1. Introduction: Being a Course Rep

2. Learning objectives – identify the role of a rep – jargon busting – consider ways to get info from coursemates – how to approach issues – meeting etiquette – what’s in it for you

3. Role of a rep what’s the point? how do I achieve this? what’s in it for me?

4. What do you think… task 1 why do we have course reps? how will you do this? what are you expecting to get from this?

5. Purpose of course reps improve the student academic experience by developing solutions to issues represent students in departmental meetings providing positive and constructive feedback to the university/department staff vital link between the staff, students, and the students’ union

6. Course reps are change makers

7. How? you represent by: -consulting students -presenting findings at meetings, and between meetings -feeding back to students -developing solutions

8. Why? benefits: useful skills will be gained great on your cv creating change for yourself, your coursemates, and future students

9. Skills: communication organisation diplomacy negotiation research presentation… and much more!

10. Why does it matter? student views dialogue with staff improved learning experience You are the expert!

12. Jargon Busting…! Task 2 -quality of teaching and learning -student experience -student engagement -representation -accountability

13. Quality: A way of describing how well a university facilitates students to achieve an all-round great academic experience This may be through useful feedback, great teaching, great course structure and content, facilities and so on.

14. Student Experience: Different things to different types of student. There are many different aspects of university life which affect the experience of students; from quality of teaching, level of academic support and provision of learning and library space to the opportunities for volunteering, sport and other extra-curricular activities, work-based learning and paid work.

15. Student Engagement How students are actively involved in shaping their academic experience Representation Acting and speaking on behalf of someone – you are the student voice.

16. Accountability Responsibility to someone for an action. In this case – you are responsible to your coursemates as their representative. National student survey (NSS) National survey of final-year undergraduates.

17. Gathering Student Opinion Shout outs Notice boards Talk to people Email lists Social media – fb, twitter etc. Online surveys Google docs

18. Bringing solutions Task 3 Think about your course. What sorts of issues might you want to discuss?

20. Meetings You will attend meetings called INSERT and these happen every INSERT. The people you can expect to be there are INSERT You may wish to insert terms of reference for the meeting here if you have any

21. Before the meeting: consult your peers agree points to be discussed with other reps and who will take responsibility for each prepare any notes and evidence but be respectful of confidentiality is the NSS on the agenda? If not, consider adding it. For info on using the NSS see read the minutes of the previous meeting to check for any actions that need following up contact us/me at INSERT if you need any help or support

22. be professional work through the chair and respect the agenda ensure actions are minuted with responsibility allocated to someone seek to create an atmosphere of genuine dialogue listen as well as ask note down important things to feed back to students Do

23. long preamble or anecdotes to questions waste time be afraid to question Don’t

24. After the meeting: ensure you know the key outcomes of the meeting feed this all back to your peers follow up with persons responsible for actions

25. What’s in this for you? The employability factor – lots of new skills and experiences to add to your CV and talk about in interviews. For tips on using the experience see (weblink to QM site) Bringing about positive change (name a win?) and enhancing yours and your mates’ student experience Accreditation?

26. Additional info For local support: SU CONTACT DETAILS Additional training Quality matters weblink for… Additional training, etc.