needs of the campus. Your idea can genuinely improve conditions for learning, working, and community life. The Maritime University of Szczecin is a community – and in a true community, every voice matters.
Follow the Academic Citizens’ Budget section on pm.szczecin.pl and the University’s social media channels – the call for submissions opens on March 9. Have an idea? Submit it by March 27, 2026.