Act now, privileged education, community incorporation

The European Union (EU) called on the Social Dimension of view of the process of determining a student in Bologna is the main point. But the concept of what it means?

According to a ministerial conference held in London in 2007, promotes the social dimension of social inclusion, reduce differences and even knowledge, skills and abilities to raise the level of society.

Also, in terms of participation, and social diversity at all levels of higher education at the end of the covers.

This is not only sounds like an ambitious plan, but these are very complex and perhaps an unfocused. However, it is easy to understand why it is called a dimension. Social impact of higher education in almost all decisions.

This loose definition has advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, the possibility of interpreting the social dimension of the person gives their regional needs or circumstances. On the other hand, may be a barrier to the expected measurable steps is ongoing, but since it is unclear.

Student perspective, the Social Dimension of the underlying processes that graduation and entry into the labor market acceptance of diversity to society.

Until March 7-11, various aspects of the Social Dimension of the European Students' Convention in Dublin, Ireland's capital were discussed. Disadvantages and concept development at the convention were raised several questions about the future.

Who is society?

The social dimension of everyone in society. But who is society? Whose responsibility is the implementation of the social dimension?

Perhaps it is the responsibility of regional and national governments. However, education is also a concern across Europe, and therefore, it is necessary to clarify the role of the European Union. Today, Europe has no decision-making powers in the field of education, but the results of a lack of integration across the continent in the fund.

It is obvious that there is an economic crisis, education, and has important implications for students in Europe. Not only can not stop the crisis of the Social Dimension of the process of further development, but in the future could reverse the effects of the process.

Zip code Effect

Access to higher education is still a social problem. UK, Ireland and other countries like the Netherlands is easy to predict a person's future in their zip code. Is a clear indicator of social segregation?

There is no improvement in access to higher education, a variety of different solutions to the under-represented group simply because it is not a universal solution. However, people in the context of socio-economic factors hindering access to higher education.

This problem for the EU to provide loans to students, however, we need to forget the students to pay their debts. The financing of education is a big part of the Social Dimension, and we need some strong actions.

European Access Network's world congress in October 2013, events such as these issues are important to the platform.

Prevention of early dropouts many students have already dropped out of the education system to higher education before they enter the code. Therefore, it is important to develop schemes for inclusion in the early stages of education. In the second level is starting too late.

In many countries, such as Germany and Austria, the academic selection process begins much earlier. It is possible that early intervention, such as the University Children's Science and Society activities through initiatives - for example, Catalyst SIS.

These activities aim to ensure access to higher education groups, but they help you to recognize opportunities for prospective students.

Preparing for the future also under discussion is whether the social dimension is just to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity for education or if the individual needs. In the latter case, the social dimension would not only be a source of equality, but also be a source of justice.

Whatever the outcome of this debate, we need action. We need to plan for the future now, and governments need to recognize the value of long-term investments. Why it is not possible to work on the social dimension of the excuses accepted for far too long.

Irish EU Presidency and Member States to commit to a stronger emphasis on the social dimension has an important opportunity to push. This increase equality and to offer hope for young people in our society may be an option.

* Florien Kaiser executive committee member of the European Students' Union.