What is the SCA ?

The Student Citizens’ Assembly is an innovative deliberative space giving students the opportunity to deliberate and formulate orientations, proposals, and recommendations on subjects related to the transformation and social and environmental transitions of their university.

Every year, from September to December, over 550 students from UPEC participate in this unprecedented experience of citizen participation in a hybrid format, both in-person and on a dedicated online participation platform.

The Genesis of the Student Citizens’ Assembly

Inspired by the Citizens’ Assembly for Climate, the Student Citizens’ Assembly was initiated and collaboratively designed by master’s students and representatives of the Living Lab Algopo during a meta deliberation process. The aim was to transpose the citizen participation model of the Citizens’ Assembly for Climate to the scale of the university.

The documentaries « Making School » and « Assemblies » unveil the behind-the-scenes of the first and second editions of the Student Citizens’ Assembly, held in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Directed and produced by Yves Lechermeier, these captivating films offer a privileged look at these innovative events where students, professors, academics, territorial elected officials, and other stakeholders come together to debate crucial societal issues such as food and digital technology.

Who Participates?

The 550 students represent the diversity of UPEC’s components (IEP, EPISEN, Faculty of Law, etc.), ranging from undergraduate to doctoral levels.

Experts, researchers, administrative representatives of UPEC, and representatives from the community participate in the collective intelligence process to enable students to reflect on their proposals in a systemic manner.

The Schedule of the Student Citizens’ Assembly

Since 2021, student representatives from different components of UPEC have been meeting in person in Fontainebleau for three days at the launch of the program. These three days alternate between plenary training sessions and thematic subgroup deliberations.

At the end of these three days, UPEC students will have made proposals that will then be amended and debated online or during intermediate workshops. The program then concludes with two days of in-person assemblies whose objective is to finalize, present the proposals, and vote on the final proposals.

The Central Role of Students

Some students have been assigned specific roles within their thematic groups.

The facilitator: A student responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the deliberative process and the active and equitable participation of each student within the group.

The representative of future generations: The student representing future generations acts on behalf of the interests and needs of future generations.

The fact-checker: The student ensures the accuracy of the information supporting different arguments during group discussions.

The Decidim Online Participation Platform

Following the in-person deliberations at the launch of the program, students, university staff, and community representatives are invited to deliberate online.

The Decidim citizen participation platform allows different actors to follow the progress of the Student Citizens’ Assembly: the publication of proposals resulting from the deliberation, the vote allowing the expression of the majority’s opinion, or the online discussions allowing ideas to be amended.

In addition to deliberation, the platform ensures that the implementation of proposals is traceable through the monitoring module and that students can be kept informed of the news of the Student Citizens’ Assembly. Through notification and tracking features, participants can be informed of upcoming steps, important deadlines, and the results of decisions made. This promotes transparency and continuous engagement of students, university staff, and community representatives throughout the Student Citizens’ Assembly process.

By providing users with the opportunity to participate remotely, Decidim contributes to strengthening trust in the democratic process and ensuring that participants’ ideas are effectively translated into tangible actions within the university and the surrounding community.

Previous Editions

In 2021, the first Student Citizens’ Assembly (SCA) was launched by the Institute of Political Studies (IEP) in partnership with the Living Lab Algopo at the University of Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC). Focused on food, this initiative aims to address local and territorial issues, with a focus on environmental urgency and social and health justice. Inspired by the Citizens’ Assembly for Climate, it seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through democratically and participatively formulated proposals touching on all aspects of the food chain, from production to waste management.

In 2022, the second edition of the SCA revolves around the central theme « What digital technology for what society? » This collaborative initiative seeks to rethink our digital practices through six thematic axes, integrating environmental concerns and considerations on law and fundamental freedoms.

In 2023, nearly 600 participants exchanged ideas on transforming our university, exploring themes such as ecological transformation, UPEC commons, campus cities, new professions, student well-being, student engagement, and community building. The theme of water particularly drew attention, chosen by a majority vote at the closing of the last SCA.

What Results?

Several proposals from the Student Citizens’ Assembly (SCA) have been implemented, demonstrating its concrete impact. Among these are the « climate back-to-school » (aimed at raising awareness among students), with environmental initiatives such as the distribution of organic baskets to students. In addition, social measures have been put in place, including the provision of contraceptive and hygienic boxes, as well as the recognition of menstrual leave by the start of the 2024 academic year. Furthermore, to facilitate the integration of international students, mentors have been established. Finally, the Slow-Tech Lab, resulting from these proposals, represents a significant step towards a more responsible and inclusive digital future.