Students have become better at reporting problems in their study environment. Last year, the number of reports submitted to the student representative almost doubled.
The number of filed reports concerning discrimination and faulty examination, among other things, has had a marked increase. From 42 filed reports in the spring term of 2013 to 72 during the same period this year.
On top of that, for the first time, the Student Unions have begun keeping statistics of the reports they receive. The total sum ends up on 146 filed reports. But the number of unrecorded cases might still be big.
“I think there are many people who do not dare to file a report. Partly because students do not want to risk affecting their grades, but also because students do not know how to go about reporting something,” Petra Holst, the student representative at Lund University Student Unions, LUS, says.
What has been done to improve this?
“Both the Student Unions and myself have been more informative now, which could be one explanation to why more reports have been filed,” Petra Holst says.
The student representative’s case report has been released
A few days ago, the student representative’s case report was released. The report is supposed to make acknowledged problems more visible. It is supposed to be a tool for the Student Unions to be able to discuss various situations and reach solutions.
The student representative, Petra Holst, clarifies what problems are most common for students.
“Administration- and information issues represent a greater part of the issues than they did last year. Mandatory parts should be clearly stated in the syllabus, which is not always the case,” Petra Holst says.
The time allotted for correcting exams and grade reconsideration is still problematic
Another recurring subject is that of the 15 days allotted for correcting exams. In that time, students should have their grades published.
Possible effects of this time-limit not being followed could be not receiving CSN, or that preparations for a possible resit is delayed.
“One measure that the University should focus on is that all faculties create a clear procedure for resits. I have received reports where students are denied the possibility to have a grade reconsideration, where time-limits and other rules have been defined, which has had negative effects for the students. There is no time limit concerning that right,” Petra Holst says.
Tools for exercising responsibilities are needed
Ethnic and gender-based discrimination are areas that are not as often brought to the student representative’s desk.
But it does occur. Largely, this may depend on the fact that there is no concrete tool to judge the psycho-social problems within the University. Members of staff do not know how much responsibility they should take, when it comes to mobbing and harassment.
“I hope this will be discussed further. The social aspect is a part of the study environment as a whole. If you do not feel welcome, it will have negative effects on your studies as well. Members of staff must be able to intervene when something like that happens, and be clear that such things are not acceptable,” Petra Holst explains.
Facts: The Student Representative’s Case Report
- In the student representative’s case report, students get to see what problematic areas there are, but they also get to know how to go about filing a report, if a problem arises.
- Harassment, unfair grading, and similar scenarios, the students should, first and foremost, discuss with their Student Union. In many cases, the Union knows who the students should turn to within a certain institution, and the Union has good contacts with different people with responsibility within them.
- If students do not feel like approaching their Union with an issue, for different reasons, they are welcome to speak to the student representative, who works as an objective party.
- Even if students do not wish to proceed with the issue, all reports filed count. This makes it easier for the Student Unions and members of staff to see where the big issues are. That way, you as a student can help in the process of improvement, if not for yourself, then for other people.
Text: Andrea Ax Karlsén
Photo: Lukas J. Herbers
Translation: Richard Helander
