Welcome to Course Representative

Training 2013

Whilst you are waiting please could you complete the course rep details

sheet.

Hello & Welcome

Your role as a Course Rep• To represent the views of students on your course to your lecturers &

programme leaders. AIM: to make changes to benefit students on your course.

• To raise issues with other course reps and the student union, so that common issues can be raised at a higher level.

AIM: to improve institution-wide procedures to the benefit all students, and to share ideas and suggestions with other course reps.

• To facilitate communication between the student body and your college, the University, and the Students’ Union.

AIM: to act as a representative and provide a flow of communication, about both academic issues and other opportunities and events

Your tasks as a Course Rep• Attend course rep training

(and get in touch if you would like any additional training)• Publicise yourself and your role to your peers• Gather student views and determine any issues that you should

raise at programme committee / rep forum meetings• Attend the various meetings you are invited to • Feedback outcomes from meetings to your peers• Follow up on issues and complete any actions you have agreed to. • Sign-post students to UPSU / College / University Services• Publicise campaigns and opportunities from UPSU

The Representation StructureStudent Representative Representing Meetings Attended

UPSU President All Plymouth University Students University Board of Governors

VP Engagement All Off Campus Students Faculty Board

College Rep All HE Students at your college UPSU Parliament

College Rep (or a few course reps) All HE Students at your college College Joint Board of Studies

Course RepresentativesRepresenting students from your

group (possibly including the views from other years, part time students)

Cross-College Student Rep Forums

Course Representatives Representing the views of your specific class or group Programme Committee

Key ContactsStudent Representative Representing Meetings Attended

UPSU President All Plymouth University Students University Board of Governors

VP Engagement All UPC Faculty Students UPC Faculty Board

College Rep All UPC Students at your college UPSU Parliament

College Rep (or a few course reps) All UPC Students at your college College Joint Board of Studies

Course RepresentativesRepresenting students from your

group (possibly including the views from other years, part time students)

Cross-College Student Rep Forums

Course Representatives Representing the views of your specific class or group Programme Committee

Rich

Sarah Pookvpengagement@upsu.com

Sarah Bowmanpresident@upsu.com

YOU!

It’s a feedback loop

Student Representative Representing Meetings AttendedUPSU President All Plymouth University Students University Board of Governors

UPSU Deputy President All UPC Faculty Students UPC Faculty Board

UPC Student Rep All UPC Students at your college UPSU Parliament

UPC Student Rep (or a few course reps) All UPC Students at your college College Joint Board of Studies

Course RepresentativesRepresenting students from your

group (possibly including the views from other years, part time students)

Cross-College Student Rep Forums

Course Representatives Representing the views of your specific class or group Programme Committee

Things you would like changed & best practice

Changes that have been made , information about opportunities & best practice

Three important stagesBefore meetings• Be prepared• Gather & record

the student views• Go through the

‘ABCD of representation

During meetings• Arrive ready• Be polite• Speak clearly• Represent the

views of your group• Listen & make

notes of what’s been said

After meetings• Close the feedback

loop• Share feedback on

your points raised• Follow up anything

you have agreed to• Share best practice

across the network

Recording Student Views

Boundaries of the role• Sometimes students may have incredibly

emotional or personal issues that they turn to you with. No matter how prepared you may feel to deal with such issues - DON’T! It is not in the best interests of yourself or the student for you to do this.

• Other people are paid to give specialist advice so don’t be tempted to do this yourself!

Other key contacts...Nathan Gornallpartnershipstudents@upsu.com

Sarah Pookvpengagement@upsu.com

UPSU Adviceadvice@upsu.com

+ Your college support services+ Your college HE Office

Anonymity & Confidentiality

• You should not refer to students by name• Assure students that matters are kept anonymous• If a student comes to you with a personal issue you

must keep this confidential (& you should refer them to SU advice).

• Remember, as a course rep you are trusted to be responsible with information.

Log Book

Rewarding your hard work

• Course Rep Certificate – Use your log book to record the meetings and events you attend. Submit a copy of your log book to UPSU to receive your course rep certificate. There are three levels of certificate to work towards... Bronze, Silver, Gold.

• SSTAR Award – The Student & Staff Teaching and Representation Awards take place in April each year. One Course Rep from each faculty is awarded the ‘Course Rep of the Year’ award. Look out for the opportunity to nominate fellow course reps, or teaching staff from your programme.

The Student Study Fileavailable @

www.studywithplymouth.ac.uk

The Plymouth Award@

http://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/plymouthaward/Pages/default.aspx

The National student Survey & Student Perception Questionnaire

• Student Perception Questionnaire – Internal Plymouth University Survey for 1st years

• The National Student Survey – for all Final year Students

• Start Jan 2014 – more communications to follow but you must check your Plymouth email accounts

After today?• Read and use your Course Rep Handbook• Join the Course Rep Facebook Page• Don’t just wait for ‘big meetings’... start making the

most of your role... communicate with fellow students, speak to college staff, and participate in college life.

• Keep in touch, & contact us if you have any questions.

Q & A