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University

The Student representative system gives students a voice within the university and helps them to feel part of a learning community, and contribute to change. Staff members benefit by receiving feedback on their teaching and services, which can inform enhancements.

The system embodies the principle of partnership working between staff and students.

Heads of Department

Heads of Department have a key role in supporting Department Reps.  They should try to meet with all of their Department Reps at least once a Semester, in a formal meeting. Some Heads of Department also sometimes meet informally with Department Reps, and may have arrangements in place to enable them to communicate directly online, or via email. Heads of Department are instrumental in ensuring that Department Reps feel supported in their role, and well-informed about developments within the Department.

They are responsible for:

  • Informing students about the role of Department Reps
  • Ensuring that Department Reps are recruited
  • Keeping in contact with Department Reps and liaising with them about student feedback and any issues affecting students
  • Attending (and sometimes chairing) staff-student meetings (e.g. Departmental Boards)

Course Leaders

Course Leaders are the main point of contact for Course Reps. The relationship between Course Reps and Course Leaders is crucial.  Course Leaders should try to meet with all of their Course Reps at least once a Semester, in a formal meeting.  Some Course Leaders also meet informally with Course Reps, and may have arrangements in place to enable them to communicate directly online, or via email.  Course Leaders are instrumental in ensuring that Course Reps feel supported in their role, and well-informed about developments on their course.

They are responsible for:

  • Informing students about the role of Course Reps
  • Ensuring that Course Reps are recruited
  • Keeping in contact with Course Reps and liaising with them about student feedback and any issues affecting students
  • Attending (and sometimes chairing) staff-student meetings

Professional Services Staff

Professional Services Staff in the University have a key role in the operational management of the Student Rep System, and in supporting Student Reps.  This role includes:

    • Supporting Course Leaders to recruit Student Reps
    • Co-ordinating and delivering Student Rep training
    • Recording Student Rep data on the University’s Student Management System (SITS)
    • Recording Student Reps’ achievement of milestones and removing Reps who have withdrawn from the Student Management System
    • Recording and sharing the minutes/actions from staff-student committee meetings (or equivalents)
    • Supporting Student Reps with reward and recognition (e.g. certificates/letters/references), and acknowledging the work that Student Reps do (e.g. by nominating them for Student Rep Awards)
    • Attending occasional meetings (such as the Staff Breakfasts hosted by the Students’ Union, and the Student Rep Steering Group)