Assuming responsibilities within an association? Actively engaging in an NGO? And all while pursuing studies! ICHEC establishes a status to assist committed students.
For Whom?
The "Engaged Student" status can be granted by the designated Commission to any regularly enrolled student who assumes significant responsibilities aligned with ICHEC's values, involving significant personal investment, on a voluntary basis, within internal or external bodies of ICHEC. The student must apply by submitting a complete dossier.
Non-exhaustive list of positions and mandates that may be considered for the "Committed Student" status:
- Member of the Board of Directors of the Higher Education Institution
- Member of the Student Council
- Presidents of student associations
- Political representative within a Municipal Council
- Person holding a political mandate
- Person involved in a Non-Profit Organization or an NGO
- ...
For What?
Simply obtaining the status is already a recognition for the individual vis-à-vis the Higher Education Institution and its contacts within or outside it. This status highlights their personal investment and assumption of responsibilities, for example, before a future employer.
Guidance by a "citizen engagement coordinator":
The "Engaged Student" is supported by a designated staff member within the department. This privileged contact is available to help and facilitate any useful steps to enable the "Engaged Student" to achieve their goals. They serve as a liaison between the "Engaged Student" and ICHEC, providing administrative and logistical support throughout the year.
Specific modalities regarding teaching activities, assessments, and exams:
The "Engaged Student" may, upon request and to the extent reasonable and feasible, benefit from:
- Adjustments to the organization of teaching activities (e.g., language courses, seminars, AIP);
- Adjustments to the schedule/calendar of assessments and exams (e.g., submission date of a work).
These specific modalities remain subject to organizational possibilities defined by the concerned professors. A request must be submitted, within a reasonable period and no later than November 15 (Q1) or March 15 (Q2), by the "Engaged Student" to the "citizen engagement coordinator," who will contact the relevant professor.
Support on request from the Success Assistance Service
If possible, the "Engaged Student" who wishes may benefit from priority access and support from the Success Assistance Service (help with study methods, time management, ...).
The "Engaged Student" may request their citizen engagement coordinator for the provision of a room on an ad hoc or more regular basis, for assistance in organising a potential event, support from the communication department, ...
New status application
1. The student gathers the required supporting documents:
- A cover letter including a description of the tasks of the position and the responsibilities assumed, as well as an estimate of the time devoted to these tasks.
- In the case of engagement outside the Higher Education Institution, a signed attestation/proof from the organization in which the student is involved stating the mandate/responsibility and including the complete contact details of the organization as well as those of the person who can attest to it.
2. Once regularly enrolled at ICHEC for the current academic year, the student is invited to post these documents on the Moodle website.
3. The submission of applications for the "Engaged Student" status is open until:
- Semester 2: 12 February 2024
4. The Commission analyses the dossiers and communicates its decision to the student within eight working days following the Commission meeting.
If the response is favourable, the student is considered as a "Engaged Student" and could benefit from the associated advantages after an interview with their coordinator.
In return, the beneficiary will be asked:
- To inform their citizen engagement coordinator of any significant modifications related to their missions as defined in the submitted dossier. They are also required to promptly inform of the end of the mandate for which the status was granted.
- To adopt a behaviour worthy and respectful of ICHEC's values in all activities related to their status.
- To complete an end-of-academic-year evaluation report of the experience they have undergone.
The "Engaged Student" authorizes ICHEC to mention their participation in the Engaged Student program in its communication and promotion activities and to reproduce and communicate their synthesis document in its entirety or in excerpts as part of ICHEC's promotion activities, its teachings, and the status.
5. Upon notification of the attribution of the "Engaged Student" status, the student receives the contact details of their citizen engagement coordinator. The student contacts them. They are the privileged contact for the "Engaged Student" to assert the advantages conferred by their status. The coordinator facilitates all useful procedures and assists in implementing arrangements as needed.
6. The "Engaged Student" and the Rector jointly sign a charter that formalizes the reciprocal commitment of the student and ICHEC: the rights and duties of each party are mentioned therein.
Withdrawal of the status
The status may be withdrawn at any time by the Commission:
For reasons motivated by the Commission, when it is seized by the citizen engagement coordinator or any other person for serious breaches.
When the student abandons the mandate for which they obtained the "Engaged Student" status.