Student Participation in Governance at the University Of Alberta

Abstract

This study investigated the scope, process, and effect of student participation in governance at the University of Alberta, including student government, and identified and analyzed related issues, various influential factors, and potential for improvement. The researcher employed a naturalistic and qualitative inquiry approach. Related literature was reviewed to provide a conceptual framework for the study. Two pilot studies were conducted. Augmented by documentury analysis and direct observations, the semi- structured interview was the major data-gathering technique utilized. The results of the study reveal that student participation in the governance of the University is beneficial to students, the University, and society. Students have been extensively involved in decision-making at different levels. Both student organizations and students at large employed different informal means, such as lobbying, media, and caucuses to exert their influence. Associations of students as organized forces had much greater influence than students at iarge. A variety of factors affected how influential they were. The successful experience of the student government has demonstrated that students are capable of administering their own affairs, satisfying various student needs, and protecting the political interests of students. The University-run student services and the services run by the student government have complemented each other. Implications of the study include the following: a) further cooperation between the two kinds of student-related services can help them conserve resources and better serve the needs of students; b) joint efforts could be made to improve student participation. The University administration may facilitate student involvement by providing necessary training, including students in some University committees with no student representation, using multiple approaches to obtain student input, and treating students as equals. Students should be aware of their limitations and work to compensate for these limitations; c) in resolving common problems, ail members of the University community, including students, ought to strive to consider the interests of the University as a collective rather than attending predominantly to their own interests; and d) future studies of student involvement in university governance should include student government and the informal involvement of students in their research design