Measures for strengthened student influence are needed

It is important to follow the development of student influence

Increased government direct funding and educational initiatives on student influence. These are two of the proposals the University Chancellor's Office, UKÄ, gives in a new report on student influence.

It is important to closely monitor the development of student influence. In the future, it may be necessary to review the system as a whole, says Annika Pontén, Acting Head of Authority for UKÄ.

Since the abolition of the compulsory union, many student unions have struggled with declining membership and poorer finances. Many are dependent on money from higher education institutions, which means that they end up in a position of dependence.

Democracy problems in today's system

- The unions are in a difficult position. There is a democratic, economic and knowledge deficit in how student influence is conducted today. In order to have a sustainable system, we propose, among other things, strengthened government direct financing. We also see that efforts are needed to bring about educational initiatives for students and staff at the higher education institutions that work with these issues, says Annika Pontén.

UKÄ also points out that in today's system of student influence there is a democracy problem.

- It is important that student influence is organized in a way that can both take advantage of the commitment that exists and the students' rights, says Annika Pontén.

Students' right to co-determination in various bodies within the higher education institutions as well as influence over the education is regulated, among other things, in the Higher Education Act. In the autumn semester of 2015, approximately 360 Swedish students were registered. Approximately 000 percent of union members normally participate in union elections, ie about 10 students. Almost 14 percent of student unions state that it is difficult to engage enough student representatives. Men join more than women.