Council of the European Union conclusions on the Social Dimension of HE

On 16 May, the Council of the European Union adopted “Conclusions on the Social Dimension of higher education”, which include specific recommendations for different education sectors and for lifelong learning. The Council conclusions on the social dimension of higher education echo many of the commitments laid down in EUA’s Lifelong Learning Charter in 2008. As a contribution towards reaching one of Europe 2020’s targets for education – 40% of 30-34 year olds should have completed tertiary or equivalent education by 2020 –, the conclusions set out lines for future work to develop high quality education and training systems which allow equitable participation for all (“excellence and equity”).
The proposed recommendations include adopting national and institutional measures, such as strategies, for enhanced access, participation and completion, promoting cooperation between different education providers, developing permeability and better progression routes into higher education, diversifying learning opportunities, and exploring supporting funding mechanisms. EUA continues to encourage and support its members in developing and implementing their lifelong learning strategies through its diverse project activities. Given the increasingly diverse studentship, it will be of crucial importance to enhance the outreach of higher education towards graduates from both the school and vocational sector, and to develop multiple entry paths to higher education, enabling the participation of lifelong learners.
In its recent study, Tracking Learners’ and Graduates’ Progression Paths, EUA has documented and analysed how higher education institutions all over Europe are committed to improving the learning provision and the success prospects of learners during studies, and also after graduation, as they move into employment. The full Council of the EU conclusions can be downloaded here.