Course Rep InductionWelcome to the Course Representatives’ Induction 2015-16

Welcome

• Congratulations! • Introductions

Purpose of the session

• Aims - To learn and develop the skills and knowledge to be an effective Course Representative• Learning Objectives - After this training session, you should be able

to:• Know the benefits and responsibilities of being a course rep• Be aware of how course reps fit into the University structure• Be able to prepare for a course committee.

1 Truths, 1 Lie

• Going around your table, say 2 statements about your self• 1 statements should be true and 1 should be a lie• The people on your table will then guess which one they think was a lie

Being a Course RepGet to know what you’ll be doing over the coming year

Responsibilities of a Course Rep

• Activity:• In groups discuss and write on the flip chart paper what you think makes a

good Course Rep• Make sure to mention:

• The role of Course Reps in the University• The responsibilities • Who are Course Reps accountable to?

Course Representative Responsibilities• Identifying students’ issues, concerns and needs relating to learning

and teaching• Keeping students informed of decisions regarding the course• Attending meetings and communicating student issues, views and

needs• Negotiating on behalf of students to get what’s best for them• Liaising with other Course Representatives and the SU on issues• Campaigning on relevant issues

Course Representative Responsibilities• Reporting back to students on development • Consulting with students on what they want• Providing a link between students and staff and building a relationship

with the University• Initiating change • Referring relevant welfare issues to the RRW team. • Course Rep report

Accountability

Course Reps are accountable to the following:• The Students• The University • The Committees you sit on • The Faculty• The Students’ Union• Other Reps

Perks of the job

• You are a Student Leader• Opportunity to provide critical commentary on your total student

experience• Each Course Rep will receive a certificate at the end of the year

providing that they complete requirements outlined in the handbook• Free workshops provided to help boost your employability and skills • Chance of winning awards! • HEAR!!

Faculty Reps• For the first time UWSU is creating Faculty Reps:• There is only 1 per department and should be current Course Reps• Faculty Reps are being piloted by UWSU

• Faculty Reps role:• FRs will work very closely with the sabbatical officer and other FRs • They will lead and design campaigns• 5 revolving FRs will be part of the “Scrutiny Panel” who will hold sabbatical

officers to account • Email: I.Sanaullah1@Westminster.ac.uk

The RoleKnow where you as a Course Rep

Course Committees

• Designed to allow feedback to your Course Leader on matters related to learning and teaching• Part of the University’s quality enhancement, which includes annual

monitoring and periodic course review (at least every 6 years).

Faculty Board

learning and

teaching

Quality Review

Course Committee Academic

Council

Course Committees

• Course Committees deal with matters related to your course. There is one Course Committee for every course, which meets once a semester. Normally there will be two or three representatives for each level of study in attendance, as well as the Course Leader (Chair), teaching teams and representatives from the library and IT services. • A formal agenda will be sent to you by your Course Leader/nominee

and minutes of the discussion will be taken.

Tips for the role

• Be professional! • Issues should be dealt with informally as they arise if possible, then at

Course Committees.• As a Course Representative it is your role not just to bring up student

issues but also to give a student perspective on other issues that may be discussed at the meetings you attend. • Use research as part of projects – if you can prove that students want

something you have more bargaining power!

Monthly Meetings• Course Reps:• Course Reps should have monthly meetings to raise and discuss issues with

their Faculty Rep. They can work together to bring in the desired changes.

• Faculty Reps:• FRs will not only be meeting as Course Reps but will also have a meeting with

all other Faculty Reps to discuss issues they have faced and will feed into the work of the SU and the University.• FRs will also bring forward information they have been fed by other course

reps.

(Bi-)Annual Student Conference

• Course Reps will lead on the Annual Student Conference (ASC), which gives all students the opportunity to review what UWSU has been doing to support students in various areas.• The Conference is centered around feedback on what the SU has

been doing in addition to discussing key agenda items.• The next ASC will take place on 3rd December 2015

CommunicationCommunication is the key to everything

The importance of communication

• You will be dealing with different types of people, but it is important that you communicate effectively with all of them:• Students

• Make sure you gather information from students regarding their issues • Also give them information of things you have chased up or proposed to change in meetings,

and disclose any outcomes you have achieved• Staff

• Staff can’t improve things if they don’t know what needs to be improved – meetings are key! • Sometimes a meeting is more effective than running a campaign

Heads Up!

• Group Activity• In the middle of your table you will find a pot with a pieces of paper. Get one

piece of paper each and hold it above your head so that the text is facing the groups. • Now go around the table, the people in your group need to try and explain to

you what is written on the paper without saying the actual word.

ConfidentialityIn line with UWSU policies:Information given to a Course Rep should not be disclosed (directly or indirectly) to any third party without the student’s consent. Written consent is preferred however verbal consent is accepted provided it is made explicit.

As a Course Rep, you must adhere to this policy at all times.

Meeting Skills

Reasons to have meetings

• Share information• Gain commitment• Make decisions• Gather ideas or brainstorm• Review and monitor

Types of meetings

• Social meetings• Telephone meetings/

conference• Public meetings • Formal committees• Impromptu

• Disciplinary/Misconduct• Interviews• One to one• Course Committees and

Faculty Forums

Things to be aware ofKnowledge is Power!

Academic Societies

• Why we have Academic societies:• Statistics from the NUS Success in the Student Market reveal that the ‘primary focus of students is

academic activities.’• Academic societies enhance student learning, build a community and increase student interaction.

• Course Reps and societies – how can you work together?• You are the link between the student community and academic staff• Meet regularly with society presidents • Meet with academics

• Reward and recognition scheme:• Course Reps and society interaction will be recorded in the upcoming Reward and Recognition scheme.

• For more information please contact Madiya: M.Altaf1@westminster.ac.uk

National Student Survey (NSS)

• A survey which gives Level 6 students the opportunity to voice their opinions on what they liked and disliked about their institution and course. They can comment on things they feel could have been improved. • The next survey is due to take place in February- March 2015. Look out for

opportunities to get involved!

• There will be training in January 2015 on how Course Reps can use NSS data to improve the learning experience on their course.

Thank you for your time

Website:http://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/current-students/westminster-extra/student-representation

http://www.uwsu.com/representation/

UWSU Advice Service:Email: advice.(your campus)@su.westminster.ac.uk

Website: http://www.uwsu.com/advice/