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The academic and social integration of students (FIT test) & Guidelines for inclusion of multilingual students

by Veerle Vanoverberghe and Pieterjan Bonne 

Content & format

Academic and social integration is an important predictor of study success in the first year of higher education. To enhance features of academic and social integration, the Artevelde University of Applied Sciences offers all first-year students ‘track coaching’. Coaches monitor the academic and social integration of their students by using a tool designed by the Office of Study and Career Guidance. This tool is called the ‘FIT test’. In this presentation we outline the FIT test and show how coaches us it in their coaching.

In response to lecturers’ concerns over multilingual students and students with a migration background, the Office for Study and Career Guidance conducted research into these target groups in two ways: by collecting facts and figures on the one hand, and by dialoguing with students from the target groups in six topics: lecturers’ attitudes and beliefs, students’ oral and written language proficiency, accessibility of study materials, multilingualism as an asset, knowledge of language support and coaching, and academic integration. Based on this quantitative and qualitative research we conclude our presentation with 5 recommendations to reinforce institutional language and diversity policies. 

Learning outcomes

  • How to monitor the academic and social integration of students by means of the FIT test. 
  • How coaches in the programmes use the results of this test to coach students. 
  • How multilingual students experience higher education. 
  • How to deal with multilingualism as an institution. 

About Veerle Vanoverberghe and Pieterjan Bonne 

Veerle Vanoverberghe works as a staff member on study and track coaching and social and academic integration for the Office of Study and Career Guidance. Pieterjan Bonne is a lecturer in our Business Management Programme and staff member working on language policy for the Office of Study and Career Guidance.