On the 1st and 2nd of September, 2022, the EELISA Executive Board met in Budapest. During this meeting, representatives of the nine EELISA partner institutions evaluated the work and achievements to date, both at a tactical and strategic level. Ideas and proposals that would mark the next steps of the alliance were also shared.
With the aim to learn more about the internal motivations of each EELISA partner in the long term, and to boost the collective commitment for the implementation of the second half of the project lifetime (the academic year 2022-23), representatives had the chance to present a one-page strategic statement.
As an active member of the EELISA Executive Board, and on behalf of the Student Council, FAU student Paulus Guter also took the stand to share the “EELISA Students Strategic Statement”. A clear message, built from essential concepts such as mobility and sustainability, that we are proud to share here:
Strategic Statement by EELISA Student Council
August 29th 2022
WHY?
As EELISA Student Council we believe in the idea of European Education, we believe in the idea to reform Engineering education in a more international, interdisciplinary, sustainable, inclusive, and equitable way. As EELISA Student Council (ESC) we represent the more than 180,000 students within the alliance. We develop ideas for EELISA, give feedback, and contribute to the different boards of the alliance. At ESC we exchange our ideas, and opinions from the different universities, learn from each other and build up a common understanding of EELISA and the future of European education. Our mission is to represent the student needs even better within the alliance, develop student engagement further and exchange our professional and institutional knowledge. We meet monthly to discuss the progress in EELISA and create ideas for the future of the alliance. Our joint goal is to advertise and promote EELISA, and its possibilities and start a new era of European education. The motivation of every single member of the student council is different. The most important factor – on an individual and institutional level – is to create a network in Europe, between different universities and working groups. We want to gain a broad skillset and mindset, learn the different teaching and education methods, and join courses and joint degrees. The possibility of gaining funding by EELISA is unique for students. EELISA is a great opportunity for all students. As ESC, our main goal is to advertise and promote EELISA among the students and vice-versa represent the students in the alliance.
WHAT?
EELISA is a special and unique program. It is great that it focuses on students, their needs and their professional, academic and personal growth. Its close attention to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) is also unique. We appreciate that especially the EELISA communities are formed around the SDGs. EELISA brings a huge and strong network, and it offers more opportunities than other networks or Erasmus programs. Great are the chances, common Erasmus exchange programs do not offer short-term mobilities in form of internships or summer courses. The EELISA network moreover is a very strong network and we already feel like the nine universities grow together. In terms of academic learning, we appreciate seeing different teaching and learning styles, different professors, countries, and cultures. Therewith we can learn different good practices for our own careers. EELISA is a part of future education, which is more personalized, digital, and interdisciplinary. We fully support the idea of EELISA-specific degrees which result in a closer collaboration within the universities, their countries, and the whole of Europe. Altogether EELISA brings Europe closer together and it can be a real game changer in terms of European Education, Stability of Democracies, Collaboration, and Sustainability.
HOW?
As EELISA Student Council, our task is to bring the student’s views, perspectives, and energy. We see that the student view is important and worth a lot. While the students’ view is rather unimportant at the level of most institutions, we appreciate the relevance and involvement of students’ interests in EELISA. For the future development of European education, we see this democratic understanding of education as a game changer. As ESC our main task is to create credibility among students as still a lot of students do not know what EELISA is. Our aim for the next academic year is to have local student groups at each institution. We also aim to grow the number of exchanges and activities – especially physical mobilities.
We also expect the alliance not just to talk about sustainability in projects, communities, or seminars but also to integrate it into daily life, like green energy, green mobility, or sustainable food offerings.
We are role models for society and together we can create an impact!
EELISA Executive Board Members in BME (Budapest). With EELISA student Paulus Guter (upper right) among them.