Universities owe it to society to produce good citizens

As educators, we often measure our success by the knowledge and skills we impart to students. But there’s another, potentially even more vital, aspect for higher education institutions to prioritise: fostering good citizenship.

Universities are more than just centres of academic learning and research. They are also positioned at the heart of society, shaping future leaders who can, and will, actively contribute to the communities around them.

At Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI), where I serve as an associate professor of finance and economics, we believe a key mission of universities is to help students become more engaged and responsible citizens and leaders.

• How universities can embed democratic principles and practices into the student experience
• Democratic assessment: why, what, and how
• Fostering student co-creation to give back to the community

The concept of student citizenship extends way beyond academic achievement. It involves a set of cooperative and supportive actions undertaken by students towards their peers, their institution and the wider community.

These actions, valued and appreciated by both university and society, help to shape well-rounded individuals who will continue to contribute to the wider world long after they leave the classroom.

The role of citizenship in modern education

Perhaps more than any event in recent history, the Covid-19 pandemic showcased the importance of empathy and community. At AUI, as with many other universities globally, students rose to the occasion, supporting one another during a significant time of crisis.

But this sense of civic responsibility doesn’t have to be reserved solely for emergencies. Student citizenship should be nurtured continuously, by encouraging individuals to take the initiative in their immediate environments and carry positive behaviours out into the broader world.

In the context of universities, citizenship behaviour involves students participating in activities that benefit their peers and the community. Whether through campus initiatives, volunteer work or extracurricular activities, these actions foster a sense of belonging and responsibility.

This has a positive effect on the immediate environment and also sets the stage for students to become active contributors to society after graduation.

Citizenship as a catalyst for success

Fostering good citizenship in students doesn’t just benefit society – it also enhances their personal development. Engaging in community service and campus initiatives cultivates essential soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership and empathy.

These are qualities that make graduates stand out to employers in increasingly competitive job markets. Students who actively participate in extracurricular activities are more appealing to potential employers, according to research, because they demonstrate a well-rounded approach to their personal and their professional lives.

Furthermore, student citizenship behaviour contributes directly to academic success. When students feel a sense of belonging and responsibility within their community, they are more likely to engage deeply in their studies. We have seen that promoting citizenship enhances overall well-being on campus, which, in turn, leads to stronger academic outcomes.

Long-term citizenship impacts

The benefits of student citizenship extend far beyond the university years. Students who develop a habit of civic engagement during their studies tend to carry this behaviour into adulthood.

They are more likely to become leaders in their workplaces, contribute to sustainable practices and continue to give back to their communities. This creates a ripple effect – graduates who are active citizens inspire others to follow suit, fostering ongoing societal improvement.

By encouraging students to think critically about their roles within their communities, we are helping to shape individuals who will become the leaders of tomorrow and contribute to a better, more equitable society.

Best practice for promoting active citizenship

So, how can universities promote citizenship behaviour in their students? We’ve implemented several initiatives that foster academic success and cultivate a strong sense of civic responsibility using some of the following strategies:

1. Encourage extracurricular activities: Participation in more than just classroom activities helps students develop soft skills, such as communication, leadership and teamwork, all of which are critical to them becoming active citizens. These activities also create opportunities for students to engage with their communities and prepare for future leadership roles
2. Implement experiential learning: Learning by doing is a powerful tool for fostering citizenship. The majority of our courses at the school of business administration include an experiential learning component. This approach gives students the opportunity to work directly with their communities, whether through research projects or volunteer work, helping them to better understand the real-world impact of their actions
3. Mandate community service: The AUI Community Involvement programme requires students to complete 60 hours of community work, addressing specific local needs. As well as benefiting the community, this also helps students develop empathy and a sense of responsibility, instilling the value of giving back at an early stage
4. Foster citizenship on campus: Universities should start by cultivating good citizenship behaviour within their own walls. At AUI, we emphasise the importance of respecting campus rules, maintaining mutual respect and fostering a sense of community. Simple initiatives like encouraging respect for the environment, such as water-saving programmes and tree-planting activities, help to develop a long-lasting mindset of responsibility
5. Link citizenship to entrepreneurship: Citizenship behaviour can also be promoted through entrepreneurship programmes. Entrepreneurship courses along with our Employability and Entrepreneurship Office initiatives develop business acumen, and also encourage students to think about how their activities can contribute to various communities. This connection between entrepreneurship and civic responsibility is crucial for developing leaders who are both innovative and community-minded.

Citizenship yields significant returns

Investing in student citizenship behaviour can yield significant returns, not only for the students themselves but also for the institutions and communities they engage with.

By fostering a culture of civic responsibility, universities can produce graduates who are both academically accomplished and socially conscious leaders ready to make meaningful contributions to the world.

We’ve seen first-hand at AUI how citizenship behaviour enhances academic outcomes, promotes well-being and prepares students for life beyond university.

Our hope is that other institutions will adopt similar strategies, creating a new generation of leaders who understand that being a good citizen is just as important as being a good student. In doing so, universities can play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter, more compassionate future for all.

Hind Lebdaoui is associate professor of finance and economics at Al Akhawayn University.

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