The Impact of Student Participation in University Decision-Making: Insights from the University of Tirana

This study investigates the impact of student participation in decision-making processes at public universities in Albania, with a particular focus on the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Tirana. The primary objective is to assess the extent of student involvement in university governance and examine its influence on leadership, student satisfaction, and academic performance. The study aims to evaluate the level of student participation, analyze student perceptions of their involvement, and explore the correlation between this involvement and academic and institutional outcomes. A comprehensive literature review contextualized student participation within university decision-making frameworks. Data was collected through a self-administered structured questionnaire completed by 253 active students and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, correlation, and regression analyses via SPSS software. The findings indicate that while students perceive participation in decision-making as a fundamental right that enhances their educational experience, their involvement remains limited. Many students expressed a desire for greater participation, believing it would improve their university experience and foster a stronger sense of belonging. However, active engagement in governance processes was moderate, with many students reporting a lack of interest in these processes. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between student involvement in decision-making and student satisfaction and academic performance, suggesting that inclusive decision-making contributes to a more positive educational environment. However, no significant relationship was identified between student participation and university leadership. This indicates that institutional culture, leadership styles, or external factors may play a more prominent role in shaping leadership effectiveness. This study underscores the importance of student participation in decision-making as a key factor in enhancing student satisfaction. It calls for university administrations to implement strategies that promote meaningful student engagement. Further research is recommended to explore the barriers to student participation and their broader implications for university governance in Albania. Received: 24 February 2025 / Accepted: 12 May 2025 / Published: 05 July 2025