Empowering Students: A New Era of Campus development

The university of Angers (l’Do) is embracing a student-centric approach to campus improvements. Following a participatory budgeting process, ten winning projects, selected by the students themselves, have been announced. These initiatives, ranging from shared gardens to music studios, are set to transform the student experience, with the first implementations expected in the upcoming academic year.

This initiative reflects a growing trend in higher education, where universities are increasingly recognizing the value of student input in shaping their surroundings. According to a recent study by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), institutions that actively involve students in decision-making processes report higher levels of student satisfaction and engagement.

The Voice of the Student Body: A Resounding Success

Over 1,770 students participated in the inaugural participatory budget vote, demonstrating a strong desire to influence their university environment. From an initial pool of 45 project proposals, 16 were put to a vote, with the top 10 receiving a total of €58,520 in funding. This process ensures that student fees are directly reinvested into projects that address their specific needs and desires.

Ilyas Barbaud, Vice-President of Students, emphasized the significance of this initiative: The implementation of this system is developing more and more in universities. Laurent Bordet, Vice-President of Student Life and Campuses, added, Projects are representative of student concerns… L’Do is not just a place where we study but also where we live.

Spotlight on Winning Projects: Cultivating Community and Creativity

Several projects stood out during the proclamation, showcasing the diverse interests and priorities of the student body.

Shared Gardens: A Blooming Initiative

garnering 949 votes, the shared gardens project, with a budget of €12,000, aims to create vibrant green spaces across campuses. A “garden-forbid” featuring fruit trees, shrubs, and perennials, promoting permaculture and biodiversity, will be established at the Health (Amsler site) campus. Additionally, bins for pot culture will be installed at Saint-Serge, fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship.

The shared gardens project will not only beautify our campuses but also provide students with a space to connect with nature and learn about sustainable practices.

Music Studio: Amplifying student Talent

The creation of a music studio on the Belle-Beille campus, at the IUT Angers-Cholet, secured 709 votes and a budget of €9,000.This 50 m² studio will be equipped with a range of instruments, including guitars, a piano, bass, and drums, and also recording equipment and furniture, providing students with a dedicated space to explore their musical talents.

Lockers on Saint-Serge: practical Solutions for Student Life

Nolwenn Horpin, a second-year business master’s student, championed the installation of lockers on the Saint-Serge campus, which received 566 votes and €21,500 in funding.It is something that will be very useful because many students have a suitcase on Monday morning or Friday afternoon to go home. We can also store other things as objects used for presentations, Horpin explained. This initiative builds upon the accomplished implementation of lockers at the IUT angers-Cholet over the past two years.

Additional Projects: Enhancing Everyday Campus Life

The remaining selected projects further demonstrate the students’ commitment to improving various aspects of campus life:

• Installation of a refrigerator in Cholet (€2,000)
• Addition of microwaves on all campuses (€3,500)
• installation of water fountains at Esthua, Saumur, and Health (€5,000)
• Development of exteriors in Saumur (€3,500)
• Launch of a communication campaign to combat sedentary lifestyle (€500)
• Purchase of a chessboard for the club of the Do in Belle-Beille (€520)
• Purchase of board games (€1,000)

Looking Ahead: A Model for Student Empowerment

The University of Angers’ participatory budgeting initiative serves as a model for other institutions seeking to empower their students and create a more vibrant and responsive campus environment.By giving students a direct voice in how their fees are allocated, the university is fostering a sense of ownership and investment in the future of their institution. The success of this first edition promises a continued commitment to student-led improvements in the years to come.