Course Reps are the heart of the Representation System at BCU!
They are the ears on the ground of your Course, hearing what you and your peers have to say about your learning and University experience. Each year group on a Course should have a minimum of one Course Rep, and has a maximum amount depending on how many students are in the year group.
If you're a Music student at RBC, there are additional Department Reps who represent each musical discipline.
They work to change things for the better
They build key relationships with staff on your Course, your Lead Rep and other Course Reps, as well as BCUSU staff. They have regular contact and meetings with them to talk about issues brought up by you and your course mates and develop new ideas that will benefit and enhance your University experience.
They are passionate volunteers
Our Course Reps spend about 8 hours a month attending meetings, performing tasks, and speaking to the students on your Course - but this could be more during busy times of the year or if they have big ideas they want to achieve!
How do I know who my Course Rep is?
Your Course Reps should introduce themselves in your classes, or they might have their information on your Moodle or posters around campus – but Your Student’s Union also have a tool to make it really quick and easy to find out who’s representing you.
Find my Rep
How can I become a Course Rep?
All of our Course Reps are democratically elected - that means you and your classmates choose who they want to represent them.
When your Course starts for the year, your tutor or another member of staff will speak to your class about the opportunity to become a Course Rep, and explain how the election will work. If you're in a large class the election might be run online using a form or survey, if you're in a small group it might be done by a show of hands in the classroom.
Responsibilities
- Collect feedback from students on your Course and relay this to staff.
- Work closely with your Lead Rep to tackle student issues.
- Report back to students with updates and developments on their feedback.
- Work with Staff to arrange meetings with the students on your Course.
- Build relationships with key staff on your Course to help resolve student issues.
- Work with VP Student Voice to help improve the experiences of students across the University
Requirements
- Be a good listener.
- Be able to speak up on behalf of other students.
- Be enthusiastic about helping others and improving the University.
- Have good organisational skills.
- Be positive and motivated.
- Be a passionate volunteer.
Benefits
- Earn points towards your Graduate+
- Experience overcoming barriers and building confidence.
- Enhance your communication and problem-solving skills.
- Develop leadership and negotiation skills.
- Get more involved with your Student’s Union.
- Gain the necessary experience to apply to become Lead Rep.
- Regular Rep social events.
- A pin-badge, lanyard, and hoodie letting everyone know you’re a Course Rep.
What happens if I'm elected?
When the Course Rep election for your class has been completed, your tutor or another member of staff will register you (and any other Course Reps for your class) with the Students' Union. You'll then recieve a confirmation email from the Activities and Representation team confirming the Course you've been registered for, and asking you to confirm you understand the responsibilities of your role. Once you've done that you'll be added to a group chat with all the other Course and Lead Reps, and recieve information on how you can complete your training and claim your Rep goodies.
Have questions or need support? Get in touch with us by emailing the BCUSU Reception team, or visiting one of our desks in Curzon or Seacole.