University students' views on the effects of participation in social responsibility projects during higher education

The purpose of this study is to find out student views on how social responsibility projects they took part in during higher education have affected their feelings, thoughts and attitudes. The study was carried out with 56 university students who had participated in social responsibility projects organised at their universities. The data were collected through semi structured interviews and written answers from the participants. The data were analysed through content analysis and the findings were presented in categories. Results of the present study indicate that the majority of students did not have knowledge or experience with social responsibility prior to undergraduate education. 98% of participants state that being involved in social responsibility projects has had considerable effects on them. Participants describe these effects as 'eagerness to take part in more social responsibility projects', 'rise in awareness', 'happiness and peace', 'being more knowledgeable', 'more cautious/responsible behaviours in the society' 'sharing experiences with others and encouraging them to be active' 'familiarity with different lives', 'developing empathy', 'elimination of prejudice', feeling satisfied with their lives/ being thankful', 'more cautious/responsible behaviours in the family', 'learning to help others', 'avoidance of overconsumption, 'gaining sensitivity', 'overcoming fears', 'career' and 'making friends'. The results also reveal that students believe 'people with disabilities, animals, the elderly, children and women issues' are high need areas in social responsibility projects during higher education. Key words: Social responsibility, Social responsibility Projects, Student Views