subject: Assessing Different Pros And Cons Of Student Unions Existence [print this page] Existence of student unions is often associated with the principles of self-government and the aspects of representing the interests of student community. In fact, students have an opportunity to protect their interests if they are endangered by some governmental decision, as well as they may correct the governing principles of the university or college administration. On the one hand, the use of these unions is obvious; on the other hand, some consider that unions violate the traditional principles of governing universities.
Pros and Cons of Union Activities
In fact, the pros are obvious:
1.Students train to act in team, and represent the interests of the others.
2.They learn how to regulate the governing activities, and how to oppose the official government. Hence, while official administration may allow some mistakes, student unions is the force which will not let them. Moreover, unions are closer to students; that is why they are able to regulate the governing process from the perspective of students interests, and the requirements of the educational processes, as well as extracurricular activities.
3.Students have a reliable protector, and they may join its activity in order to protect their own interests, and improve the governing process in general.
As for the cons, they are indirect, and most are linked to particular situations:
1.Student unions prevent the quick and effective implementation of reliable decisions, if they consider it will violate the interests of the students. On fact, a decision may be really useful, however, if students who control the activity of a union do not see the advantages of the decision.
2.Elections and campaigns distract students from learning process. They have less time for getting prepared for presentations, tests, exams etc.
Thus, the activity of student unions should be treated with care, and students should find the perfect balance between unions and education.
