Evaluating Student Perceptions of Inclusion: Social Equity Policies in Public Universities

This study explores student perceptions of inclusion in public universities, focusing on how institutional policies address the needs of vulnerable groups. The research aims to uncover the alignment between university governance strategies and social equity objectives through five key qualitative indicators: (1) perceptions of inclusion and belonging, assessing how students feel integrated into the academic community; (2) satisfaction with financial aid programs, evaluating the accessibility and sufficiency of scholarships; (3) student involvement in community outreach programs, measuring engagement with social projects; (4) perceptions of faculty support for equity policies, analyzing how students view the commitment of educators; and (5) experiences with diversity initiatives, reflecting efforts to foster intercultural dialogue within the university environment.

To assess the institutional response to vulnerable students, the study uses three evaluation criteria: the alignment between policies and students' lived experiences, the accessibility of services for marginalized groups, and the university’s proactive communication about equity initiatives. These criteria provide valuable insights into how well the institutions address students' needs.

Since quantitative data on social inclusion is unavailable, four proxy indicators are used to strengthen the qualitative findings: (1) frequency and scope of community outreach programs led by students and faculty, reflecting the university's commitment to social engagement; (2) number of student groups focused on diversity and inclusion, indicating institutional support for these initiatives; (3) faculty training programs on equity and inclusion, showing efforts to embed inclusive practices; and (4) student feedback on access to university services, collected through surveys or focus groups, providing a proxy for the effectiveness of support mechanisms.

These proxy indicators offer indirect yet meaningful insights into the effectiveness of public universities in promoting inclusion and addressing inequalities. This research contributes to the understanding of governance in higher education, highlighting opportunities for institutions to align strategies with student needs and enhance social equity.