Empowering Voices: The Significance of Student Council in University Life

A Student Council is a group of nominated students who represent the voice of the student body. Their role on the surface is simple: listen to what their peers are discussing, find pressure points, and establish solutions that could benefit the greater good.

However, within a sizable community such as a university, and with a huge range of cultures, beliefs and needs to consider, being a student council representative isn’t quite as straight forward as you may think!

As we move into a new election season for Middlesex University Dubai Student Council 2024, we took a closer look at the significance of the Student Council, how students can join, and the benefits it offers participants who put themselves forward to be the voice of over 5,000 students from 120+ nationalities!

The Election Process

Traditionally, students interested in joining a Student Council must undergo a fair and public application and election process. This involves expressing their motivation, presenting their ideas for positive change, and gaining the support of their peers through a voting system.

This is the case at Middlesex University Dubai, with each candidate also requiring a character reference from a member of faculty to support their application.

The annual elections create a vibrant and inclusive campaigning atmosphere around campus and showcase some strong future leaders as they gain the confidence of their classmates and peers.

So, why nominate yourself?

Personal Development

Involvement in the Student Council provides candidates with personal and leadership development opportunities. Skills such as communication, negotiation, and organisational abilities are honed through the various responsibilities and challenges tackled by the Student Council committee.

Candidates will have to earn the respect and trust of their student body, through commitment and authenticity. This can be a truly rewarding and self-affirming journey!

Student Experience Enhancement

The core purpose of the Student Council is to make a different to the student experience. This involves actively providing feedback to faculty on facilities, student services, campus experience, events, communication and more.

Being a university council member is not just a title, but an exciting opportunity to influence real change! Current Student Council member for 2023 Xavier Mahan said: "It's an excellent opportunity to represent students, organise events, foster innovation, and engage face-to-face with the student body."

Fellow student council member Ayman Athar said that she enjoyed building a new community and navigating speed bumps in a way that worked for everyone.

When it comes to matters of change, Ayman said her Student Council highlight was bridging a gap between faculty and students’ communication systems, which was something she had observed amongst her classmates, while Xavier proposed changes to the Myriad accommodation bus schedule, that ensured the service remained convenient and successful for international students.

Professional Advantages

Being part of the Middlesex University Dubai Student Council looks great on any CV! Why? Each student who nominates themselves to step up into a responsible role showcases they have leadership and organisation skills that many businesses are looking for! It shows the ability to navigate diverse opinions and build community, embracing non-liner paths and finding solutions. It shows that you have been entrusted by your faculty and are well-liked by your peers.

All of these traits are a big positive to an employer!

Time Management

Balancing academic responsibilities with council duties can be challenging, but with teamwork and effective time management, anything is possible!

Dr Vijaya Kumar, Chair of the Student Experience Committee and Faculty Mentor to the Student Council, said: “The Student Council (SC) at Middlesex University Dubai aims to establish a recognised means of communication between the student body and the University authorities. They are actively involved in several initiatives which enhances the student experience and facilitate personal growth, career development, and networking opportunities. To mention some of their initiatives, during the academic year 2023-24, the SC gave a warm welcome to the new students in the Week of Welcome, and enthusiastically created awareness among students about the Global Entrepreneurship Week, an international movement to empower entrepreneurs and make it possible for anyone, anywhere to start and scale. They have plans of initiating student led projects that will add value to students experience and the university.”

Becoming a Student Council representative is not for everyone, but it can be an immensely rewarding experience. Consider this a dynamic engine of change, or a tireless advocate for student welfare. You could be an architect designing a vibrant campus community environment!

Registrations for the 2024 Student Council are now open! Current MDX students have until Friday 1st March 2024 to register. Visit https://www.mdx.ac.ae/student-council-2024-2025 for more information and to register.