The Research On Student Power In University

With the rising awareness of student power and the revolution of higher educational system, student power has become the vital part in universities. Student power plays an essential role in the development of student and institutions. Therefore, it is important to respect student power and strengthen participation of students in management of universities, which will greatly improve democratic and scientific management of universities, and promote quality of higher education and cultivate creative students with high quality. All these have been the vital and thought-provoking topic for higher education in the world. Western countries has realized the importance of student power in universities, and made effort to involve student in university management and strengthen student power. University of Edinburgh has accumulated experience in developing student power and student participation in management of university. Based on experience of student power in University of Edinburgh, the research is of theory and realistic significance.Literature analysis method is the main research method. First of all, a great volume of first-hand English materials are gained from website of University of Edinburgh, then translated and analysed. Based on analysis, literatures and materials around student power and student power in University of Edinburgh are well combined in the research. In addition, comparative analysis is used in the research, which compares the student power in University of Edinburgh with that in universities in China.The research divides into five parts. The first one mainly introduces the background and significance of the research, as well as a comprehensive literature review and research method. The second part focuses on the history, mission and management organizations of University of Edinburgh. Founded in1583, University of Edinburgh is the most prestige university in the world. There are a number of bodies and committees which govern and advise the University, including The University Court, Senatus Academicus, the General Council and University committees. The third part demonstrates student organizations which involve the management of university, such as EUSA, Student Council, The Unions, societies, action groups, and forums. The fourth part analyzes four characteristics of student power in University of Edinburgh:the democratic atmosphere which is the foundation of student power; student representatives which is the form; student participation in management which is the essence; all-round and sound mechanisms which guarantee student power. The last part discusses how student power in University of Edinburgh enlightens universities in China. Based on student power in University of Edinburgh, institutions-in China shold hold the idea of service-oriented management, should propose transparent management of university, should guarantee student power by law and regulations, should strengthen student power of surveillance and enrich choice to educational contents, should enrich the student organizations and give them autonomous power to manage their own business.