Academic Student Representation at Newcastle University

Student Reps They are: Students who have volunteered to represent you They are your voice Students who have volunteered to represent you at University learning, teaching & student experience meetings. They are your voice, so make sure you contact your representatives to let them know the positive / negative aspects of your Programme and University experience.

Why are student reps important? Student-led change Voice your opinions to the University Work in partnership with staff Feedback to you on proposed changes They are a mechanism for student-led change! They provide you with the opportunity feedback on aspects of your Course, Programme or University experience that you feel strongly about. They work with staff to solve the issues you have raised. They should be letting you know about how decisions made by the University affect you.

Achievements In the Institute of Cellular Medicine, Staff and PGR Reps are working together to promote peer-led training workshops and video tutorials for laboratory and analysis techniques In Cell and Molecular Biosciences, individual study/write up rooms for final year PhD students have been introduced Reps from IGM organised a successful student away day

Student Rep Roles Course Rep SSC Student Chair & Secretary Organise their Course/Programme’s SSC Creates the agenda Lead the meetings Ensure the committee makes decisions Follows up on actions Take notes/minutes 1 for every 20 students Gathers feedback Attend Student-Staff Committee (SSC) meetings Inform SSC of students’ views Develop solutions with staff Feeds back to the student body Course rep: 1 for every 20 students Gather feedback from students on their course Attend Student-Staff Committee (SSC) meetings Inform staff of student opinion on the course Develop solutions with staff Feedback to students on their course SSC Chair and sec: Organise their Course/Programme’s SSC Creates the agendas Lead the meetings Ensure the committee makes decisions Follows up on actions Take notes/minutes

Student Rep Roles School Rep Education Officer Two per School - one taught, one research Represent the student view at Faculty meetings Meets with key staff Feeds back to Course Reps Attends University wide meetings Represents the whole student view Feeds back to the School Reps what has changed School rep: Usually two per School - one taught, one research Represent the student view at Faculty meetings Meets with key staff Feeds back to Course Reps what has been decided at both University and Faculty meetings Education officer: Attends University wide meetings Represents the whole student view Feeds back to the School Reps what has changed

How it Fits Together!

How to get involved You already are! You all have opinions about your Course and the University Make sure your opinions are heard by feeding back to your reps! Want to be a rep???? How to get involved: You already are - you all have opinions about your Course (positive and negative)! Make sure your opinions are heard! – Chat with your Course or School Reps about your experience and make sure they feedback to you!

How to get involved Course Rep SSC Student Chair & Secretary elected at the start of the academic year by course mates SSC Student Chair & Secretary elected by the Student-Staff Committee School Rep appointed by the Students’ Union Education Officer elected by cross-campus ballot in March If you want to get fully involved– here’s how to become the different types of rep

Why you should become a Rep! Improve your Course Develop your skills and employability Meet people from across the University Have your work officially recognised through NCL+ The chance to win a Pride of Newcastle Award and £250! Improve your Course and the University for you, your course mates and future students Develop your skills and employability Meet people from across the University Have your work recognised on your degree transcript through the NCL+ accreditation scheme. The chance to be nominated for a Pride of Newcastle Award and win £250!

Thanks for Listening! Chris Duddy Quotes from past Reps Chris Duddy Education Officer e: education.union@ncl.ac.uk t: 0191 239 3963 David Jones Representation Support Worker e: rdc.union@ncl.ac.uk t: 0191 239 3983 Get involved! www.nusu.co.uk/courserep http://www.facebook.com/NUSU.Academic.Reps @NUSUvoice “Not only did it improve the course but I got to know my Degree Programme Director and the course admin staff which is useful.” “many of the reps' ideas have been implemented - such as a revamp of the common room and a new student mentor service.” “I have gained important diplomatic skills from the meetings that I have attended.” “I have gained important diplomatic skills from the meetings that I have attended.” “Not only did it improve the course but I got to know my Degree Programme Director and the course admin staff which is useful.” “many of the reps' ideas have been implemented - such as a revamp of the common room and a new student mentor service.” “I was surprised how seriously the staff took our opinions.” “I was surprised how seriously the staff took our opinions.”