What is a School Rep?
A School Rep is a part-time student representative who plays a vital role in ensuring that the voices of students at the University of Plymouth are heard - they are at the centre of the academic representation system within each school. There are 12 School Representatives in total (one per School).
School Reps support the Course Reps and assist in progressing feedback from programme to school level. They meet with their Faculty Rep and the VP Education, to progress any feedback from students to the Faculty or University through the appropriate channels, and are the representative link between Course Reps in your School, the University and UPSU.
They are expected to proactively engage with the student body and collate any feedback relating to the academic experience of students. You will then present student feedback at relevant university and union meetings in a constructive and professional way.
School Reps receive a termly remuneration which is dependent on meeting the duties of the role.
Minimum expectations of the role:
- Proactively communicate with Course Reps to collect School-wide feedback.
- Attend and contribute to School Teaching and Learning Quality Committees and other relevant meetings such as the Faculty Teaching and Learning Quality Committee.
- Build relationships with Heads of Schools and other relevant staff.
- Have regular meetings with the relevant Associate Head of School to progress ideas and issues.
- Feedback the progress on issues to the wider student body, mainly through the use of Course Reps.
- Liaise with the relevant UPSU Student Voice Co-ordinator for your School on a regular basis.
- Complete School Rep training.
- Complete at least one School Rep report per semester.
- Attend Course Rep drop-ins and progress any feedback if required.
How much commitment does the role involve?
This position requires an average commitment of 12 hours per month.
Key meetings will include but are not limited to higher level university meetings such as:
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School Teaching and Learning Quality Committees
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Faculty Teaching and Learning Quality Committees
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Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) Programme Committees.
Once you have attended these meetings you will need to communicate important information and outcomes back to the student body in your School.
How do I become a School Rep?
This year the procedure of becoming a School Rep has changed and will now be appointed as opposed to elected - this is a process that happens at other SUs too. This means that you are able to submit an application for the role and the best candidate will be selected by a panel instead of by ballot.
To apply for the role, fill out the application here. The form will be open until Sunday 14th April at 11.00pm - you are free to edit your responses up until this point.
The applications will be reviewed and shortlisting will take place Monday 15th April. If you have been shortlisted, you will be contacted on or shortly after this date.
Interviews are due to take place in the time period 22nd April - 3rd May, though this is subject to change. If you are interested in the role, fill out the application above where you can indicate your availability.
To find out more about the role,view the School Rep Role descriptor here.
If you have any questions, you can contact us at: studentvoice@su.plymouth.ac.uk