Following the kick-off meeting in Mainz, the BELONG@HEI partnership is moving into the first implementation phase of the project. Partners have aligned on the overall work plan, responsibilities, communication process, and upcoming deadlines, setting a clear foundation for the next activities.
The next major step is the development of WP2 – Participatory Action Research for the Belonging@HEI Framework. This phase will focus on preparing the research methodology, engaging students and staff, and collecting insights through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and best practice analysis. The results will help identify barriers and opportunities related to belonging in higher education institutions.
At the same time, partners will continue working on the project’s branding, website, dissemination, and communication activities. These actions will ensure that BELONG@HEI is visible, accessible, and clearly presented to students, educators, institutions, and stakeholders across Europe.
In the following project phases, the consortium will develop the main BELONG@HEI resources, including the Belonging Framework, Open Educational Resources, Self-Assessment Toolkit, and Guidebook for embedding educational change. These outputs will be tested, improved, and made openly available to support higher education institutions in creating more inclusive and belonging-oriented environments.
Through continued collaboration, regular partner meetings, and stakeholder engagement, BELONG@HEI will work toward its long-term goal: helping higher education institutions build communities where every student and staff member feels valued, supported, and included.