Student voice in higher education: the importance of distinguishing student representation and student partnership

Abstract Student representation and student partnership differ the difference matters. To further scholarly understanding of, appreciation for, important between two, we examine these two commonly evoked conceptions for voice in higher education. We draw on points of difference—responsibility access—to illuminate conceptualisations discourses each current literature. In doing so, clarify unique contributions each, shaped by differing contexts interaction, articulate issues arising confounding conflating name voice. Advancing an argument ecosystem participation grounded voice, warn harm positioning partners as speaking other students risk diminishing importance elected systems favour staff selected partner models representation.