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► Course Representatives

The course rep system provides and essential link between students, their lecturers and the Students’ Union. UBSU provides training and support to student representatives at a course and school level to ensure lecturers get the feedback they need and to make sure the views and opinions of students throughout the university, and at all partner institutions are heard and where possible acted upon. To become a course rep, simply let your tutor and your class mates know you are interested in the position. It is the responsibility of individual course leaders to run an informal election to these posts.

Every school has staff / student consultative committees where students have the opportunity to feedback on their experience and suggest improvements for the future. Usually the students who attend these meetings will be selected from amongst the course representatives.  While it may sound like quite a daunting task, the workload isn’t really that high, and the fact you have been a student representative is a real plus point on any graduates CV.

 So, what’s in it for me?  

When the course rep system works well it is of a massive benefit to everyone involved. From the individual student on a course who is able to feedback to the University and where necessary have this acted upon, to the Students’ Union, who can keep in contact with the majority of the student population, and pass on or receive information through a clear and functioning network of reps. This continues all the way up to the Vice Chancellor, who is the head of the University, who holds the view that strong course rep systems are one of the features of a good University.

However, for those of you who take on the role, the individual benefits are quite extensive. As well as being able to influence the shape and structure of your course, being a course rep can be an excellent opportunity for personal development. By getting involved with the University decision-making bodies through its committees, you will be able to see the larger picture of how the University works and where you as a student fit in.  You will also develop a wide range of personal skills which will make you attractive to employers.  Not only are course reps given the training to develop these and other skills, but also the very fact that you have undertaken the role is a positive attribute on your student record and ultimately, in a competitive employment market where employers want multi-skilled employees having been a course rep and achieved success on behalf of your peers looks very good on your CV.

Sources of support for course reps:

UBSU Vice President Education and Equalities

It is the job of the VP Education and Equalities to keep course reps informed of any issues that are likely to affect the wider student population in the University. It is the rep to pass that information on to their course. Likewise, if you or your course need to inform the Students’ Union of anything, the VP Education and Equalities is likely to be your first point of contact.

To contact the VP Education & Equalities  -click here

Representation and Feedback Area on Studentcentral

The student representation and feedback area of studentcentral is a new development for the 2008/09 academic year. This area contains a wealth of information that will help reps in their role. It contains further information about being a rep, training materials, advice, links to a wide range of resources and University regulations and procedures, as well as providing dedicated areas where students and reps can collaborate and communicate as well as confidential reps only forums.

To get to student central - click here

Academic Advocate (Collective Representation)

UBSU has a dedicated member of staff who is responsible for making sure reps are supported in a way that allows them to achieve the most in their roles. It is their job to provide support for reps and to help develop a course representative system which enables students to have a full input into the development of the education experience and the academic decision making processes of the University of Brighton.

To contact Katrina Mayo email kmm17@bton.ac.uk

or call 01273 643191 (Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays only)

For details of the course representative training offered by UBSU  -click here

To download a Course Rep Handbook - Click here

To see what NUS has to say on the benefits of being a course rep - click here

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