The Lithuanian National Union of Students (LSS) is proud of the achievements of its members and aims to share them while encouraging the exchange of good practices within the community. Today, Ieva Miniauskaitė, President of the Kauno kolegija HEI Student Association (KK SA), shares her experience in different higher education institutions, their student governments, and insights on member motivation.
You have studied at two higher education institutions and were involved in their student governments. Why did you decide to join student associations in both cases? What were the biggest differences you noticed between the institutions and their student governments?
For those who haven’t looked into it, it might seem like there isn’t much difference. However, I can confidently say that higher education institutions focus more on practical learning – which is what they promote. But the way lecturers interact with students also differs. At universities, lecturers tend to be more formal and theoretical. Meanwhile, in higher education institutions, it feels like lecturers genuinely care – they take interest in how we feel and how we perceive our studies. Many of them are practitioners who actively work in companies.
As much as I enjoyed being part of Lithuanian Sports University Student Association (LSU SA) for three years, I eventually decided it was time to step aside and remain as an alumni. At that time, I had many other commitments – I was studying, enrolled in a higher education institution, and was finishing vocational school. I simply couldn’t dedicate as much time to LSU SA anymore. Still, I felt a certain void, so I decided to join KK SA.
Transitioning from LSU SA to KK SA was quite challenging – I had to adapt and understand how to operate in a new environment. I noticed differences in communication, structure, and the responsibilities of board members. LSU SA places a stronger focus on representation, which is truly commendable. Meanwhile, KK SA is more oriented toward students’ social and cultural well-being.
What experiences or lessons did you bring from your first student representation, and what do you apply now?
I had excellent leadership role models: Miglė Julija Dudėnaitė, Gabrielė Samulevičiūtė, Paulius Kučas, and Polina Moskaliova. I observed them closely and learned from how they worked. In my first year, becoming president felt completely out of reach — something I could never imagine myself doing.
But over those three years, I kept observing and learning. I developed leadership skills, learned how to manage a committee, and became more responsible. I also learned to see people as individuals – not just as units in a system – and to trust them instead of constantly monitoring them.
What I try not to apply now is excessive strictness and control. At KK SA, we have a simple agreement: if you take responsibility, you follow through, if you can’t, you communicate it.
As a president, what is more important to you: attracting new members or retaining active ones? Why?
I wouldn’t choose just one. We aim to attract new members, but also to retain active ones at the same time. Active members seek new ideas and meaningful discussions. Without new people, it can feel like we’re stuck in our own bubble since we have a lot of discussions inside.
At the same time, active members help attract and retain newcomers – it’s a mutual process. Of course, it’s important to maintain active members while integrating new ones so that everyone contributes to the organization.
What motivation tools do you use to retain members?
Committee coordinators hold regular one-on-one conversations with their members. The Human Resources coordinator also observes how members feel during meetings and shared activities. For us, motivation comes from people feeling seen and noticed.
Other motivational tools include recognition and feedback. We are continuously improving how we give feedback, and both coordinators and members are putting effort into it. We also organize informal gatherings at least once a month – usually with pizza and snacks. These gatherings also help because the members might have been just hungry (laughs).
Overall, the most important source of motivation is simply seeing each other.
In your opinion, what determines whether a member stays in the organization long-term?
There are three levels of engagement and commitment. The first level is friendships. I believe this level is what keeps people involved. Building connections between people motivates them to stay.
If a member sees someone else doing something, they may feel encouraged to do the same. Of course, for some people the organization’s goals matter as well. But without support and understanding, it’s hard to stay.
What personal or organizational achievement do you consider the most important during your term?
The most important achievement is that we strengthened the Social and Academic Affairs Committee (SARK) and did something we didn’t even expect we could do – to move forward together with LSS.
For example, there was a psychological survey and a study on additional expenses. We are now conducting similar work in our own institution and supporting LSS with our data. When we analyzed additional expenses, Kauno kolegija listened to us.
SARK now has a vision for the next three years. A first-year student joining now can work on these issues throughout their time in the association and help solve key problems within the higher education institution.
We now have a very good relationship with the administration and faculties. We engage in discussions and empower students to represent themselves. Students write to us asking, “Is this document written well? We’re going to send it to the administration.” They are taking initiative, even if they are unsure at first. Both we and the administration have noticed their efforts.
What would you say to a student who is considering joining student representation but hasn’t decided yet?
I would encourage them to try every opportunity. I myself didn’t really want to join at first, until someone asked me, “What do you have to lose?” When you become a student, you step out of your bubble and start trying everything. So just try it – if you don’t like it, you can leave. But if you stay, it will most likely be some of the best years of your life.
