Representative Boundaries

Issues reps can deal with:

As a rep you are likely to come across students who want to discuss the following issues. Where possible, try to assist students in your department year-group to resolve issues/complaints initially informally and subsequently formally, as necessary.

Teaching resources: availability of lecture rooms, lecture facilities, room facilities, disabled access etc.

Teaching methods: do students have the opportunity to
experience different learning environments such as small seminar
groups as well as lectures? Do lecturers make use of a variety of teaching methods such as board-work, OHP, flipchart, PowerPoint, Video etc, as appropriate? Do the teaching methods used exclude students with specific learning difficulties?

Study resources: availability of books and other resources in the library, access to workstations, laboratory facilities etc.

Course content and structure: does the course match the description
in the course handbook? Do lectures and seminars focus on the important topics? Have changes been made to the course without warning or consultation? Is the workload distributed reasonably throughout the course? Are the feedback mechanisms clear and appropriate?

Hidden course costs: have students been given adequate information about the costs of photocopying, attending field trips, laboratory charges etc. Are the charges reasonable?

Access to facilities after hours: does the University campus provide adequate services to part-time students (e.g. CCE students) and students who need to use facilities outside 9am-5pm?

Issues concerning placements: where students have professional placements as part of their course (e.g. medical, social work, education courses), do they have adequate support from the University during the placement?

Communication of issues: are students aware of what is happening in the University and Students’ Union and are they happy about the way this information is disseminated?

Comparisons between schools and/or departments: sometimes
students hear of an area of good practice within another school of study or department and want their student rep to get it introduced in their own
school or department.

Issues reps cannot deal with:

Where a student wants to discuss the following issues, you will need to
refer or signpost them to appropriate sources of help. If you are ever unsure about whether you should be assisting with a certain issue please
contact the USSU Education Officer immediately.

Individual student performance: it is not a rep’s role to
represent students in relation to their marks. Students who have concerns about their grades should speak in the first instance to their Academic Advisor, if unsatisfied with the response, they can be referred to the USSU Education Officer who may be able to help make an academic appeal.

Allegations of harassment or bullying: students who allege that they
have been bullied or harassed should be referred to the
Student Advice Centre or a Student Advisor in their school.

Complaints: students who wish to make a formal complaint should be referred to the complaints policy and may wish to seek independent advice from the USSU Welfare Officer, based in the Student Advice Centre.

Personal Problems: if a student has personal problems you should refer them to their Student Advisor as they have expertise in this area.