Recognition of the Student Council at ASU Bahrain (SDG 16 Context)

– Formal Recognition of a Student Council

Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain formally recognizes a Student Council (student union) as part of its governance and student life framework. The Student Council is established by university bylaws and supported by the Deanship of Student Affairs, indicating official endorsement at the highest levels. According to the ASU Student Handbook, “The Directorate of Student Affairs supports the Student Council constitution. The council is formed yearly and consists of elected representatives from the students at ASU in accordance with the ASU procedure for nomination, acclamation, and election” [1]. This means that at the beginning of each academic year, a new Student Council is constituted through formal elections, as required by university regulations. The handbook further emphasizes that the Student Council “abides by the rules and regulations of the constitution (in accordance with Student Council Bylaw)”, underscoring that a dedicated Student Council Constitution/Bylaw governs its operations [1]. In short, ASU’s own policies and handbooks explicitly provide for a Student Council, confirming the university’s official recognition and oversight of a student union body.

This formal recognition is also reflected in ASU’s published governance documents. For example, Article 6 of the Student Affairs Bylaw (as referenced on the ASU website) stipulates that “the university shall have a Student Council that shall be formed at the beginning of each academic year”, comprising duly elected student representatives. All ASU students are represented by the Student Council as it “serve[s] the students and act[s] as the students’ voice at the University Council” [1]. This demonstrates that the Student Council is not an ad-hoc club but an integral part of the university’s institutional structure, with a clear mandate to represent the student body. The President’s News Digest (an official weekly newsletter) further validates the Council’s existence; for instance, a 2016 issue announced that “The Students Council election will take place towards the end of this month… It is important to have strong representation from all colleges”, urging student participation in electing their council [2]. Such communications from the University President confirm that ASU’s leadership actively supports and recognizes the Student Council.

Student Council Structure and Election Process

ASU Bahrain’s Student Council is structured as a representative body with members drawn from all academic colleges, ensuring broad representation. The Council typically comprises around 15 members, elected annually by the student body, with seats allocated to each of ASU’s four colleges (Administrative Sciences, Law, Arts & Science, and Engineering) [3]. In the 13th Student Council elections, for example, “15 students out of 21 [candidates]” were elected from across all four colleges, roughly proportional to each faculty’s student population [3]. This guarantees that every college has a voice in student governance. Indeed, external overviews of ASU note that “At ASU, there is a Student Council elected by students annually. Members include representatives from each of the four colleges” [4].

Leadership roles within the Student Council include positions such as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and various committee heads or club presidents, reflecting a typical student government hierarchy. Figure: Organizational structure of the ASU Student Council (2024–2025 cycle) shows the Council’s elected President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and multiple College Representatives and club leaders. These officers and members are chosen from among the elected representatives, usually through an internal vote or as defined by the Student Council constitution. For instance, the President of the Council is often the top student representative and may come from any college, supported by a Vice President and other officers to manage specific domains (finance, events, etc.). This structure mirrors democratic governance, giving student leaders distinct portfolios and responsibilities.

Elections are conducted annually under clearly defined procedures and eligibility criteria, demonstrating transparent and fair processes. ASU’s “Terms for Nomination” for Student Council candidacy require that a student: (1) be a registered undergraduate or postgraduate student in good standing at their college, (2) have completed at least one semester at ASU, (3) have no disciplinary violations, and (4) not be in their final year (for undergraduates, not beyond 99 credit hours) [5]. These rules ensure that candidates are academically integrated and credible representatives of their peers. Campaigning and voting are organized by the Deanship of Student Affairs, which “supervises the election of the Student Council and its constitution” [1] to guarantee integrity. The election process culminates in a public vote where students choose among nominated candidates college-by-college. As noted by the University President, the Student Council elections “reflect the university’s openness and [are] in line with the democratic approach of the Kingdom of Bahrain”, implanting “the spirit of democracy among students” [3] [5]. The annual cycle of elections and renewal of the Council thus not only provides continuity of student representation but also serves as a hands-on civic experience for the student body.

ASU proudly publicizes Student Council election outcomes and their significance. In a news release on the 13th Council elections, the University President congratulated the newly elected members for “gaining the trust of their fellow students to be their representatives” and thanked the outgoing council for their service [3]. He highlighted that the university’s strategy encourages democratic culture and sees the Student Council as “the best ambassador for students”, noting that all necessary conditions were set to ensure the elections were fair, equal, and well-regulated [3]. This high-level endorsement underscores that ASU views the Student Council as an essential partner in university governance and student life.

Roles and Representation in University Governance

The Student Council at ASU Bahrain plays a vital role as the representative voice of the student body, interfacing between students and the university administration. According to the Student Handbook, “All ASU students are represented by the Student Council members that serve the students and act as the students’ voice at the University Council” [1]. In practice, this means the President of the Student Council sits on the University Council (UC) – the university’s highest academic decision-making body – as a non-voting member, to convey student perspectives on institutional matters [5]. ASU’s governance policies explicitly list the “President of the Student Council” among the members of the University Council, alongside the University President, Vice Presidents, College Deans, and others [5]. While the student president does not hold voting rights (similar to external advisors on the Council) [5], their inclusion ensures that student opinions and concerns are heard during deliberations on academic policies, curriculum changes, and strategic initiatives. This formal representation aligns with SDG 16’s goal of responsive, inclusive decision-making, as it embeds the student voice in the university’s governance structure.

Beyond the University Council, Student Council members frequently participate in various committees and forums within the university. For example, students (often Student Council representatives) may sit in quality assurance committees, disciplinary boards, or event planning committees to provide input. A Quality Assurance review noted that the “student council represents the student voice on University committees, acts as a liaison, and organises student clubs and activities”, affirming that through the Council, student input is provided formally in university governance [6]. Interviews by external reviewers likewise found that ASU’s Student Council plays “an effective role in enhancing student life, as well as in representing the students’ voice” in decision-making processes [3] [1]. In sum, the Student Council is institutionally empowered to advocate for students, channel feedback to administrators, and uphold students’ rights and interests in the policymaking arena. This is a cornerstone of ASU’s commitment to strong institutions and justice (SDG 16), whereby students are given legitimate avenues to influence the policies that affect them.

Student Council Objectives and Responsibilities

The Student Council’s official objectives, as published by ASU, detail a broad mandate covering representation, student welfare, and community building. Key responsibilities of the Council include:

– Voicing Student Concerns

 “Report the concerns of students, their problems and issues, and provide solutions to the university administration.” In this capacity, the Council collects student feedback and formally raises issues (academic or social) to university officials for resolution [7].

– Facilitating Dialogue

“Organize regular meetings between the students, the administration and the staff… and develop closer ties between them.” The Council acts as a bridge, arranging open forums and meetings so that students and university leadership can exchange views openly, thus fostering transparency and trust [7].

– Educating and Guiding Students

The Council helps “educate students about their rights and duties in accordance with university regulations”, ensuring students are aware of policies and channels for justice [7]. Council members often guide peers on how to navigate university procedures or where to seek support (e.g. counseling, academic advising).

– Supporting Activities and Clubs

“Support student activities in scientific, cultural, social and sports areas, and develop an action plan for them.” ASU’s Student Council oversees or coordinates multiple Student Clubs – such as the Sports Club, Cultural Club, Volunteer Club, Media Club, Talents Club, Women’s Club, Environmental Club, and Engineering Club – which operate under the Council’s umbrella [4]. Council members (or specifically elected club presidents) manage these clubs, plan events, and encourage student participation in extracurricular life. This structure provides leadership opportunities and enriches campus life.

– Leadership and Personal Development

The Council strives to “develop the spirit of leadership among students and give them an opportunity to express their views,” thereby nurturing future community leaders [7]. It instills a sense of responsibility, solidarity, and teamwork among the Council members and the wider student body. By involving students in governance and project management, it builds their competencies in decision-making and advocacy – critical aspects of peaceful, just institutions (SDG 16) at the micro level.

– Enhancing University Services

The Council is expected to “contribute to the university in the development of student services” and maintain the university’s achievements [7]. In practice, this could mean providing student input on improving facilities (library, IT services, campus amenities) or initiatives like career services and counseling. University management often consults the Student Council when rolling out new student-centric policies to ensure they meet student needs.

These objectives underscore that ASU’s Student Council is not merely symbolic; it carries tangible responsibilities for improving student experience and upholding student rights. The Council’s activities are guided by these goals each year, aligning student-led efforts with the university’s mission and values.

Student Council Activities and Campus Engagement

In fulfilling its mandate, the Student Council at ASU Bahrain is actively involved in organizing events, activities, and initiatives that enrich campus life and serve the community. The University President has acknowledged the Council’s “significant role in organizing various events in cooperation with the Deanship of Student Affairs” [3]. This collaboration can be seen in numerous student-led or student-supported activities on and off campus:

– Annual Student Council Elections

The election process itself is a flagship student-led event each year. Campaigns, candidate debates, and the voting day create a buzz on campus, reinforcing democratic participation. For example, the 13th Council election culminated in a public announcement event where winners were celebrated in front of students and staff [3]. Such events not only choose student leaders but also raise awareness about civic values, echoing Bahrain’s national ethos of democratic engagement [3]. The Student Affairs Deanship often posts reminders and videos (e.g. on Instagram) to boost voter turnout [2], highlighting the institutional importance of the elections.

– Orientation and Representation Events

Student Council members regularly represent ASU and assist new or prospective students. One notable example was the “University Campaign at the City Center” mall outreach, where Council members joined staff to promote ASU’s academic programs to the public. During this 3-day campaign, “members of the student’s council… presented university courses and facilities, advising the audience on majors which suit their passion” [8]. Their participation was key in connecting with visitors and answering peer-level questions about student life. Similarly, Council members are often present at orientation sessions for freshmen, campus tours, and open days, to welcome newcomers and share student perspectives.

– Cultural and National Celebrations

While the university administration formally organizes national day celebrations or multicultural events, the Student Council typically mobilizes students to participate and contribute. Council or club members help arrange performances, host segments of the program, and ensure student attendance is high, thereby fostering school spirit and unity. For instance, at a major National Day festival on campus, there was “broad student participation” in traditional performances and an entrepreneurial student market, reflecting successful student mobilization by Council and clubs [9].

– Student Clubs and Competitions

Under the Council’s supervision, student clubs conduct a variety of activities throughout the year – from sports tournaments and talent shows to academic competitions and workshops. Each club president (who often is also a Student Council member) plans events that engage their club members and invites the wider student body. For example, the Sports Club might organize inter-college football matches; the Cultural Club might host art exhibitions or heritage days; the Media Club could run student photography contests or a newsletter. The Council coordinates with these clubs to create a unified “annual calendar of events” that spans cultural, social, and educational activities [1]. This ensures a vibrant campus atmosphere and opportunities for all students to get involved beyond the classroom.

– Community Service and Volunteer Campaigns

The Student Council – particularly through its Volunteers Club and collaboration with the Community Engagement Office – spearheads community service initiatives, demonstrating ASU’s commitment to social responsibility. One prominent example was a campaign to clean the coastline of East Al Eker village, where ASU volunteers (students and staff) teamed up with a local charity to remove trash from a public beach. This environmental clean-up, held on a weekend, saw a strong turnout of student volunteers, reflecting the Council’s ability to rally youth for a good cause. According to ASU, the drive involved “meticulous removal of plastic, paper, glass, and other contaminants… ensuring protection of local wildlife,” with ASU students, alumni, and community members working side by side [10]. The Council’s Volunteers Club also collaborated on a follow-up campaign that planted mangrove trees along the shore, combining service with sustainability goals [10]. Another student-led community project saw ASU’s Volunteers Club paint and renovate a house in a neighboring village during Ramadan, in coordination with a local charitable society – an initiative “collaboratively orchestrated with the Volunteers Club within the University” to support a family in need [10]. These examples illustrate the Student Council’s role in channeling student energy toward community engagement, charity, and SDG-related work, instilling values of empathy and citizenship (in line with SDG 16’s promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies).

– Campus Initiatives and Student Well-Being

The Student Council also launches or supports campaigns addressing student well-being and campus improvement. This can range from awareness campaigns (e.g. mental health, anti-bullying, environmental awareness on campus) to advocacy for facility upgrades (like more study spaces or better food options). In one instance, Council members worked with ASU’s administration to create a “Health Volunteer Group” during the COVID-19 period, assisting health check-up drives and awareness sessions for the university community [10]. The Council’s collaborative approach with faculty and staff in such cases exemplifies a strong institution where students are partners in creating a safe, supportive campus environment.

All these activities are publicly documented through ASU’s news pages, social media, and newsletters, providing clear evidence of an active and recognized Student Council. The President’s News Digest and ASU’s website frequently mention Student Council initiatives – from student elections to clubs events – demonstrating transparency and recognition. It’s noteworthy that the University President and Board of Trustees often attend Student Council events (e.g. the Annual Recreation Camp or election ceremonies), signaling the high esteem in which student governance is held. The Annual Recreation Camp in 2020, for example, was an event for students and staff where “members of Students Council, the University’s sports team and a good number of alumni” joined the University President and Trustees for a day of community-building activities [11]. Such inclusion of the Council in official university events reinforces that ASU treats the Student Council as an important stakeholder in institutional life.

Alignment with SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions

ASU Bahrain’s recognition and empowerment of its Student Council strongly align with the values of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), particularly the targets related to inclusive decision-making and participatory governance. By establishing a democratically elected Student Council, ASU ensures that students have a peaceful avenue to voice concerns, influence policies, and advocate for their rights within the institution. This cultivates a microcosm of participatory democracy on campus – students learn to vote, campaign, debate and govern, reflecting justice and equality in action. The University explicitly notes that the Student Council elections “promote the spirit of democracy among students and encourage them to participate in the University’s decision-making and activities”, in line with the country’s democratic approach [5]. The Student Council’s presence on the University Council and committees means that institutional decisions consider the student perspective, thereby strengthening the fairness and responsiveness of governance structures [1] [5].

Moreover, the genuine partnership between the University leadership and the Student Council – described by ASU’s President as “a genuine partnership… with regard to the students’ interest” [3] – exemplifies strong institutions that work collaboratively with their constituents. Students at ASU are not marginalized; rather, through the Council they are empowered as stakeholders in university affairs, fostering a sense of justice and accountability. This model helps build peace on campus by providing channels to address grievances constructively (preventing conflicts or unrest), and it trains students in the values of dialogue and consensus-building.

Finally, through its community outreach and volunteer programs, the Student Council contributes to the social fabric and justice in the broader community, echoing SDG 16’s emphasis on inclusive societies. Whether it’s volunteering at clean-up drives, supporting charitable campaigns, or raising awareness on social issues, ASU’s student union plays a part in promoting social responsibility and community solidarity [10]. These efforts prepare students to be engaged citizens who uphold peace and justice beyond university.

Conclusion

Applied Science University Bahrain formally acknowledges and supports a Student Council as the legitimate student union, complete with a constitutional framework, elected representation, and active involvement in governance and campus life. The Student Council’s structure and activities – from election processes and representation in university councils to organizing clubs, events, and community service – are well documented in ASU’s official sources. This robust student governance system not only enriches the educational experience but also stands as evidence of ASU’s commitment to the principles of SDG 16, by cultivating transparent, inclusive, and accountable institutional practices that empower young people as partners in peace and strong institutions.

References