Student representatives

Student representatives play a key role in the union’s work with student influence. They are students appointed by the student union to represent the interests of students in various decision-making boards at the university. Their main task is to put forward the views of students and the student union and ensure that these views are heard in all decision-making processes.

Student representatives are responsible for informing other members of the university's decision-making boards of the students' perspective and for ensuring that the views formulated by the student union in its opinion program are taken into account. By participating in meetings and discussions, they help shape decisions related to the quality of education, the study environment and other issues important to students.

Student representatives are usually elected for one academic year. All student representatives appointed by UTN are given an introduction by the student liaison officers to be well prepared for their tasks.

The appointment of student representatives takes place at different levels:

• Local level: Student representatives at local level are appointed by the sections. These representatives sit on boards such as department boards or program councils. The positions are usually filled at the sections' general meetings/annual meetings.
• Faculty central level: At this level, student representatives are appointed by the student liaison officers. These representatives participate in working groups and committees that address issues relevant to the whole faculty. The positions can be applied for here and the main application round is usually in May.‍
• University central level: Student representatives at this level are appointed through the Uppsala University’s United Student Unions (UUFS), which brings together all six student unions at Uppsala University. The positions can be applied for here and the main application round is usually in April.

To ensure that student representatives effectively represent the views of the student union and its students, they must follow a specific policy. This policy helps to maintain a high standard and uniformity in student representation.

According to the “Guidelines regarding students' working conditions at Uppsala University”, student representatives who have compulsory course sessions that clash with meetings shall be given the opportunity to complete these sessions at another time, provided that it is practically and financially possible. This will ensure that student representatives do not have to miss important parts of their education.