Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This study examines students’ valuations of student unions and their willingness to pay to maintain the quality of student union services, using the Ultuna Student Union at SLU as a case study. The study applies the Contingent Valuation method through an online survey distributed to students at the Ultuna campus. The findings suggest that the average student values the student union and states a positive willingness to pay for maintaining union quality. However, the results are based on a sample in which a large majority of respondents are student union members, limiting the ability to draw reliable conclusions. Despite this limitation, the results provide meaningful insights, as the study uncovers member characteristics and reasons for participation, as well as heterogenous preferences and free-riding tendencies among non-members. The findings imply a need to strengthen communication and selective incentives, to ensure long term financial sustainability of the Ultuna Student Union.