In this section can you read more about students' right to influence, the university's various bodies and which important documents can be good to know as a student representative.
The Student Union's mission
Our primary mission as a student union is to work towards improving the quality of education by ensuring that students' voices are heard; among other things, by participating in and exercising student influence in the university's various committees, councils, and boards.
We also work to improve the study environment at the higher education institution, for a vibrant and inclusive student life on campus, and we provide support and advice on students' rights in various student matters.
About being a student representative
The role of student representative is a position of trust within SöderS and means exactly what it sounds like – you represent all students within your subject, programme, or the higher education institution as a whole. Your perspective as a student is valuable and needed to work together with the institution to develop and ensure a high quality of education. The importance of student representatives therefore cannot be overstated. The role of student representative is a position of trust with SöderS.
Students' right to representation is regulated in the Higher Education Act (HL Chapter 2, Section 7) and as a student representative you are a member on the same terms as all other members in the body to which you have been appointed.
On becoming a student representative
If you are interested in becoming a student representative, you first need to attend an introduction given by us at SöderS. No prior knowledge is required; it is enough to have an interest and a desire to be involved in advocacy work within your education. During the introduction, we will go through basic information about what the role involves in practice, what benefits come with the role, and which networks and support are available.
We hold rollouts on an ongoing basis throughout the academic year and generally offer one rollout session per week. Here you can register for the introduction.
The university college's organisation – how we influence things
The university has a number of groups, councils and bodies where all matters relating to the university’s operation, education and students are discussed, agreed upon and ultimately decided.
The university has both “advisory” and “decision-making” bodies. The advisory bodies discuss and prepare various proposals before they are forwarded for a decision. It is then the decision-making bodies that take the actual decisions and, where necessary, make any amendments. To ensure that you, as students, have a genuine say in your education and study situation, it is important that your perspective as students is included in both the preparatory and decision-making processes.
Subject and programme committee
If you are studying courses within a specific subject, you have the opportunity to sit on a subject council, whereas if you are studying a programme, you have the opportunity to sit on a programme council. However, a programme often consists of a collection of subjects and therefore you naturally also have the opportunity to sit on the subject council for the subject you are studying. In some cases, there are also combined programme and subject councils.
Subject and programme councils often make their own decisions on course literature. They also prepare course and programme plans for decision by the departmental board and the faculty board or its committees. Proposals prepared or decided upon by subject and programme councils need to have strong support amongst students. As a student representative, it is therefore important to maintain close contact with students within your subject or programme.
Both the teacher training programmes and the police training programme have their own steering groups and councils where overarching decisions regarding the programmes are made. These programmes make their own decisions regarding their course and programme syllabuses in programme councils and so-called syllabus committees. The proposals that are prepared or decided upon in programme councils, syllabus committees, councils or steering groups also need to have strong backing from the students.
Institutional Board
The university's courses and programmes are divided into six different departments, each of which includes a board where issues concerning all courses and programmes within the specific department are dealt with.
Each departmental board in turn includes all subject and programme boards relevant to that department. The subject and programme boards often have both preparatory and decision-making responsibilities. For example, they prepare education and course syllabuses and make decisions regarding, for instance, reading lists.
Central body
The university also has several other bodies which, for example, deal with issues relating to pedagogical development, equality, the working environment, recruitment and collaboration. Within these bodies, too, there are positions for student representatives, who are expected to contribute the student perspective and strive to represent the wider student body at the university.
As a student representative on these bodies, you will need to have some knowledge of the body’s area of work. It may be an advantage if you are studying a subject relevant to the issues dealt with by that particular body, but this is not a requirement, and you can also gain this knowledge from us at SöderS.
Application form for central bodies →
See below to read more about the various central councils that you can get involved in as a student ↓
Working Group for Gender Mainstreaming in Higher Education (JiHu)
Would you like to get involved in promoting gender equality at the university?
As a member of the working group on gender mainstreaming, you will be involved in drawing up proposals, monitoring targets and supporting departments in their work on gender mainstreaming. You will have the opportunity to contribute your unique student perspective to efforts to raise awareness of gender equality at the university.
The working group’s remit
The working group proposes measures and monitors local targets for gender equality work based on the higher education institutions' governmental remit to contribute to the gender equality policy objectives.
Composition of the working group
- 1 Head of Department (chair) (appointed by the Vice-Chancellor)
- 2 student representatives (appointed by the student union)
- 1 member from the Faculty Board (appointed by the Faculty Board)
- 1 member from each departmental board (excluding the department from which the chair comes) (appointed by the respective departmental board)
- 1 member from the library (appointed by the library manager)
- 1 member of the HR department (appointed by the HR Manager)
Other information
Guy av organWorking group / Advisory body
Organisational placementCentral level
Number of meetings per term: 2
Eligible for a feeYes
Centre for Baltic and East European Studies (CBEES)
Shape the future research on the Baltic Sea region and Eastern Europe!
Södertörn University is a leading player in research on the Baltic Sea region and Eastern Europe, and the Centre for Baltic and East European Studies (CBEES) plays a central role in developing this profile area. As a student or doctoral student representative on the CBEES steering committee or CBEES Council, you get a unique opportunity to influence the direction of research, strengthen cooperation between different disciplines and contribute to shaping the academic work of the future.
The mission within CBEES is particularly relevant for those of you studying political science, sociology, history, ethnology, economics or international relations, but everyone with an interest in Eastern European and Baltic studies and societal development is welcome to apply.
Do you want to help shape Södertörn University's research and doctoral education? Apply to the CBEES steering committee or board and contribute to a multidisciplinary future!
The steering committee for CBEES works to develop the university college's research, collaboration and third-cycle education linked to Baltic and East European studies. It is led by the Vice-Chancellor or an appointed representative and consists of the Director of CBEES, representatives from each department, a representative from the Faculty Board and two student representatives.
The steering group consists of
the Vice-Chancellor or a person appointed by the Vice-Chancellor (Chair)
Director of CBEES
two student representatives
one representative from each department (head of department, deputy head or equivalent)
a representative from the faculty board
CBEES Council acts as a bridge between CBEES and the university’s other operation units and provides support to the Director of CBEES. The Council comprises the Director of CBEES, the Head Librarian, representatives from each department (along with their deputies) and two student representatives.
The CBEES Council consists of
Director of CBEES
Head of Library
two student representatives
one representative from each institution (plus substitute members)
Other information
Organisational placementCentral level
Eligible for reimbursementYes
Disciplinary Board
Contribute to a fair and safe study environment!
The Disciplinary Board is an important part of the higher education institution's organisation. The board is responsible for investigating and making decisions on disciplinary measures against students who, for example, disrupt teaching, cheat in examinations, or harass other students or staff.
Serving on the disciplinary board gives you a unique opportunity to gain insight into the university's work, develop your legal knowledge and learn more about ethics and responsibility. As a member of the disciplinary board, you are required to be meticulous and have an interest in law and rights issues, and we believe the role is particularly suited to those studying law, education or political science.
The remit of the Disciplinary Board
The Disciplinary Board is responsible for processing cases concerning disciplinary measures against students at the higher education institution. The board examines cases where students violate rules, for example by cheating on exams, disrupting teaching, or subjecting others to harassment.
Composition of the Disciplinary Board
principal (chair)
a teacher representative
two student representatives
legal member
Other information
Guy av organDisciplinary Board (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 10)
Organisational placementCentral level
Number of meetings per semester: Each month
Eligible for a feeYes
Faculty board
Influence and contribute to the development of the higher education institution's research and education!
The Faculty Board is an important body that works to ensure the highest quality in the university’s academic operation. The Board acts as an advisory body to the Vice-Chancellor and plays an active role in strategic discussions on research and education.
As a member of the Faculty Board, you help shape strategies and contribute to developing, following up and evaluating the quality of the university's research and education. You gain a unique insight into how the university is governed and developed, deepen your knowledge of academia, and get to voice the students' perspective and contribute to creating a better study environment.
As a member of the faculty board, you need a basic knowledge of the higher education institution and its governance, as well as a strong commitment to education and research issues.
Composition of the faculty board
nine teachers/researchers (including chairperson)
three student representatives (of whom one is a PhD student)
Other information
Organisational placementCentral level
Number of meetings per semester: 3
Eligible for reimbursementYes
Internationalisation Council
Do you want to influence Södertörn University's international work?
The Internationalisation Council plays a central role in developing and securing support for internationalisation strategies across all parts of the university. As a student representative on the council, you will have a unique opportunity to contribute the student perspective on key issues – from exchange programmes and international collaborations to how the university creates a more global and inclusive learning environment.
The assignment gives you valuable experience of strategic work and decision-making processes at higher education level. You will collaborate with the Vice-Chancellor's adviser, faculty representatives and other key figures to ensure that internationalisation becomes a natural part of education and student life.
Do you want to help make a difference? Apply to the Internationalisation Council and become part of the work for a more international higher education institution!
The Internationalisation Council’s remit
The University’s Internationalisation Council shall work to ensure that initiatives within verksamheten and the wider community are capitalised upon and facilitated, and that university-wide strategies on internationalisation reach all parts of verksamheten.
Composition of the Internationalisation Council
Vice-Chancellor's Council for Internationalisation
Four IN representatives
A representative for the faculty board
Internationalisation Officer at LU
A representative for CBEES
A representative of the Police Academy
Three student representatives (including one doctoral student)
Other information
Guy av organSteering group / Advisory body
Organisational placementCentral level
Number of meetings per term: 3
Eligible for a feeYes
The Promotions Committee
Are you interested in contributing to the development of teaching competence at Södertörn University?
The committee's remit is to work with the assessment and recognition of teaching expertise in order to stimulate and provide incentives for teachers' development work. As a student representative on the committee, you will have a unique opportunity to take part in assessment processes, handle applications and collaborate with external experts in education.
The assignment is particularly relevant for students taking courses in pedagogy, educational science, communication or related subjects, but the main thing is that you have an interest in contributing to a high-quality educational environment. Would you like to be involved in the work on educational development? Do not hesitate – apply to become a student representative on the Promotion Committee and help shape the teaching of the future.
The committee's remit
The Committee for Educational Merit works through the system of educational merit-rating to make educational competence visible, as well as to stimulate and provide incentives for university teachers for educational development work.
The composition of the committee
4 teacher representatives of whom 2 substitute members with attested pedagogical skill (appointed by the faculty board upon nomination by the steering committee for higher education pedagogy) (chair appointed by the faculty board)
2 student representatives including 1 substitute (appointed by the student union)
Other information
Guy av organAdvisory / Preparatory body
Organisational placementCentral level
Eligible for a feeYes
The recruitment committee
Shape the academy of the future – become a student representative on the recruitment committee!
The recruitment of researchers and teachers is crucial to ensuring high quality in education and research. The recruitment committees at Södertörn University play a central role in this process by reviewing applications, appointing expert assessors, and making decisions regarding the employment and promotion of professors, senior lecturers, and associate professors.
As a student or doctoral student representative on the recruitment committee, you get a unique insight into academic merit assessment, recruitment processes and the university's strategic provision of competence. You also gain valuable experience of high-level decision-making and a deeper understanding of how academia works.
The assignment is particularly relevant for those studying political science, legal science, sociology, economics, philosophy, education or other subjects where issues of competence, merit assessment and academic leadership are central.
Would you like to help influence who the future teachers and researchers at Södertörn University will be? Apply for the recruitment committee!
The remit of the recruitment committees
The higher education institution has two recruitment committees. They are preparatory bodies for permanent employment and promotion of lecturers, senior lecturers, associate professors, professors, and others.
Humanities Recruitment Committee (RKHUM) handles cases from the Department of History and Contemporary Studies and the Department of Culture and Learning. The Recruitment Committee for the Humanities meets on Tuesdays in even weeks.
The Social Science Recruitment Committee, science and technology handles cases from the Department of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies and the Department of Social Sciences. The Recruitment Committee for Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Technology meets on Tuesdays in odd-numbered weeks.
The Council for Widened Recruitment
Would you like to help shape Södertörn University's work for a more inclusive and accessible higher education?
The Council for Widened Recruitment drives the development of the higher education institution's work with widened recruitment and widened participation. As a member of the council, you will have the opportunity to work on developing and embedding strategies and plans that influence the future of the institution. You will also be involved in horizon scanning and following current research to strengthen the institution's work in this area. This role suits those who are interested in collaborating with various parts of the institution to contribute to a more equal and inclusive higher education.
Students studying courses in social sustainability, educational science, political science and communication may be particularly well placed to contribute to the council's work and to create a higher education institution that welcomes and supports all students!
Composition of the Council
4 teacher representatives
2 student representatives appointed by SöderS
2 representatives of external partners, appointed by the council
1 member appointed jointly by Studieverkstan and HPU
1 member of the library, appointed by the head of library
1 member of joint management, appointed by the head of administration
Other information
Type of organ: Advisory organ
Organisational placementCentral level
Number of meetings per term: 3
Eligible for a feeYes
Strategic Advisory Council
Would you like to help shape Södertörn University's engagement with wider society?
Strategic collaboration is crucial for connecting academia with society, the business sector and public actors. The Strategic Collaboration Council plays a central role in this work by developing structured collaboration strategies and proposing priorities to the university's executive management.
As a student representative, you get a unique opportunity to influence how Södertörn University collaborates with external stakeholders and contributes to societal development. The role is particularly relevant for those studying subjects such as political science, business administration, sociology, media and communication studies, or the teacher education programme, but all committed students are welcome to apply.
This is a chance to build valuable experience in strategic work and network with key figures within academia. Do you want to make a difference? Apply to the Strategic Collaboration Council and contribute to the collaboration of the future!
The Council's remit
The Strategic Collaboration Council aims to develop structured work with strategic collaboration at Södertörn University and between the university and its partners.
Composition of the Council
chair (appointed by the Vice-Chancellor either from among the members or from academia)
Head of Department or Deputy Head of Department from all departments
a representative from the teacher training department
a representative from CBEES
one or more vice-rectors (appointed by the vice-chancellor)
a representative from AVM
a doctoral student representative
a student representative
Other information
Guy av organSteering group / Advisory body
Organisational placementCentral level
Antal meetings per term: 3
Eligible for a feeYes
Student Union Alliance (within KreativEU)
Are you passionate about shaping the future of international collaborations?
SöderS is looking for students for the student alliance within the European university network KreativEU, of which Södertörn University is a member. This is a unique opportunity to actively influence the network's direction and protect student interests within a vibrant European collaboration.
As part of the alliance, you will form part of a democratic body with student representatives from the various universities within KreativEU. The role of the Student Union Alliance is to ensure that students' voices are heard and that their needs are met in the development of KreativEU. The alliance has a chairperson who acts as the spokesperson for the students at the council meetings.
If you have a strong interest in student representation, strategic decision-making and international cooperation, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Apply for the position and join a team working for the common good of students across Europe!
Board for Higher Education Pedagogical Development
Would you like to help influence the higher education pedagogy of the future?
The role as a member of the steering group for higher education pedagogical development offers a unique opportunity to help shape strategic decisions that affect both the unit’s operation and the university’s learning environments.
The steering committee plays an important role in ensuring that the unit's work reflects current needs and supports long-term quality development. You will be involved in deciding on course directions, objectives, and following up on the implementation of higher education pedagogical development initiatives.
This is an assignment for those of you who are interested in issues concerning higher education pedagogy, liberal education and quality development in education. Help shape the future development of higher education pedagogy at Södertörn University – welcome to apply for the assignment!
The steering group consists of
Vice-Rector for Education (Chair)
1 teacher representative from each department
1 teacher representative from the Teacher Education Programme resp. the Police Education Programme
1 representative from the Library
2 student representatives
Head of the Unit for Higher Education Development
Other information
Guy av organSteering group
Organisational placementCentral level
Eligible for a feeYes
Important documents
As a student representative, it is good to have the university's regulations close at hand. On Södertörn University's website there is good information on the page Rights, obligations and safety.
It is good if you familiarise yourself with these documents to get an overview of how the higher education institution's regulations work. In your advocacy work, it can also be useful to be able to look up relevant pages in the documents to see how you as a student (as well as the university) need to relate to a specific issue. This could, for example, concern marking times for examinations or the reporting of results in Ladok.
For students
Student Influence Policy
Guiding principles for the higher education institution's work with student influence.
Decided by: The University Board
Guidelines for student influence
Descriptions of regulations, responsibilities and organisation regarding student influence.
Decided by: Vice-Chancellor
Rights and obligations
Regulations for first-cycle and second-cycle studies at Södertörn University.
Decided by: Vice-Chancellor
Influence policy for Södertörn University Student Union
Fundamental principles and objectives for SöderS' work with student influence.
For doctoral students
Student Influence Policy
Guiding principles for the higher education institution's work with student influence.
Decided by: The University Board
Guidelines for student influence
Descriptions of regulations, responsibilities and organisation regarding student influence.
Decided by: Vice-Chancellor
Guidelines for doctoral studentships
Description of terms of employment, leave of absence, suspension of studies and prolongation.
Decision by: Vice-Chancellor
Guidelines for extending doctoral students' employment time for positions of trust
Description of compensation for student representation at third-cycle level.
Decision by: Vice-Chancellor