Changes in the LSA Board – New Vice Presidents Luīze Driķīte and Paula Vikaine
At the Council meeting of the Student Union of Latvia (LSA) on April 11, two Vice Presidents were elected. Luīze Driķīte will serve as Vice President for Policy Affairs starting from May 12, while Paula Vikaine will continue to hold the position of Vice President for Organisational Affairs.
Luīze Driķīte has not previously held positions within LSA; however, she has been actively involved in the RSU Student Union for several years, including three years as a member of its board, where she led the international, social, and external affairs areas. In addition, she has served for several years as an LSA Council member representing the RSU Student Union.
In her candidacy, Driķīte highlighted several key areas of activity and the potential for change within them. In the academic domain, emphasis was placed on the introduction of institutional accreditation and the involvement of student representatives in this process, the reorganization of the Higher Education Council and the independence of the institution replacing it, as well as the role of LSA in these processes. It was also emphasized that artificial intelligence should be used responsibly and under supervision in the study process, along with the need to ensure adequate funding for higher education both overall and for student support mechanisms.
In the social dimension, emphasis was placed on expanding access to psycho-emotional support, introducing regulation for student dormitories, developing a new student loan system, and addressing issues related to the State Defense Service. This includes ensuring state-funded study places for both volunteers and conscripts, as well as linking remuneration for those in service to their work and achievements.
In the international dimension, the renewal of the “Student Housing Guide” was mentioned, along with broader involvement of international students, including improving the availability of information in English, as well as cooperation with student organizations in other countries and across Europe, promoting exchange of experience and proactive communication.
Luīze Driķīte will officially assume the duties of the position from Rūdolfs Aleksandrs Strods on May 12. She was elected with 22 votes in favor, 1 against, and 1 abstention.
Meanwhile, in her candidacy, Paula Vikaine placed particular emphasis on communication with members, including the activation and renewal of existing channels. The importance of trust was also highlighted – transparent, reliable, and simple communication with representatives of student self-governments, regardless of changes in the membership of both LSA and the student self-goverments. In terms of responsibility, Vikaine emphasized consistent and stable organizational operations.
It was also highlighted that it is important to organize off-site Council meetings throughout the territory of Latvia, as well as to involve student representatives from private higher education institutions. The importance of working groups on issues that are not only on the LSA agenda, but would also promote broader understanding and interest among members in other higher education matters, was also emphasized.
Additionally, the need to develop training and informational materials for those involved in LSA’s work -both volunteers and project managers – was mentioned. The optimization and updating of information resources were also highlighted, for example, improving the “Council Member’s Minimum” document and the members’ section of the website.
Regarding strategic seminars, the need to resume them after a longer pause was emphasized in order to strengthen participants’ understanding of the organization’s operations. The supervision and development of the projects “What Matters to Students?” and “Annual Award” were also highlighted, including engaging organizers and ensuring the quality of events.
In conclusion, Vikaine emphasized the importance of international cooperation. Participation in partner organization events, presence in student self-government activities, and representation of LSA in various seminars, in order to strengthen the organization’s visibility and influence.
Paula Vikaine was elected to the position with 16 votes in favor, 10 against, and 1 abstention.
In addition to the board elections, the Council meeting also reviewed a report for a specified period, adopted a decision on participation in this year’s “Riga Pride” march, and discussed current events of student self-governments.
We wish both Vice Presidents strong cooperation, courage to take on challenges, new ideas, and outstanding success in representing the interests of students in Latvia!
