Student Rep Training

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Student Rep Training

• October / November 2008

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aims of the session

• to have a better understanding about the purpose
  of the Students Union and of the role of a
  Student Rep
• to learn about the structure of the Rep system
  and where you fit in
• to find out what support is available
• to consider some of the benefits of being a
  Student Rep
• to have fun and meet other Student Reps

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icebreaker
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the Students Union

• DSU is a student led and student focused
  organisation. We aim to represent, inspire and
  involve our members to enhance their university
  experience

Community
Democracy
Fun
Growth
Quality
Be the focal point for social, cultural and
recreational activities
To represent and empower our members
To enhance the social experience
To aid members and the organisation as a whole to
grow and develop
Raising our standards and the standards of the
university
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the Students Union

• Representation
• StandOut
• Student Reps
• Involve
• Media
• Sports
• Societies

Commercial Level 1 (UniVibe, Kinky, The Big Bad
Cheese) Catering Bar Shop
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whos whoon the Executive Committee?
Shazia Nazir Deputy President, Education
Tom Blackburn Vice President, Student Activities
Carl King President
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whos whoon the Executive Committee?
Shahinaz Nabeeh Vice President, Media and
Communications
Emily Howells Vice President, Welfare
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whos whoin the University?
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• why did you become a Student Rep?

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• what is your understanding of a Student Rep?

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• what are the benefits of having Student Reps?

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• what do you feel are important tasks as Student
  Reps?

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the universitys perspective

• Student Representation is highly valued at De
  Montfort University. We find continually that our
  representatives are responsible and strong
  advocates for the improvement of the student
  learning experience, and their input provides a
  crucial student-eye view of the classroom and all
  that happens within it and around it.
• Professor Philip Martin
• Pro Vice Chancellor

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The structure of representation at De Montfort
WITHIN DMU
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The structure of representation at De Montfort
WITHIN DSU
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the role of a Student Rep

• to ensure that a student perspective is always
  considered
• to inform students about issues that concern
  them 
• to attend and participate in meetings
• to raise students concerns/ issues via the
  appropriate channels
• to mediate between students and staff / staff and
  students
• to identify problems and to try to suggest
  solutions 
• to collate student opinion
• to motivate students by ensuring they have a
  voice
• to refer students to other support networks when
  necessary
• to look after students rights

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whats in it for you?

• rewarding role
• asset to your CV
• enhances skills
• chance to make a difference
• get more involved in University life
• meet new people
• register with Involve
• accreditation

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accreditation

• the Students Union runs an accreditation scheme
  for Student Reps, enabling you to receive a
  certificate providing evidence of your work as a
  Rep.
• to qualify you will need to
• provide signatures proving your attendance at
  least three academic meetings or Student Rep
  events
• complete a short statement outlining your
  experiences and the skills you have developed in
  your role as a Student Rep.
• The deadline for this is midday on
• Friday 27th February 2009

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what to expect at meetings

• a standard agenda

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how to get the most out of meetings

• before
• know when and where the meeting is so that you
  are on time
• spend some time reading the agenda and any
  additional papers that might require input from
  students
• give prior notice of issues that you have
  encountered and would like to be discussed at the
  meeting (this will hopefully allow for the issue
  to be investigated beforehand).
• discuss the forthcoming meeting with students on
  your course
• consider whether you and other Student Reps want
  to meet prior to the meeting to have a chance to
  discuss your thoughts / concerns and so that you
  are all in agreement about particular topics
• send apologies if you are not able to attend
  you might also consider contacting other Reps
  attending that meeting to inform them and ensure
  that points presented to you can still be
  discussed at the meeting

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how to get the most out of meetings

• during
• make sure you have brought papers / notes with
  you
• be positive, constructive and correct people if
  you feel that have misunderstood your point
• remember to be representative. You are there to
  present the student view and not your only your
  personal view. Remember your behaviour dont
  lose your temper, be late, shout, speak on every
  issue (unless its necessary) BUT dont be
  afraid to speak!
• do not interrupt others or act in a
  confrontational manner. Everyone has a right to
  be heard. Listen and be polite
• offer solutions to problems

• after
• follow up on any action points relevant to the
  student experience
• let people know what you have learnt at the
  meeting, the issues that you raised and what was
  said
• publicise any achievements by letting your
  Faculty Student Rep Co-ordinator know about them

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effective communication

• make use of your lectures / seminars
• put up posters on the notice boards provided by
  the Faculty and publicise your e-mail address
• make use of Blackboard
• send regular emails
• produce questionnaires
• provide summaries / newsletters
• see whether you can have pigeon holes
• hold surgeries / drop in sessions / open
  discussions

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Lets get real

• case studies

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support

• Union
• Student Rep Handbook
• Staff support
• Welfare and Education Centre
• Welfare Bug
• Training
• Events
• Resources
• Newsletter
• The Student Rep Society

• Faculty
• Faculty Rep Student Co-ordinators
• Committee chairs / secretaries
• Faculty welcome events
• Other Reps

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welfare and education centre
provide free, independent and confidential advice
on a variety of issues including academic issues,
housing, finance, immigration open monday
wednesday 9.30 3.45 thursday 9.30 6.30
friday 1 3.45 t 0116 2576307
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the Student Rep society

• the aim of the society is to promote the role of
  the Student Rep, provide opportunities for
  Student Reps to meet outside of the formal
  schedule and to encourage a sense of identity
  amongst Reps.
• for further information please contact Colina or
  Shazia

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what next?

• Students Union General Meeting
• - 11th November 2008
• Deadline for accreditation
• Friday 27th February 2009
• Student Rep Conference
• Tuesday 10th March 2009, 10 2,
• Trinity House Chapel

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more information

• website
• www.demontfortstudents.com
• email
• studentreps_at_dmu.ac.uk
• drop into the Students Union

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any questions?