Student participation: Potentials of student engagement for universities

Motivated students who embody the values and mission of their own university beyond the lecture hall, who are exceptionally committed to academic success and projects, and who continue to act as ambassadors for their alma mater even after graduation. Many universities share this ideal vision of students and alumni. But how can universities foster this ideal sense of connection to their own institution and commitment to their studies? What benefits does student engagement bring, and what challenges might hinder progress towards this goal?

What is Student Engagement?

Student engagement refers to the level of attention, interest, identification and emotional attachment that students feel towards their university or their degree programme. Advocates of student engagement are convinced that a positive student experience not only has an impact on students’ academic performance, but that a university also benefits in the long term from this positive bond with its students.

Benefits of Student Engagement for universities, lecturers, and students

Higher education institutions wanting to take advantage of the growing importance of student engagement are actively working within their institutional strategies to promote student participation. After all, the benefits include not only improved student retention but also rising academic performance – in other words, more ECTS credits earned – a higher graduation rate, and an increase in enrolment figures thanks to the positive reputation gained. Lecturers also benefit directly from greater student motivation and participation. Engaged and motivated students who contribute to lectures with curiosity are better able to consolidate their knowledge and ultimately achieve better performance and grades.

Of course, students also benefit from participating in their studies. For them, however, the advantages extend beyond campus life into their private lives. After all, a vibrant community during one’s studies not only strengthens perseverance and resilience to stress, but also boosts students’ self-confidence and mental wellbeing. Student participation can take various forms: it ranges from academic engagement in lectures and seminars, through extracurricular activities in student initiatives and societies, to a long-term identification with the alma mater, which manifests itself in a lasting relationship with the university.

Digitalization, overload, changing times: Challenges for Student Engagement

Promoting student engagement is a long-term goal that is influenced and challenged by a wide range of factors – from institutional challenges and students’ personal willingness to current social trends. For example, we are currently in an era where the diversification of educational provision and the individualisation of study programmes are being driven forward. Students should be able to pursue their studies on their own terms, anywhere and at any time. Digitalisation in general and the possibilities of distance learning – driven not least by the coronavirus pandemic – offer an alternative to traditional face-to-face study with lectures in the lecture theatre, studying in the university library and exams on campus.

Regardless of the potential of digital learning environments and hybrid educational models, this also presents challenges for student engagement: what for some is a major achievement in terms of the accessibility of higher education, for others means digital alienation and isolation in student life. Without physical proximity to the university, fellow students and campus life, it is significantly more difficult to build a personal connection to the university. Student engagement suffers as a result.

Mental challenges such as performance pressure, stress and financial worries also lead to students feeling overwhelmed during their studies. Faced with these pressures, students tend to withdraw, and their engagement with their studies declines. Furthermore, higher academic demands leave less time and scope for voluntary work outside the regular curriculum, for example in student societies or clubs – organisations that play a crucial role in campus life.

All these factors make it harder to build a connection with the university and the wider student community. As soon as students feel less connected or identify less with their university, they find it easier to let their studies slip or, in the worst case, to drop out.

Student Engagement: A strategic decision

The potential of student engagement is enormous – for a university as an institution, for lecturers and for students. However, there are numerous challenges that universities must address in order to build an active, engaged student body. Long-term, strategic decisions must be made on the path to increased student engagement:

Should an institution continue to focus on face-to-face teaching, or does it wish to adopt online, blended or asynchronous teaching? Is there sufficient space for students to interact on campus – both for collaborative learning and work as well as for leisure – or should further meeting spaces be created? How should lecturers and university staff promote student engagement? Are students viewed as users of educational provision or as ‘education customers’ who need to be served?

Every university answers these questions and prioritises student engagement differently. The fact is: promoting student engagement makes a contribution to a vibrant campus, greater motivation and identification with a university that should not be underestimated.