Skip to main content

Course Rep FAQs


WHAT IS A COURSE REP?

The primary role of a Course Rep is to effectively gather feedback from classmates and pass it on to teaching staff. Course Reps play an essential part in assuring the high quality of learning and teaching provisions at the University by being the first point of contact between Course/Module Leaders and students. 

This is an exciting and important role and one that carries great responsibility. Course Reps are in a prime position to help students with course-related problems, tell staff when something is working well, and make positive changes for current and future students on their course. 

 

WHAT ARE THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF A COURSE REP?

  • Attend compulsory training with the Students' Union 
  • Attend Student Staff Course Liaison Groups (one per term), to feedback any problems about the course to your Course Leader. 
  • Attend Course Rep Assemblies (twice per year per school - you should try to attend both for your school if you can).
  • Promote yourself among your peers (make sure students on your course know who you are and how to reach you if they want to raise a matter with you).
  • Get feedback from your peers (you can do this by face-to-face chats, social media, running a survey or sending out emails).
  • Feedback to students the outcomes of meetings you attend and update them on upcoming University and Students' Union events!
  • Liaise with your Student Voice Representative, Course Leader and Module Leaders to identify and respond to student issues and share best practice.
  • Support your Course Leader with NSS briefings in your third year.

 

HOW WILL THE ROLE WORK IN THE CURRENT COVID-19 RELATED CIRCUMSTANCES? 

The Student Voice Team have moved the full programme of support, meetings and training online, which will be facilitated via video call programmes that students will have access to. 

 

HOW MANY HOURS OF WORK WILL I HAVE TO PUT IN?  

If you become a course rep, you will need to attend a variety of University and Students' Union meetings.

Student-Staff Course Liaison Groups are the main forum for Course Reps to meet Course/Module Leaders and give feedback and they should be happening once per term. You will also need to attend Students' Union meetings if you want to be effective in your role, to liaise with other Course Reps and get support from Student Voice Reps. This includes training at the start of the academic year and Course Representative Assemblies which take place twice per year.

There is an expectation on Course Reps to perform all their basic duties, yet there are opportunities to do more things and learn new skills that will allow reps to gain higher level Course Rep certificates.

 

HOW DO I GET THE COURSE REP CERTIFICATE? 

Everything you do as a Course Rep is allocated a number of points (see the rewards page for more information), and everyone should achieve a bronze certificate as long as they perform minimum Course Rep duties. However much you put in is what you'll get out - you will also have the opportunity to achieve a silver, gold or platinum certificate. 

Course Reps also have the opportunity to win Course Rep of the Year at the Student Choice Awards. 

 

WILL I HAVE ANY SUPPORT?

The Students' Union will hold two Course Representative Assemblies per year per school. This is an opportunity for reps to network and discuss issues that students have raised. It is also an opportunity to get help from the Student Voice Team and Student Voice Representatives. 

The Student Voice Team will monitor Course Rep attendance and are always available to help reps with any issue that arises. If you have any queries or concerns over your time as a Course Rep, you can contact the Student Voice Team for support and guidance.

 

WILL I HAVE TO ATTEND ANY TRAINING?

Yes! The Students' Union will provide training sessions in the Autumn Term (October/November) and online sessions for second-intake students in February/March. Training is compulsory as it will allow you to develop skills, as well as inform you about University and Union structures to help you be effective in your role. You can find Course Rep training dates on the training page.

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A COURSE REP?

By being a rep, you will not only develop invaluable skills which will make you stand out from the crowd in your future job search, but you will also be contributing to the quality assurance of student degrees and enhancing the student experience for your classmates.

Here are some key skills you will gain through the role:

  • Mediation
  • Communication
  • Time Management
  • Leadership
  • Public Speaking
  • Problem Solving
  • Assertiveness

 

I'M INTERESTED IN BECOMING A COURSE REP - HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

If you're interested in becoming a Course Representative, speak to your Course Leader as soon as possible. If you'd like any additional information about the role, contact the Student Voice Team at the Students' Union, who can help with any queries.

Powered by MSL