What Are PGR Reps

A PGR Rep is an elected PGR who volunteers to gather feedback and voice it to the University. They provide a way for PGRs to communicate their diverse range of opinions and experiences to the staff who deliver their academic experience, and to make change happen.

Responsibilities

PGR Course Reps have three responsibilities:

  • Research PGR opinion – PGR Reps will encourage all PGRs in their department to engage in discussions about their academic experiences, in order to collect feedback and ideas, whether it is positive or something that needs changing.
  • Represent students – Represent PGR feedback to the University at formal meetings such as PGR Engagement Forums and the Student Voice Forum, and informal staff interactions.
  • Report back – Report outcomes from these meetings back to their peers and communicate any Rep Wins.

Interested? Nominate yourself

Course Rep Elections for PGR happens after the PGR start date in October. For 24/25, elections will open on October 21st and nomination forms should be submitted by the 1st November. You can nominate yourself using this form.

PGR Rep nomination form

Any PGR can stand to be the Course Rep for their course, and there will be at least one per level for all departments.

When elections take place, you will be asked to complete a nomination form. Once you have submitted your nomination form, we will process your nomination and if needed, organise a vote amongst your cohort to decide on who is elected to be the Course Rep. You will then be notified that you have been elected and you will be registered with us here at the Students’ Union in order to contact you to complete Course Rep Training!

If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact ussu.information@surrey.ac.uk

Role Descriptions

If you want to read more about being a Course Rep, the role descriptions are available below:

Postgraduate Research (PGR) Course Reps 

Benefits of the Role

Being a Course Rep is a fantastic way to boost your employability, assertiveness, and communication skills. Having experience of a unique leadership and student representative role is going to help distinguish you from other researchers, and help you to develop key soft skills. You’ll gain practice in public speaking, negotiation, communication, rom attending departmental meetings and representing your cohort. As a Course Rep, you’ll also receive:

  • Chances to win awards, including Rep Of The Month
  • Resources, freebies, and training
  • Improve your employability
  • Logging volunteer hours
  • Access to other opportunities, e.g. workshops and focus groups