Forming a vital link between students, the University and the Students' Union, the Course Rep scheme enables students to make real differences to their overall academic experience.
Media and Culture student, Demi Che Foster, provides us with an insight into the life of a Course Rep:
A Day in the Life of a Course Rep
Words by Demi Che Foster
Volunteering as a Media and Culture Course Rep has brought about a variety of new experiences and skills. For example, the Course Rep scheme has allowed me to take more of an initiative and has given me the confidence to talk to teachers and student bodies. We use Facebook as well in order to express views and discover new opportunities to take part in (for example blog writing such as this!)
In being a Course Rep, we need to collect feedback from students on our course. This is because is gives us and the teachers an insight into what is going well for us and if there is anything that needs to be changed. For example, last year's issues were timetabling issues in which, upon discussions, were addressed. We also maintain our online Journals to feedback to the Union. This is fulfilling because it gives us something useful to do that helps fellow University of Worcester students. Writing Journal entries helps me to log volunteering time. As well as this, the hours I volunteer go towards the Worcester Award that can also make you an A star contestent in the world of work.
I usually prepare beforehand and ask students on my Facebook page, in class or let them know that they are welcome to talk to me, then I take these findings/comments to meetings, writing them down in note-form. Usually, some things that have been said by myself or others can be agreed on and expanded by the group, coming to agreements. It is a real safe and fair environment. Action is taken after these meetings, the staff take it up with the higher bodies in the University to discuss what things have been said (both good and bad). We then receive an email after a short while which says what has happened and what will happen next.
Personally, I think that the Course Rep system is good to have and has actually improved since last year, which has resulted in happier students, and we all feel that if there is a problem that needs to be addressed, then it will, and it can.
I feel like a role model, a figure that students can look up to, and being a part of a collective community is also fun. I was a Course Rep last year too (at that point called StARs) in which I took part in similar roles and jobs. Being a Course Rep is a good way to get recognised in the world of work and academia and I would recommend it to anyone.
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If you are a Course Rep and would like to write a blog or an article for the "Rep News" webpage, please email j.stilgoe@worc.ac.uk