In three words: lack of interest. That is the result of extraordinary elections of members of dormitory councils at Vinařská, Mánesova, Sladkého and Bří Žůrků dormitories in April. These dormitories currently do not have their councils whose role is to represent residents vis-à-vis the Accommodation and Catering Services (ACS) and the university as such. There were no candidates at three of the aforementioned dormitories. The elections at the remaining dormitories were ruled invalid due to the lack of voter turnover (under 4%).
Members of dormitory councils oversee and assist students at their respective dormitories. Their rights and obligations are stipulated by the Electoral rules and rules of procedure for the representation of students residing at MU dormitories. The rights include the right to request from ACS relevant information on the organisational aspects of the dormitory. Thanks to these efforts students can learn in due time of scheduled repairs or restrictions, or they can liaison with ACS in complaints regarding operational issues or other residents.
“Dormitory councils are feedback of sorts and a form of communication of the point of view of our residents,” says ACS director Kamil Kulíšek. He meets council members on a regular basis to discuss issues and requests from residents at individual dormitories.
Chairman of the council at the Tvrdého dormitory Miroslav Čada approves. “Councils certainly have their purpose. They represent students and thanks to regular meetings with the director of ACS they have access to important information. They can improve the quality of living of the residents. We at Tvrdého dormitory have managed to get some equipment through effective communication and cooperation with ACS,” Čada explained.
Being a long-term representative of students in his council, he was surprised by the lack of interest at other dormitories. “It is a pity. As members of the councils you can influence the operation of your dormitory. Not doing something you can do is a missed opportunity, so it is entirely up to you.”