TISS Students Struggle with New Council Structure After Election Overhaul
TISS changed how students elect their council. Two months on, nobody knows how it works.
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) introduced a new Student Council format in February 2023, replacing traditional student union elections. Nearly two months later, confusion persists among students regarding the council's structure and functioning, prompting elected members to seek clarity from the administration.
- 01TISS replaced its traditional student union elections with a new Student Council format in February 2023.
- 02The new structure includes around 80 representatives elected from individual classes, but lacks a clear reporting mechanism.
- 03Elected council members have expressed confusion over their roles and the overall structure of the council.
- 04Students have raised concerns about arbitrary committee assignments and inadequate communication from the administration.
- 05The administration plans to provide clarity and conduct training for council members.
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In February 2023, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Maharashtra, India, revamped its student election process, moving from a traditional student union model to a new Student Council format. This change aimed to enhance student representation by allowing each class to elect a representative, resulting in a council of approximately 80 members. However, nearly two months post-election, students are grappling with confusion regarding the council's structure and how to communicate concerns effectively. Elected members have formally contacted the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) to seek clarity on the reporting mechanisms and committee structures. Previously, the Students' Union allowed for a smaller executive body that represented students in key institutional forums, a feature now absent in the new format. While cultural and sports committees were established shortly after the elections, the overall framework remains undefined. Students have reported that committee assignments appeared arbitrary, and the administration's response to these issues has been perceived as insufficient. The OSA has promised to make the council's structure public and is planning workshops to enhance leadership skills among council members.
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The uncertainty surrounding the Student Council's structure affects how students can voice their concerns and engage with the administration.
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