Being a Course Rep often starts with something simple. Someone on your course has an issue, idea or question and you're the person they can pass it on to. Then, you may hear the same thing from a few other students, which leads to a discussion with your Programme Team which leads to a long-term change which resolves initial issue. It's that easy!

Himesh Soni, a Course Rep for International Event Management, noticed that students weren’t getting breaks during three-hour seminars. He raised it with his tutor and short breaks were introduced.

“That really helped as we were able to take a break, freshen up, come back and we’re ready to learn again.”

For Vihanya Ratnayake, students wanted an easier way to find their assignments and coursework. After collecting feedback through Microsoft Forms and raising it at an SSLC meeting, a PDF was created with the coursework in one place.

“It’s easier for students to access.”

Jaden Ogunlade also raised feedback from international students about support while on placement. After taking the feedback to school leadership, additional funding was secured to support students while they’re out on placement.

“I do like to make sure that people’s voices and people’s concerns are heard.”

Other Reps have raised issues around assessment deadlines, module problems and PGR payments, showing that the role can cover quite a range of things depending on what students on the course are saying.

So, what does being a Rep actually involve? Mostly, it’s about talking to people on your course, finding out what they think and making sure that feedback gets to the people who can do something about it.

Course Rep nominations close at 17:00 on Friday 9 October. Find out more about Course Reps here.