OVERVIEW
IASAS Europe brings together Student Affairs professionals across the continent to collaborate, exchange ideas, promote excellence and innovation, and advance student support throughout Europe.
Regional Director
Ben Lewis
Regional Director for Europe
Ben Lewis is Principal of the Open University in Wales. The Open University is one of the largest distance and flexible learning Universities in the world, teaching and supporting students across the UK and internationally.
For nearly 20 years Ben led Student Affairs and Services at Cardiff University, a traditional research-intensive University in Cardiff, Wales. For 10 years he was Director of Student Life with responsibility for health and wellbeing, financial aid, careers and employability, student advice and enquiries, and range of other student services. In this role he led in the creation of the Centre for Student Life, a unique service-led online and in person student centre. He was previously Chair of AMOSSHE the UK Student Services Organisation for four years and a Board member for 8 years.
content you would like featured, including your current role, areas of expertise, research interests, publications, presentations, awards, photos of events happening in your region or other accomplishments relevant to IASAS
Areas of expertise: service review, service redesign, student mental health strategy, crisis response, health partnership, distance and flexible learning, political influencing and strategy, social inclusion.
Advance HE Global Profile: https://advance-he.org/ar/profile/ben-lewis/
Articles
Creating a Blueprint for Supporting Student Success / 2022
There is no magic wand for student wellbeing / September 2025
The Open University Manifesto 2026 2026
Unlocking Wales’ Potential 2026
Regional information:
Europe as an IASAS region covers a range of countries and territories with widely differentiated approaches to Student Affairs and Services.
We work in partnership with many national and pan-European agencies across Europe who regularly publish events and reports. These include:
Across the European Union
https://www.euca.eu/studentaffairsandservices
National bodies and representative organisations such as:
https://www.studierendenwerke.de/en/deutsches-studentenwerk/studentenwerke
Regional Updates
Explore the latest news, events, resources, opportunities, and partnerships from this region.
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Resources
Ireland launches student affairs competencies framework
Student Affairs Ireland launched a Professional Competencies Framework for Student Affairs Professionals in June 2026. The framework supports professional development and shared practice across student affairs roles.
