Problems of Composition and Acquisition of University Council : A Case Study on Rajabhat University

Abstract

This research article aims to study the problems of elements and acquisition of Rajabhat University Council pursuant to the Rajabhat University Act, B.E. 2547 (2004) in case of president of the university, university council members representing the executive, university council members representing distinguished scholars. The research studied relevant laws, documents, textbooks, articles and websites.

The study found that the fourth paragraph of Article 16 of the Rajabhat University Act, B.E. 2547 (2004) authorized the university council to issue its own requirements for the elements and acquisition of president of the university, council members representing the executive, university council members representing distinguished scholars. This caused a conflict of interest issue. However, Article 16 (3) required up to 4 people from university council members representing the executive who worked under the president. According to Article 16 (5), the university council shall have 11 members representing distinguished scholars. It still lacked local representatives who should participate in the executive to ensure the development of local community and university.

The author argues that the fourth paragraph of Article 16 should be amended regarding principles and acquisition of president of the university, university council members representing the executive, university council members representing distinguished scholars. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation should establish a new standard to govern nationwide Rajabhat Universities. Article 16 (3) should be amended to limit university council members representing the executive to 2 people. Article 16 (5) also should be amended to add more 8 members representing distinguished scholars including representatives of local professionals, community leaders, religious leaders and local politicians.