In this section you can find out more about students' rights to influence, the different bodies of the university and the important documents that you should be aware of as a student representative.
The mission of the Student Union
Our primary mission as a student union is to work to improve the quality of education by ensuring that students' voices are heard; among other things, by participating and exercising student influence in the university's various committees, councils and committees.
We also work to improve the study environment at the university, 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
Being a student representative is a position of trust within SöderS and means exactly what it sounds like - you represent all students within your subject, program, or the university in general. Your perspective as a student is valuable and needed in order to develop and ensure a high quality of education together with the university. The importance of student representatives can therefore not be overemphasized. The role of student representative is a position of trust at 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 of the body to which you are appointed.
About 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, but it is enough to have an interest and willingness to be involved in advocacy work within your education. During the introduction, we go through basic information about what the assignment means in practice, what benefits come with the assignment and what networks and support are available.
We hold introductions continuously during the academic year and usually offer one introduction per week. You can sign up for the introduction here.
University organization - where we make a difference
The university has a number of groups, councils and bodies where everything relating to the university's activities, education and students is discussed, anchored and finally decided on.
The university has both 'preparatory' and 'decision-making' bodies. In the preparatory bodies, various proposals are discussed and prepared before they are sent on for decision. It is then the decision-making bodies that make the actual decisions and, if necessary, make any changes. To ensure that you as students have a solid influence over your education and study situation, it is important that your perspective as students is included in both the preparation and decision-making process.
Subject and Program Councils
If you are studying courses in a specific subject, you have the opportunity to sit on a subject council, while 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 obviously also have the opportunity to sit on the subject council for the subject you are studying. In some cases, there are also combined program and subject councils.
Subject and program councils often make decisions about course literature. They also prepare course and program plans for decision by the Department Board and the Faculty Board or its committees. The proposals that are prepared or decided on in the subject and program councils need to have good support from the students. As a student representative, it is therefore important to have close contact with the students in your subject or program.
Both teacher education and police education have their own steering groups and councils where the overall decisions about the programs are made. These programs make their own decisions about their course and education plans in program councils and so-called curriculum boards. The proposals that are prepared or decided on in program councils, syllabus boards, councils or steering groups also need to be well supported by the students.
Institutional Board
The university's courses and programs are divided into six different departments, each of which includes a committee where issues relating to all courses and programs within the specific department are dealt with.
Each departmental committee in turn includes all the subject and program councils relevant to that department. The subject and program councils are often both preparatory and decision-making. For example, they prepare education and course syllabi and make decisions on, for example, reading lists.
Central bodies
The university also has several other bodies that deal with issues such as educational development, equal treatment, work environment, recruitment and collaboration. Within these bodies, there are also places for student representatives where you are expected to contribute with the student perspective and strive to represent the broad student group at the university.
As a student representative in these bodies, you 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 in the specific body, but this is not a requirement and knowledge can also be obtained from us at SöderS.
Application form for central bodies →
See below to read more about the different key councils you can get involved in as a student ↓
Working Group on Gender Mainstreaming in Higher Education (JiHu)
Do you want to get involved in promoting gender equality in higher education?
As a member of the Gender Mainstreaming Working Group, you will be involved in developing proposals, monitoring targets and supporting departments in their gender mainstreaming work. You will have the chance to contribute with your unique student perspective in the work to increase knowledge about gender equality at the university.
Task of the working group
The working group proposes measures and monitors local objectives for gender equality work based on the universities' government assignment to contribute to the gender equality policy goals.
Composition of the working group
- 1 Head of Department (Chair) (appointed by the Rector)
- 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 (not the department from which the chair comes) (appointed by each departmental board)
- 1 member from the library (appointed by the Head of Library)
- 1 member from the HR department (appointed by the Head of HR)
Other information
Type of body: Working group / Advisory body
Organizational placement: Central level
Number of meetings per semester: 2
Eligibility: Yes
Center for Baltic and East European Studies (CBEES)
Shaping the future of 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 Center 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 will have a unique opportunity to influence the direction of research, strengthen collaboration between different disciplines and help shape the academic work of the future.
CBEES assignments are particularly relevant for students of political science, sociology, history, ethnology, economics or international relations, but anyone with an interest in Eastern European and Baltic Sea research and its societal development is welcome to apply.
Do you want to be involved in influencing Södertörn University's research and doctoral education? Apply to join the CBEES steering group or council and contribute to a multidisciplinary future!
The CBEESsteering group works to develop the university's research, collaboration and doctoral education linked to Baltic Sea and Eastern European Studies. It is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor or a designated 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 the vice-chancellor's nominee (chair)
the director of CBEES
two student representatives
one representative from each department (head of department, head of school or equivalent)
one representative from the faculty board
The CBEES Council acts as a bridge between CBEES and the other activities of the university and provides support to the director of CBEES. The Council consists of the Director of CBEES, the Head of Library, representatives from each department (and alternates) and two student representatives.
CBEESCouncil consists of
Director of CBEES
Head of Library
two student representatives
one representative from each department (and alternates)
Other information
Organizational placement: Central level
Eligible: Yes
Disciplinary Board
Contribute to a fair and safe study environment!
The Disciplinary Board is an important part of the university's organization. The Board is responsible for investigating and deciding on disciplinary measures against students who, for example, disrupt teaching, cheat in examinations or harass other students or employees.
Being a member of the Disciplinary Board gives you a unique opportunity to gain insight into the work of the university, develop your legal knowledge and learn more about ethics and responsibility. As a member of the Disciplinary Board, you need to be thorough and have an interest in law and rights issues, and we believe that the position is particularly suitable for those studying law, education or political science.
Mission of the Disciplinary Board
The Disciplinary Board is responsible for dealing with cases of disciplinary action against students at the University. It considers cases where students break rules, for example by cheating in exams, disrupting classes or harassing others.
Composition of the Disciplinary Board
Rector (chairman)
one teacher representative
two student representatives
legally qualified member
Other information
Type of body: Disciplinary Board (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 10)
Organizational placement: Central level
Number of meetings per semester: Every month
Eligible for fees: Yes
Faculty Board
Influence and contribute to the development of university research and education!
The Faculty Board is an important body that works to ensure the highest quality in the university's academic activities. The Board acts as an advisory body to the Vice-Chancellor and actively participates in strategic discussions on research and education.
As a member of the Faculty Board, you are involved in shaping strategies and contribute to developing, monitoring and evaluating the quality of the university's research and education. You will gain a unique insight into how the university is governed and developed, deepen your knowledge of the academy and get to bring forward the students' voice and contribute to creating a better study environment.
As a member of the Faculty Board, you need a basic knowledge of the university and its governance as well as a strong commitment to education and research issues.
Composition of the Faculty Board
nine teachers/researchers (including the chair)
three student representatives (including one PhD student)
Other information
Organizational location: Central level
Number of meetings per semester: 3
Eligible: Yes
Internationalization Council
Do you want to influence Södertörn University's international work?
The Internationalization Council plays a central role in developing and anchoring strategies for internationalization in all the university's activities. As a student representative on the council, you will have a unique opportunity to contribute with the student perspective on important issues - from exchange programs and international collaborations to how the university creates a more global and inclusive study environment.
The assignment gives you valuable experience of strategic work and decision-making processes at university level. You will work with the Rector's Council, faculty representatives and other key people to ensure that internationalization becomes a natural part of education and student life.
Do you want to make a difference? Apply to the Internationalization Council and become part of the work for a more international university!
Mission of the Internationalization Council
The University's Internationalization Council shall work to ensure that initiatives in the operations and the surrounding society are utilized and enabled and that university-wide strategies on internationalization reach all parts of the operations.
Composition of the Internationalization Council
Rector's Council for Internationalization
Four IN representatives
One representative of the Faculty Board
Internationalization Officer at LU
One representative of CBEES
One representative of the Police Education
Three student representatives (including one PhD student)
Other information
Type of body: Steering / Advisory body
Organizational placement: Central level
Number of meetings per semester: 3
Eligible: Yes
Merit Committee
Are you interested in contributing to the development of pedagogical competence at Södertörn University?
The Committee's mission is to work on the assessment and recognition of pedagogical competences in order to stimulate and incentivize teachers' professional development. As a student representative on the committee, you will have a unique opportunity to participate in assessment processes, manage applications and collaborate with external experts in pedagogy.
The assignment is particularly relevant for students studying courses in pedagogy, educational sciences, communication or related subjects, but the main thing is that you have an interest in contributing to a high-quality educational environment. Do you want to be part of the educational development process? Don't hesitate - apply to become a student representative on the Merit Committee and help shape the future of teaching.
The Committee's mission
The Merit Committee works to make pedagogical competence visible through the system of pedagogical merit and to stimulate and provide incentives to university teachers for pedagogical development work.
Composition of the Committee
4 teacher representatives, of which 2 deputies with proven pedagogical expertise (appointed by the Faculty Board on the proposal of the steering group for the development of teaching and learning in higher education) (chairman appointed by the Faculty Board)
2 student representatives, of which 1 deputy (appointed by the Student Union)
Other information
Type of body: Advisory / Consultative body
Organizational placement: Central level
Eligibility: Yes
Recruitment Committee
Shape the Academy of the future - become a student representative on the recruitment committee!
Recruitment of researchers and teachers is crucial to ensuring high quality education and research. The recruitment committees at Södertörn University play a central role in the process by reviewing applications, appointing experts and making decisions on appointments and promotions of professors, senior lecturers and associate professors.
As a student or doctoral student representative on the recruitment committee, you will gain a unique insight into academic merit work, recruitment processes and the university's strategic skills supply. You will 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, law, sociology, economics, philosophy, education or other subjects where issues of competence, merit assessment and academic leadership are central.
Do you want to be involved in influencing who will be the teachers and researchers of the future at Södertörn University? Apply to the recruitment committee!
Mission of the recruitment committees
The University has two recruitment committees. They are preparatory bodies for permanent employment and promotion of lecturers, associate professors, professors and others.
The Recruitment Committee for the Humanities (RKHUM ) handles cases from the Department of History and Social Studies and the Department of Culture and Education. The Recruitment Committee for Humanities meets on Tuesdays in even weeks.
The Recruitment Committee for Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Engineering (RKSAM) handles cases from the Department of Natural Sciences, Environment and Engineering and the Department of Social Sciences. The Recruitment Committee for Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Engineering meets on Tuesdays of odd weeks.
Broadening Recruitment Council
Do you want to be involved in shaping Södertörn University's work for a more inclusive and accessible higher education?
The Council for Broadened Recruitment drives the development of the university's work on broadened recruitment and broadened participation. As a member of the Council, you will have the opportunity to work on developing and anchoring strategies and plans that affect the university's future. You will also be involved in external monitoring and follow current research to strengthen the university's work in this area. The assignment is suitable for those who are interested in collaborating with different parts of the university to contribute to a more equal and inclusive higher education.
Students studying courses in social sustainability, education, political science and communication may be particularly well placed to contribute to the work of the Council and to create a university 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 from the library, appointed by the head of the library
1 member from joint administration, appointed by the head of administration
Other information
Type of body: Advisory body
Organizational placement: Central level
Number of meetings per semester: 3
Eligibility: Yes
Strategic Cooperation Council
Do you want to help shape Södertörn University's collaboration with the outside world?
Strategic collaboration is crucial to connect academia with society, business 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 management.
As a student representative, you will have a unique opportunity to influence how Södertörn University collaborates with external stakeholders and contributes to societal development. The assignment is particularly relevant for those studying, for example, political science, business administration, sociology, media studies or teacher education, but all committed students are welcome to apply.
This is a chance to build valuable experience of strategic work and network with key people in academia. Want to make a difference? Apply for the Strategic Collaboration Council and contribute to the future of collaboration!
Mission of the Council
The Strategic Collaboration Council aims to develop structured work on 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 the academy)
Head of Department or Head of School from all departments
a representative from teacher education
a representative from CBEES
one or more Vice-Chancellor's Councils (appointed by the Vice-Chancellor)
a representative from AVM
a PhD student representative
a student representative
Other information
Type of body: Steering / Advisory body
Organizational placement: Central level
Number of meetings per semester: 3
Eligible: Yes
Student Union Alliance (within KreativEU)
Are you passionate about shaping the future of international cooperation?
SöderS is looking for students to join the Student Alliance of the European University Cooperation KreativEU, which includes Södertörn University. This is a unique opportunity to actively influence the direction of the network and protect student interests within a vibrant European cooperation.
As part of the alliance, you will be part of a democratic body with student representatives from the different universities within KreativEU. The mission of the Student Union Alliance is to ensure that students' voices are heard and their needs are met in the development of CreativeEU. The Alliance has a President who is 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 the development of higher education pedagogy
Do you want to help shape the future of higher education?
The assignment as a member of the steering group for higher education pedagogical development provides a unique opportunity to be involved in shaping strategic decisions that affect both the unit's activities and the university's educational environments.
The steering group has 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 orientations, goals and follow up the implementation of higher education pedagogical development efforts.
This is an assignment for you who are interested in issues of higher education pedagogy, education and quality development in education. Help shape the future development of teaching and learning in higher education at Södertörn University - Welcome to apply for this position!
The steering group consists of
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education (Chair)
1 teacher representative from each department
1 teacher representative from Teacher Training and Police Training
1 representative from the Library
2 student representatives
Director of the Unit for the Development of Higher Education Pedagogy
Other information
Type of body: Steering Committee
Organizational placement: Central level
Eligible: Yes
Key documents
As a student representative, it is good to have the university's regulations close at hand. There is good information on Södertörn University's website on the Rights, obligations and safety page .
It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with these documents to get an overview of how the university'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 (and the university) need to relate to a particular issue. For example, it may be about marking time for examinations or reporting results in Ladok.
For students
Student Involvement Policy
Guiding principles for the university's work with student influence.
Decided by: The University Board
Guidelines for Student Involvement
Descriptions of regulations, responsibilities and organization regarding student influence.
Decided by: Rector
Rights and obligations
Regulations for first and second cycle studies at Södertörn University.
Decided by: Rector
Influence policy for Södertörn University's Student Union
Basic positions and objectives for SöderS' work with student influence.
For doctoral students
Student Involvement Policy
Guiding principles for the university's work with student influence.
Decided by: The University Board
Guidelines for Student Involvement
Descriptions of regulations, responsibilities and organization regarding student influence.
Decided by: Rector
Guidelines for doctoral employment
Description of terms and conditions of employment, leave of absence, study leave and extension.
Decision by: Rector
Guidelines for extending the employment period of doctoral students in positions of trust
Description of compensation for student representation at postgraduate level.
Decision by: Rector