Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) upholds the principle of inclusive and participatory governance by recognising structured student representation through three key bodies:

1.  Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP) – Student Representative Council
2.  Jawatankuasa Kolej Mahasiswa (JAKMAS) – Residential College Student Committee
3. Persatuan Mahasiswa Fakulti – Faculty-based Student Associations (e.g., Mahasiswa FKI)

The Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP) is the official student parliament elected annually by the student body across faculties and campuses.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Represent student interests at the university level.
• Participate in high-level discussions, including selected university's student affairs and alumni committees, student disciplinary boards (as observers), and strategic consultations with university management.
• Advocate for student welfare, academic affairs, and campus policy improvements.
• Organise university-wide student activities and awareness campaigns on issues such as inclusivity, integrity, environmental sustainability, and public health.

Governance Involvement:

• MPP representatives are invited to sit on relevant University Management and Governance Committees.
• Their contributions ensure that student perspectives are incorporated into the policy-making process.

 

Jawatankuasa Kolej Mahasiswa (JAKMAS) is the elected committee representing students residing in each residential college or hostel within UMS.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Bahagian Hal Ehwal Pelajar (HEP) and college administration to address student welfare and residential life.
• Plan and implement residential-based co-curricular programmes and leadership activities.
• Serve as the first point of contact for resolving issues related to accommodation, discipline, and student development at the college level.
• Promote a sense of community and inclusivity within their respective colleges.

Governance Support:

• JAKMAS plays a vital role in grassroots-level student governance, complementing MPP’s university-wide focus.
• They may also provide feedback and participate in committees related to student housing and campus facilities.

 

At Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS),  faculty has a dedicated Jawatankuasa Hal Ehwal Pelajar dan Alumni (JK HEPA)—Faculty Committee of Student Affairs and Alumni—tasked with overseeing student development, welfare, alumni engagement, and co-curricular initiatives at the faculty level.


Student leaders from Faculty Student Associations (e.g., Mahasiswa FKI) are invited to be active members of this committee, reinforcing the university's commitment to participatory governance and student empowerment.

• Persatuan Mahasiswa FKI(Faculty of Computing and Informatics )

• Persatuan Mahasiswa FSSA (Faculty of Science and Natural Resources)

• Persatuan Mahasiswa  FPL (Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture)

• Persatuan Mahasiswa FPP (Faculty of Psychology and Education)

• Persatuan Mahasiswa FSMP  (Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition)

• Persatuan Mahasiswa FKJ (Faculty of Engineering)
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Roles and Responsibilities: Governance Involvement

Student representatives on JK HEPA are entrusted with the following roles and responsibilities that reflect their involvement in faculty-level governance:

Participate actively in decision-making processes as part of the Faculty Committee of Student Affairs and Alumni.

Coordinate and monitor student development programmes under the faculty’s purview.

Facilitate alumni relations, including engagement in student mentoring and career development initiatives.

Review and advise on student-related issues, including academic progress, welfare, and campus life.

Ensure alignment of faculty-level student activities with UMS’s strategic goals, core values, and co-curricular framework.

Raise and advocate for pressing welfare issues affecting students (e.g., financial assistance, access to learning resources, classroom facilities).

Contribute to the development of solutions or formal recommendations for action by the Dean’s Office or the Division of Student Affairs.

Convey feedback, concerns, and suggestions from the broader student community to the faculty leadership.

Ensure student voices are reflected in decisions related to academic support, co-curricular activities, and welfare provisions.

Disseminate important decisions, updates, and initiatives from the faculty administration back to the student body.

Promote a transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance culture within the faculty.