Studentenwerk

The German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studentenwerk – DSW) is the umbrella organization for the 58 local student service organizations (Studentenwerke – STW) in Germany. The Studentenwerke provide public services for the economic, social, medical and cultural support for students in German universities. They help to create a society based on equity. In cooperation with universities and the surrounding city administrations, the Studentenwerke improve the framework for higher education and aid in shaping university life. DSW plays an important role in helping Studentenwerke achieve these goals. All of the different interest groups, including students, work together with the legal representatives of the local Studentenwerke in the decision making process.

The Association^[1]

According to the statutes, the Deutsches Studentenwerke has three bodies: the general assembly, the board of directors, and the secretary general. There is also an advisory board (Kuratorium), which is composed of the conference of rectors, students, representatives of federal and regional government, the German Cities Association (Deutscher Städtetag), unions and employers as well as members of parliament and other public figures. The Council of the federal states (Länderrat) consults the board of directors and the secretary general in all matters of fundamental importance. The students council (Studierendenrat), established in May 2004, also plays an important role. It is composed of student members who are actively involved in the bodies of local Studentenwerke. In addition to this, there are nine committees on specific subjects which consult the association.

History^[2]

Tasks^[3]

supports its members in achieving their goals, while respecting their self-reliance and independence.

The DSW:

• supports the interests of its members and carries their know-how into policy making on the federal and regional levels
• provides general support to local Studentenwerke; examples of how support can be provided include seminars, conferences, – training manuels, publications and new and continuing professional development training
• engages in lobbying and advocacy efforts;
• develops collaborative relationships with institutions and organisations which share the same goals
• carries out tasks within its mission from public administration, institutions and organisations
• defends the interests of students at universities in social policy

Department for International Relations^[4]

The German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studentenwerk – DSW) strives for higher education to be an international, intercultural, open and tolerant higher education area, in which the social and economic well-being of all students is guaranteed by strong, independent, professional and well-equipped student services organisations. The growing internationalization of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) involves not only research and teaching, but also involves the understanding that excellent social and economic living conditions for all students is a precondition for successful learning. It also requires broad access to higher education for all social groups in a society of knowledge. Therefore, the Deutsches Studentenwerk is working towards free, democratic and accessible higher education for everyone regardless of social background or nationality. The international and intercultural activities of DSW intend to create a free exchange of experience, mutual learning and to create new knowledge in all important areas of student affairs.

International relations^[5]

Establishing and developing relationships with partner organisations abroad, including the exchange of information and experience with these organisations is a core commitment of Deutsches Studentenwerk (DSW). DSW cooperates with numerous partner organisations abroad. For more than 40 years, close relations have been maintained with partners in France, Italy and other European countries. On the European level, DSW works closely with the organisations that are united in the European Council for Student Affairs (ECStA). Apart from this, DSW maintains good contacts to umbrella organisations in North America and in the Asia-Pacific region. The development of collaboration with countries that have recently joined the European Union or are candidates to accession is another core task in international relations.

European Council for Student Affairs^[6]

The Deutsches Studentenwerk is an active member of the European Council of Student Affairs (ECStA), the European umbrella group founded in 1999. ECStA’s goal is to improve the social infrastructure at higher education institutions and to support cooperation between organisations that are active in this field. With its actions, ECStA aims to support student mobility within programs and of free movers, who are organising and financing their studies abroad themselves. The focus of ECStA's work lies on study financing, housing, food, counselling and cultural activities of students. A part from this, the Council organises conferences and seminars, carries out research project and arranges exchange projects for students and staff. Finally, ECStA works as a consulting body for the institutions of the European Union as well as for national governments in all questions regarding the social framework of studying. In 2009, there were about 20 member institutions from 14 European countries. DSW is actively working in the ECStA Board of Management.

References