Student Action Group for Higher Education Sustainability Initiative

Introduction

In alignment with the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) and its mission to advance higher education for sustainable development, we propose the establishment of a Student Action Group (SAG) as a dedicated HESI Action Group. 

Following an inaugural meeting on 3rd October 2023, the Student Action Group has drafted this concept note to outline the intended objectives, structure, activities, and anticipated outcomes of the HESI SAG, considering the valuable input from our participants.

Objective

Our shared objective, as agreed during the meeting, is We aim to foster a community of student change agents who actively drive sustainable practices, teaching and learning, and institutional policies, thereby contributing to a global transformation in higher education and leadership.

Structure and Organisation:

Building on the principles discussed in the meeting, the proposed structure for the SAG includes:

1. Meetings will take place monthly (more frequently during set-up phase) with representatives of participating member organisations. This space will be used to coordinate group activity and feed into HESI initiatives. 
2. Coordination of the group will be rotational, with different member organisations offering to facilitate and minute each meeting, as well as scheduling subsequent meetings. 
3. The group will use a google email group for day-to-day communications, and google docs to manage meeting agendas, minutes, and shared initiatives.
4. Membership of the group will comprise student-led organisations operating in higher education worldwide who are nationally- or regionally-oriented (rather than within a specific city/institution).

Activities

Our proposed activities align with the shared vision and goals discussed during the meeting:

• Advocacy: The group will actively advocate for sustainability in higher education, focusing on relevant issues that can elevate higher education for sustainable development globally. We will represent a collective and diverse student voice at HESI. We specifically want to advocate on: 
  • ○    Sustainability standards and objectives in higher education; 
  • ○    Leadership of HEIs on sustainable development; 
  • ○    Holding institutions to account on their sustainability commitments; 
  • ○    Increasing student representation in HE decision making spaces. 
• Project Implementation: The SAG will initiate and execute sustainability projects and disseminate good practice through our various organisations, for example by sharing existing initiatives which could be scaled-up through SAG partnerships. 
• Network Development: The group will focus on strengthening our collective network, creating clear pathways for student groups to have access to decision-makers, and aligning visions with other HESI action groups. This will include mapping out existing student organisations, including their actions and successes.  
• Collaboration: The group will collaborate with faculty, administration, and local organisations, aligning with the HESI commitment to effective cooperation and shared objectives.
• Education and Outreach: The SAG will promote sustainability understanding and action among students and the broader community, in line with HESI's peer learning objectives.
• Research and Innovation: The group will encourage and facilitate research on sustainability issues and innovative solutions. We may embark on shared research initiatives or seek future funding to deliver key innovations. 
• Knowledge Sharing: Membership organisations will share examples of good practice, to learn and build cohesion and opportunities for collaboration across the group. 

Anticipated Outcomes

The Student Action Group within HESI aims to achieve the following outcomes, in accordance with HESI's commitment to relevance and accountability:

• Share and extend impact of what we're doing at a national level;
• Use this space for policy, influencing, leadership; 
• Collaborate on high-level, student-led inputs to drive and influence change; 
• Champion a shared vision for sustainability in higher education and develop a working plan for how HESI can engage with students most effectively; and 
• Ensure the group is geographically representative, engaging a broad range of student-led organisations worldwide. 

Conclusion

The establishment of the Student Action Group as a HESI Action Group could serve as a significant step toward advancing sustainability in higher education within the HESI framework. By more effectively engaging with students, the SAG will ensure young people have a platform to engage with HE on an international scale. This aligns with the goals of HESI to elevate higher education for sustainable development and contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This initiative not only reflects our commitment to sustainability but also our dedication to working collaboratively on a global scale.

Initial members

Contact Ms. Quinn Runkle to get involved: Quinn.Runkle@sos-uk.org