1. Statute, regulation and experiences of the students elections Edinburgh, 16th February 2015 by University of Alicante Council of Students

2. The Student Council of the University of Alicante in Spain

3. How are represented the spanish students at national level? The Student Council of the University of Alicante represents more than 35,000 students of the University of Alicante. The "Spanish National Students Representation" is divided into two organizations:  CREUP (Coordinator of Student Representatives of public universities) and CEUNE (State Council of University Students).  CREUP is only for public universities, is independent and voluntary entry (councils decide to enter or not).  The CEUNE is under the Ministry of Education and all public and private universities are involved.

4. Spanish Students Union At present the Student Council of the University of Alicante is part of both the CEUNE and the CREUP, so we can explained the advantages and drawbacks of both models an "independent" student union and a union under of the Ministry of Education.

5. The government model CEUNE

6.  CEUNE (Council of State University Students) is the organization of deliberation and consultation with the Ministry of Education and Culture on university issues.  Are included in this organization all public and private universities across the state, but is a non-binding advisory organization.  The president of the organization is the Minister of Education

7. Members of CEUNE  A student representative from each of the Spanish, public and private universities. One will be chosen as the Plenary Second Vice President of the CEUNE.  A Representative of each of the Regional Student Councils.  The Minister of Education, Culture and Sports, acting as President.  The General Secretary of Universities, acting as First Vice President.  The General Director of University policy that will act as Secretary.

8. Functions  To inform about government new policies for university students.  Actively contribute to defending the rights of students.  Participate in setting criteria for the award of scholarships grants and other aid to students.  Encourage student associations, and student participation in university life.  Ensure compliance with the Student Statute. 8

9. In practice  The president is Responsible for convening a meeting of CEUNE.  The government policy of education cuts has caused the Minister did not convene any meeting, thereby blocking the CEUNE and preventing the organization performing the duties assigned.  At present, only there was a meeting in the last two years (July 2014). 9

10. The independent National Students’ Union CREUP

11.  The CREUP is a representative body composed of 23 Spanish public universities that now represents 757,660 students across Spain  The Student Council decides to participate or not in CREUP. Annual registration: 500 €  CREUP is independent of the Ministry of Education through its ability to finance itself

12. Composition & Elections  General Assembly  1 member = 1 vote  Meet at least every 6 months  Consensus mode  Executive Body  President is elected by the Assembly  Presidents elects: : Secretary and treasurer

13. What CREUP does  Organizes events such as the Meeting of Students, where Spanish university students meet to share views and discuss the hottest topics in the field of education and university culture.  CREUP produces an important informative work through social networks, awareness campaigns, training events,... by transmitting to all students the evolution of the educational system and thus promoting awareness of these in education.

14. With who works  CREUP is the main link between the students and decision-makers from academic affairs, maintaining an active relationship with both public and private, such as the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE), the Universia Foundation and the Ministry of Education (MECD), among others.  Internationally, CREUP is part of the European Students' Union (ESU) and the Mediterranean Network (MedNet), and has presence in events such as the Iberoamerican Summit of Rectors.

15. In practice  The CREUP to be independent has a more critical side with the government.  It is a forum where the agenda is chosen by the students representatives and the debate are opened.

17. CREU  Promotional video againt buget cuts and poor education:  http://www.creup.es/prensa/

18. Thank you very much for your attention pre.ce@ua.es @Ua_Universidad www.ua.es