Program Overview

Sustainability, Inclusiveness, Integration for University Support Services - SiiUSS

SiiUSS is a course designed for support staff at higher education institutions who want to make a difference in their organization's international engagement. The course provides knowledge, tools, and confidence to take an active role in shaping responsible internationalization from the perspective of support services.

About the Course

The course is delivered as an online course, utilizing a blended learning approach that combines interactive and independent learning activities. Participants will connect with each other, receive an introduction to the field of study, and establish a foundation for collaborative learning.

Responsible Internationalisation

The course focuses on the following components of responsible internationalization from the support staff perspective:

• Inclusiveness: Fostering an inclusive environment within the institution.
• Diversity: Emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Integration into Daily Work: Encouraging the application of learned concepts in everyday tasks.
• Support Services Role: Highlighting the essential functions of support services in institutional operations.
• Active Participation: Encouraging support staff to engage actively in intercultural training.

Purpose

The purpose of the course is to equip support staff as key drivers of quality, inclusion, and sustainability, strengthening student services, fostering social responsibility, international engagement, and actively contributing to the institution's long-term vision and global strategy.

Course Content

The course consists of the following modules:

Module 1 - Kick-off

• Kick-off meeting with an introduction to the field of study and an overview of course logistics.

Module 2 - Responsible Internationalisation (RI) in Support Services

• Understanding RI: What does Responsible Internationalisation mean and what is its relevance to support services?

Module 3: Creating an Inclusive Campus Environment Campus for all!

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives: How to contribute to creating an inclusive campus.
• Practical Applications: Environment, logistics, recruitment, welcome days, and introductions.

Module 4: The Power of Inclusive Language Inclusive language for an inclusive campus

• Language and Bias: Exploring the power of language and addressing bias.
• Inclusive Language Policies: Developing policies that recognize and support diverse language competencies.

Module 5: Part 1 - Building Self-Awareness & The road to Cultural Humility

• Reflect on your identities and biases while fostering respectful, lifelong learning about diverse cultures.

Module 6 - Practical Application through Case Studies

• Each participant applies their newly acquired knowledge by working on a case study, translating their learning into practical application.

Module 7: Wrap-Up final meeting

• Course review and reflection, feedback.

Time and Place

The course is a 40-hour online course taught over three months (February to May 2026).

Target Group

The course is designed for support services at a Higher Education Institution (HEI), including staff working in human resources, student administration, international offices, and communication teams.

Eligibility

Participants must be employed as part of the support services at a Higher Education Institution, with no specific technical skills required. However, a basic understanding of how universities function and experience in working with students, staff, or academic teams is necessary.

Course Set-Up

Participants will engage in a structured sequence of modules, including group discussions, self-study, discussions with their tandem partner, reflection exercises, and peer feedback.

Fee

The course fee is 16,500 SEK.

Duration

The course starts on February 17th and runs until May 8th, 2026, with three hybrid meetings: introduction, mid-course, and final course meeting.

Certificate

Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course and the final project.