School Representatives are at the centre of the academic representation system within their respective school. They support the Course Reps and assist in progressing feedback from programme to school level. School Reps meet with their Faculty Lead and the VP Education, where needed, to progress any feedback from students to the Faculty or University through the appropriate channels. School Reps attend Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) and School Teaching Learning Quality Committee (STLQC), they are also members of the UPSU Union Council. School Reps are unpaid volunteers and work with UPSU while studying.

School Representatives work to create positive change at a school level so that every student at the University of Plymouth has an effective and fulfilling academic experience.

A School Rep's role is to gather constructive feedback and ideas from their Course Reps to present at the relevant meetings and to communicate any changes or key information to their school.

• They act in the best interests of the students they represent
• They represent students to the union and the university
• They actively gather feedback and ideas from the students they represent and communicate key information and decsions back to them
• They chair meetings and host focus groups
• They engage with the democratic processes of UPSU by attending Union Council (where the political policy of the union is debated and agreed) it's Sub-committees and the All Student Members meeting (formerly AGM)
• They run campaigns in collaboration with the Sabbatical Officers and other Part-time Representatives to effect change
• They feedback to students about the work they have been doing through reports, in person meetings and through social media

Really important! Student representatives, including part time officers, are involved at every level of decision making within the union and at many university meetings. Part Time Officers and Academic Representatives play an important part in leading and shaping your union, your university and your wider community.

It is hard to say for sure, as each student has different availability and time to devote to the role but we do expect Part Time Officers to spend around 10 hours a month on duties related to the role.

Aside from the ability to make change within your union and university, you will also be able to have your efforts officially recognised through your SU's recognition scheme.

UPSU offer training for all roles and many previous Part Time Officers feedback that they have developed their confidence, negotiating and communication skills, as well practicing effective time management - all great things to enhance your employability.

Check that you are eligible for the role.
For most roles all students are eligible, it doesn't matter what year you are in or what previous experience you may or may not have, all you need is a willingness to fulfil the role and make the most of training opportunities.

However, there are a few roles that represent a specific student group or demographic where we do need students to self-define as belonging to that group before they can run for that role.

The roles that need you to self-define as belonging to a specific group are:

• Part Time Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Officer
• Part Time Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans + (LGBT+)Officer
• Part Time Transgender and Non-Binary Officer
• Part Time Women's Officer
• Part Time Disabled Students Officer

Contact studentvoice@su.plymouth.ac.uk for more information about the role or any questions you have.

• Think about what you will include in your manifesto, ask your friends and relevent students what are the issues that need changing, do your research
• Submit your nomination to stand in an election. If there is no election or by-election open but the role is vacant you can be co-opted, speak to the Student Voice Team for more information about this