Inspectorate

Västgöta nation has been led by an inspector for virtually its entire existence, since 1693. Nowadays there is also a proinspector, who is the inspector's deputy. The title itself means that the inspector and proinspector should control, supervise and guide. The inspector should lead the nation's board meetings, the seniors' meetings, as well as the nation meetings, which are the nation's highest decision-making body.

In student contexts, the title is linked to the state wanting to keep track in the 1600s that students lived a moral life and managed their studies, all within the framework of Lutheran Christianity. The inspector was responsible to the university, which in turn was responsible to the government. Over time, the perspective changed and the inspector's role became to support students and promote the nation as a social meeting place, still with good values as a given framework. During the 1900s, when universities and nations grew strongly, the inspector's role became largely that of the benevolent advisor. In Västgöta nation's history, one can mention the by far longest-serving inspector Ragnar Bring, inspector 1938-1962, who through fundraising and great commitment created the conditions for Västgötagården's establishment in 1954 and its extension a few years later. Later inspectors have endeavored to continue in the same spirit with commitment to both the nation and Västgötagården. The inspector's role is now to represent the nation in ceremonial contexts and to participate in the nation's ongoing activities with particular responsibility for maintaining good traditions and for the nation's long-term development.