In this paper, we consider the roles that HEIs can have with wider society in pursuit of an agenda of social responsibility through contributing expertise to the service of communities that reflects locally defined needs and demands.

In particular, our concern will about the role played by HEIs in overcoming the refugee and migrant crisis that many countries face and contributing to development of societies capable in handling the diversities and differences in society.

We posit that there is potential for a new model of societal impact that might surface, more willing “to positively recognize diversity and help minorities maintain cultural and religious practices while integrating them into public life” (Wright & Bloemraad 2012, p. 78), as well as to foster greater social cohesion (Koopmans 2013), if these activities are strengthened as a part of institutions’ activities.