DEBATE, the article was published in Ergo 10/2 2021. Read the article at ergo.nu here
This spring, the first increase in the student unions' state grant will come into effect, increasing the grant from approximately 33 to 58 million kronor. A big win and a step in the right direction, but student influence is more than a question of resources and there are still development opportunities to create a strong student influence for all students, write representatives of the Swedish National Union of Students.
The increase in student unions' state grants in this autumn's budget proposal is one of the most important initiatives for higher education in this term of office so far. Student unions have been underfunded since the union obligation was abolished in 2010, and for many student unions the situation has become increasingly strained during the corona pandemic. Too little direct state funding risks creating a situation of dependence for student unions on the higher education institution under review, thereby also making it difficult for the union to fulfill its function. The increased resources will lead to stronger student influence and, in the long term, a better life for all students.
It is a step in the right direction even if it does not correspond to the three or fourfold increase in the contribution that SFS wanted to see. All four parties in the January agreement, as well as the Left Party and the Christian Democrats, who also drew attention to the issue, should be commended for listening to the students on this issue. Now it is important to ensure that the increased resources the student unions receive are used and that we continue to develop a strong student influence.
That being said, we at SFS are not deal with this issue. Student influence does not only depend on resources but also on other conditions. In Sweden, we have strong legal protection for student influence and overall there is a good culture of including students. However, we see major shortcomings in certain areas. Especially when it comes to international students.
It needs to be clarified that the student unions are also tasked with representing students arriving internationally. There are ready-made proposals presented in the internationalization inquiry, but so far there has been no response from responsible politicians. Today we see problems with the voices of international students not being heard. We can also see an overall problem where student representatives are not always listened to. And in cases where higher education institutions completely disregard including students, there is no further consequence other than the University Chancellor's Office giving a small slap on the fingers in the worst case. The structures for student influence can be stronger. Internationally, we can be inspired by examples such as the UK, which has significantly stronger student unions than Sweden and national support structures whose purpose is to provide support for local influence.
Student influence in Sweden is on relatively good terms. Developments are going in the right direction and responsible politicians understand the value of strong student influence. The resources that have now been added are a sign of this. Now it is important to continue working with high ambitions for strong student influence at all levels. To delve further into this issue, we are organizing the webinar “Student involvement for the future” on Friday, February 12th, and we hope to meet with you there to discuss how we can develop world-class student influence.
Simon Edstrom, Chairman Swedish National Union of Students
Linn Sword, Vice President Swedish National Union of Students
The webinar "Student participation for the future" will be broadcast on Twitch at 12.15-13.00 on Friday 12/2. Read more here