Universities' Power Dynamics: Control Over Students

Universities have long been sites of power struggles, with students and faculty members vying for influence over various aspects of campus life. Traditionally, faculty members have held significant power in university governance, with professors having vast influence over instruction, personnel decisions, and other areas. However, in recent times, there has been a shift towards giving students more power and involvement in university decisions. This has led to debates about the extent of student power and its potential impact on the quality of higher education. While some argue that student engagement leads to active learning and gives students a voice in their education, others worry about the potential consequences of giving inexperienced students too much responsibility in academic decision-making.

Student involvement in university decisions

Students are increasingly being invited to offer opinions about what they are taught, how they are taught, and even strategic decisions about how their university is run. While some staff feel that inexperienced students are becoming too involved in university decisions, others argue that students should have a say in how universities are run, especially given the high fees they are paying.

Historical Context

The idea of student involvement in university decision-making is not new. It has its origins in student activism and the democratisation of universities in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Levels of Student Involvement

The level of student involvement in university decisions varies across institutions. Some universities include a student representative on every decision-making committee, while others involve students in curriculum design and capital spending decisions. Students can also provide feedback on their courses and influence teaching methods through student-led teaching awards. Additionally, students are often consulted on matters of university governance and quality assurance.

Benefits of Student Involvement

Proponents of student involvement in university decisions argue that it empowers students and allows them to have a say in their education. It also helps universities stay relevant and responsive to the needs of their students. Student engagement can lead to improvements in teaching methods, curriculum design, and university governance.

Criticisms of Student Involvement

However, there are also criticisms of involving students in university decisions. Some argue that students lack the experience and expertise to make informed judgments about university matters. There may be concerns that universities could be pressured to introduce inappropriate teaching practices or negotiate grades to appease students. Additionally, the morality of giving students such responsibility for making higher education decisions has been questioned, as the consequences of mistakes can be serious.

Balancing Act

Involving students in university decisions can be a delicate balance. While student input is valuable, universities must also ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of all stakeholders, including students, staff, and the institution as a whole. A framework for understanding and guiding student involvement in university decision-making can help ensure that student power is exercised appropriately and effectively.

Student power in curriculum design

In the past, students were expected to play a passive role in their education, simply sitting in lectures and taking notes. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards encouraging students to become more active participants in their learning journeys. This includes inviting them to share their opinions on what they are taught, how they are taught, and even strategic decisions about how their universities are run.

Benefits of Student Involvement in Curriculum Design

When students are involved in curriculum design, they can provide valuable insights that enhance their learning experiences. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Relevance and Engagement: Students are more likely to be engaged when the curriculum is designed to align with their interests and real-world applications. This increases their motivation and makes learning more meaningful.
• Adaptability: A curriculum designed with student input can be tailored to meet the specific needs and learning styles of the students. Teachers can adjust lessons to promote a more personalized learning experience.
• Practical Application: Student involvement helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. By incorporating practical, hands-on activities, teachers facilitate a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
• Improved Learning Outcomes: A curriculum tailored to students' needs enables teachers to more effectively address learning gaps and enhance student performance.
• Teacher Buy-In: When teachers are involved in curriculum design, they feel a greater sense of ownership and are more committed to its successful implementation. This leads to higher levels of enthusiasm and motivation in the classroom.
• Continuous Improvement: Ongoing student feedback allows for continuous improvement of the curriculum. By listening to their students, teachers can ensure that the curriculum remains current, effective, and responsive to changing educational standards.

Examples of Student Power in Curriculum Design

At the University of Northampton, students are included in every decision-making committee, giving them a voice in curriculum design and capital spending decisions. Similarly, Birmingham City University pays students to work on educational development projects, such as researching student views on lessons and helping to design new teaching tools.

One powerful example of student-led curriculum design comes from a high school physical education teacher. Instead of trying to motivate a group of unengaged students to participate in athletic units, he decided to involve them in redesigning the curriculum. He asked the students: "If YOU could design a physical education class for girls, what would it look like?". The students provided valuable insights, such as preferring more individual activities, wanting a choice in the types of workouts, and suggesting alternative forms of assessment. The teacher then implemented these ideas, and the result was a successful, engaging class that the students loved.

Student influence on teaching methods

Students have become more active learners, with lectures now more likely to involve team exercises and student presentations than a monologue from a teacher. They are also increasingly being invited to offer opinions about what they are taught, how they are taught, and even strategic decisions about how their university is run.

Student-led teaching awards

Through student-led teaching awards, students can influence how subjects are taught and potentially affect individual academics' promotion prospects.

Student representatives on decision-making committees

Some universities now include a student representative on every decision-making committee, while others involve students in curriculum design and give them the power to influence decisions on capital spending.

Student engagement in quality assessment

Every Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) review team now includes a student, and its board of directors has two students.

Student involvement in educational development

Birmingham City University pays students £10 an hour to work on educational development, helping shift students from being passive recipients of courses to active participants.

Student feedback on teaching methods

Students can provide feedback on teaching methods through surveys, which can inform decisions about individual academics' promotion prospects and vice-chancellors' salaries.

Student influence on curriculum design

Students can be involved in curriculum design, allowing them to have a say in what and how they are taught.

Student representation on committees

The level of student involvement can vary across different countries and institutions. In some universities, student representatives are included in decision-making committees, while others go a step further by giving students the power to influence strategic decisions and capital spending. For instance, the University of Northampton considers student satisfaction surveys in determining vice-chancellors' salaries, and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in the UK has introduced a student engagement chapter in its Quality Code for Higher Education, emphasising the need for higher education providers to actively engage students.

In other cases, student governments or councils play a crucial role in representing student interests. They often have influence over extracurricular activities, housing, and food services. In some universities, student representatives may express their concerns and share their perspectives directly with top-level administrators or boards of regents. The impact of student voice is particularly evident when students have full speaking and voting rights on governing boards, as it allows them to actively shape decisions regarding tuition increases, endowment allocations, and campus policies.

However, the power and effectiveness of student representation can vary. While some universities embrace student input and collaboration, others may only pay lip service to the idea. For example, at University College London, the students' union withdrew its support from a committee when the university chose its student representative instead of honouring the student-elected candidate.

Despite differing approaches, the trend towards greater student involvement in university governance is likely to continue. As students take on more responsibility for their education, universities benefit from their input, and students themselves demand a stronger voice, the power dynamics between universities and students will continue to evolve.

Student impact on professor promotions

Students can have a significant impact on professor promotions, as universities often consider student feedback and evaluations when making decisions about faculty promotions. Here are some ways in which student input can influence the process:

Student Evaluations and Feedback

Student evaluations play a crucial role in assessing a professor's teaching effectiveness, which is a key criterion for promotions. Universities often consider quantitative scores and qualitative comments from student course evaluations. A pattern of positive student evaluations can strongly support a professor's case for promotion. On the other hand, negative evaluations may raise concerns about their teaching abilities.

Curriculum Design and Teaching Methods

Universities increasingly involve students in curriculum design and give them a voice in deciding how subjects are taught. Through student-led teaching awards and feedback, professors can gain insight into the teaching methods and curriculum changes that may enhance student satisfaction. By incorporating student suggestions, professors can improve their teaching evaluations and demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence, which is favourable for promotions.

Research and Scholarly Impact

While not directly influenced by students, a professor's research impact and scholarly activities can be enhanced by effective teaching. Professors who can engage and mentor students may foster a productive research group, increasing their chances of publishing research with student contributors. Student success, such as graduating or completing projects, can also reflect well on the supervising professor. This connection between teaching and research highlights the indirect influence that students can have on a professor's research trajectory and, consequently, their promotion prospects.

University Committees and Representation

Some universities include student representatives on decision-making committees, giving students a more direct say in faculty promotions. These student representatives can provide insights from a student perspective and advocate for professors who are well-respected and valued by the student body. Additionally, student-led organisations, such as the National Union of Students, can lobby for greater student involvement in university governance, potentially increasing student power over professor promotions in the future.

While student influence varies across universities, it is clear that students are no longer passive recipients of education. Their feedback and evaluations carry weight and can shape the careers of their professors. As universities strive to provide a positive student experience, student opinions will likely continue to play a role in professor promotions, affecting individual academics' promotion prospects.

Frequently asked questions