This year marked a hard-won shift in Silliman University’s leadership as the Board of Trustees (BOT) finally extended an invitation to the Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) to attend relevant committee meetings on student-related policies and initiatives–a commendable move that would open a more participatory and consultative governance within the university’s fiduciary body.
Despite several attempts in previous years, students have remained largely absent from spaces where decisions shaping tuition fees, campus services, and student welfare are made. It is important to note that this invitation was granted only after sustained calls for representation made by incumbent SUSG President Grylle Adrian Malala.
The invitation came after long, repeated appeals. Since October 2025, the SUSG has been calling for a non-voting student seat in board meetings. Previous student assemblies also passed resolutions asserting that students must have representation in institutional deliberations. However, these requests were consistently denied due to the confidential nature of board discussions.
Although rejected, student leaders still continued their advocacy. From official letters to public statements, recent events ultimately compelled the BOT to reconsider their decision. This unexpected development will allow the incumbent SUSG president to serve as a resource person in its future meetings. Malala will now hold the vital role in ensuring student concerns and grievances will land on the board’s table.
While the Weekly Sillimanian commends and recognizes this action, it further calls the BOT to make student partnership an active and permanent part of its future committee meetings. With the forthcoming election of new student leaders and selection of a new university president, it hopes for the continuation of the partnership in the school years to come.
The BOT has always the capacity to listen. An engaged collaboration between them and the students not only ensures an open line of communication, but also highlights inclusive consultation with the university’s primary stakeholders on decisions and matters that directly affect them.
The publication also acknowledges the SUSG for its persistent efforts to bridge the gap between the Silliman community and the administration. Considering the issues that have come to light in recent years, Sillimanians want to be more involved in policies that concern their welfare and development.
Student representation in the board is a democratic practice. The university must sustain these efforts to ensure that all stakeholders are heard and considered in every decision made, and not just expecting them to blindly follow what is signed on paper.
