“Those who refuse to participate in politics are destined to be ruled by their inferiors.” Plato
Students constitute the largest body of stakeholders in education. Thus, the success of a university in the 21st hinge largely on effective student unionism.
Student union governments in higher education institutions across the globe has been described as the nurseries of leadership. It provides the platform for students to test and develop their leadership skills before venturing into the world of uncertainty.
The shift away from traditional education and the rise of online universities in which the UoPeople is taking the lead presents a new challenge to students and student unionism.
New questions inevitably emerge with this new platform.
How do we address the specific needs of students which are situated in different countries, speak different languages, live across different time zones? How do we align their needs with the institutional goals? How do we foster unity between the students and the university and promote the general welfare of the students?
Creating a vibrant student union in a virtual institution is imperative and calls for innovative and radical thinking. A student union in a virtual institution is absolutely necessary in order to create a sense of community; a kind of experience commonly found in offline institutions.
A student union will also help spread and advocate for open access to higher education across the globe and create a brand of global leaders with diverse skills and knowledge.
I think it is absolutely necessary for UoPeople students to come together and start a student union that will foster unity among our diverse group and help advocate the cause of our president and founder, Mr. Shai Reshef.
Individuals interested in taking up a political office in a virtual student union government must be trustworthy and also have faith in the system. He or she must be committed and highly motivated with a liberal mind to accommodate the diverse student group.
It is my hope and belief that UoPeople students will take up this challenge and create the first virtual student union government in history.
UoPeople Students' Blog 