Abstract
The theme of student services has been generally neglected in terms of European policy debates. However, the Trends
IV(2005) Report states that: “when redesigning the curriculum that focuses on the students, the institutions should take into
consideration the fact that they need more guidance and counselling in order to find their individual academic paths in a more
flexible educational environment.”
In the context of multicultural academic diversity, stimulated by globalization, it is necessary for all aspects of university life,
student services included, to meet these new challenges. Many aspects of student life, on an academic, social or cultural level,
become more difficult to understand and manage with a population that finds itself in a state of continual growth and
diversification (Audin and Davy, 2003). To this effect, the creation of efficient student services that are focused on its
necessities, in order to provide the required support for academic activity and stimulate personal, social, cultural and cognitive
development, is needed.
The role of these student services is influenced by the beliefs and values of the employed staff, by the manner in which the
policies are elaborated, by the content of curriculum and services, and by the degree of knowledge regarding the development
of the students and the way in which the environment outlines their behaviour.
Supporting and enhancing the student experience (academic, social, welfare and support) from first contact through to
becoming alumni is critical to success in higher education today for both the student and the institution