Social dimension of HE and the engagement of the community Alma Joensen Member of the Executive Committee European Students’ Unions Spanish Presidency Conference Málaga, 25th of May, 2010

The European Students’ Union (ESU) Umbrella organisation of 45 National Unions of Students from 37 countries in Europe Represents 11 millions of students Guards the educational, social, economic and cultural interests of students

The SD in the Bologna Process Prague 2001 – Students become partners in the Bologna Process and bring the SD with them Bergen 2005 – The SD becomes an integral part of the process London 2007 –Definition of the SD + National Action plans before 2009 Leuven 2009 – Indicators and measureable targets introduced

Community responsibility 1. Share the social responsibility Higher Education: Public responsibility and public good Common efforts of all bodies Take on part of the social responsibility and support the development of the universities

Community responsibility 2. Student support services Fundamental services provided by the city ▫Accommodation ▫Food ▫Transportation etc. Essential for the every day life of students Should be available for all students

Community responsibility 3. Student/youth friendly community Take into account the needs and demands of young citizens, students and graduates ▫Employability ▫Child care Ensure diverse services to meet the diverse student body

The SD – not yet a reality.. Why do the actions not measure up to the commitments? Are there ways to speed up the process? Who is responsible? ▫politicians? ▫ministries? ▫institutions? ▫communities? ▫All mentioned above?

Thank you!