The Student Union or Association

The student union or association at your school serves multiple functions, most of which as a student you will find relevant. Other terms or names for this body might be student union, student government, student senate, student association, guild of students or student body government but they all mean the same thing and they all serve the same purpose. Many student unions are run by students independently of the educational facility. Others are hired by the school with a mandate to work independently for the students.

The purpose of these organizations is to represent students both within the institution and in their personal lives - including with local and national issues. Some are run by student volunteers and others hire student advocates, often lawyers, to represent a student in more serious issues. Some of the common issues that a student union or association can help with include academic, welfare, health or legal issues.

Academic Issues

Academic issues might include appeals to resubmit a failing paper based on extenuating circumstances or assistance with course selection. Trained student or professional representatives can help you through the required processes to make an appeal or decide what courses to take. They will also help with any other academic issues, even if they are not directly related to a students current course load or subject selection.

Welfare Issues

Student unions aren’t just about academic life. They are there to help students in all aspects of their lives. It is a perk of being a student at that facility and not just an academic service. A student should always feel safe and welcome within the school environment. If there is anything impeding that sense of security a student can consult the union, even if the issues don’t seem that big. Students who feel discriminated against or uncomfortable in their classes for any reason should definitely consult the student union. Other concerns a student may have are the standard or quality of facilities or difficulties obtaining student funding, or other grant, loan or financial issues.

Health Issues

In addition to your emotional and day-to-day well being the student union can refer students who experience health concerns to the appropriate resource. These might range from specific concerns to wellness questions or checks. The range of services will vary from school to school but are likely to include: health promotion and wellness, awareness and knowledge of health issues. In particular most schools will offer advice about sexual health, nutrition and fitness, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and body image and eating disorders. They can help students make healthy lifestyle choices and advocate for students as required. Although these services won’t be provided directly through a student union or association the advisors here can help you to ascertain which service is right for you and how to go about finding the right provider within the school.

Legal Issues

Many student’s who choose to work in the student union are aspiring or graduate law students. As such, even if they don’t have a law degree (yet) they are well qualified to advise you with respect to your rights and obligations. In addition to the student union many facilities with law schools will also provide additional services to students of the college.

Other Services

Other services which may be offered by your student union could include, tutoring references, a complaints procedure, school policy information, harassment support, a referral service and/or representation and support. It’s there for you, definitely use it if you need to because the people working in the student union environment aren’t just trained to provide a helpful service, they are trained to listen and understand. Whether you need an advocate or advice, it’s a terrific resource.