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Course Rep Information
Glamorgan Students' Union believes it is vitally important that students are represented at all levels. We are committed to implementing and maintaining the Course Reps scheme because representation and feedback will help to ensure that students and academics gain the most from their time here.
Thank you for supporting the Course Representative scheme. If you are not directing the scheme yourself please share this information with the relevant staff members and students in your department.
Since 2006, the University and the Union have joint funded a full time staff member to develop student representation systems and structures at the University. The Course Reps Coordinator has worked closely with colleagues in CELT to ensure Glamorgan’s best practice has been disseminated throughout the sector, which presentations delivered at:
• HEFCW conference entitled "The Extent and Effectiveness of Student Representation Structures within Higher Education Institutions Across Wales" - Glamorgan as an example of good practice.
• HEA annual National Student Survey conference, presentation entitled “Working towards Institutional Review: using the NSS to tell the story”
Glamorgan is on a journey to improve student representation because of:
• Glamorgan's commitment to student involvement
• to contribute to the achievement of the strategic aim to improve the student experience
• the institutional review in 2008/9.
There is much ground to be covered on this journey, but it is a positive one. We'll know when we've arrived at the end of our journey when we have achieved the a fully functioning interlinked Course Rep system when Course Reps know that their system is highly valued and effective, and when the loop is closed.
Course Reps - who cares?
Staff
Course Reps are a crucial element in the quality assurance and enhancement processes, and are central to making improvements in the student experience. Course Reps can help to develop various aspects of the course, including teaching styles, assessment methods and so on. Students are the experts as they're the ones receiving the learning experience.
Students
There are numerous opportunities and benefits for students becoming Course Reps (see other pages in this section) and Course Reps can now gain 5 academic credits at Level 1 for their work (see mini-module pages).
The Student Charter
Glamorgan's Student Charter outlines the University's commitment to student representation. Here's what it has to say.
Student involvement and representation
The University is committed to education as a partnership and therefore believes that your input into the decision making processes of the University is fundamental to the success of your learning.
• The primary means of student representation at the University is through the Students' Union and through elected representatives at course level. The Students' Union will normally be consulted on all major issues in the University and will provide representation by officers on the main University committees, including the Board of Governors and Academic Board.
• Your elected representative(s) at course level will also be consulted wherever possible on relevant issues and will be expected to collect and convey your responses and opinions to the course team".
I'm a Scheme Leader, what do I need to do?
Elections
At the beginning of the academic year, Course Reps need to be elected. Different Scheme Leaders have different methods of doing this, but usually the Scheme Leader explains to their group what Course Reps are, why they are important, what students can gain from the role, and take any questions. Students can be elected into the role using a 'hands up' voting method, or, depending on the number of students standing, a secret ballot method. Providing all students are happy with the election process, almost any method works!
How many Course Reps should be elected?
Most courses have one Course Rep per level, although depending on the size of the group, there can be more. There is no written rule for this - it's generally left up to the students and Scheme Leader to decide.
When should Course Reps be elected?
Course Reps should be elected as soon as possible at the beginning of each course, so that Course Reps can attend training sessions.
After the Course Rep(s) has been elected...
The details of the Course Reps should be emailed to the Course Reps Coordinator as soon as possible, so that the Course Reps can be contacted with training details, support mechanisms and information. Please send the Course Reps' NAME, PREFERRED EMAIL ADDRESS, COURSE and YEAR, so that their details can be added to the Course Reps database.
It's half way through the year and my Course Rep doesn't feel they can continue in the role, this is no problem - but please elect another Course Rep as soon as possible to ensure that your students are represented.
Election guidelines for Academic Staff
One of the most important parts of the Course Rep system is electing the right representative. This means ensuring that all students get the opportunity to stand as a candidate, and vote in the election. Students also need to be given information about the role so that they can decide whether to stand, and who to vote for. These pages contain election guidelines, although we are aware that many departments run their own elections, and we are happy for this to continue, but for those that want more information, please read on.
These guidelines should hopefully ensure a fair and effective election:
1. Tutors should explain the scheme and encourage students to stand. Flyers, posters, handouts etc are available from the Students' Union if you feel you need them.
2. Once students have made it clear that they want to stand, you can encourage them to give a short speech to their peers, and take questions - almost like a mini-hustings.
3. You can ask the candidates to leave the room whilst students vote for who they want to represent them - this can either be done by students raising their hands, or by a secret ballot. It's best to use the method students feel most comfortable with.
4. Once Course Reps have been elected, please email their details - NAME, PREFERRED EMAIL ADDRESS, COURSE and YEAR to the Students’ Union.
5. It also might be useful for the Course Rep to meet last year's Course Rep, and / or a member of staff to discuss their role as a Course Rep, and what staff expect from them. It would be useful to make it clear to newly elected Course Reps that advice and support is available to them at the Students' Union, and that they will receive training.
If your department has particularly good practice in electing Course Reps, please get in touch - it would be useful to publicise good examples here.
Need more information?
CELT has produced a guide for staff on Course Reps entitled: "Getting the best from Course Representatives on Committees and Groups: A Best Practice Guide for Faculties and Programme Leaders".
