Explore our dedication to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the Arqus Alliance. Discover our initiatives and resources by navigating through the menu below. Click on any category to learn more about our diverse actions and programs aimed at creating a more inclusive academic environment.
The digital repository (within the Arqus virtual environment) captures and makes accessible the results and lessons learned from all Arqus activities. This repository is continuously populated with materials.
English glossary on inclusion and accessibility in higher education
The Language Tools group within the Arqus Plurilingual and Intercultural Hub and the Language Services Unit (USL) of the Vice-Rectorate for Internationalization of the University of Granada (UGR) have produced the ArqusTerm English Glossary: Key Terms and Definitions for Inclusion and Accessibility in Higher Education. The glossary aims to serve as a benchmark for discussion in the field of inclusion and accessibility, both within the Alliance and in other bodies within the framework of higher education.
Preventive early career education
During the first period of the Alliance (Arqus I, 2019-2022), partner universities shared the best practices and existing intervention models and academics with primary and secondary school pupils, teachers and career advisors. The main aim was to increase primary school pupils’ knowledge of professional activities and role models, their self-determination and the autonomous capacities to choose and soft skills from very early stages.
During Arqus I, partner universities also shared best practices and developed common guidelines for outreach activities for primary and secondary schools. Some of the goals of these activities were: to awaken children to the joy of learning about the world; to form their values and broaden their horizons; to reveal talents and develop critical thinking and to show children the possibilities from which they can choose their future path.
Recognition of Prior Learning is a guideline on credit recognition and transfer for accredited professional and work experience, thus facilitating access of older students with work experience to university. During Arqus I,the recognition of non-formal and informal learning was focused on the common structure, methodology, and guidelines for recognition of non-formal and informal education for the purposes of credit accumulation.
Arqus Support Networks for Inclusion
An in-depth Arqus I mapping of the existing networks in Arqus partner universities. The final expected outcome of the activity was to create a common informational tool to collect and present all services which were available within the whole consortium.
Integrated Arqus plan for refugees and students at risk
During Arqus I the first framework of the integrated Arqus plan for refugees and students at Risk was developed. The aim was to develop inclusive strategies that would help dismantle barriers in higher education and strengthen academic opportunities for refugee students.
Senior universities
Guidelines for Senior Universities were developed by the Arqus I partners to collect best practices from the Arqus partner universities in activities targeting senior students, to establish shared guidelines; and to explore opportunities for joint programmes, both on- and off-line.
Inclusive peer tutoring
Guidelines and recommendations for an inclusive peer tutoring programme in Higher Education Institutions. With these guidelines for an inclusive peer tutoring programme the Arqus I Universities aimed to aid student transition, create an inclusive learning and teaching environment, reduce dropouts and increase exam activity, and assure academic integration and engagement right from the start. Therefore, the framework followed a holistic and inclusive approach that includes support for all student groups at the Arqus Universities – with and without vulnerabilities.
Fast track for gifted students
A final report of the Arqus I partners collecting a series of recommendations: Giving out scholarships and grants according to every institution’s requirements; Implement a one-year program that aims to develop motivated students in terms of personal development and business understanding; Implementation of an interdisciplinary elective program to support motivated students who want to develop in business-related areas during their studies; Implementation of a school of higher education dedicated to supporting gifted students in the form of a separate institution integrated into the university’s system; Programs/initiatives which are organised in cooperation with universities.
Job market transition for inclusive universities
The document concentrated on students with vulnerabilities, which includes students with special needs, students with socio-vulnerabilities and students with financial vulnerabilities. The report focused on the transition phase from university to the job market, a complex experience process for all graduates, and even more so for the ones with vulnerabilities. One of the main goals of the project is to map best practices from different perspectives (students, alumni, employers…), to provide better career guidance programs for groups with and without vulnerabilities and support platforms to monitor services involved in the employment of graduates at risk of exclusion.
The charter on Gender Equality, Inclusion and Sustainability was produced during the first funding period. It turns values and principles into goals, tasks, monitoring measures, etc., with a clear indication of responsibilities.
The action plan is under development and aims to outline strategic directions and specific measures to enhance inclusion and diversity within Arqus. It will be available upon completion.
The reports capture and make visible the evolution of I&D activities across the Arqus alliance in a systematic and accessible manner. Includes reports on inclusion-related modules/course/training events for students, vulnerable groups, trainers, professionals, co-designed and student-led activities.
Comprehensive reports documenting the progress and challenges in our inclusion and diversity initiatives will be published here. Check back for detailed insights and analysis.
The Arqus Action plan is based on pilot initiatives, programmes, and mentoring structures to enhance access, participation, and successful completion of studies as well as a quality university life in all its aspects for students and scholars at risk.
Arqus is committed to supporting at-risk students and scholars. After elaborating the first Action plan with a focus on Ukraine, we are continuing our work towards the creation of a second action plan, currently in preparation, that will detail the steps Arqus is taking to provide crucial support to students and scholars at risk.
Check here the Arqus Action Plan for Ukrainian refugees and students and scholars at risk in collaboration with NaUKMA.
A Plan including different professional development activities targeting homogeneous staff categories as well as staff members from different offices/units with complementary expertise both within the individual partner universities and across the Alliance, for a more coordinated action towards inclusion.
A web space repository of learning resources on inclusion-related issues open to students, academic staff, non-academic staff and citizens is under development.
We are compiling valuable learning resources essential for fostering an inclusive educational environment. These resources will be made available here.
Meet the dedicated members of the Inclusion and Diversity Hub, spanning all nine Arqus partner institutions. Leading the efforts are Lucia Gennaro from the University of Padua and Conny Melzer from Leipzig University. Contact us at inclusion-hub@arqus-alliance.eu for support and inquiries.
