Unite! at EU Parliament: FOREU4ALL community engagement workshop

On 2 and 3 June, the European Parliament will host the FOREU4ALL workshop titled “From Campuses to Communities: Enhancing Engagement and a Sense of Belonging in European Universities.” This initiative features a prominent contribution from the Unite! alliance in both its conception and coordination.

Barbara Guyomarch, Coordinator of Professional Development and Training at Unite!, has been instrumental in proposing and organising this meeting in her capacity as Chair of the FOREU4ALL Faculty & Staff Engagement Working Group, alongside Giovanni Andriolo (UNITA), Chair of the Students Engagement Working Group.

Participation in this international workshop will enable the alliance to:

• Acquire practical tools for the implementation of institutional change.

• Develop joint strategies to enhance the engagement of the university community.

• Strengthen the collaborative network and ties with other European alliances.

The Unite! delegation will be composed of Barbara Guyomarch (Grenoble INP-UGA), Benedetta Genaro (TU Darmstadt, Elisa Hausherr (Grenoble INP-UGA), and Anna Hejno (Wroclaw Tech).

Objectives of the FOREU4ALL Workshop

European University Alliances currently face the challenge of consolidating the involvement of students, faculty, and administrative staff, as well as ensuring visibility, inclusion, and a genuine sense of belonging across their campuses.

In this context, FOREU4ALL—the collaborative platform bringing together all 73 existing European alliances—is organising this working space based on peer learning and co-creation. The event will gather 140 participants representing 60 alliances, with the aim of designing at least 15 replicable actions and strategies to improve institutional commitment.

The sessions will be organised through parallel breakout groups addressing the following key areas:

• Strengthening the sense of belonging: Exploring shared values, interpersonal relations, and the role of Europe in fostering community.

• Improving awareness: Enhancing local visibility and articulating the strategic value of European University Alliances.

• Overcoming mobility barriers: Promoting inclusion and diversity to ensure equitable access.

• Boosting motivation through recognition: Valuing and celebrating contributions across the different collectives within the alliances.

• Concrete opportunities for individuals and institutions: Translating the strategic value of the alliances into tangible benefits for the community.

This workshop represents a strategic action to drive meaningful impact both within Unite! and across the wider European Higher Education Area.