Behind the numbers

The Assemblée Générale des Etudiant-e-s de Louvain (AGL) takes the crown in the 2024 version of the Index. Although it did not achieve perfect scores in the subcategories, the Excellence bonus point propelled AGL to the top of the ranking. With a proven track record of defending students’ rights, the variety of services offered to students, and an accessible website and up-to-date social media accounts, AGL deserves the number one spot.

Among the services offered to students, AGL provides psychological and legal assistance, equipment rental, financial grants for projects, and counseling assistance. This range of services not only helps students on an individual level, but also empowers them to start their own initiatives on campus.

AGL is a competent representative of its students. The AGL is a member of the Fédération des étudiant-e-s francophones. Various documents, such as the explanation of the structure of the AGL, the guidelines for the student representative in the university committees, the rules for the elections, are all available on the AGL website. The AGL successfully uses its structural power within the university by bringing students’ concerns to the attention of the UCLouvain administration and achieving results. Over the years, the AGL has carried out numerous advocacy campaigns that have improved the well-being of students.

The Excellence

AGL has received the Excellence bonus point for going above and beyond for its students. AGL provides assistance to victims of sexual violence, housing assistance, and help with exam appeals. The union trains its representatives through courses and provides them with guides. AGL also provides many ways to contact them, including the chatbot on the website.

Throughout AGL’s work, it is clear that the students and staff who run the union put their best efforts into innovating and developing the union. For this reason, they receive the Star of Excellence in the 2024 edition of the Index.

The Tweaks

AGL could consider introducing tutoring services to better support students academically. To address food insecurity more effectively, establishing a more consistent food aid program might be worth exploring. Strengthening collaboration with the authorities of the communities hosting UCLouvain campuses could also lead to impactful initiatives. Additionally, fully translating the website to English would improve accessibility for international students.