Community & The Sense of Belonging

Howest University of Applied Sciences (Howest) is hosting several short programmes during 2025-2026 including this unique SAP.

The 'Community & The Sense of Belonging' is jointly organised by Howest, NHL Stenden and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).

This SAP is unique! The primary target group for this SAP is students and lecturers, however, given the importance of community building, it is essential to involve all members of the Higher Education institution (HEI). Therefore, this programme welcomes students, lecturers, support staff, researchers, and management representatives.

Being in a community isn’t the same as feeling you belong! The SAP enhances participants' understanding of community building and its impact on well-being.

The programme focuses on recognizing and discovering common ground to foster a sense of belonging, which positively impacts all members of the HEI community. For students, this can lead to improved academic performance and reduced dropout rates; for lecturers, increased engagement; and for staff, higher job satisfaction and overall well-being.

The aim is to formulate concrete goals that will be implemented and evaluated within each HEI, strengthening community building and enhancing the sense of belonging.

Date:

16th of October 2025 to 22nd of January 2026

Language of instruction:

English

3 ECTS credits

Academic recognition:

To be defined by each higher education institution. Generally, most students will have this SAP certified in their diploma supplement as a minimal condition

Eligible participants:

All RUN-EU students, lecturers, support staff, researchers, and management representatives who are motivated for and interested in community building.

How to apply:

Programme at a glance

Online synchronous & asynchronous: Introduction and Preparation Phase (online)
16 Oct 2025 - 14 Nov 2025
Individualy: Follow the online learning path in your own time to prepare yourself for your group project. As a HEI group: Together as a group, you prepare a blue print on community building in your Highschool University.
Face to face week (F2F) (in person)
17 Nov 2025 - 21 Nov 2025 : Howest University of Applied Sciences Kortrijk Belgium
Creating a NEW WE through team Building, teamwork, discussions, group reflection excercises. During the end presentation each HEI group presents the take home message and the goals set for the Highschool University.
Online synchronous & asynchronous: Short & Long Term evaluation community building (online)
15 Jan 2026 - 22 Jan 2026
Final presentation, as a HEI group, evaluating community building within the HEI (changes made, longterm goals,...). Last goodbye as a RUN-EU group.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Short Advanced Programme, students will be able to:

Know/understand

Upon completion of this course the participant explores and identifies the principles of community building and a sense of belonging.

Apply

Participant develops, through research and collaboration, a blueprint with concrete actions of community building and a sense of belonging.

Upon completion of this course the participant advises his own institution on supporting community building and a sense of belonging.

Participant adapts her/his behavior and communication style in intercultural situations if necessary and explores behavioral alternatives.

Upon completion of this course the participant acquires knowledge about other cultures and applies this knowledge in an appropriate way with respect for the uniqueness of each individual person.

places local events and practices in an international context by indicating the international consequences of local events and explaining the influence of an international or European context on these local situations.

Selection criteria

Selection will be based on: compliant to the prerequisites, order of submission, motivation and a balanced representation of the RUN-EU member institutions.
The total number of participants to be selected is 40

Product label: SAP-COMSEBEL-01