Course elder - what is it and why is it worth becoming one?

In the first month of the autumn semester, Vytautas Magnus University Student Representative Office (VDU SA) and VDU Freshman Mentors organize the elections of the first-year Elders of each study program. Also, senior students who don't have an elder or want to change one can choose one. The election of elders is held until September 16.

Elder - a study program course representative who represents the interests of his fellow students, informs them and performs the duties provided for in the VMU Study Program Course Elders' Regulations. Seniors are among the first to receive various information from teachers and the administration of the faculty or academy and VDU SA about the University, the changes taking place there, news, events, projects and other relevant information that they can share with the students of their study program. They also have the opportunity to participate in various Seniors' trainings organized by VMU SA and thus gain new knowledge and experience that they can use to help their fellow students.

Monika Ražauskaitė, Coordinator of VDU SA Student Representatives, works with the elders and coordinates their activities. When asked why it is worth becoming an elder, Monika says that elders are the first helpers for their course. "They create a direct link between the administration of the faculty or academy, the student body and their classmates. Being a student representative - an elder can directly contribute to studies and improving their quality."

In order to properly represent the students, the first-year students of each study program democratically elect an elder for the entire study period.

How is the alderman election?

In order to become an elder, the Candidate must, at his discretion, present himself to the students of his study program course before the election begins. When there are one or more candidates who have presented themselves, a vote is taken. It uses online tools that ensure fairness and reliability of results. After the elections, VDU Freshmen mentors must send the final voting protocol to the VDU SA Representative Coordinator within three working days at the latest. The elected Elder must fill out the questionnaire sent by VDU SA, where the collected information will be placed on the VDU SA page and available to all students.

A similar procedure applies to senior students. In this case, the elder is elected independently, and about his election or the problems that arise during the election, he must notify the coordinator of VDU SA Representatives by e-mail. by post atstovai@vdusa.lt.

Therefore, we encourage first-year or older students of all levels to choose a supervisor for their course, whose activities will ensure smooth studying and prompt resolution of problems that arise during studies.