Celtic Connections Conference 2024 

The senior management and support staff of DUSA recently attended the 3-day Celtic Connections Conference 2024 hosted by Dublin City University, Ireland. The theme of the conference was “Thriving Together: Nurturing Student Well-being, Unique Programs, and Support Services for Student Unions across the World.” Understanding the overall trends and insights in higher education. 

There were 140 delegates in attendance, including representatives from 10 Scottish universities, 10 higher education institutions, and 2 guest speakers from the University of Massachusetts and the University of Maryland.

Common Concerns across the universities and student unions

• Health and well-being of the students
• Cost of living support
• Accommodation
• Loneliness and poor mental health
• Social life
• Getting a job at the end of studies

Key Takeaways

The delegates shared innovative ideas and successful initiatives implemented in their respective institutions, providing valuable insights for potential adoption in other universities. The conference covered over 16 sessions on a wide range of topics, including:

• Enhancing student life and empowering students through advice and advocacy.
• The role of societies in empowering student-led organisations.
• Reframing marketing strategies as a problem-solving tool.
• Fostering belongingness and funding sustainability activities.
• The impact of charity, interventions, and prevention strategies for student mental health and well-being, with a focus on student unions.
• Importance of student well-being: The conference highlighted the significance of fostering a positive and supportive environment for students, emphasising mental health, inclusivity, and accessibility.

DUSA’s Participation

The event offered an excellent opportunity for representatives from various institutions to connect, share experiences, and discuss potential collaborations, further strengthening the global higher education community.

The DUSA team actively participated in the conference, engaging in discussions and presenting the successful initiatives and programs implemented at our university and student association. We divided sessions among the team based on the role and situation we deal with in our profile. Our representatives had the opportunity to learn from other institutions and forge connections for future partnerships.

Conclusion

The Celtic Connections Conference provided a valuable platform for representatives from universities and higher education institutions to exchange ideas and best practices in promoting student well-being and support services. DUSA’s participation in the event not only showcased our university’s commitment to student welfare but also enabled us to learn from others and explore potential collaborations in the future.