Challenges of Social, Cultural and Educational Activities in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Background: The education system is the most important tool for transferring values ​​and norms to the young generation and for the development of the community. On the other hand, universities, as the basis of rationality in societies, are in charge of reconstruction and improvement of the culture. The "Regulations of Faculty Members Promotion in Educational and Research Institutions", approved by the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council, has also considered cultural affairs in the first article. However, due to the abstract nature of the issues in the first article, this paper tried to identify the challenges of cultural activities in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted to better understand the problems and challenges of cultural activities in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences during the second semester of 2011-2012. Purposeful sampling method was used and semi-structured interviews were performed with current or former Vice-Chancellery for Cultural and Students Affairs of different colleges of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The four themes extracted from analyzing the interview transcripts included problems associated with the nature of culture, problems associated with faculty members, problems associated with students, and organizational problems. Conclusion: The results of this study highlighted the necessity of long-term planning for cultural activities and active participation of faculty members. Creating a discursive environment through holding faculty members consultation meetings can be a good base for the active participation of faculty members in colleges and universities. Moreover, developing qualitative and quantitative indicators for measuring social, educational and cultural activities in universities is an unavoidable. Keywords: Educational Cultural and Social Activities; Interviews; Qualitative Study