Course Rep Induction
Welcome to the Course Representatives’ Induction 2015-16
Welcome
• Congratulations!
• Introductions
Purpose of the session
• Aims - To learn and develop the skills and knowledge to be an
effective Course Representative
• Learning Objectives - After this training session, you should be able
to:
• Know the benefits and responsibilities of being a course rep
• Be aware of how course reps fit into the University structure
• Be able to prepare for a course committee.
1 Truths, 1 Lie
• Going around your table, say 2 statements about your self
• 1 statements should be true and 1 should be a lie
• The people on your table will then guess which one they think was a lie
Being a Course Rep
Get to know what you’ll be doing over the coming year
Responsibilities of a Course Rep
• Activity:
• In groups discuss and write on the flip chart paper what you think makes a
good Course Rep
• Make sure to mention:
• The role of Course Reps in the University
• The responsibilities
• Who are Course Reps accountable to?
Course Representative Responsibilities
• Identifying students’ issues, concerns and needs relating to learning
and teaching
• Keeping students informed of decisions regarding the course
• Attending meetings and communicating student issues, views and
needs
• Negotiating on behalf of students to get what’s best for them
• Liaising with other Course Representatives and the SU on issues
• Campaigning on relevant issues
Course Representative Responsibilities
• Reporting back to students on development
• Consulting with students on what they want
• Providing a link between students and staff and building a
relationship with the University
• Initiating change
• Referring relevant welfare issues to the RRW team.
• Course Rep report
Accountability
Course Reps are accountable to the following:
• The Students
• The University
• The Committees you sit on
• The Faculty
• The Students’ Union
• Other Reps
Perks of the job
• You are a Student Leader
• Opportunity to provide critical commentary on your total student
experience
• Each Course Rep will receive a certificate at the end of the year
providing that they complete requirements outlined in the handbook
• Free workshops provided to help boost your employability and skills
• Chance of winning awards!
• HEAR!!
Faculty Reps
• For the first time UWSU is creating Faculty Reps:
• There is only 1 per department and should be current Course Reps
• Faculty Reps are being piloted by UWSU
• Faculty Reps role:
• FRs will work very closely with the sabbatical officer and other FRs
• They will lead and design campaigns
• 5 revolving FRs will be part of the “Scrutiny Panel” who will hold sabbatical
officers to account
• Email: I.Sanaullah1@Westminster.ac.uk
The Role
Know where you as a Course Rep
Course Committees
• Designed to allow feedback to your Course Leader on matters related
to learning and teaching
• Part of the University’s quality enhancement, which includes annual
monitoring and periodic course review (at least every 6 years).
Course
Committee
Faculty
Board
Quality
Review
learning
and
teaching
Academic
Council
Course Committees
• Course Committees deal with matters related to your course. There is
one Course Committee for every course, which meets once a
semester. Normally there will be two or three representatives for
each level of study in attendance, as well as the Course Leader
(Chair), teaching teams and representatives from the library and IT
services.
• A formal agenda will be sent to you by your Course Leader/nominee
and minutes of the discussion will be taken.
Tips for the role
• Be professional!
• Issues should be dealt with informally as they arise if possible, then at
Course Committees.
• As a Course Representative it is your role not just to bring up student
issues but also to give a student perspective on other issues that may
be discussed at the meetings you attend.
• Use research as part of projects – if you can prove that students want
something you have more bargaining power!
Monthly Meetings
• Course Reps:
• Course Reps should have monthly meetings to raise and discuss issues with
their Faculty Rep. They can work together to bring in the desired changes.
• Faculty Reps:
• FRs will not only be meeting as Course Reps but will also have a meeting with
all other Faculty Reps to discuss issues they have faced and will feed into the
work of the SU and the University.
• FRs will also bring forward information they have been fed by other course
reps.
(Bi-)Annual Student Conference
• Course Reps will lead on the Annual Student Conference (ASC), which
gives all students the opportunity to review what UWSU has been
doing to support students in various areas.
• The Conference is centered around feedback on what the SU has
been doing in addition to discussing key agenda items.
• The next ASC will take place on 3rd December 2015
Communication
Communication is the key to everything
The importance of communication
• You will be dealing with different types of people, but it is important that
you communicate effectively with all of them:
• Students
• Make sure you gather information from students regarding their issues
• Also give them information of things you have chased up or proposed to change in meetings,
and disclose any outcomes you have achieved
• Staff
• Staff can’t improve things if they don’t know what needs to be improved – meetings are key!
• Sometimes a meeting is more effective than running a campaign
Heads Up!
• Group Activity
• In the middle of your table you will find a pot with a pieces of paper. Get one
piece of paper each and hold it above your head so that the text is facing the
groups.
• Now go around the table, the people in your group need to try and explain to
you what is written on the paper without saying the actual word.
Confidentiality
In line with UWSU policies:
Information given to a Course Rep should not be disclosed (directly or
indirectly) to any third party without the student’s consent. Written
consent is preferred however verbal consent is accepted provided it is
made explicit.
As a Course Rep, you must adhere to this policy at all times.
Meeting Skills
Reasons to have meetings
• Share information
• Gain commitment
• Make decisions
• Gather ideas or brainstorm
• Review and monitor
Types of meetings
• Social meetings
• Telephone meetings/
conference
• Public meetings
• Formal committees
• Impromptu
• Disciplinary/Misconduct
• Interviews
• One to one
• Course Committees and
Faculty Forums
Things to be aware of
Knowledge is Power!
Academic Societies
• Why we have Academic societies:
• Statistics from the NUS Success in the Student Market reveal that the ‘primary focus of students is
academic activities.’
• Academic societies enhance student learning, build a community and increase student interaction.
• Course Reps and societies – how can you work together?
• You are the link between the student community and academic staff
• Meet regularly with society presidents
• Meet with academics
• Reward and recognition scheme:
• Course Reps and society interaction will be recorded in the upcoming Reward and Recognition
scheme.
• For more information please contact Madiya: M.Altaf1@westminster.ac.uk
National Student Survey (NSS)
• A survey which gives Level 6 students the opportunity to voice their
opinions on what they liked and disliked about their institution and
course. They can comment on things they feel could have been
improved.
• The next survey is due to take place in February- March 2015. Look out for
opportunities to get involved!
• There will be training in January 2015 on how Course Reps can use
NSS data to improve the learning experience on their course.
Thank you for your time
Website:
http://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/current-students/westminsterextra/student-representation
http://www.uwsu.com/representation/
UWSU Advice Service:
Email: advice.(your campus)@su.westminster.ac.uk
Website: http://www.uwsu.com/advice/