Student Representation

What is the Course Representatives Scheme?

The Course Representatives (Course Reps) Scheme is an important mechanism for students to discuss matters relating to your course directly with the Course Team.  The Course Reps act on behalf of students, for instance by attending the Course Scheme Review Committee meetings each Semester.  If you are experiencing problems, your Rep may be able to resolve minor issues although if the problems are more severe you can get in touch with the Student Union (SU) for further assistance.

The SU oversees all the HE (Higher Education) Course Reps at the College. The Academic Sabbatical Officer in the SU is the main organiser of the scheme, and provides the main point of contact between staff and students. The Academic Sabbatical Officer is available to assist all Reps if they have any problems and issues regarding the course to bring forward on behalf of their peers.

Course Rep Training

The Academic Sabbatical Officer is responsible for the training of each cohort of Course Reps. The training takes place at the start of the academic year to allow the Reps to fulfil and get the most our of their role throughout the year.

All Reps are invited to the training and it is highly recommended that they attend – the first couple of sessions may be delivered in partnership with a representative from the NUS (National Union of Students), and the sessions take place either throughout the day or during evenings. The length of these sessions may vary, but they won’t last longer than two hours (including refreshments and breaks). The training is based on interactive sessions and includes scenarios you could face as a Course Rep.  The training tells you how student-issues are dealt with within the College, how these issues are brought forward and how information is disseminated back to students after an issue has been dealt with.

A Handbook is provided along with the training (the Student Rep Guide) to held the Reps in their role and covers the main points from the training session.

For more information on the Course Rep Scheme, and to download the Student Rep Guide, please visit: http://www.writtlestudents.co.uk/bepartofit/course_reps.

Student Representation on College Boards and Committees

The SU provides students representation and acts as the student voice throughout the College on all levels of decision-making. Below is a list of the various meetings and committees the SU attend and the attendees:

• The Academic Sabbatical Officer – Academic Board, Academic Standards Committee, Learning and Teaching Group, FE Council, and Academic Partnerships Board

• The President – Board of Governors, FE Student Council, Learning and Teaching Group

• The VP Welfare – Equality and Diversity Group

• The SU Support Officer – Property and Campus Services

• The FE Officers – FE Student Council.

As you can see the SU has wide representation throughout the College so that they can actively voice student opinions. If you would like the SU officers to raise an issue at these meetings on your behalf – please come in to the SU office for a chat.

Please also visit our SU website for more information: http://www.writtlestudents.co.uk/yourunion/committeesboards.

You will also find more information in the HE Student Handbook