Speaker reflected on what the values of the student body are for him during his time in the student body:

• The student body helps the students
• Friendships develop within the student body (inside and outside)
• The student body is an "organiser"
• The student body is a team (not losing the common vision)
• The student body represents the interests of the students (e.g. at a BuFaK, vis-à-vis the Dean's Office / professorships)

Participants should think again about the following questions:

• How do you define the values of your student body?
• Which values coincide with yours and which differ (personal vs. student body)?
• What development would you like to see for your student body?

Participant's answer:

• He was in the workshop a year ago. Last year it was only about externally presented values. Back then, it wasn't an issue that they were also a group. It's good that this is also being pointed out now.
• Personal values vs. student body: Personal democratic idea vs. student body members contribute differently.
• Development desired: Common goal should take centre stage and personal values/goals should take a back seat
• Answer from participant: The difference between the legislative and executive branches plays a role. There is a difference between being at a university and being at a UAS, where there are the same people or more people. If you actively advise students, you are closer to the students than if you are just in the meeting and cast your vote.
• Speaker's response: Also thought about how it is organised when members are "only" in the meeting.
• Participant's answer: Actually, everyone who actively participates is also actively elected. Many student bodies at the university don't like the fact that the WiWi student body works very professionally.
• Participant's answer: At university, you are measured more by your reputation with other student bodies and less by the students. WiWi Schools often set the pace and show what is possible. To incentivise other student bodies.
• Answer from participants: Have the same problem that they are mainly present at events. Have also started to publicise things that have been discussed. Sees danger that different values can lead to discussion because it has never been clearly defined for the student body. Question as to whether student body values were discussed and written down.
  • Participant's answer: Always subliminally implied, but never clearly defined. Work was always orientated towards doing it for the students. Your own opinions and interests are also subliminally incorporated. The goal is clear, but not with strict structures. People who contribute should also be rewarded in some way (fun for the student body).
  • Speaker's response: Structures are different. Sometimes there is also money for it.

Tips and tricks

Misunderstandings and hurdles can arise very easily. These can be resolved through communication. Ask whether rules can be defined for this.

Taking information with you is important. It is important to participate and take information with you.

Give recognition for the work.

It is good to take the initiative and ask for feedback.

Sometimes you don't know how some processes work. Therefore, utilise alumni and their knowledge. Maintain the network.

Questions for the participants:

• What tips and tricks can you share with us?
• How do you overcome your hurdles?
• How can you use an alumni network?

Participants discussed how to deal with students' representatives who do not participate. One participant had experience of approaching Student Council members and saying "You're not doing enough for the Student Council as an active member". They were usually very understanding if you communicate this openly.

Speaker's response: You can also use certificates for participants.

Answer from participants: They are asked if people are absent for a longer period of time and this is addressed openly. New people were then sought for projects when those responsible were unable to invest enough time and this was discussed.