Students Participation In The Governance Of Public Universities In Ethiopia

The purpose of this study was to examine the status of students’ participation in governance ofrnhigher education institutions in Ethiopia. To that end, the study investigated: the practice ofrnstudents participation at different governing bodies of universities; the role of university studentsrnunions and the status of implementation; the benefits that universities, student population, andrnstudents’ representatives obtained; inclusiveness of student unions and their structure; supportsrnmade by HEIs; and challenges encountered. To investigate these topics, a mixed methodologyrn(QUAL-quan) design was employed. Qualitative data were generated largely from interviewsrnheld with academic vice presidents, deans of students and student union presidents who werernpurposely selected. Moreover, seven focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with 42rnrandomly selected students’ union executive committee members. Additionally, documentaryrnsources (e.g., senate legislations, senate minutes, AC and DC minutes), were used. Quantitativerndata were gathered from randomly selected college deans and department heads, and seniorrnstudents using three sets of survey questionnaires (N=484). While the qualitative data werernanalyzed using thematic analysis, the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive andrninferential statistics. Findings indicated that all universities have legal provisions which allowrnstudents to participate at different levels of university governance but this practice wasrninadequate. With regard to academic matters, except in the senate of universities, students werernnot participating in senate standing committees, college level and department academicrncommittees. In contrast, the study indicated that students were active participant inrnadministrative matters such as student service committee, in disciplinary matters, and inrninstructors’ performance evaluation. Also, the study results were positive regards to students’rnparticipation in ad-hoc committees and informal participation. Findings also depicted students’rnunion role in representing students in the university governance and serving as a bridge and inpromotion welfare of students. On a negative note, the results of the study revealed thernlimitations of student unions in implementing their roles related to supplementing universityrncurricula through co-curricular activities; in promoting academic excellence, research, andrnintellectual culture; in encouraging debates on public issues through discussions and publicationsrnand in supplementing university curricula through panel discussions, debates, and seminars. Thernstudy results also showed that universities, student’s representatives and the larger studentrnpopulations were benefiting from students participation in governance. It was found that unlikerncolleges and departments, top level management of universities provided financial and otherrnresources support; and recognize and value the views of students. Findings indicated limitationsrnin providing training and professional support for students’ publication. The study identifiedrninstitution and student related challenges which have affected students’ participation inrnuniversity governance. The study concluded, despite the positive aspects in administrative areas,rnstudents’ participation in university governance was inadequate particularly in academic matters.rnFor better implementation, the study results imply the need for periodic monitoring, provision ofrnorientation and training to student representatives, and suitable student union election schedule.rnAmong other things, the study underlined the need for awareness creation forums for people atrndifferent decision-making positions and academicians, a shift of student union to their rolesrnwhich have long term effect, and structural rearrangement of student unions. It is also called forrnsimilar study in private institutions, influence of participation on academic performance ofrnstudents, a study to identify the opinion of academic and administrative staff, a study onrnuniversity student union and its’ internal operation and other areas of attention.

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