What is a Class Rep?

Class Reps provide the vital link between students and the staff who support their learning.  Class Reps can feedback on the content and delivery of courses and thereby influence the overall student learning experience.

Below there is information both on the primary responsibilities of Class Reps, as well as an outline of support the University provides for Class Reps.

To represent students effectively, a Class Rep needs to:

Interact and identify with the group of students you represent

Your primary responsibility is to your classmates: to learn about and to understand their views and suggestions about the course provision, as well as to provide a link between them and the course team.

You can communicate with your classmates in a variety of ways (Class Rep training sessions will help you explore the various methods of communicating) and it is important that you offer ways in which they can contact you.  Also, try to understand the views of the whole group – not just those of you and your friends.

Identify student issues and needs

The issues raised by those students you represent will be varied. They can range from academic issues (such as the quality of teaching and learning or access to library resources) to personal issues affecting study. It is important to know what issues you are and are not expected to deal with, as well as to whom you should refer any issues that fall outside your responsibilities (Class Rep training sessions will provide guidance about this).

Participate in, and report back from, Student-Staff Liaison Committees (SSLCs)

This meeting is where students and academic staff come together to discuss course provision and address issues that arise. It is essential that, as a Class Rep, you attend the meetings, read and engage with the agenda and minutes, follow up any action points and report back to your classmates.

Provide feedback to students on issues discussed

Once you have attended the SSLC, it is important that you feedback the results of your discussions to your class. In so doing, they will know they are being well represented by you and will feel comfortable to come to you with issues in the future. This also confirms your representative role to your classmates and encourages your class’s involvement in the representation process.

Engage with your Faculty Officer

Faculty Officers represent the students of their respective Faculties. One of the most effective ways in which Faculty Officers can elicit the views of such a large number and range of students is through the Class Rep system. Therefore, expect to be contacted by your Faculty Officer to discuss any issues that may be most appropriately addressed at Faculty level or through RGU:Union’s representation structures.  Faculty Officers are also in a good position to offer you ongoing support, often drawing upon their own experience as former Class Reps and their wider networks.