Abstract
The need of a student leadership in universities cannot be overemphasized. Considering the university setup where students have too much freedom, and unlike school settings where there is more interaction between students and the administration, university student leadership is crucial in ensuring a working relationship between the university and the student fraternity.
Of main importance, however, is whether these leaders put the students’ needs at the first place, or just want to advance their own agenda. Are there some who give the leadership the seriousness it deserves while others have sinister motives? This research therefore intends to find out if there is objectivity in the role played by the university student leaders.
Questionnaires and structured interviews will be administered to the university administration, university students, and student leaders in an attempt to get their views on the objectivity of student leadership. Quantitative (SPSS) and qualitative data analysis (Maxqda) methods will be used to come up with accurate findings on the situation. The research will also come up with recommendations as projected in the data collection process or as suggested by the respondents.
Introduction
University student leadership has existed for a long time, with the student organizations/unions being formed with the main objective of representing students to the university management (Holden, 2000). Though the unions, students are able to present their suggestions on areas they wish to be improved, such as welfare issues, and as well as they can air their grievances. Basically, these unions are formed by students. However, it has been noted that these unions lack objectivity with student leaders losing focus on their main agenda. The main reasoning behind this is the knowledge of the fact that a student leader will not be in the university forever. Many therefore take this opportunity to advance their own personal agenda to be prepared for their graduation. Student leaders will therefore collude with the university management in the pretext that they are protecting the students, while the truth is they are more worried about their future prospects. This could be career prospects, getting a good job or a good reference. It is clear that some get compromised and it is no wonder that a good number of these student leaders are absorbed by the same universities.
Statement of a Problem
Generally speaking, not all university student leaders lack objectivity. Some try to be as fair as possible in negotiating a workable middle ground between the administration and the students taking care of not constraining their relationships with both sides. However, there are those student leaders who have hidden agenda while vying for such posts. Some of these students are intending to enter the mainstream political arena after clearing campus and this acts as a training ground. Others, look at ‘what is in it for me?’ considering that these positions come with some perks. These may include; a monthly allowance, traveling allowance, leadership trainings, free meals and accommodation, getting to know who is who in the university administration , not forgetting that such kind of leadership posts work wonders on students’ curriculum vitae. The fact that most of these unions are dominated by males also leave many unanswered questions. Could it be that the females are already aware that the unions are just political outfits and nothing more? The question then becomes: Do university students vie for leadership positions to represent fellow students or to advance their own personal agenda?
Review of the Literature and Research Questions
The fact that the student unions have helped some students make successful political careers as Tysome observes, cannot be ignored (2006). This is not to forget that these bodies also operate on budgets running into millions of dollars, as students are supposed to pay membership fees and subscription fees every year (Afshari, & Underwood, 2007). As Parker observes, there has also been rumors that some university administration also sponsor student leaders who seem to be friendly in an attempt to minimize students’ empowerment. These are the key aspects that could make some students lose objectivity as student leaders. However, as Miles (2011) notes, unfortunately, the positions come with a price to pay, with student leaders being expelled, suspended or even arrested, during student unrests (2006). There have also been cases when powerful politicians have interfered with the students elections by funding some candidates. Such incidences deny students true and objective leadership which should be based on vision, integrity and selflessness (Miller, & Kraus, 2004, p.424).
Methodology
The given research will use both questionnaires and structured interviews in order to get views of both students’ leaders, fellow university students and even the university management. This method will be applied in order to get an in-depth understanding of the motives behind seeking such student leadership posts. Both, the questionnaires and interview will be administered to both undergraduate and postgraduate students on campus who will be sampled randomly.
Conclusion
Whether university student leaders are objective in the role of representing fellow students is debatable. Some individuals argue that most of the leaders are compromised, while others believe that they are objective in their representation. This research seeks to get facts on this contentious issue, considering that these are higher institutions of learning and the kind of relationship that students and the administration have, may adversely affect the quality of education.
References
Afshari, A,. & Underwood, H. (2007).The student movement’s struggle. Journal of Democracy, 18, 80-94.
Holden, C. (2000).Ruling Allows Unions at Private Colleges. Science, 290, 1069.
Miles, J.(2011).Reflections of student government association leaders: implications for Advisors. College Student Journal, 45 324-332.
Miller, C., & Kraus, M. (2004).Participating but not leading: women’s under-Representation in student Government leadership positions. College Student Journal, 38, 423-427.
Parker, S. (2006).Revolting students. New Statesman, 135 , 15.
Tysome, T. (2006).Campus bid to ban racy ‘totty’ contests. Times Higher Education Supplement, 1774, 2.