University Politics Unit

What do we do?

As the University Politics Unit, we deal with topics related to university politics that affect our study and living conditions, Leipzig University and educational policy both in the state of Saxony and at the federal level. We represent the positions of the student body to the university administration and support student representatives committees (FSR) and other politically active students in their work. We draft proposals on demands, ideas and critiques concerning university politics, which are then approved by the StuRa plenum. We also use public campaigns to stand up for students’ interests and put pressure on decision-makers when necessary. Within the StuRa, we work closely with the units in our department, which are the Teacher Training Unit and the Unit for Teaching and Studying. Additionally, we consult with other units and commissions where relevant.

We also network the StuRa beyond the university. Many issues cannot be solved at the university level and must be addressed in student unions, the state or the federal parliament, etc. At the state level, we represent you in the State Spokesperson Council (LSR) of the Conference of Saxon Student Bodies (KSS). At the federal level, we cooperate with the free association of student bodies (fzs).

In addition to these tasks, we are your first point of contact for questions about voluntary work in various committees, such as student representative committees, the Study Commission, faculty councils, the Senate and other commissions. Their work is crucial for ensuring a quality education and good study conditions. That’s why they regularly offer workshops providing essential information about the committees to ensure everyone is well-prepared. If you have any questions or problems, feel free to reach out to us at any time!

Current issues and projects:

• making university politics more accessible
• recognition of student engagement through a key qualification (SQ) module (in collaboration with: Vice-Rector for Talent Development: Studying and Teaching)
• securing and expanding peer-to-peer programs, especially tutorials (in collaboration with: Unit for Teaching and Studying, Unit for Teacher Training, Student Workers Commissioner)
• awareness campaign for the 2024 state elections in Saxony (in collaboration with: Unit for Teaching and Studying, Unit for Teacher Training, Public Relations Unit)
• opening the university discourse space, especially for criticism of the one-sided debate culture on Palestine/Israel

Committees we participate in

University Politics Committee

The University Politics Committee discusses a wide range of university political issues. It consists of up to 9 members, including two speakers of the University Politics Unit.

Senate

The Senate is the highest governing body at our university. Despite being the largest group, students have only four representatives in the Senate. The professors make up the majority of the senators. The Senate addresses issues affecting the entire university, and the outcomes do not always align with the demands of the StuRa.

KSS (Conference of Saxon Student Bodies)

The KSS represents student at the state level in Saxony. Within the State Spokesperson Council (LSR), student from all student councils come together monthly to discuss university political issues at the state level. The StuRa of Leipzig University has 4 seats in the LSR, one of which is permanently held by the University Politics Unit. The KSS provides feedback on draft bills affecting universities and connects student representatives across Saxony.

fzs (free association of student bodies)

The fzs represents students at the federal level. The StuRa has been a full member since June 2022. Unlike politically affiliated university groups, this umbrella organization represent students’ interest independently of any political party. The fzs represent 1,000,000 students. In contrast to the state level, there is no legally mandated representation at the federal level. The fzs strives to be the neutral representation and addresses issues affecting students with policymakers, the public and universities.

You have a problem?

You can come to us with all your problems concerning your studies. And if we don’t know what to do, we are guaranteed to know someone who might be able to help you. If you have any questions, please let us know your course of study and your semester, so that we can process your request quickly.

University Politics Committee

In the University Politics Committee, we discuss and work on a variety of topics related to university politics. You can find out more about the work, topics and composition of the committee here