Student Representation – Staff
Training
Wednesday 9th September (2-3pm)
Followed by Staff Forum (3-4pm)
Student Representation – Staff
Training
• Background
– Representation: What, who, and why?
• The Union’s role
• Running an effective Student-Staff Committee
What is Student Representation?
Putting students at the heart of the learning
experience.
Structures and processes that:
– Ensure that the student voice is effectively
represented at all levels of the University.
– Enhance programmes of study and improves the
student learning experience.
– Provide a mechanism for feeding back outcomes
of representation.
What is Student Representation?
“We aim to work in partnership with our students in order to develop
their learning experience to be as stimulating, relevant, challenging
and satisfying as possible. In order to do this, we will:
– Encourage students to be active and engaged members of the
University community, sharing ownership of their learning experience
[…]
– Work with the Students’ Union to offer effective mechanisms for
partnership, student engagement and representation in line with the
student representation framework, and other involvement in decisionmaking structures consistent with the principles of the National Union
of Students Manifesto for Partnership.”
– Newcastle University Learning, Teaching and Student Experience
Strategy
The Student Representation Policy
• Produced jointly by the University and the
Students’ Union
• Launched 2009. During 2010/11, the Student
Representation Policy was reviewed. (Minor
updates in 2013/14)
• Following widespread consultation, a revised
policy was produced and was approved by
ULTSEC in December 2011.
• The aim of the review was to assess the
effectiveness of the current policy and ensure it
remained fit for purpose.
Items of Note
• Current requirement to hold minimum of four Student-Staff
Committee (SCC) meetings per year to be maintained.
• NUSU to continue to offer centralised training.
• Schools encouraged to facilitate informal meetings / events for SSC
members.
• Minutes from SSCs to be made available to relevant cohort.
• Chair role to remain mandatory and deputy chair role to be created.
• Annual reports to be a standing item for the final SSC meeting.
• Schools encouraged to reward representatives.
• http://www.ncl.ac.uk/quilt/resources/engagement/representation.
html
Who are our Student Representatives?
• The Student voice. Students who have volunteered to represent their
student cohort at University learning, teaching and student experience
meetings.
• 5 representative roles open to students: Course Reps; SCC Chair; SSC
Student Secretary; School Rep; and Education Officer.
Student Representation Roles and
Responsibilities
Course Rep
SSC Student Chair & Secretary
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1 for every 20 students (1168 reps –
68.3% UG; 25.5% PGT; 6.2% PGR)
60.5% have completed induction
training provided by the SU
Should be elected by the students they
represent
Gather feedback from students on their
course
Attend Student-Staff Committee (SSC)
meetings
Inform staff of student opinion on their
course
Develop solutions with staff
Provide feedback to students on their
course
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
115 reps
Organise their Course/Programme’s
SSC
Create the agendas
Lead the meetings
Ensure the committee makes
decisions
Follow up on actions
Take notes/minutes
Completes the annual report
Attend Boards of Studies
Student Representation Roles and
Responsibilities
School Rep
•
•
•
•
•
•
64 positions of which 33 have currently been appointed.
Usually two per School - one taught, one research*
Usually recruited in semester 2
Trained by the Students’ Union
Represents the student view at Faculty meetings
Feeds back to Course Reps what has been decided at both
University and Faculty meetings
Student Representation Roles and
Responsibilities
School Rep
• Attend all training provided by the Students’ Union
• Be familiar with the outputs of all Staff Student Committees within
their School.
• Maintain regular contact with all chairs.
• Meets at least once a term with the Head of School.
• Attend FLTSEC/GSC pre-meetings each month alongside other
School Representatives from their Faculty.
• Submit a termly update to the Education Officer, to keep the
Students’ Union informed on issues within the School.
• Develop and conduct a handover to the incoming School
Representative at the end of their year in post.
• f
Student Representation Roles and
Responsibilities
Education Officer
• Elected by the student body
• Represents the whole
student view
• Attends University wide
meetings
• Feeds back to the School
Reps what has changed
Matthew Price
Why is Student Representation
important?
• A key part of the University’s responsibility to place the
student voice at the heart of the learning experience.
• Enables students to become more involved in their
degree programme, improving satisfaction and making
them more likely to achieve the highest grades.
• Enhances students’ employability.
• A way of demonstrating to students that their ideas and
concerns are being listened to and addressed.
• Nurtures a learning partnership between students and
staff.
Examples of Achievements
Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Have convinced the Head of School and Directors to spend part of the school’s budget
on a new laser cutter for the workshop.
Computing Science
Have agreed that a mentor scheme will be trialled for MSc students this academic
year.
Combined Honours
Have redesigned their induction week and independently organised a fortnight of
careers events.
History, Classics and Archaeology
Have introduced a successful new style guide, as well as securing longer opening hours
and additional storage space in the Armstrong postgraduate room.
Psychology
Have refurbished their common room, improving computing and printing facilities.
Comments From Previous Reps
• “Being a Course Rep has been a completely positive
experience […] I now have a better understanding of how my
course runs and the constraints and problems facing the
staff.”
• “I was surprised how seriously the staff took our opinions.”
• “Not only did it improve the course but I got to know my
Degree Programme Director and the course admin staff which
is useful.”
• “I have gained important diplomatic skills from the meetings
that I have attended.”
Task: Build a Course Rep!
How the SU supports Course
Reps and Staff
NUSU Values and Priorities
Values
• Our members are at the heart of our decision making. We represent and
empower them. We are supportive, responsible and accountable.
• We make sure that our students feel as though they’re supported in the best way
possible, regardless of their circumstances.
Priorities for Representation
• We will improve our training and support to an effective network of student
academic representatives.
• We will empower Reps to make positive changes at a course, school and faculty
level.
• We will continue to represent students locally and nationally.
• We will maintain and improve our strong democratic base.
NUSU strategic plan, 2015-18.
Union Support for Student Reps
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Induction Training
Skills Training
Opportunities to get further involved
Social Events
Monthly newsletter
Dedicated Facebook page
Rep Employability Day
Pride of Newcastle Awards
NCL+ Award (HEAR accreditation)
Training Type
Date
Training Time
Location
Staff Facilitator Training
09/09/2015
2-3pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Staff Facilitator Forum
09/09/2015
3-4pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
07/10/2015
1-2.30pm
Martin Luther King Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Research
07/10/2015
3-4.30pm
Martin Luther King Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught #
14/10/2015
1-2.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Student Chair & Secretary
14/10/2015
3-4.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
School Rep Training
16/10/2015
2-4pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
School Rep Forum
16/10/2015
4.30-5.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
20/10/2015
10-11.30am
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
21/10/2015
1-2.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Research
22/10/2015
2.30-4pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught #
23/10/2015
2-3.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
26/10/2015
10-11.30am
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught #
27/10/2015
2-3.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Student Chair & Secretary
27/10/2015
6-7.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
28/10/2015
2-3.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught #
29/10/2015
2-3.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
29/10/2015
6-7.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
30/10/2015
2-3.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
02/11/2015
2-3.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Research
03/11/2015
6-7.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
School Rep Training
04/11/2015
1-2.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Additional Skills Training - Meeting Skills
04/11/2015
3-4.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
05/11/2015
10-11.30am
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught #
07/11/2015
10-11.30am
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
07/11/2015
12-1.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Student Chair & Secretary
09/11/2015
2.30-4pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught #
10/11/2015
6-7.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
11/11/2015
1-2.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Additional Skills Training - Communication Skills
11/11/2015
3-4.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
16/11/2015
2-3.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Research
17/11/2015
2-3.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught #
18/11/2015
1-2.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Additional Skills Training - Negotiation Skills
18/11/2015
3-4.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Student Chair & Secretary
19/11/2015
6-7.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
20/11/2015
1-2.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Research
23/11/2015
2-3.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught #
25/11/2015
1-2.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Additional Skills Training - Survey Trends
25/11/2015
3-4.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Academic Rep Lunch
27/11/2015
12.00-2.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Course Rep Induction Training Taught
02/12/2015
1-2.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Additional Skills Training - Equality & Diversity Training
02/12/2015
3-4.30pm
History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union
Key
Staff Training
School Rep Training
Course Rep Induction Training
Student Chair & Secretary Training
Skills Sessions/Events
Union Support for Staff
• Information point
• Happy to meet to discuss any issues or concerns you
may have.
• Regular email updates.
• Staff webpage.
• Can share good practice between schools and other
institutions.
• Attendance at SSCs
• You tell us!
What we require from the University
• Details of the members of staff supporting
student representation in the School (1st October)
• The details of elected Course Reps, Student
Chairs & Secretaries (1st November)
• Copy of the annual report
• Promotion of the different student
representation roles.
• Encouragement for Course Reps and promotion
of achievements
Promoting Student Representation
• Key task for current student reps
• Some will need help
– Provide representatives with the email addresses
of the students they are representing
– Noticeboards that advertise their contact details
and achievements
– Emails introducing Reps
– Blackboard space
How to run an effective StudentStaff Committee
Purpose of SSC
• To provide feedback geared towards enhancing the quality of
the learning experience.
• To provide a platform for students to offer their perspective
on how their course is being run.
• To raise awareness of any issues relating to availability of
learning resources.
• To encourage the swift resolution of any issues.
• To help ensure that the delivery of a course is fair to all
students.
• To share good practice.
Constitution
• Student Chair – elected by the members, where appropriate,
at the final meeting of the previous academic year
• Secretary – student where there is student interest
• Elected student representatives (Course Reps) ratio 1:20
• A named staff facilitator
• Academic staff
• Representatives from central University services
Task: The ingredients of a good SSC
Tips for running an effective SSC
Preparation:
• Dates agreed well in advance, as well as being
clearly advertised and accessible.
• Papers available for all and sent out in
advance.
• Pre-meets – establishes good working
relationships with representatives.
• Support Student Chairs & Secretaries.
Tips for running an effective SSC
Delivery:
• Allow students to take the lead.
• Be constructive and listen to the concerns of students.
• Ensure confidentiality of any students or staff who
have raised issues for discussion.
• Take minutes.
• Re-cap on previous meeting and report on any progress
made in relation to issues raised.
• Name tags
• Refreshments (time to mingle) – lunch hour meetings?
Tips for running an effective SSC
Reflection:
• Check the minutes of the meetings.
• Identify areas that need to be followed up on
and, where possible, act on them.
• Ensure that any non-attendees are informed
of what has been discussed.
• Highlight the committee’s achievements
(annual report).
Final Tips for Engagement
• Providing access
• Consider giving reps engagement tasks that
will help you. This should nurture a sense of
partnership.
• PROMOTION!
Questions?
Thanks for coming!
David Jones (Representation Support Worker)
e: [email protected]
t: 0191 239 3990 (ext. 1090)
George Watkins (Rep and Dem Co-ordinator)
e: [email protected]
t: 0191 239 3983 (ext. 1083)
Dr Simon Meacher (Senior Development Officer)
e: [email protected]
t: 0191 208 3969
Student Representation – Staff
Forum
3-4pm
Student Representation at Newcastle:
Facts and Figures
Student representation puts students at the
heart of the learning experience.
Structures and processes that:
– Ensure that the student voice is effectively
represented at all levels of the University.
– Enhance programmes of study and improves the
student learning experience.
– Provide a mechanism for feeding back outcomes
of representation.
The Student Representation Policy
• Produced jointly by the University and the
Students’ Union
• Launched 2009. During 2010/11, the Student
Representation Policy was reviewed. (Minor
updates in 2013/14)
• Following widespread consultation, a revised
policy was produced and was approved by
ULTSEC in December 2011.
• The aim of the review was to assess the
effectiveness of the current policy and ensure it
remained fit for purpose.
Student Representation at Newcastle:
Facts and Figures
• 5 types of academic student representative: Course Reps;
Student Reps; Student Chairs; Student Secretaries;
Education Officer
• 1,168 Course Reps
–
–
–
–
–
Ratio 1:20
68.3% UG
25.5% PGT
6.2% PGR
60.5% trained
• 115 Student Chairs & Secretaries
• 33/64 School Reps appointed
• 1 Education Officer
Student Representation at Newcastle:
Achievements
Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Have convinced the Head of School and Directors to spend part of the school’s budget
on a new laser cutter for the workshop.
Computing Science
Have agreed that a mentor scheme will be trialled for MSc students this academic
year.
Combined Honours
Have redesigned their induction week and independently organised a fortnight of
careers events.
History, Classics and Archaeology
Have introduced a successful new style guide, as well as securing longer opening hours
and additional storage space in the Armstrong postgraduate room.
Psychology
Have refurbished their common room, improving computing and printing facilities.
Discussion: Why engage with course reps?
NUSU Survey Results 2015
Are you aware that you have
a Course Representative?
Do you feel the
representation system is
effective?
15
Yes
85
No
31
69
Yes
No
NSS 2015: Q.25 I have had adequate
opportunities to provide feedback on all
elements of my course
Definitely Agree
53
Mostly Agree
35
Neither
6
Mostly Disgree
4
Definitely Disagree
2
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
NSS 2015: My feedback on the course
is listened to and valued.
Definitely Agree
34
Mostly Agree
33
Neither
21
Mostly Disgree
9
Definitely Disagree
3
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
NSS 2015: It is clear to me how students’
comments on the course have been acted upon.
Definitely Agree
32
Mostly Agree
31
Neither
18
Mostly Disgree
14
Definitely Disagree
5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
PTES 2015: I have appropriate opportunities to
give feedback on my experience
Overall
80
SAgE
13 7
78
14 8
Agree
Neutral
FMS
88
HaSS
80
0
20
40
60
80
9
Disagree
13 7
100
PRES 2015: My institution values and responds
to feedback from research degree students
Overall
67
SAgE
24
65
9
26 8
Agree
Neutral
FMS
68
24 7
HaSS
67
22 11
0
20
40
60
80
100
Disagree
Suggested Discussion Topics
•
•
•
•
Promoting achievements of representation
Course rep attendance at your SSC
Making the SSC more strategic and effective
Barriers to effective representation and how
to remove them
• Student engagement at Boards of Studies
• Sharing good practice
Plus any of your own
Thanks for coming!
David Jones (Representation Support Worker)
e: [email protected]
t: 0191 239 3990 (ext. 1090)
George Watkins (Rep and Dem Co-ordinator)
e: [email protected]
t: 0191 239 3983 (ext. 1083)
Dr Simon Meacher (Senior Development Officer)
e: [email protected]
t: 0191 208 3969