Independent Student Union (16.2.2)

Recognition of an independent student union representing student interests.

Introduction:

Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) ensures independent, structured, and meaningful student representation in alignment with SDG16.7 on inclusive and participatory decision-making. Although AAU does not operate a national-style “Student Union,” the university maintains a functionally independent student representation system through its Student Council, which participates in governance processes according to the University Governance Representation Policy and the Governance Representation Selection Procedure.

This framework guarantees that students have a protected channel to express their perspectives, contribute to institutional decision-making, and engage directly with university leadership. Student representation is integrated across official governance councils, supported administratively by the Deanship of Student Affairs, yet operates independently in its discussions, recommendations, and student advocacy roles.

Centers and Departments:

January
01

1. Deanship of Student Affairs – Student Governance & Representation Support

The Deanship of Student Affairs oversees all student-related governance processes and supports the Student Council while maintaining its functional independence. It provides logistical and administrative assistance, ensures adherence to the Governance Representation Policy, and facilitates communication channels between students and university leadership. The Deanship does not interfere with student decision-making, allowing students to act as independent representatives.

January
01

2. Student Council – Independent Student Representation Body

The Student Council operates as AAU’s primary independent student body. Members are selected according to the Governance Representation Selection Procedure and represent student interests across academic, administrative, and developmental matters. The council communicates student needs, issues, and recommendations to university leadership through formal governance channels.

January
01

3. University Governance Councils – Official Representation Channels

Student representatives participate in official governance bodies, including the University Council and Faculty Councils, ensuring that the student voice is incorporated into institutional decision-making. Governance structures are transparently published on the official university website, demonstrating AAU’s commitment to inclusive and participatory governance.

Activities:

January
01

1. Application of Governance Representation Policy for Student Participation

AAU applies the Governance Representation Policy to define how student representatives are identified, selected, and integrated into governance processes. The policy establishes independence, fairness, and a clear structure for representation.

January
01

2. Execution of Student Selection Procedure

The Governance Representation Selection Procedure outlines the formal steps for nominating and selecting student representatives. This ensures transparent criteria, accountability, and a reliable mechanism for independent student participation.

January
01

3. Student Representation in University Councils

Student representatives formally participate in governance councils that address academic programs, student affairs, and institutional policy development. Their participation ensures a direct and independent student voice within the university’s highest governance structures.

January
01

4. Student–Leadership Dialogue Meetings

AAU maintains structured dialogue channels where student representatives meet with university leadership to present issues, feedback, and proposals. These meetings support student independence while enabling direct engagement with decision-makers.

January
01

5. Annual Review of Student Representation Mechanisms

The university conducts periodic reviews of student representation mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement, alignment with policy frameworks, and enhanced independence of student governance structures.

Impact Evaluation & Development Plan

Performance Evaluation
- Student representation is formally supported by documented policies and procedures.
- The Student Council operates independently in advocating for student interests.
- Representation is integrated across official governance councils.
- The Deanship of Student Affairs supports but does not control student decision-making.
- Student–leadership dialogue strengthens participatory governance.
Development Actions

Action 1: Develop an online platform to facilitate student feedback and strengthen representative communication.

Action 2: Publish an annual Student Representation Report documenting achievements, issues, and contributions.

Action 3: Establish governance and leadership training for student representatives.

Action 4: Expand student participation across additional institutional committees.

Action 5: Enhance documentation and transparency of Student Council activities on the university website.
Benchmarking & Best Practice

Adopted Global Best Practices:
- Alignment with UNESCO’s guidelines on student engagement and independent representation.
- Consistent with models where Student Councils act as independent advocacy bodies even without national union structures.
Localization to Jordan’s National Context:
- Fully compliant with national regulations on university student affairs.
- Supports national youth empowerment and participatory governance priorities.
Future Goal (By 2028):
AAU aims to elevate its student representation model into a fully documented, partially digitized system that meets regional standards for transparency, independence, and student leadership.

Institutional Integration Summary

Student representation is embedded within AAU’s governance ecosystem through a structured, independent Student Council supported by formal policies, transparent selection procedures, and participation across governance councils. This system ensures that student voices are heard, respected, and integrated into institutional decision-making, fully aligning with SDG16’s principles of inclusive, accountable, and representative governance.