Student Representation – Staff Training Wednesday 9 th September (2-3pm) Followed by Staff Forum (3-4pm)

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 decision-making 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

http://www.ncl.ac.uk/quilt/resources/engagement/representation.htm

http://www.ncl.ac.uk/quilt/resources/engagement/representation.htm

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• 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

SSC Student Chair & Secretary• 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


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


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


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 AchievementsArchitecture, Planning and LandscapeHave convinced the Head of School and Directors to spend part of the school’s budget on a new laser cutter for the workshop.Computing ScienceHave agreed that a mentor scheme will be trialled for MSc students this academic year.Combined HonoursHave redesigned their induction week and independently organised a fortnight of careers events.History, Classics and ArchaeologyHave introduced a successful new style guide, as well as securing longer opening hours and additional storage space in the Armstrong postgraduate room.PsychologyHave 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 PrioritiesValues• 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 LocationStaff 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 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 # 07/11/2015 10-11.30am History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union


Student Chair & Secretary 09/11/2015 2.30-4pm History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union



Additional Skills Training - Communication Skills 11/11/2015 3-4.30pm History Room, 1st Floor Students' Union




Additional Skills Training - Negotiation Skills 18/11/2015 3-4.30pm 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


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 Student-Staff 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.


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?


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]: 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]: 0191 208 3969

mailto:[email protected]


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 LandscapeHave convinced the Head of School and Directors to spend part of the school’s budget on a new laser cutter for the workshop.Computing ScienceHave agreed that a mentor scheme will be trialled for MSc students this academic year.Combined HonoursHave redesigned their induction week and independently organised a fortnight of careers events.History, Classics and ArchaeologyHave introduced a successful new style guide, as well as securing longer opening hours and additional storage space in the Armstrong postgraduate room.PsychologyHave refurbished their common room, improving computing and printing facilities.

Discussion: Why engage with course reps?

NUSU Survey Results 2015

85

15

Are you aware that you have a Course Representative?

YesNo 69

31

Do you feel the repre-sentation system is effec-

tive?

YesNo

NSS 2015: Q.25 I have had adequate opportunities to provide feedback on all

elements of my course

Definitely Disagree

Mostly Disgree

Neither

Mostly Agree

Definitely Agree

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

2

4

6

35

53

NSS 2015: My feedback on the course is listened to and valued.

Definitely Disagree

Mostly Disgree

Neither

Mostly Agree

Definitely Agree

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

3

9

21

33

34

NSS 2015: It is clear to me how students’ comments on the course have been acted upon.

Definitely Disagree

Mostly Disgree

Neither

Mostly Agree

Definitely Agree

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

5

14

18

31

32

PTES 2015: I have appropriate opportunities to give feedback on my experience

HaSS

FMS

SAgE

Overall

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

80

88

78

80

13

9

14

13

7

4

8

7

AgreeNeutralDisagree

PRES 2015: My institution values and responds to feedback from research degree students

HaSS

FMS

SAgE

Overall

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

67

68

65

67

22

24

26

24

11

7

8

9

AgreeNeutralDisagree

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 practicePlus any of your own

Thanks for coming!

David Jones (Representation Support Worker)e: [email protected]: 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]: 0191 208 3969



Documents

Student Representation – Staff Training Wednesday 9 th September (2-3pm) Followed by Staff Forum (3-4pm)