Guidelines for electing student class representatives at HVL

For every class at HVL, it is required to have two student representatives – one class representative and one deputy class representative. These representatives are elected early in the autumn semester each year. Those who already are representatives and wish to continue must therefore run for re-election.

Electing class representatives is mandatory for all classes at HVL, except for:

  • Educational programs with fewer than 60 study points
  • Classes with 5 or fewer students
  • Ph. D. programs

In the event of an election, the students shall receive information regarding the class representative system at HVL, and that they have the right to choose a class representative if they wish. Even if they do not choose a class representative, they can engage with other parts of the student democracy.

For more information about student democracy at HVL, visit The Student Parliament website (www.stvl.no).

Responsibilities and tasks

  1. Planning: The study program coordinator shall clarify who is responsible for overseeing the election of class representatives for each class and when the election will take place. This information can also be provided before the summer holiday.

  2. Information: About one week before the upcoming election, 5 to 10 minutes should be allocated to inform students about the role of a class representative and the election process.

    2.1. It is mandatory to present this informational video (duration 1:12).

    2.2. If any of the students are currently or have previously been a class representative, they should be encouraged to share a few words about their experiences.

    2.3. The teacher should discuss how the educational program will utilize the class representative and what is expected of them.

    2.4. Remind students of the date of the election and clarify that those who wish to run for election must be present and express their interest.

  3. Election day: The duration of the election will vary depending on the number of candidates and the number of students voting. Most classes spend about 5 to 15 minutes.

    3.1. It is mandatory to present this informational video (duration 0:52).

    3.2. The teacher will allocate time for any last questions before the election takes place.

    3.3. The teacher will ask those interested in becoming class representatives to raise their hands. If several students raise their hands, the election will be held in written form, where each student can cast a single vote. The candidate with the most votes becomes the new class representative. The one with the second most votes becomes the deputy class representative. If there is only one candidate, the election will be conducted through acclamation (Applause – no vote)

  4. Follow-up work: After the election is complete, the results need to be reported and new class representatives must be provided with information and follow-up. Finally, the results must be made accessible to students and employees at HVL.


    4.1. The teacher who is responsible for overseeing election needs to report the results by 1. September. If the classes start later, then the deadline for reporting the results is two days after the election has occurred. Reporting is to be completed using this form.

    4.2. The Student Parliament will send the new class representatives an email with information within a week following election.

    4.3. The Student Parliament is responsible for maintaining an overview of all the class representatives. In cooperation with HVL, the information must be easily accessible to all students and employees. It must also be simple for the class representatives to find their nearest union representative at all levels.

    You may direct any questions you have regarding this routine to studenttinget@hvl.no