Track 4: Social Dimension of Higher Education
SOCIAL DIMENSION OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Location: Track 4A + 4B: Nador 13, 301 and 302 - see floor map
Track Chairs:
Pusa Nastase • Central European University, Hungary and Regina Aichinger • University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Austria
The social dimension of higher education features prominently on most higher education strategies at European and national levels, particularly in relation to important topics such as employability of graduates and access to higher education. The social dimension is seen as a factor in increasing the attractiveness of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) as outlined by the Education Ministers in the Yerevan Communiqué (2015): Making our systems more inclusive is an essential aim for the EHEA as our populations become more and more diversified, also due to immigration and demographic changes.
Moreover, inclusive policies in education are seen as tools for economic development and social cohesion in EHEA countries and beyond. An educated workforce is essential for the knowledge society and the higher education sector plays a crucial role in providing students throughout their life with opportunities for improving their employability and competitiveness.
The social dimension of higher education is a broad concept referring to the following issues:
- Widening participation in higher education to include all groups represented in the society, with a special attention being paid to previously underrepresented groups.
- Removal of barriers to completion of university studies for both national and international students.
- Mobility programs for students and teachers.
- Institutional focus on student centered learning for all types of learners, including lifelong learning.
This track accepts papers related to:
- Policies for reducing inequalities and increasing access to higher education.
- Programs aimed at integrating refugees into higher education.
- Lifelong learning programs, policies and practices in higher education institutions.
- Institutional support for students including student services, counseling and career guidance.
- Student centered policies aimed at improving completion rates, flexible learning paths, alternative access routes.
- Policies and practices aimed at increasing students’ employability on the job market.
- Regional/local cooperation aimed at spreading the resources available in higher education institutions.
- The continuous development of competences and strengthening of knowledge alliances.
