Academic Student Representation at Newcastle University

1. Academic Student Representation at Newcastle University You’re all involved!

2. What are Academic Student Representatives? They are: • Students who have volunteered to represent you at University learning, teaching & student experience meetings. • They are your voice, so make sure you contact your representatives to let them know the positive / negative aspects of your Programme and University experience.

3. Why are Academic Student Representatives important? • They are amechanism for student-led change! • They provide you with the opportunity feedback on aspects of your Programme or University experience that you feel strongly about. • They work with staff to solve the issues you have raised. • They should be letting you know about how decisions made by the University affect you.

4. Achievements Architecture, Planning and Landscape Have convinced the Head of School and directors to spend part of the School’s budget for 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 re-designed their induction week. History Classics and Archaeology Have introduced a new successful style guide. Psychology Have refurbished their common room.

5. Comments from previous Reps • “I was surprised how seriously the staff took our opinions.” • “many of the reps' ideas have been implemented - such as a revamp of the common room and a new student mentor service.” • “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.”

6. Academic Student Representation Roles Course Rep SSC Student Chair & Secretary Organise their Course/Programme’s SSC Creates the agendas Lead the meetings Ensure the committee makes decisions Follows up on actions Take notes/minutes • 1 for every 20 students • Gather feedback from students on their course • Attend Student-Staff Committee (SSC) meetings • Inform staff of student opinion on the course • Develop solutions with staff • Feedback to students on their course

7. Academic Student Representation Roles School Rep Education Officer Attends University wide meetings Represents the whole student view Feeds back to the School Reps what has changed • Usually two per School - one taught, one research • Represent the student view at Faculty meetings • Meets with key staff • Feeds back to Course Reps what has been decided at both University and Faculty meetings

8. How do you get involved? You already are!!! You all have opinions about your Course and the University (good and bad) Make sure your opinions are heard! - feedback to your Course or School Rep about your experience and make sure they feedback Want to get fully involved?????

9. Become a Rep! Course Rep – elected at the start of the academic year by course mates SSC Student Chair & Secretary – elected by the Student-Staff Committee School Rep – appointed by the Students’ Union Education Officer – elected by cross-campus ballot in March

10. Why you should become a Rep! • Improve your Course and the University for you, your course mates and future students • Develop your skills and employability • Meet people from across the University • Have your work recognised on your degree transcript • The chance to be nominated for an NCL plus award and win £300!

11. Thanks for listening! Your contact details Students’ Union contact details David Morris (Education Officer)e: education.union@ncl.ac.uk t: 0191 239 3963 Get involved! www.nusu.co.uk/courserep http://www.facebook.com/NUSU.Course.Reps @NUSUrepanddem