New Rules Give Strength To College Student Bodies

College students now must be represented by a student body.

A new plan now enforces the need for an autonomous, accountable and representative union or association on campus similar to those found in universities. College boards must now contain at least 2 student representatives.

The Framework for the Development of Strong and Effective Students’ Associations in Scotland has been developed by the Scottish Government, NUS Scotland and the Scottish Funding Council, and also endorsed by Colleges Scotland. It follows the Post-16 Education Act which increased the minimum number of student members on college boards to two and required colleges to ensure students are represented by an association.

It has been announced by Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Angela Constance. She said:

"Students must have the strongest possible voice on campus. This was strengthened by 2013 legislation and the publication of today’s framework helps take that to the next level by setting out clearly how students’ associations can be supported to play a bigger role in shaping the future of their college.

"The framework is based around five principles for effective associations in that they should be autonomous, work in partnership, be accountable, representative and sustainable. Five key themes are covered – shaping the life and work of the college, governance and democracy, aware and active students, sustainable resources, and value and democracy."

Vonnie Sandlan, NUS Scotland president-elect, added:

"NUS Scotland, and students right across Scotland, have worked incredibly hard over the last few years to get to a place where college student representation isn’t just enshrined in law but also provided the respect and value it rightfully deserves at all of our colleges, in a real and meaningful way. The launch of this Framework is the culmination of that hard work and an extremely important moment for NUS Scotland and college students.

"Over the last few years we have seen really exciting developments in college student representation. From where they were, even just a few years ago, college students’ associations have come an incredibly long way, and many easily rival their university counterparts in levels of representation, engagement and participation. This new framework will ensure that we are all working together to continue that, and see it spread right across Scotland."