DEBATE, the article was published in Ergo 10/2 2021. Read the article on ergo.nu here
This spring, the first increase in the student unions' state subsidy will take effect and thus the subsidy will increase from approximately SEK 33 to 58 million. A big profit and a step in the right direction, but student influence is more than a matter 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 the student unions' state subsidies in this autumn's budget proposal is one of the most important initiatives for higher education so far in this term. The student unions have been underfunded since the compulsory union was abolished in 2010 and for many student unions the situation has become increasingly strained during the corona pandemic. Too low government direct funding risks creating a position of dependence on student unions vis-à-vis the university being examined and thus also making it difficult for the union to fulfill its function. The increased resources will lead to stronger student influence and in the long run 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 praised for having listened 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.
With that said, we are not at SFS cope with this issue. Student influence rests not only on resources but also 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 some areas. Especially when it comes to international students.
It needs to be clarified that the student unions have the task of also representing internationally arriving students. Here are ready-made proposals presented in the internationalization inquiry, but hearings from responsible politicians have so far been absent. Today we see problems with international students' voices 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 ignore the inclusion of students, there is no further sanction than that the University Chancellor's Office in the worst case gives a little slap on the wrist. The structures for student influence can become stronger. Internationally, we can be inspired by examples such as the United Kingdom with 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 a relatively good footing. Development is going in the right direction and responsible politicians understand the value of a 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 a strong student influence at all levels. To delve further into this issue, we are organizing the webinar "Student participation for the future" on Friday 12/2 and we hope to meet there with you to discuss how we develop a world-class student influence.
Simon Edstrom, Chairman of the Swedish National Union of Students
Linn Sword, Vice President of the Swedish National Union of Students
The webinar "Student participation for the future" is broadcast on twitch at 12.15-13.00 on Friday 12/2. Read more here