The Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA) held its Q3 and Q4 Management Board Meetings on 30 November and 1 December 2024 in Nicosia, Cyprus. This two-day gathering brought together the association’s leadership to evaluate progress, outline key priorities, and develop strategies to strengthen EMA’s role as a global network for students and alumni of Erasmus Mundus programs.
The meeting was attended by EMA President Dr Md. Ashiqur Rahman, accompanied by Vice President Ruturaj Trivedi and directors from the association’s various operational units. The discussions spanned a wide range of topics, from membership engagement to financial sustainability, with a focus on fostering collaboration and enhancing the impact of EMA’s initiatives.
On the first day, the discussions centred around strategic planning, volunteer engagement, and the association's operational challenges. Dr Rahman emphasized the importance of streamlined communication and introduced measures to enhance volunteer involvement, including acknowledgement processes and performance tracking. The board highlighted the need to provide training for new members, with monthly webinars set to begin in January 2025 to improve understanding of proposal writing and unit responsibilities. Moreover, financial sustainability emerged as a critical theme, with the association aiming to address funding gaps by submitting grant applications and securing partnerships.
The second day focused on governance, project implementation, and membership engagement. The Erasmus+ Students and Alumni Alliance (ESAA) activities were extensively discussed. A five-step evaluation process was outlined to ensure clarity in activity submissions, with every unit tasked to contribute to the effort.
Membership engagement remained a priority, with plans for a comprehensive Membership Campaign to onboard new Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) students in early 2025. A centralized database for tracking member contributions and volunteer activities was proposed, aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency. Meanwhile, the Communications Unit presented strategies to strengthen EMA’s digital presence, including improved social media management. An important highlight of the meeting was the launching ceremony of the Mundus Erasmian magazine. This flagship publication, featuring contributions from over 60 authors, showcases the spirit of international cooperation and academic excellence that defines the Erasmus community. With its inspiring stories and transformative opportunities, EMA continues to promote the values of global education and collaboration.
Preparations for the General Assembly 2025, scheduled to take place in May 2025, were also initiated. Another notable highlight was the presentation of the Visa Experience Survey report by the Policy and Quality Assurance Unit. This report, based on responses from over 350 participants, sheds light on the challenges faced by members during their international mobility and underscores EMA’s advocacy for equity and inclusion.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to EMA’s mission. Dr. Rahman emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “This meeting reaffirms our shared vision and the collective responsibility to advance EMA’s goals. Together, we will continue to support our members and create opportunities that empower them to achieve their dreams.”
The Erasmus Mundus Student and Alumni Association remains dedicated to its mission of fostering global connections, advancing higher education opportunities, and supporting its members worldwide.
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