The HSV is an official participatory committee of the ZHAW. All members of the university are represented by the 40 delegates of the HSV. Half of these seats are occupied by faculty. The other delegates consist of non-professorial teaching staff, administrative staff and technical staff. The remaining 7 seats are occupied by students. One of these 7 delegates is on the board of the HSV and has voting rights. This role is usually taken by the Alias Presidium. In case of a Co-Presidency, both delegates are on the board, but with only one vote.

The HSV is responsible for participation at the entire ZHAW level. This means that the HSV can participate in discussions and make recommendations on topics like university regulations, the ZHAW mission statement, strategy, quality, policies and much more. In addition, the student council can submit motions to the HSV that, if accepted by the HSV, will then be forwarded to the university management.

HSV Rules of Procedure