Introduction to the world of higher education policy actors

Kai Horge Oppermann from Göttingen

Insight into the players at the university

Round of introductions with name, university, previous experience and expectations of the participants. Keywords and abbreviations to introduce the topic. The Higher Education Framework Act regulates the student body nationwide. 15 out of 16 (not Bavaria) federal states participate. "State law can regulate" student self-administration. HRG stands above all other bodies. The participating actors are the federal government, states, universities, politics, networks, lobby organisations, interest groups and courts. Higher Education Act §37 (3): "University members may not be disadvantaged because of their activities in self-administration."

• Theoretically, this also applies to committee work. Extension of BAföG, as the degree programme cannot be completed in the standard period.

Question from participants: What does this apply to? Answer from lecturer: Applies to everything to do with BAföG, number of semesters not relevant.

Roles/tasks/functions

Lobbyist, mediator, network, cultural institution, knowledge provider/expert

• The standard period of study may be exceeded but may also be undercut. If you make such a statement to first-year students, you are doing lobbying work.
• Mediator between professors and students.
  • The aim is to offer a good degree programme.
• BuFaK as a network and exchange.

Other topics

• Students must participate in committees and the like in order to take an important perspective into account. *Abbreviations of the institutions from the beginning are cancelled and discussed.
• Student bodies represent students voluntarily.
• Networking with politicians and professors is important in order to be up-to-date and receive information before it is published. Honest dialogue and exchange between the stakeholders.
  • Example of a participant: Meeting with professors twice a semester to exchange ideas.
• Talking openly about problems and not just getting upset about them.
• Question from participant: Are there events like the BuFaK in other areas?

Lecturer's answer: Yes, not for all degree programmes. There are student bodies that cover several areas (e.g. WiSo). Every student should have such a facility at their disposal.

• Depending on the occasion, the right tool is important.
• Participant: The relationship between professors and students has deteriorated since the online semesters.
  • Participant's response: Agree. At the university, video series were recorded and the professor was talked to.
  • Participant response: Agree. The motivation of the professors is no longer recognisable.
  • Participant response: Also agree. Only a few professors who are motivated.
  • Lecturer's response: There is a lack of corridor discussions and further communication within the university.
• Discussion about the professors' view of the student bodies.

Experience/practice

• Recognition of BAföG
• Experiences for life
• Separation between actors and students
  • No advantages or disadvantages through the office