What are Student Reps?
Welcome to the Student Representative system at Glasgow University. Student Reps are closely linked with teaching and learning; they’re an important source of information for lecturers in classes and departments. They are also the first point of contact for students who have a problem, or suggestion about a class as a whole. The Student Rep acts as a middleman between the students and lecturers. That might sound like a lot of responsibility for one person but that’s where the Students’ Representative Council comes in. The SRC provide training for Student Reps at the beginning of each semester and can be contacted throughout the year for support and advice. If a Student Rep comes across a big issue that requires attention at a higher level then both the relevant Faculty Representative and the VP Learning & Development are on hand to help.
Who can be a Student Rep?
Anyone, well almost anyone. You have to be a fully matriculated student at Glasgow University. But you could be any type of student. Part time, full time, first year, final year, post grad, undergrad, international, home. Doing any course in any faculty, all you need is the right attitude.
Why do we need Student Reps?
Student Reps are essential to both the University and the SRC. They allow students to air their views to the academics that run their department on issues like course content, teaching and resources. As well as this, they operate as a part of the SRC, meaning that any recurring problems which students are having can be passed through from Student Reps to Faculty Reps and to the Vice President (Learning & Development) who can take action on behalf of the students.
How do I become a Student Rep?
Student Reps are elected in class during the first few weeks of each semester. The class lecturer organises an election, sometimes with assistance from faculty conveners. Don’t worry though; it’s not as daunting as it sounds. It’s quite simple, no big speeches required. Just give a quick “hello", tell the class your name and why you would be a good Student Rep. Simple.
Now you’re a Student Rep
So you decide you want to be a Student Rep. You stand for election and are successful. Semesters just started, everything is going nicely and no one seems to have any complaints. The first Staff-Student Liaison Committee (SSLC) Meeting isn’t for another month, and you’re starting to wonder why you bothered becoming a Student Rep, as they’re obviously not needed. WRONG! Take the initiative: Make sure the class and the lecturer know who you are.
How?
- Introduce yourself at the start of the year in one of the lectures. Make sure everyone knows your name, what your role is and how to contact you.
- Get your photo, and contact details posted on the departmental notice board. Also make sure your details are included in the SRC Student Rep database.
- Inform the class about upcoming SSLC’s, get their input and remember and feedback what went on.
Keep in contact with your Faculty Convenor, who can give advice and support and may even have had a similar issue to deal with.
How to deal with a problem
A student wants you to follow up an issue they have. So what do you do? Make sure you get the full story from them. Then decide if it’s an isolated issue or does it affect other students as well. If it’s isolated then the SSLC may not be the correct place to address it. You need to know what the student wants you to do, so approve any plan of action with the student. Follow the plan through... and report back to the student. Remember if you’re unsure then speak to your Faculty Convenor or the Vice President (Learning & Development).
All this information and more can be found in the presentation Becoming a Student Representative, click here to download.