how to promote the student governor role to the student body, the election of student governors and considerations on the induction process for your student governors. It aims to improve student engagement in the boardroom. There’s not enough time… “One of the challenges facing colleges is encouraging students to be interested in becoming student governors in the first place.” Time is a precious commodity for all college students, and especially for trying to balance their studies with student representation. Meeting deadlines, attending board meetings, and undertaking the many duties required as Student officer are tough tasks in themselves; being both Student Governor and a student officer, while also attempting to keep up with your studies, can often be counter-productive. Some colleges have overcome this by funding an elected sabbatical role for their students’ union. The creation of a sabbatical officer position frees up time that a student officer can use to get to grips with the requirements of their role, and the issues they might face during their term. This time can also be used to acquire useful skills by attending all internal and external training opportunities, free from the concerns of A non-sabbatical might overlook these opportunities when deadlines are looming and as a result may not be able to fulfil their potential in the role. Some colleges in England have developed a second sabbatical post, for instance for the role of students’ union with both roles being ex-officio members of the college corporation. The relative freedom of sabbatical status also helps a full-time Governor to attend scheduled college meetings, and also meet with other staff and Governors outside of these times. The increased presence of a Student Governor on the corporation will improve their personal credibility amongst other members, and ensure that they are seen as an asset to governorship, rather than a requirement. What’s the student governor role for? There is often debate and discussion about the role of a student governor and their function on the board. The table below features an explanation of four possible ways in which a student may approach their role as a governor. president,
Witness Representative Purpose: The witness is purely to give their own perspective on things. Might say – “in my experience, it happens this way…” Advantages: Can help an operational ‘truth’ to strategic discussions Helps board members understand student experiences Disadvantages: Reactive; there to simply give evidence upon demand Does not give a diversity of student experience Purpose: The representative is there to give the views of all the college’s students. Might say – “these are the views I’ve heard from students...” Advantages: Can present a wide diversity of views and experiences Would ideally back this up with research or evidence Disadvantages: Anyone will struggle to represent the views of all students Linking the student view with the strategic consideration is a challenge Leader Governor Purpose: The leader is there as political ‘chief’ of the students’ union. Might say – “this is our policy on the matter…” Advantages: Speaks for a legally-recognised and democratic entity Supported by the views, resources and reputation of the students’ union Disadvantages: Creates a ‘summit’ atmosphere between college and students’ union Potential for a lack of compromise or negotiation Purpose: The governor is to and different from the other board members. Might say – “the college’s interests seem to be…” Advantages: Looks at big picture beyond simply the student experience or students’ union Is a team player alongside other board members Disadvantages: Could deny the unique perspective they bring as a student Without any expertise in strategic matters, may seem redundant Electing student governors NUS believes that student members should be elected by the students at the institution or nominated by a recognised student body chosen by the corporation, represents students at the institution (usually the students’