108 annual report 2012 K. M INISTRY OF SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND HIGHER EDUCATION The following cases concluded in 2012 were selected for publication in the Annual Report: 2012-5. Representation by others in electronic communication with universities The Ombudsman opened a case on his own initiative concerning access for students and prospective students to representation by others – to which they are entitled pursuant to section 8 of the Public Administration Act – when using the electronic self-service systems ‘minSU’ (for applications for student grants and loans) and ‘mitUddannelseskort’ (to apply for a student discount transport card). The self-service systems were not designed so as to make it technically possible to choose to be represented by others. The Ombudsman assumed that the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education (formerly the Ministry of Science, Technology and Development) agreed that students and prospective students were entitled to express guidance on their option of exemption from electronic communication if they wished to be represented by others. The Ombudsman asked the Ministry to inform him what sort of guidance students and prospective students would in future receive regarding their access to representation by others. In relation to the self-service system ‘mitUddannelseskort’ (for youth education programmes) the case raised another issue due to the statutory right of parents to represent their under-age children. The Ombudsman maintained that custodial parents also needed express guidance on their option of exemption from electronic communication if they wished to represent their children. The Ombudsman recommended that the Ministry ensure that in future custodial parents receive such guidance.