Class Rep training: New Reps October 2014

WhenWhat Welcomes, intro and objectives Collaborate History of the role, SSCC structure and staff relations Assertiveness tips Advocate Student learning experience Students’ Association structure How to create change What can your SP do for you Represent The diversity of our students, and being representative Exercise: collecting evidence inc. google docs survey Feedback from exercise Break and networking Engage The evolution of the CR role What’s out there for you The PSC as on-going development Class rep expansion packs and Proctor’s Award

Role of Director of Representation Ondrej Hajda full-time student officer covering the areas of: – education (academic reps!) – equal opportunities – student wellbeing – democracy (elections!) passionate Twitter user

CARE:CARE:

C ollaborate :

‘the democratic intellect’ what’s it mean for me?

We’re equal partners in education!

Collaboration Statements Amongst staff & St Andrews No decision should be made without student input - you’re how we make sure that’s true. 1.Early information 2.Feedback

Class reps rate the skills they need to be effective in the job 1.Communication Skills 6.86/8 2.Confidence 6.10/8 3.Knowledge of staff within the School 5.05/8 3= Knowledge of school’s processes 5.05/8 4.Assertiveness 4.76/8 5.Public speaking 3.57/8 6.Knowledge of Students Association structures 2.95/8 7.Minute taking 1.67/8

ASSERTIVENESS SKILLS Cat Wilson

the Assertiveness Continuum Passive Assertive Aggressive Where are you generally? Why are you there?

assertion vs aggression Assertive individuals tend to achieve much more in the long run that either passive or aggressive people. Definition of Assertiveness: communicating your rights, needs and wants without harming the rights of others

Assertiveness Techniques The Three Part Assertion Statement – Useful when you feel you are being treated unfairly or are in danger of giving in to pressure. – It offers a structured way to force you to be assertive. – 3 brief sentences FACT FEELING NEED

Three-Part Assertion Statement 1. Statement of FACT The situation: “I’ve been waiting for your reply for three days and you promised that I would have it today…” 2. Statement of FEELING How you feel: “I feel angry and let down because I believed what you said and now I feel you’re fobbing me off…” 3. Statement of NEED What you want: “I need your decision now…” Rehearse the statement before you get into the situation. Try to deliver your statement in a calm and controlled manner.

Assertion Statement Exercise 1. You are working with four other class reps on a feedback project. One of your group has not completed their share of the work, and now the group is at risk of missing the SSCC deadline… 2. The other class rep for your year arranges to meet you but turns up half an hour late. You want to convey your annoyance without spoiling your friendship. 3.You find that another class rep often takes credit at class rep forums for your good ideas… The situation…. Your feelings…. Your wants and needs….

When addressing behaviour 1. Own it! [“In my opinion…” “I have noticed…”] 2. Separate the person from the behaviour [accent vs speed of speech] 3. Explain cause and effect [when you do x, the result is y]

A dvocate :

HISTORY, SSCC STRUCTURE AND STAFF RELATIONS Teddy Woodhouse

Student Academic Representation

What can School President do for you? Advice & support Contacts ing rights to students (e.g. can target specific modules) Funding through Education Discretionary Fund

Education Discretionary Fund £4,000 for School Presidents and Class Reps Apply through your School President Examples: careers event, student-staff social, undergraduate conference, magazine, posters, noticeboards etc. (but no alcohol)

HOW TO CREATE CHANGE

The Change Equation D x V + FS > R

Dealing with apathy 1.Don’t let it suck you in 2.Change the things you can 3.Create small disturbances 4.Pick one thing 5.Break it down

posters announcements chatting surveys social networks s Get to the corners

R epresent :

OUR STUDENT DIVERSITY & REPRESENTATION Ondrej

Evidence-based change Back your arguments with evidence Surveys – NSS, module feedback, student-run (Google Docs) “1 good, 1 bad, 1 random” Hands up Social media Office hours

COLLECTING EVIDENCE 1. Let’s build a list of quantitative and qualitative measures. 2. Two groups to discuss the pros/cons Student Staff Student

BREAK AND NETWORKING Say Hi to a Class Rep you don’t know

E ngage :

EVOLUTION OF THE CR ROLE Ondrej

NEXT STEPS

PSC Evening lectures 5.15pm) Skills sessions (mondays 2-4pm) Online workshops (24/7 when launched) Leadership; positive personal impact; followership; communication; planning; effective time management; managing a team, meetings and minutes, project management, speaking to a large audience, building resilience, understanding thinking styles, how to engage others, assertiveness, presentation skills, what employers want, negotiation skills, valuing diversity, time management, interpersonal communication, learning styles and train the trainer, writing for the web, effective posters, time management, managing change, organisations and strategy, professional conduct, influencing others, confidence, motivation and mindset, being enterprising….

EXPANSION PACKS 21/10 Library 22/10 Careers 27/10 Minutes 29/10 Social

Proctor’s Award Launched last year for School Presidents and Class Reps and will be mentioned on your transcript “To recognise amazing commitment by students in enhancing learning and teaching in the University” Winner: Max Fabiszewski