What motivated you to get involved in the study board? 

I thought it could be exciting to help influence and have an impact my own education. Also, I knew someone who had done it before, and she told me that you didn’t have to put in a lot of hours, so I thought I'd give it a try.

What is the primary function of the study board? 

The study board ensures that the degree programmes and the teaching function well and are constantly developed and improved. It’s about how the teaching is both planned and carried out.

What does someone who’s considering running for one of AAU's governing bodies need to know?

You’re elected to represent the students so you must be willing to listen, collect input and speak on behalf of others, not just based on your own opinions. 

What specifically is your role on the study board? 

I’m a student representative and have the right to vote. This means that I represent the students along with four others. Four of us are elected from Aalborg, and one representative from AAU Copenhagen. My role is not significantly different from that of the academic staff representatives as my voice carries as much weight. We basically have the same role, just from two different perspectives. 

How much time do you typically spend on the study board? 

There is typically one meeting a month, and these meetings are planned six months ahead in the calendar, so you know when they are well in advance. The meetings usually last about three hours, plus typically there is one full-day meeting every six months. So I generally spend about three hours a month attending meetings, plus some time on preparation – typically reading through the agenda – so I have a sense of the matters we need to discuss. However, it varies a lot from month to month. For example, if you’re under pressure because of your studies or personal reasons, it’s perfectly acceptable to opt out.

The study board also has working groups. If you choose to be part of a working group, you may well spend more time than the three hours a month. However, it’s completely voluntary, and they fully understand that as a student you cannot always put in a lot of hours. It’s also optional how much time you want to spend in the working groups.

What skills have you gained by being on the study board? 

Being part of the study board has strengthened me both academically and personally. I’ve become much more comfortable speaking in larger gatherings and actively participating in discussions, also when teaching staff and management representatives are at the table. It has made me more outgoing and given me the courage to stand by my opinions and formulate them clearly.

At the same time, I’ve learned how important it is to listen and represent the views of others and not just speak on my own behalf. It has given me a stronger voice, both in the meeting room and on the outside, and a greater understanding of how to make a real difference by getting involved. 

What would you say to students who are unsure about getting involved in student politics? 

Do it! It’s a great opportunity to influence your own education. Instead of just talking to your fellow students about the things that aren't working, you have a real chance to help change them. Suddenly, you have a voice that people listen to and that actually counts.