Students' perception of their participative role in the university

Abstract

Students are at the core of the University's education mission. Therefore, in addition to their academic performance, they must also be responsible for building their university and social communities. This suggests that students’ participation in university life is a key element in their education, but frequently it remains at a symbolic level. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the meaning and significance that students attach to their active involvement in university life, identifying their interests, needs and difficulties in taking on such a role. The results derive from the application of a 60-item questionnaire answered by students from diverse courses at the University Ramon Llull in Barcelona, and from a focus group conducted with these students’ representatives. Following the analysis of these data, we suggest several factors that can enhance students’ involvement in priority areas such as information and communication, internal participation and external representation, personal achievement and training.