On Sunday, SFS's first Extra-SFSFUM since 1973. When the Corona pandemic and associated restrictions made this spring's FUM completely digital, it was decided that an extra FUM would be implemented. As restrictions still apply, the meeting was held in hybrid form with a group on site in Stockholm and even more digitally.
Under extra-SFSFUM has SFS
- decided on SFS's business plan for the financial year 20/21
- revised SFS principle program
- revised all of SFS's positions
- elected a new deputy auditor and additional members of the Nomination Committee
- granted the Art Corps at the University of Gothenburg entry into SFS
We would like to thank all the representatives who have contributed with good discussion, sharp proposals and clear visions. As a result, we now have new visions and policies to make business of. Together, we lay the foundation for all students in Sweden to receive an even better education and study situation.
Here we have summarized the big decisions from the weekend.
Focus on higher education pedagogy, housing allowance and accessibility
The council decided which annual issues are prioritized in the coming financial year. The political issues that SFS will focus on in the financial year 20/21 are higher education pedagogy, the design of the housing allowance and accessibility for studies. It was also decided that SFS will monitor and manage the various effects that the corona pandemic has on students 'and doctoral students' situation and education.
Focus on higher education pedagogy
Unfortunately, the academy has a tradition of not meriting pedagogical skills to the same extent as scientific skills. It is often reduced to a question of lack of resources. But it's not just about that, it also requires a change of attitude around higher education pedagogy. Actors in higher education need to respect the importance of good higher education pedagogy and understand that it raises the quality of education. It is time to raise the status of higher education pedagogy. This means, among other things, that SFS will work to:
- everyone who teaches in higher education must have undergone a higher education pedagogical education of high quality and continuously undergo relevant continuing education.
- the higher education institutions' employment and merit systems drive higher education pedagogical competence among all teachers and that national coordination of these systems should be implemented.
- the higher education sector develops a national strategy for higher education pedagogical development and that the University and Higher Education Council is given a promotion assignment for
higher education pedagogical issues. Furthermore, SFS shall work to strengthen the Swedish Research Council in its role of promoting higher education pedagogical skills. SFS shall also work to ensure that higher education pedagogical development is included in the national quality assurance system.
Focus on the design of the housing allowance
The current design of the housing allowance prevents most students from using it. Partly because the total income limit is calculated annually and many students have difficulty predicting their income. There is also a great deal of ignorance about the search process and there is a concern that you will be liable for repayment. The council decided that SFS should work for one:
- improving the design of the housing allowance, which enables more students to use it.
Focus on accessibility
SFS wants the higher education institutions to focus to a greater degree than today on universal solutions based on an approach that includes everyone. Instead of having individual solutions as standard as today. Examples of such solutions can be a telephone loop and microphone in all rooms, clear use of color in lecture materials and scheduling with time for recovery. Universal solutions benefit everyone who participates in the training and can reduce the need for individual adaptations. However, universal solutions must never replace individual solutions that are fundamental. The council decided that SFS shall work to:
- The higher education institutions develop universal solutions for learning, improve the availability and quality of the pedagogical support measures required and consistently focus on student-centered learning.
Sustainability issues
Sustainability issues are a high priority issue for many students. SFS is today the main advocacy organization in student issues against those in power and must represent the interests of the unions and students. Then it is also required that SFS can represent the issues that are important to many students. In order to be able to do this in the best way, an opinion development is needed. The council therefore decided to:
- SFS will develop its views on sustainability with a focus on ecological sustainability.
During the General Assembly, SFS's principle program was also updated with basic principles in the area of sustainability. SFS sees that all aspects of sustainability are central to society and that the state has a special responsibility to set clear requirements at national level for sustainability aspects within the academy.
The academy should therefore actively work to reduce its own climate impact.
The higher education institutions also have unique opportunities to, in all subject areas, provide education and research on sustainability that can benefit the whole of society. SFS further believes that sustainability issues within the academy need to be addressed in an international context. Mobility should not be restricted, but responsibility is needed in the internationalization that is taking place.
Update of all positions
All positions have now been renamed and revised. As soon as the minutes from the meeting are ready and the texts are revised, the new positions can be found here on SFS.se. Positions are:
- SFS's position: Extent of higher education, supply, funding and admission
- SFS position: An open and equal university for all
- SFS position: Students' housing situation
Student housing as a category housing - SFS no longer thinks that housing for students should not be a separate form of housing