Student Self-Government in Higher Education

Student self-government in higher education institutions is an integral part of public self-governance that ensures the protection of the rights and interests of students and their participation in the management of the educational institution.

It can also be interpreted as an independent public activity of students regarding the implementation of management functions within the educational institution, which is determined by the rectorate (administration), departments, and is carried out by students according to the goals and objectives set before student communities. Additionally, this body contributes to ensuring students' fulfillment of their duties and protection of their rights, the harmonious development of the student’s personality, and the formation of skills necessary for future organizers and leaders.

Student self-government involves those students who study at the institution on a full-time basis. They all have equal rights to participate in student self-government through the relevant bodies, which are elected by secret ballot.

The system of student self-government is based on certain requirements:

• Election at all levels;

• Periodic reporting by leaders;

• Implementation of decisions by higher bodies (or their separate groups) by members of the organization;

• Ensuring the right of the minority to defend their position;

• Transparency of decisions made, real publicity;

• Empowering student activists with real rights and responsibilities, etc.

Student self-government ensures the protection of the rights and interests of students and their participation in the management of the higher education institution. In its activities, the bodies of student self-government are guided by current legislation, decisions of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and the relevant central executive body under which the educational institution operates, as well as the charter of the educational institution.

By agreement with the student self-government body, decisions are made regarding:

• Expulsion of students from the institution and their readmission to studies;

• Transfer of students studying on a contract basis at the expense of individuals and legal entities;

• Appointment of deputies, heads of departments, persons responsible for student affairs;

• Accommodation of students in the student dormitory and their eviction from it;

• Approval of decisions on student townships and dormitories for students' residence.

The highest body of student self-government is the general assembly (conference) of students of the institution, which:

• Approves the Regulation on student self-government;

• Elects the executive bodies of student self-government;

• Defines the structure, powers, election procedure, and term of office of the executive bodies;

• Hears the report of the executive bodies of student self-government.

The executive body of the student self-government of a structural unit of the higher education institution is elected at the general assembly (conference) of students of that unit.

Main tasks of student self-government bodies:

• Ensure and protect the rights and interests of students, particularly in relation to the organization of the educational process;

• Ensure students’ fulfillment of their duties;

• Promote students’ educational, scientific, and creative activities;

• Ensure the creation of appropriate conditions for students' living and recreation;

• Support student clubs, societies, unions, and interest-based groups;

• Facilitate cooperation with students from other educational institutions and youth organizations;

• Provide information, legal, psychological, and financial assistance to students (in cooperation with the relevant services);

• Encourage student participation in artistic self-expression;

• Organize recreational evenings, competitions, initiation ceremonies, graduation parties, faculty days, etc.;

• Promote employment for graduates;

• Conduct sociological research among students.