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 Structure UPSU President All Plymouth University Students University Board of Governors VP EngagementAll Off Campus StudentsFaculty Board College RepAll HE Students at your collegeUPSU Parliament College Rep (or a few course reps) All HE Students at your collegeCollege Joint Board of Studies Course Representatives Representing 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 Contacts UPSU President All Plymouth University Students University Board of Governors VP EngagementAll UPC Faculty StudentsUPC Faculty Board College RepAll UPC Students at your collegeUPSU Parliament College Rep (or a few course reps) All UPC Students at your collegeCollege Joint Board of Studies Course Representatives Representing 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 Pook Sarah Bowman YOU!

Its a feedback loop UPSU President All Plymouth University Students University Board of Governors UPSU Deputy PresidentAll UPC Faculty StudentsUPC Faculty Board UPC Student RepAll UPC Students at your collegeUPSU Parliament UPC Student Rep (or a few course reps) All UPC Students at your collegeCollege Joint Board of Studies Course Representatives Representing 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

Three important stages Before 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 whats 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 - DONT! 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 dont be tempted to do this yourself!

Other key contacts... Nathan Gornall Sarah Pook UPSU Advice + 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 File

The Plymouth

The National student Survey & Student Perception Questionnaire Student Perception Questionnaire – Internal Plymouth University Survey for 1 st years The National Student Survey – for all Final year Students Start Jan 2014 – more communications to follow but you must check your Plymouth accounts

After today? Read and use your Course Rep Handbook Join the Course Rep Facebook Page Dont 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