1.2 Getting to know different forms of student engagement & student support
Student engagement encompasses a wide range of activities and interests pursued by students outside of their regular academic coursework. Each form of involvement has its unique characteristics and may benefit from different types of support. Here are different forms of formal and informal student engagement, along with possible student support for each:
Student Government and Leadership:
Definition: Student government allows students to take on leadership roles within the university or school. This involvement includes roles like student body president, class representative, or committee member.
Possible Student Support:
- Offering leadership development programs and workshops.
- Providing resources for campaign planning and public speaking.
- Ensuring transparent and fair election processes.
- Supporting student government initiatives and projects.
Clubs and Organisations:
Definition: Clubs and organisations encompass a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, recreational, and service-oriented. Students join these groups to connect with peers who share similar interests.
Possible Student Support:
- Facilitating the creation of new clubs based on student interests.
- Providing meeting spaces and resources for club activities.
- Offering guidance and mentorship for club leaders.
- Promoting club events and meetings to increase participation.
Cultural and Diversity Groups:
Definition: These groups celebrate and promote cultural diversity and inclusion on campus. They may focus on specific ethnic, racial, or cultural identities.
Possible Student Support:
- Providing a platform for cultural exchange and understanding.
- Offering funding for cultural events, festivals, and heritage celebrations.
- Organizing workshops and dialogues on diversity and inclusion.
- Promoting cross-cultural collaboration and awareness.
Support for these specific forms of student engagement should align with the unique goals and objectives of each category. Tailoring support to the needs and interests of students in clubs and organisations, student government, and cultural and diversity groups can enhance their experiences and contributions to the campus community.
Resources
We invite you now to take a look at:
Towards an inclusive EHEA in 2030; https://eua.eu/component/attachments/attachments.html?task=attachment&id=4054
A handbook: Building Capacity for Inclusive Higher Education in Digital Environmentshttps://einclusion.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2023/02/E-Inclusion_Handbook-04-02-2023-12_02_14_617.pdf