The environment in which students learn influences their academic achievement. Students excel in an environment that has democratic institutions. It fosters independent thinking, freedom of speech and student participation in making decisions. A support structure for promoting free thinking and offering opportunities for choice is essential.
The local press reported recently that a student committee has been formed at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) to represent the views of the student body to university administrators. Students were allowed to nominate candidates and elect them, providing them a venue for positive relations with the institution and a bridge between students and teachers. This experiment in student representation in our country’s higher education system helps students hone effective dialogue skills for overcoming obstacles.
Preparing the students to effectively participate in society must be the top priority in our universities, especially considering the growing perception that Saudi youth are carefree, irresponsible and lacking in effective thinking and positive public participation.
Perhaps Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University’s new student committee policy will encourage others to do the same. Our young men and women are in desperate need for such opportunity.
