Course Reps
What is a course rep?
Course representatives are students elected by you within your own course groups to represent the entire group. This should be done in your lecture at the start of the year. Representation comes from gathering students' views and informing academic staff of your department, and portraying the thoughts of the group; The program is a way to make sure that both staff and students are communicating effectively and to improve the course and/or facilities for the future, and for you. It is a feedback mechanism and one that is essential as you the students are the reason why we are all here, and if you're not happy, something is wrong!
What does a course rep do?
The individual course reps, as well as listening to students views, will attend meetings with course staff, and this is the time to speak up. This is the main responsibility of a course rep. Regular consultation with your course mates can be fed back to staff when attending staff-student liaison panels. These meetings consist of all the course reps in your school and academic staff, where issues of concern such as the content and delivery of the courses, departmental facilities or timetabling are raised. This is the time to let the lecturers and staff know what they are doing right or wrong. But it is also a time to comment on other items raised. Should an issue sound controversial, it is your time to speak on behalf of all the student in your course. It is also important to feed back to students the outcome of these meetings, whether through student council, academic council, or an informal chat with the Students' Union Executive Officers. It is this small input that can make a big difference to the departments and to the future of the institution, and you can help make them happen! In becoming a rep, you become an official channel for student comments, and an integral part of your department's decision-making process.
What skills does a rep need?
Should you volunteer or be elected, you are not thrown in at the deep end. The Students' Union will provide comprehensive training sessions throughout the year for free. You only have to attend one session that covers a variety of topics and skills from the qualities you need, to meeting skills, the structure of the University and the Union and where you fit in. The training provides a positive service and sets you up for the year ahead.
What are the benefits?
The experience of being a course rep can build upon or introduce new interpersonal skills that really count on your CV. It gives you an opportunity to develop a whole range of valuable skills such as problem solving, public speaking, negotiating, meeting skills, assertiveness and so on. Most importantly, you will have the satisfaction of making a positive impact on the University's educational provision, ensuring that students' opinions are heard by decision-makers. It can be demanding, but as with most things, a little bit of effort can result in a small but significant change or reward, it's just up to you to achieve it!
How do I become a rep?
Your department should invite nominations at the start of the Academic Year. Course reps should be selected by week 4, and Training by the Students' Union will commence in Week 6. To find out more, speak to Staff in your department, or Contact Kate Monaghan at the Students' Union on monaghank1@Cardiff.ac.uk
If you can't find your rep, or if you have a difficult of complicated problem, then please come and see the Education & Welfare Officer in the Advice and Representation Centre at the Students' Union:
Kate Monaghan
Education & Welfare Officer
e-mail monaghank1@cf.ac.uk
