Crossing Borders: Diversity in Higher Education
[Migration, Integration and Lifelong Learning]
Technische Universität Berlin, Germany
30 June – 2 July 2008
CALL FOR PAPERS
International proposals are invited from policy makers, practitioners, academics and researchers on
effective policy and practice designed to support diversity in higher education in order to widen
participation and promote integration. All accepted papers may be submitted for publication in book
form or in the international Journal for Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning.
Papers proposals can be on theory, research, policy or practice. Proposals should be no more than
350-words and must focus directly on one of the following five themes.
Theme 1 Migration and its impact on education and society
What do we understand about migration? The USA, as we know, is built by immigrants. The UK and
the Netherlands are no strangers to immigrants from their past colonies. Australia over the last 30
years has become a popular immigrant country. Nearly every country in Europe has experienced an
influx of immigrants in its recent history. Is it a good or a bad thing, a burden or a relief for countries
with large migrant communities? For some, migrants put a strain on society’s infrastructure and
services, but for others, new migrants stem population decline and regenerate the workforce thus
contribute to economic growth. It is therefore important to have good data and research in order to
measure more accurately the impact of migration.
Paper proposals should provide statistical data and address the issues surrounding migration with
examples of how higher education institutions, governments or industries [businesses] deal effectively
with the challenges brought about as a result of migration.
Theme 2 Integration and inclusion through education and training
Be it the consequences of past colonial legacies or more recent labour market necessities, countries
like Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the UK are now
home to many migrant communities with widely different cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds.
Even Scandinavia with no strong tradition of colonial or economic migration is now receiving new
migrants in unprecedented numbers. Integration [or inclusion] of migrants into society has now
become top priority for governments. For integration to happen, migrants or children of migrants have
to feel that they are wanted and accepted and to have the chance to participate fully and successfully
in working life as fulfilled citizens. Hence their differences should be respected and efforts should be
made to promote tolerance, pluralism and diversity within society and the workplace.
Paper proposals should focus on how higher education institutions can foster integration by raising the
academic achievement of students from migrant backgrounds and preparing them for a successful
career. Examples of state-public-private sector co-operation in implementing long term integration
strategies through education and training are sought.
Theme 3 Diversity and widening participation
Education achievement is closely linked to future economic and social success in life. Promoting
diversity in higher education is a means of broadening the base of student participation in terms of
social class, race and ethnicity. But what motivates higher education institutions to embark on
widening participation and to embrace diversity? Is it their commitment to corporate social
responsibility? Is it for a more hard-nosed financially driven consideration? Given that they have
different history, mission, reputation, market share of students, how do they manage diversity without
exposing to the ‘risks’? What sort of environment enables students from diverse backgrounds to
achieve success? Is there a common framework for institutions to build their diversity policy to widen
participation?
Paper proposals should address the issues institutions face in their effort to embrace diversity and
embed widening participation, identify the challenges and offer solutions, and provide examples of
successful diversity management.
1
Theme 4 Lifelong Learning and the Lisbon Strategy
The higher education strand of the Lisbon Strategy calls for modernisation of higher education and for
reforms notably in the areas of curricula, funding and governance. Education and training are a
structural means by which society can help its citizens to have equitable access to prosperity,
democratic decision-making and individual socio-cultural development. Access to the updating of skills
throughout their lives therefore becomes a key element in the fight against social exclusion and in the
promotion of equal opportunities in the widest sense. Education and training systems should aim to
contribute to the creation of an inclusive society by ensuring that structures and mechanisms are in
place to remove discrimination at all levels.
Paper proposals should focus on lifelong learning opportunities for adult learners through validation or
accreditation of different learning paths and qualifications, including informal or non-formal learning
and work-based learning. Examples of successful LLL initiatives in promoting social inclusion are
invited.
Theme 5 Internationalisation of higher education
With universities seeking to increase their market shares of students worldwide, do institutions do
enough to integrate international students into education systems and cultures of learning very
different from that of their home countries? How do institutions adjust the teaching curricula to reflect
diverse cultural origins and learning styles? How do they support the students to improve their
competences and achievement rates? Is internationalisation merely a form of commercial exploitation
of education? What are the benefits, other than pecuniary, international students bring that have
enriched the host institutions and enhanced the learning experience of home students? What are the
social, cultural, educational and economic considerations?
Paper proposals should explore the consequences of internationalisation and discuss the
responsibility of education providers, the policy orientation of the receiving countries towards this
group of students. Practical approaches in pedagogy, student support (including language support)
and orientation are of particular importance. International students at preparatory, undergraduate as
well as postgraduate levels are the target group.
Please note:
For Theme 5, paper proposals in the German language will be considered. Presenters whose papers
are accepted will present in German.
Bitte beachten:
Zum Themenbereich 5, werden Beitraege auch in deutscher Sprache entgegengenommen. Die
angenommenen deutschsprachigen Beitraege werden auch auf Deutsch vorgetragen.
Papers must address one of the following target groups:

Students with a migrant background [e.g. first or second generation children of migrants] who are
currently underrepresented in higher education or who are not reaching their full potential in
academic achievement

New or settled migrants with qualifications but who are currently unemployed or under-employed
in low-paid jobs who need to be re-trained or up-skilled

Students [including adult learners] from diverse backgrounds who require a greater understanding
of their different cultural origins and learning styles

International students on degree or postgraduate courses or from developing countries on
preparatory courses
Presenters are requested to:



Ensure that their paper title and summary provides a good guide to the paper’s content.
Highlight the relevance and transferability of their paper to participants from other countries.
Provide copies of at least an outline of their paper for participants.
Deadline for submission: 15 April 2008
2
Crossing Borders: Diversity in Higher Education
[Migration, Integration and Lifelong Learning]
Technische Universität Berlin, Germany
30 June – 2 July 2008
CALL FOR PAPERS FORM
Please complete the details below and return this Form with your 350-word summary electronically to
the EAN Secretariat: m.foong@wmin.ac.uk no later than 15 April 2008
Name of paper presenter(s): (Mr/Ms/Dr/Professor)
Contact details:
Organisation:
Department:
Address:
Country:
Tel & Fax:
Email:
The proposal primarily relates to: (please highlight)
Theme 1
Theme 2
Theme 3
Theme 4
Theme 5
The main focus of the proposal is: (please highlight)
Theory
Research
Policy
Practice
All proposals must state clearly the particular target group (s): (Pl. specify)
First or second generation students with a migrant background; new migrants; international students
on degree courses; international students from developing countries on preparatory or access
courses; adult learners; the un-employed or under-employed.
For collaborative partnerships please state clearly the sectors involved.
Title of Proposal: (15 words maximum) Please make this informative and interesting.
Summary of Proposal (350 words maximum):
Please do not include your 350-summary in this Form but submit it separately and electronically.
Please do not include references in your summary.
Please return this Form with your 350-word summary electronically to the EAN Secretariat,
m.foong@wmin.ac.uk no later than: 15 April 2008
3