Migrants, Refugees, and Institutional Supports: The Margins of Public Higher Education in Germany

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: Transnational Perspectives on Higher Education Inclusion

Abstract

The German tertiary sector has been challenged by the recent refugee influx and continued migration flows to develop programs and policies supporting a diverse student population. This paper analyzes ways in which public research universities have responded to this urgent call for action, drawing on summer 2017 interviews with stakeholders at six institutions. The universities in question represent five federal states and thus reflect distinct political initiatives and priorities. Emergent themes from interviews and analysis of programming include: perceived barriers to full university access include C1 level language proficiency; the varied development of programs and policies in distinct university contexts; inconsistent visions for “success”; and myriad conceptions of diversity.

Author

• Lisa M Unangst, Boston College