CHARM-EU D6.1 - Key findings of the CHARM-EU Inclusiveness Survey

Abstract

The higher education landscape has been rapidly changing in recent decades. The student population has grown, and its composition has been diversified. Many hidden and visible structural barriers hinder individuals' access to and participation in higher education. One of the most significant challenges of today's society is fostering inclusive and quality education for all. Providing access ad safeguarding equality have become prominent in countries' higher education policies and practices (Fazekas, 2018). Participating in higher education offers individuals opportunities for self-development and enhances their future employability. It becomes even more critical when considering groups at risk of social exclusion.

CHARM-EU continuously aims to understand and determine what conditions, policies and support provisions contribute to an inclusive atmosphere across higher education institutions of the CHARM-EU Alliance. CHARM-EU Work Package 6 Inclusiveness developed the survey to map inclusion, diversity, and non-discrimination policies and practices across CHARM-EU partner higher education institutions. Key findings of the survey inform various stakeholders, policymakers, practitioners, and students about the enablers in improving and advocating for access and participation in higher education institutions across the CHARM-EU Alliance, the European Higher Education Area, and beyond. This report highlights measures and practices to inspire higher education institutions and relevant stakeholders to consider future steps to strengthen their inclusion and diversity agenda in various higher education spheres. I am proud to see how CHARM-EU, step by step, has been contributing to shaping and continuing further to improve access to and participation in higher education.