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Every year of every course at Brighton University should have an elected Course Rep, whose role is to represent the other students on their course
Course Reps are the voice of students at a course level and provide a vital link between students and staff. They gather the views of other students on their course and ensure these are heard by those in a position to bring about change. By alerting staff to what works well and what could be improved, reps can make a real difference and enhance the quality of the university experience for their fellow students.
Brighton Students' Union provides training and support for Course Reps to ensure lecturers get the feedback they need and to make sure the views and opinions of students throughout the university, and at all partner institutions are heard and where possible acted upon.
Frequently Asked Questions - click on the question to find out more
What do Course Reps do?
What do Course Reps not do?
Why be a Course Rep?
How do I Become a Course Rep?
How can I find out who my Course Rep is?
When are the Course Rep Training Sessions?
Where would I go for advice and support?
Where can I find out more information on being a rep?
What do Course Reps do?
Through discussions with their fellow students, Course Reps identify the issues affecting their course and relate these back to staff through informal meetings and the course boards or staff / student committees. Course reps don’t only criticise when things go wrong, but also provide positive and constructive feedback from students to the course team letting them know what works well. They also have an important role in feeding back information from these meetings to their course mates – keeping everyone fully informed.
Course Reps should also ensure that information flows directly from students to the Union, allowing the elected officers of the Union to act in ways that meet the needs and expectations of students.
What do Course Reps not do?
Course reps DO NOT deal with students’ individual problems. They are not expected to help students with issues of a personal or sensitive nature or individual complaints or appeals. In these situations it is best for the student concerned to be signposted to the Students’ Union or Student Services who can offer professional and impartial advice.
Why be a Course Rep?
When the course rep system works well it is of a massive benefit to everyone involved. From the individual student on a course who is able to feedback to the University, to the Students’ Union, who can pass on and receive information through a clear and functioning network of reps.
For those who take on the role, the individual benefits are quite extensive. As well as being able to influence the shape and structure of their course, being a Course Rep can be an excellent opportunity for personal development.
By getting involved with the University decision-making bodies through its committees, Reps will be able to see the larger picture of how the University works.
Reps will also develop a wide range of personal skills and enhance their CV’s which will make them attractive to employers. The fact that you have been a Course Rep is a positive attribute on your student record and ultimately, in a competitive employment market where employers want multi-skilled employees having been a Course Rep and achieved success on behalf of your peers looks very good on your CV
How do I become a Course Rep?
Reps are usually elected at the start of the academic year. To become a course rep, let your tutor and your class mates know you are interested in the position. Course leaders are responsible for making sure every course has a rep. If several students are interested in taking on the role an informal election will take place.
If you would like more information about being a Rep you can download the Course Reps Handbook or contact coursereps@brighton.ac.uk
How can I find out who my Course Rep is?
Details of current Course Reps are available by clicking here. If you cannot find the name you are looking for ask at your school office or email coursereps@brighton.ac.uk
When are the Course Rep training sessions?
The Students Union runs a series of school based Course Rep training sessions in the autumn term and a few site based sessions in the spring term. Click here to view dates and book a place
Where would I go for advice and support?
Course Reps should be able to rely on their and Course Leader and School Office to provide the majority of the information they need to carry out their role effectively. Sometimes it may be helpful to discuss an issue with someone outside the course, if you would like to do this do contact:
Academic Advocate (Collective Representation) – Katrina Mayo
Brighton SU has a dedicated member of staff whose job it is to provide support for reps and to help develop a course representative system which enables students to have a full input into the development of the education experience at the University of Brighton.
Contact: k.mayo@bton.ac.uk or call 01273 643191 (Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Brighton Students Union Vice President Academic Affairs - Emily-Ann Nash
It is the job of the VP Academic Affairs to keep Course Reps informed of any issues that are likely to affect the wider student population. It is the Reps role to pass that information on to their course. Likewise, if a Rep or their course need to inform the Students’ Union of anything, the VP Education and Equalities is likely to be your first point of contact.
Contact: s.u.v.p.education@brighton.ac.uk
Where to find out more information on the role?
Course Rep Area on Studentcentral
This area contains further information about being a Rep, training materials, advice, and links to a wide range of resources and University regulations and procedures. Find it under ‘My Study Areas’ on your home page.
Course Rep Handbook
Click above to download a copy of this year’s comprehensive handbook
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Course rep website - information request