The OERu network includes recognised universities, polytechnics and community colleges from five continents. We are collaborating to widen access to more affordable education through social inclusion. The implementation of the OERu is also a formal project of the UNESCO-COL OER Chair network.
Equity cases
Student tutoring (Practical example from Antwerp University)
Through the project partnerships between University or University colleges and schools were established. Students take reasonability to prepare pupils for the access and working methods within academia. Both sides benefit of this partnership, as students learn to teach and take responsibility and pupils are provided on a very practical level the insight of academia but also in an emotional level might lose the fear of it.
Improving the democratic character of higher education “Democratisering van het hoger onderwijs”
The project targets the underrepresented groups in society in large which are for several different reasons not able to participate in academia. It aims to facilitate the access for pupils of these groups. The project relies mainly in financial grounds.
Conseil Social (CS / Social Council)
Through a Legal Decree a social council has been established that provides subsidies and information and guidance on housing, finance and health information for all students of Haute Ecoles in French speaking Belgium.
GENERATION TX
TX Generation is a community based project aiming at developing public opinion on higher education and increasing interest in it, presenting it as a key for better future. Programme ensures adequate information for future students as well as for parents, and coaches them on possibilities, administrative procedures, future perspectives, motivation.
Cordées de la réussite “Climbing Ropes for Success”
This is a national umbrella project which enables partners in specific projects to fund a variety of initiatives. A Cordée de la Réussite (CdlR) is a partnership between one or several HEIs and high schools aiming at promoting equity of access and completion of students in first and second year of Higher Education.
Support for students with disabilities (practical case of Limburg Catholic University College – KHLim
The project “Support for students with disabilities” aims to enable disabled students to fully participate and enrol in academic activities. Therefore not only financial aid is
provided but also the smallest details (e.g. payment of gestures or typist hours) to lower the barriers are implemented. Remarkable is that also learning and psychiatric disabilities are taken into account.
Psychotherapeutic Help
Student support in Flemish higher education that provides several means of support including financial support, counselling and other support services. It focuses on students dealing with personal or psychological problems and this way they may appeal to the student services for professional help.
Student Services / Studentenvoorzieningen STIP (practical example from Thomas More Mechelen)
Student Services at University Colleges in Flanders to strengthen the social character of university colleges and promote equal access and participation.
Mental health counselling for students in Riga Stradinš University
Intervention in Riga Stradiņš University aimed to ensure the mental health of students by offering counselling in local Psychosomatic Clinic. One of the initiative’s objectives was to challenge the negative perception within student body and society about mental health issues and offered help to prevent it.
