Behind the numbers
The Gentse Studentenraad comes second in the 2024 edition of the Index. Despite a slightly lower score in the Services category, the Union excelled in the Representation sub-score. Overall, the Gentse Studentenraad is a well-organized student union that strives to constantly improve its services and ensure good representation of students at the university and community level.
The Union offers psychological support and mediation assistance. It is present on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and, unusually for student unions, on Discord. The Union offers advice on various issues related to academic life and general survival tips for students. The Union organizes various events and parties for students and provides funding to those who want to improve student life with innovative projects.
The Gentse Studentenraad is a member of the Vlaamse Vereniging Studenten (Flemish Student Union). The statutes and regulations are available on the Union’s website. The Union clearly outlines its positions on various issues in policy papers, which are submitted to the decision-making bodies of Ghent University and made public on the website. The Union effectively uses its structural power to solve problems experienced by students. Gentse Studetenraad has also created StuGent, which aims to actively involve students in the city’s political process and give them a voice in local government.
The Excellence
The Gentse Studentenraad received the Excellence star in the 2024 edition of the Index for its involvement on the community and international levels. Through StuGent, the Union realized multiple projects, such as the housing search platform, the artistic culture platform Tumult.fm, the platform for finding study places, and other projects in collaboration with the city council. The Union also actively participates in ENLIGHT, an pan-European project, whose mission it is to contribute to fundamental transformation of European Higher Education.
Through these initiatives, the Gentse Studentenraad stands out among student unions, showcasing its commitment to enhancing the overall student experience beyond the confines of the university campus. The Union extends its focus beyond local concerns, actively working at the city and European levels to improve the quality of student education and life.
The Tweaks
The English version of the website could benefit from a complete and accurate translation from Dutch. While the Union does not currently offer needs-based individual financial aid—likely unnecessary given the resources already provided by Ghent University—it might consider introducing tutoring services, which could be highly beneficial for students in need of academic support.
