Case Studies
Course Reps might have to deal with the following:
Students aren't coming to me with any issues or problems.
Do students know who you are and what you're there for? Publicity is important, especially at the start of the year. Try asking your lecturers for a couple of minutes at the start of a lecture for you to stand up and introduce yourself as a Course Rep. It might be nerve-wracking the first time, but you'll be fine! You could also put a photo of yourself on your department noticeboard with your contact details so students know who you are. Maybe you could produce a small newsletter, or send an email to all students on your course. Some Course Reps have their own online blogs and sites to communicate with other students. Different methods work well for different groups.
Remember that you're not just collecting negative issues, staff like to know what they're doing well, which modules are particularly enjoyable and so on.
A lecturer is taking too long to return coursework
You could take this issue to a Student-Staff Liaison or Scheme Board meeting on behalf of the students. Have a chat with the lecturer first, and then your Scheme Leader if you have no success. There may be a very good reason for the delay, or the lecturer may have forgotten and need reminding - we're all human!! If the late return of assignments is a serious and continuing problem on your course, you could get the issue brought up at a Faculty Board meeting. (see 'Faculty Boards' for more info).
A student has serious financial problems
Students might come to you with problems which are completely un-course related. This might include any number of things, but it is very important to stress that you must not deal with these problems. There are various support and advice networks in the University and they are open to all students. You can advise the student to seek further help and advice and suggest that they visit Student Services or the Students' Union. If you feel that you can't deal with a situation, please contact the Students' Union - we're here to help!
Other issues might include...
Cancelled lectures, late lecturers, lack of availability of past exam papers, limited access to lab equipment or computers, discriminatory practices, problems with tutors, teaching methods, resources for studying, limited academic support and so on...
If you come across an issue and you're not sure how to tackle it, please get in touch with the Students' Union. Remember, there's a Course Reps network on Glamspace and Blackboard so you might find it useful to discuss your experiences (although please be sensitive with students' details) - the chances are someone else has encountered a similar situation.
Click here
for the NUS FE Course Reps Logs - not HE, but contains useful information.
