This report provides an analysis of the main achievements, the impact and the sustainability of the Tempus IV projects in the development of support services for students at universities in the Western Balkans. The report also identifies obstacles and shortcomings.
Student support services are understood to include a broad range of assistance provided to students by universities. These include specific student services such as career counselling, guidance, help in finding housing, a job, extra tutorials etc., and student support services in general that improve the overall quality of higher education provision (better teaching methods, injection of more research, internships etc.)
University governance and management in general, and student support services in particular, cannot be directly linked to students’ performance and attainment. However, the offerings of student services shape the conditions that can enhance or limit students’ learning experiences and outcomes. A comprehensive set of support measures during studies endows students with competences and empowers them as graduates to tackle the challenges of the 21st century work landscape