Self-governance and co-determination
For a long time now, active students have been campaigning for the right to have a say in university governing bodies. After all, all these bodies deal with matters that affect the interests of those enrolled at this university – such as the range of courses on offer, new appointments, changes to examination and study regulations, or the university’s mission statement.
In addition, the university has a student self-governing body which independently looks after students’ interests. This is firmly enshrined in the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act and is referred to as the ‘constituted student body’. All students are automatically members and pay a membership fee of €23.30 per semester, which is used to fund the self-governing body.
General Students’ Committee (AStA)
The General Students’ Committee (AStA for short) is the central executive body of the organised student body at most universities in the German federal states. It is responsible for the day-to-day management of the student body and for representing students both within the university and externally. The AStA is elected by the student parliament. It consists of one or more chairpersons (or spokespersons) as well as various officers who are responsible for different areas of responsibility.
In addition to the elected representatives, who hold political office and have voting rights at AStA meetings, the work of the AStA is primarily supported by numerous officers and other staff members. These include, amongst others, permanent staff in financial administration, officers responsible for advisory services, and staff in project-related roles. They make a significant contribution to the AStA’s ability to function and carry out its work.
The AStA is accountable to the Student Parliament and reports regularly on its work. Budgetary decisions for each legislative term are also taken by the Student Parliament. These include all expenditure, such as the cost of the term ticket.
Co-determination and self-governance at the university
