Student influence

It is important that students have real potential for contributing to and influencing the development of higher education.

  • As a student you can influence your studies through representation in your HEI’s decision-making and planning bodies. Student are entitled to representation in the HEI’s board as well as the bodies that plan or decide on issues that are significant for the situation of students and their studies. If a decision is made by one single individual, she or he has to inform and consult a student representative in good time before the decision is made or the planning completed.

  • Students who are taking part in or who have finished a course must be given an opportunity to describe their experience and express their opinions in a course evaluation. The HEIs are required to arrange course evaluations and summarise their results and they also have to inform students about these results and any measures that may be adopted because of them. The results must be made available for the students.

  • UKÄ usually recommends students to turn first to the HEI to resolve problems that may arise. The individuals who it may be a good idea to contact are the course coordinator, head of department, director of studies or a student counsellor. Sometimes the students’ union can help in establishing contacts with the HEI.