CAMPUS REPORT

 

Korea hosted the 7th IASAS Global Summit in collaboration with KOSAF - Student affairs and government collaborate to advance student success

 

 

David Newman

Vice-President, IASAS; Executive Director: Student Experience, University of Toronto, Canada. Email: david.newman@utoronto.ca

 

 

The International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS) proudly announces the successful conclusion of its 7th Global Summit, held in collaboration with the Korea Student Aid Foundation (KOSAF). The event, which drew 250 attendees from 40 countries, was a vibrant forum for discussion, learning, and collaboration among student affairs professionals worldwide.

This year's summit, themed 'Educational Institutions and Student Affairs Driving Sustainable Change', featured two distinguished keynote speakers who captivated and inspired the audience with their insights and expertise.

Prof. Jouhaina Gherib, a leading scholar in the educational and international policy field, vice-president of the International Association of Universities (IAU), and lead, of the working group on Higher Education for Sustainable Development (HESD), IAU, as well as president of the University of Manouba, Tunisia, opened the summit with a compelling address on the importance of fostering inclusive and supportive environments for students across diverse cultural landscapes. Prof. Gherib emphasised the critical role of student affairs professionals in promoting global citizenship and intercultural understanding. She also focused on the the important role that leadership plays in advancing this work, emphasising that this role matters now more than ever.

Following Prof. Gherib, Prof. Birgit Phillips, an esteemed expert in AI and higher education innovation, delivered a keynote that highlighted the transformative power of AI, its risks and opportunities for higher education and student success. Prof. Phillips serves as the director of Higher Education Didactics and AI at JOANNEUM in Graz, Austria. Prof. Phillips shared successful case studies and strategies from her extensive experience, demonstrating how innovative practices can significantly enhance student engagement and academic success.

The summit's agenda included a series of paper presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions, providing attendees with ample opportunities to exchange ideas and good practices. Topics covered ranged from mental health and wellness to the role of technology in enhancing student engagement and success. A key aspect of this Global Summit was the focus on collaboration, not only across regions and countries but also of HEIs with government, and students with staff.

Past IASAS president, Achim Meyer auf der Heyde, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration with KOSAF and the active participation of the international community. "This summit has reaffirmed our collective commitment to advancing social justice via student affairs and services globally. The diverse perspectives and innovative solutions shared here will undoubtedly shape the future of our field," said Mr Meyer auf der Heyde.

The partnership with KOSAF was particularly noteworthy, showcasing a model of international cooperation aimed at improving student support systems. KOSAF's involvement underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing the financial and educational needs of students worldwide.

During the Summit, the new executive of IASAS was announced and the new president, Prof. Birgit Schreiber spoke enthusiastically about taking the Association forward. She emphasised the importance of locally attuned support with global awareness.

As the summit concluded, attendees departed with renewed energy and a wealth of knowledge to implement in their respective institutions. The connections forged and the ideas exchanged promise to drive continued progress and innovation in student affairs and services.

For more information about IASAS and future events, please visit iasas.global.

About IASAS:

The International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS) is dedicated to the global advancement of student affairs and services, fostering collaboration and sharing of best practices among professionals to enhance student success and development.

About KOSAF:

The Korea Student Aid Foundation (KOSAF) is committed to supporting students through comprehensive financial aid programmes and initiatives, ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students in Korea and beyond.