STUDENT UNION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE

The first student union was founded in 1992 at the Faculty of Law in Belgrade at the same time establishing an independent syndicated student organization in Serbia. Transparency, free and fair elections for all appointments including those to executive bodies, and the dedication and enthusiasm of its members are the principles on which the Union was conceived and which continues to govern its work.

Despite the difficult period the county has endured, student unions have maintained their independence as syndicated student organizations. The struggle for the autonomy of the University, which was under threat, allied to the struggle against electoral fraud and irregularities, and the struggle for the improvement of the student standard, i.e. lack of sufficient books and publications, were some of the actions undertaken by the unions. The union activists sought to involve the student body in these struggles to reinforce the ideal that together, through the work of the unions, students may accomplish their goals and achieve the best possible standards in all areas of their lives and education.

The Student Union of Serbia (SUS) was in Belgrade, and it was therefore logical that they dealt with any problems of the students at the highest educational institution. They now sought to achieve better coordination with and the establishment of cooperation with the University Authorities, and they also sought to draw the organization closer to the students, therefore, in May 2002 the Student Union of the University of Belgrade (SUUB) was formed.

Today SUUB, as one of the largest student organizations at the University, is actively involved in the work of its bodies. Through its work with the SUS, the organization participates in law-making related to students and student life. SUUB is represented in all the institutions of the country relevant to students’ interest.

SUUB’s highest priority is the introduction of reforms at higher educational level and consequently it has organized several seminars and conferences on the subject in recent years. The Union also organizes many social and other events.

SUUB is a full member of the Student Union of Serbia which is syndicated to 63 local and four university unions. SUS is a full member of the largest European student organization – ESIB which is an umbrella organization for 44 national student organizations in 34 European countries.

There are currently 20 student unions active at the institutions of higher education and halls of residence in Belgrade.