Analysis of the experience of student participation in the implementation of effective governance based on the example of UK universities

• Main Author: Lesya Chervona
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine. Institute of Higher Education 2019-10-01
• Series: Університети і лідерство
• Subjects: student voice, student involvement, student representation, students, university governance, student involvement
• Online Access: https://ul-journal.org/index.php/journal/article/view/86

The article focuses on the analysis of governance structures and the experience of student involvement in the university governance processes of two leading UK universities, the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. The purpose and practice of involving students in governance processes, as decision-makers, as equal partners, is now an important task in the development of the EHEA. To research the practices of leading European universities in this aspect can be useful for Ukrainian higher education institutions. To this end, the governance structures of the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford are considered, as well as the basic mechanisms for involving students in governance processes. Both universities are self-governing communities with management mechanisms that respond to their missions and core values. University management systems are based on rules and principles and they are accountable and transparent to all stakeholders, including students. As for engaging students in the processes of university governance, two main mechanisms are identified: student representation in various university structures and feedback from students. Student representatives are an integral part of the university's governance structure. They are elected so that each level of representation is consistent with the next. In order for student representatives to be able to effectively perform their representative functions, an extensive network of necessary information and support is posted on student union sites. An important mechanism for student involvement in governance processes is student feedback. Universities promote this cooperation via various ways: focus groups on urgent issues; nationwide student survey; Inter-University Student survey ‘Student Barometer’; the opportunity to submit students’ initiative (for example, "I have an idea"); student advisory groups and others.