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Programme Representatives

 

1.Forward.

 

The  Programme Reps system is important for a number of reasons. In particular,  Programme Reps provide a vital link between UEL and the students - the students and UELSU.  Programme reps voices at Programme Committee meetings feed student's views directly into UEL's decision making process.

 

Over the last two academic years UELSU has become increasingly aware that our responsibilities to Programme Reps extends beyond responding to case work. In light of this we have planned and delivered inductions, ongoing training and support and accreditation for Programme reps. However, much work needs to be done to create and sustain a truly effective Programme reps system.

 

Therefore, it is crucial that the University and the Students' Union work together to provide the support, resources and finances for the Programme Rep System.

 

2.Benefits of an Effective Programme Reps System.

 

An effective Programme Rep System means benefits for the whole University community; students,  Programme Reps, UELSU and the University.

 

2.1 Students benefit.

 

• A sense of ownership over their education
• Input into decision making
• Provision of a forum to resolve issues
• Receiving feedback from University about their education
• Opportunity to reflect on their education
• Development of a vibrant and inclusive university community

 

2.2. Programme Reps benefit.

 

• Development of transferable skills
• Extracurricular activity
• Enhanced CV
• Involvement in the University and Students' Union
• Opportunity to meet new people/ make friend
• Certification and accreditation
• Develop a sense of responsibility and achievement
• Development of a vibrant and inclusive university community
• Expenses if they are registered with one of UELSU's volunteer projects

 

2.3. Students' Union benefits.

 

• Representation - fulfils primary role and function of UELSU.
• Involvement of large numbers of students in UELSU activity
• Develop positive relationship with University
• Grassroots feedback from all areas of University
• Virtually a representative for every student
• Good communication channels to students
• Potential future UELSU executive officers
• Development of a vibrant and inclusive university community

 

2.4 University benefits.

 

• Consistent and well informed feedback about courses, teaching and resources.
• Meeting Quality Assurance regulations.
• Demonstrable transparency and responsiveness to students
• Maintenance and improvement of UEL's status
• Development of a vibrant and inclusive university community

 

2.5 Audit Preparations.

 

• Programme Reps used as most inclusive and reliable constituent to discuss and reveal academic issues.
• Semesterly Programme rep forum in which students can feed back directly to the University about changes and improvements, these can be recorded for audit purposes.
• Transparency of student involvement and inclusion to outside bodies.
• Almost instant awareness of academic and student issues.

 

3.UEL  Programme Reps System Development.

 

Over the past two years UEL's Programme Reps system has been constantly developing and progressing. Student numbers registered with UELSU have remained steady at approximately 150 for the last 2 academic years. In the academic year 2000/01  Programme rep numbers were just short of 100 and prior to that even less. UELSU have increased the workload with Programme Reps dramatically offering a diverse service to course reps.

 

• Induction Sessions
• Programme Rep handbooks
• Training programmes
• One to one advice and guidance
• Certification
• Award ceremonies
• Multiple communication methods
• Social events
• Newsletters

 

3.1 Training and Induction.

 

UELSU has delivered a wide ranging and comprehensive training and induction programme over the last two academic years. Feedback from Programme reps who have attended has been excellent across the board. Feedback was monitored through feedback sheets. The following training sessions offered were:

 

3.1.1 Personal Skills

 

• CV writing
• Interview skills
• Vocal training

 

3.1.2 Transferable Skills

 

• Committee skills
• Negotiation skills
• Public Speaking
• Dealing with difficult situations

 

3.1.3 Academic Regulations

 

• Appeals
• Complaints
• Cheating and Plagiarism
• Undergraduate Degree Scheme

 

3.1.4 Other

 

•Student finances

 

Induction sessions have been run on numerous occasions in each academic year. The Induction sessions familiarise course reps with their role and where they can find support.

 

4. How the ProgrammeRep System fits in with UEL aims

 

4.1 Employability

 

Programme Reps are provided with free, high quality training. Some training is directly aimed at employability such as; CV writing and Interview skills. Other training offers highly transferable skills such as; Negotiation, Committee and Public Speaking skills. In all cases UELSU have provided certificates of attendance for each training session - as well as issuing end of year certificates for  Programme Reps.

 

4.2 Retention

 

The Advice and Information Service (AIS) has much anecdotal evidence as to why student retention is a real problem. Three general areas of concern have been identified:

• Academic support
• Bureaucratic / administrative obstacles
• Financial difficulties

 

Programme Reps are often the best placed people within the University to offer initial guidance and referral advice to students experiencing difficulties. In this respect training provided to  Programme Reps has recognised this reality and therefore we have offered training on areas of academic issues, university regulations and financial support.

 

5.Plans for the future.

 

The Programme Reps system has been in constant improvement and reflection over the last two years. Improvements have been based on issues identified by UELSU through our observations but more importantly through the feedback and requests of Programme Reps themselves.

 

From this information UELSU are proposing the following for the forthcoming academic year and beyond:

 

• 3 Induction sessions (1 at each site)
• Updated  Programme Rep handbooks
• A revised comprehensive training package repeating sessions already run in previous years and new sessions as identified by the Programme Reps.
• Monthly awards for Programmer Reps in conjunction with the Jack Petchey Scheme.
• A new and improved Semester Programme reps newsletter
• A dedicated website page for Programme Reps on the UELSU website
• An awayday team building and intensive training event for Programme Reps.
• Semester Programme Rep metings with senior management.
• Continued support and guidance.
• Certification.
• Increased eye catching and innovative publicity.
• Continued involvement in UELSU volunteer projects.

 

6. Finances.

 

For the past couple of years the Programme Reps system has relied on very limited funds. As the system has developed the expectations of Programme Reps has increased and UELSU's plans have become bolder. In order to finance these plans it will require a substantial increase in funding.

 

7. Conclusion.

 

Programme Reps are an invaluable part of the university community. Issues identified by  Programme Reps are the issues raised by students in all areas of the University. Highly informed and trained  Programme Reps in conjunction with a cohort of students who are aware of the Programme  Reps system as a channel of communication and input into the University's decision making progress will lead to positive and lasting changes in the university. This can only improve the quality of the overall student experience.

 

UELSU has played a very important role in developing and progressing the Programme Reps system. UEL has assisted in certain areas. Schools have helped finance the system with donations o £250 and members of staff have very kindly delivered training sessions with UELSU in their area of expertise (Toby Grainger for Cheating and Plagiarism and Graham Curtis for Undergraduate Degree Scheme Regulations).

 

This partnership is essential if we are to produce a first rate Programme Reps system.