The process is currently in the debate stage. The ministry has prepared a draft of the university student statute that it has sent to the main student associations to consult and discuss their proposals for improvements. Once the debate is complete, it is expected to be approved before the summer. The draft includes the creation, composition and functions of the University Students' Council.
What is the University Students' Council?
It is the highest body for deliberation, consultation and representation of university students, reporting to the ministry, which wants it to be the official channel for informing the ministry about opinions, complaints and any type of issue from Spanish university students, as well as being the entity that the ministry will consult when it deals with issues that affect students. It will also be the channel for students' active participation in the policies that directly affect them (grants, public prices, etc.).
Who will form part of it?
The ministry’s proposal states the following:
- Two student representatives from each Spanish university (public and private) will be elected from among the representatives of the teaching staff. One of them will be elected as the second vice-chairman.
- One representative from the most important associations with a significant presence at national level.
- Five members appointed by the chairman.
- The minister responsible for universities will be the chairman; the Secretary of State for Universities will be the first vice-chairman; the Director General of Universities will act as secretary.
What functions and responsibilities will the University Students' Council have?
The ministry’s draft proposes the following, among others:
- Represent all students in Spanish universities and be a valid spokesperson to the Ministry of Science and Innovation for issues that concern students, making proposals to the government, setting criteria for awarding grants and other aid designed for students, etc.
- Actively contribute to defending students’ rights, cooperating with student associations and student representative bodies.
- Ensure that the governing bodies of universities act appropriately in relation to the rights and obligations of students established in each university’s statutes.
- Receive and, if appropriate, respond to complaints made by university students.
- Collaborate with supervisory bodies to guarantee the rights of students at Spanish universities.
- Promote student associations and the participation of students in university life.
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