Higher Education responses to evolving student needs – What works and why?

This collaborative SATLE Pathfinder initiative between Maynooth University and Dundalk Institute of Technology examines how higher education institutions are responding to evolving student needs. Drawing on analysis of 400+ academic and grey literature sources (2020–2025), the project maps emerging student challenges—including financial hardship, work commitments, commuting, belonging, and flexible learning—and develops a typology of institutional responses. Adopting a systems-level lens, the research highlights gaps between strategic intent and operational practice, and identifies scalable, evidence-informed approaches to enhance engagement, retention, and student success. Findings are informing institutional strategy and cross-institutional collaboration, with case studies of effective practice currently in development.