Why student bodies?

Student bodies play a central role in university life. They are the official representatives of the students in a particular faculty and serve as an important interface between students, teaching staff and the university administration. Student bodies represent the interests of students and help to improve the quality of teaching. They also offer support in the management of studies and planning and promote exchange and networking among students. Through their work, student bodies ensure that students have an active voice in university life and that their concerns are heard.

Tasks of the student bodies

The tasks of the student bodies are diverse. They range from helping to shape degree programmes to organising events and supporting students with questions and problems. The main tasks include

1. Representation of interests: student bodies represent the interests of students vis-à-vis the university management and teaching staff. They are represented at important committee meetings and represent the views of the students.
2. Advice and support: Student bodies offer guidance for first-year students and provide advice on the management of studies, examination regulations or possible problems during their studies.
3. Events: They organise regular events such as Freshers' Weeks, student council parties, readings or lectures that strengthen the sense of community and promote exchange among students.
4. Networking: Student bodies are often also responsible for networking between students from different semesters to promote the exchange of experiences and knowledge transfer.
5. Quality assurance: They contribute to improving study conditions and teaching quality through regular feedback and dialogue with lecturers and students.

History of the student bodies

The history of student bodies is closely linked to the development of the modern university system. Student bodies emerged in the course of the democratisation of universities in the second half of the 20th century. Their origins lie in student engagement, which opposed rigid, elitist structures and demanded more co-determination and participation.

In the 1960s and 1970s, student bodies were increasingly seen as an alternative to traditional student fraternities. While fraternities were often exclusive, closed circles with strongly hierarchical structures and usually relied on the principles of the Lebensbund, student bodies offered a more open and democratic form of student organisation. They were more accessible and advocated equal participation for all students, regardless of social background or gender.

Today, student bodies are an integral part of the university structure. They stand for an open and supportive community that actively campaigns for the interests of students and plays an important role in everyday university life. Through their work, student bodies make a significant contribution to promoting a lively, critical and democratic university culture.

Get involved

With this information, we would like to make our work and our role at the University of Oldenburg transparent and encourage you to actively participate in student body life. Active student council work is particularly important at the present time, as we have to observe the establishment of a fraternity in Oldenburg with decisive criticism. Student fraternities are often exclusive and bound to certain admission criteria. In contrast, we as a student body are inclusive and open to all students in our department.