1. Social dimension of HE and the engagement of the community Alma Joensen Member of the Executive Committee European Students’ Unions alma@esu-online.org Spanish Presidency Conference Málaga, 25th of May, 2010

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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?

8. Thank you! alma@esu-online.org www.esu-online.org