Chapter 2 Towards a New Vision for University Governance, Pedagogies and Student Engagement Stefan Popenici Abstract Drawing on recent empirical and theoretical studies, this chapter critically examines the role of social, culture and economic factors in shaping and opening possibilities for educational transformations of universities and student engage- ment. Considering the impact on higher education of rising inequality, unemploy- ment, underemployment and youth marginalization, this study explores risks and opportunities for change of teaching, research and student participation in higher education. Underlining the need to explore alternative designs for a sustainable future, this paper investigates trends and challenges for policy makers and educa- tion providers alike. Exploring the vision about what an engaged student could be like in an alternative scenario for higher education this study suggests a common set of general policy goals and pedagogical directions for the future. 2.1. Contextual Determinants of Student Engagement Higher education is central to social and economic progress and remains, more than ever before, a priority for governments and economic policies. Countries around the world are registering the rapid expansion of higher education and this presents a number of great opportunities for the future. Access to higher education is also marked by rapid expansion and there has been no general decline in enrolments, funding or public funding in public tertiary education in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries (OECD, 2009). Significantly more young adults are now enrolled in higher education compared with 15 years ago, accounting for a more than a quarter of 20 29 year-olds. The rapid increase in student The Student Engagement Handbook: Practice in Higher Education Copyright r 2013 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited All rights of reproduction in any form reserved ISBN: 978-1-78190-423-7 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45