Inclusive Representation in University Governance: Amplifying the Voices of Students, Faculty, and Staff

In support of SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, inclusive representation in the university’s highest governing body ensures that students (both undergraduate and graduate), faculty, and staff (non-faculty employees) are represented and involved in institutional decision-making processes. This representation promotes participatory, transparent, and accountable governance by providing university stakeholders with a voice in shaping institutional policies and strategic directions.

Since being designated as a State University with Legal Entity status (Perguruan Tinggi Negeri Badan Hukum, PTN-BH) under Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 56 of 2020, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) has managed its non-academic affairs autonomously and established the Board of Trustees (Majelis Wali Amanat, MWA) to represent the interests of the government, the public, and the university itself. The MWA is the university’s highest governing body and is responsible for formulating, approving, and overseeing university policies, including appointing and dismissing the Rector, endorsing strategic plans and annual budgets, and supervising non-academic management at UNS.

To ensure inclusive representation, the Minister appoints MWA members based on recommendations from the Academic Senate. The composition includes representatives from students (both undergraduate and graduate), faculty (represented through Academic Senate members), and staff (non-faculty employees), as well as members representing the government, alumni, and the broader community. Although the MWA has only one student representative, this representative serves as the voice of the entire student body across all educational levels, from diploma and undergraduate programs to master’s and doctoral programs. This arrangement ensures that student interests are represented at the university’s highest governing level, rather than being limited to a particular academic program or educational level. Faculty and non-faculty staff are also represented through their respective institutional representatives, ensuring that all three internal university groups have a voice in strategic decision-making, including the selection of the Rector.