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► What To Do If....
What to do if...
As a Course Rep, it is almost certain that you will come across a student with a problem which will require action. Although some of these you will be able to deal with directly, some will require referring the student to the relevant person or department.
Mitigating Circumstances
Sometimes called 'mits '. There may be cases when external forces cause a student's work to suffer through no fault of their own. Examples of this can be bereavement, illness etc. In these cases the student might be entitled to mitigation, which may be extended submission deadlines for coursework, or repeat exams as first attempt etc. You should advise the student to speak to their Scheme Leader or Personal Tutor, or to see an appointed faculty tutor so that they can fill out the relevant forms. Evidence of their claim will be required.
Academic Complaints
You have to use your common sense here to gauge how serious the complaint actually is. If a student has a problem with a specific lecturer, then often an informal chat can lead to a resolution. However, in more serious cases students may have to follow the Student Complaints Procedure. Copies are available in all Faculties, at the Students' Union or at Student Registry or here.
Academic Appeals
A student may feel that their results for coursework or exams were adversely affected by circumstances beyond their control, illness or an administrative error. In this case it is best to advise the student of their right to appeal, and then direct them to the Education Officer in the Students' Union.
Academic Infringements
This is basically being accused of cheating or suspected of breaching the University's plagiarism policy , and this is a very serious offence. The student will be asked to attend a hearing where the accusation will be explained to them and they will have the opportunity to defend themselves. The panel in the hearing is independent of the faculty the student belongs to, and is impartial. The student is advised to take one person with them, and it is strongly recommended that they take the Education Officer. It is important that you advise the student to seek advice from the Students' Union as soon as possible on what to do next.
Boundaries...
With all of these it's important as a Course Rep that you don't exceed your ability and training. If you take things further than you should it could prove detrimental to the student, which is against the principles of having Course Reps in the first place. If you have any doubts about a case, contact the Students' Union, who'll be able to advise you of the best course of action. There is no problem too big or small for the Union to advise on, or deal with directly, so please don't tackle something you're not trained to do, as it could do more harm than good. See Boundaries.
Being an Effective Course Rep
Positive Responses
• Take your time, allow time to think and seek advice if necessary
• Do not feel total responsibility, you are not the only source of help
• Enable students to make their own choices
• Listen, but don't feel that you have to provide answers
• Be clear and 'boundaried' about how much time you have got and where your helping role ends
• Give them options - the range of appropriate sources of help
• Maintain confidentiality
• Know when you need to pass on information (if a student is at rish, after seeking advice, preferably with the student's consent)
• Accept that there are limits to what can be done to help
• Allow them to stay in charge and make their own decisions
• Seek support for yourself (take time to 'de-brief', talk to another Course Rep, a colleague, a Student Counsellor )
Negative Responses
• Wanting to be liked
• Not listening
• Trying to identify too much with the student
• Transferring your own anxieties onto the student
• Gossiping, breaking confidentiality
• Imposing your own solutions
• Wanting to do too much for the student
• Finding a quick solution
Lynne Fisher, Mental Health Advisor ( Student Services , UoG), Nov 2006
