“the student body [...] should reflect the diversity of our population”
(London Communiqué of Bologna ministers, 2007)
Widening participation in higher education is a major component of education policy in many member states of the European Union and the Bologna Process. It consists of an attempt to increase not only the number of young people entering higher education, but also the proportion of “under-represented groups” (those from a lower social strata, ethnic minorities or people with disabilities). Social inclusion is important to HE as still too many capable students are excluded from the higher education system due to their background, insufficient study support systems or other barriers. Moreover, the “EU 2020” strategy, and its forerunner the Lisbon-strategy alike, focus on strengthening education as “one of the most effective ways of fighting inequality and poverty”. Beyond that, it states that “a greater emphasis on vulnerable groups, gender equality and social cohesion is needed to ensure that no one is excluded from knowledge”.
Submitted works are awaited to present e.g examples of accessible and non-accessible HE environments, good practices, new ideas for improving accessibility, etc.
