The document outlines the responsibilities and training for class representatives at UCD, including addressing academic and welfare issues, organizing social events, and participating in staff-student committees. It emphasizes the importance of communication, confidentiality, and proper resource contacts for various student concerns. Additionally, it highlights the role of class reps in campaigns and the necessity of engaging classmates in meaningful initiatives.

1. Campaigns and Class Rep Efficiency UCD Students’ Union Class Rep Training 2007-08

2. The Role of the Deputy President Publications/Communications Class Reps Campaigns

3. 1. Recap on all you have learned: How to be an effective Class Rep

4. Some of the things you will do as Class Rep include… Informing classmates about services that may be of use to them i.e. Counselling services etc. Talking to lecturers about problems with courses i.e. lecture notes, lecturing style and exam dates and times. Organises social events, like parties and weekends away. Representing your class views at Union Council level.

5. Content 1. Academic Difficulties 2. Welfare Issues 3. Class Parties and Events 4. Staff/ Student Committees 5. Council/Constitution/Elections 6. General Advice

6. 1. Academic Difficulties Be careful with how you approach dealing with lecturers/tutors etc. Remember to consult with Ronan, the Education Officer, on Academic Issues and to get his advice on matters. When addressing an issue never mention names of students as confidentiality is key. Instead say something like “The class think that…”

7. Academic Issues (cont) Remember that most lecturers are anxious to lecture well; so many problems can be sorted out very easily. Don’t forget that the best way to address academic issues is at local level, so seek advice from your Programme Office and acquaint yourself with the people who work there.

8. Don’t forget that some problems can’t be solved at local level, so bring these up with your PRO or with one of the Union officers, as we may be in a position to solve this more easily. Ensure that you contact Ronan at [email_address] to inform him of any Education issues arising to ensure good communication. Academic Issues (cont)

9. 2. Welfare Issues In UCD we have a number of support services available to students. If you are experiencing difficulties in helping your classmates with an issue, then contact Viv the Welfare Officer for advice. REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT AN EXPERT. Viv is there to speak to students at anytime, and remind your classmates of this.

10. Welfare issues (cont) If you need advice on where to live or how to deal with accommodation problems, contact Gav, the Accommodation & Employment Officer at 01-7163117 or at suaccommodation@ucd.ie. If you need employment advice you can ask Gav about these also; he can advise on your rights and in cases of illegality he will refer you on to the proper authorities and bodies.

11. Welfare Issues (cont) If someone is your class is having problems with finance, grants etc. or just need to talk to someone in confidence, then you should contact the Welfare Officer (Viv Rath) or one of the other support services.

12. A few things to remember… Don’t ever dismiss some-one’s problem. Do smile at people and make eye contact. Listen to what they say! And again remember, refer to Viv when you don’t know what to do.

13. 3. Organising Class Parties and Events Remember to plan a party for a time when most people will be able to attend. This means not the night before an assignment or essay is due, and not a Friday night. Find a pub/club that will give you a good deal. Talk to Stephen, the Ents Officer for more advice or ideas.

14. Organising Class Parties and events (cont) Remember to give people at least a week’s notice. Good times for class parties are near the end of a term, the night after an essay is handed in or after an exam. Ask people what they would like to do, lecture addressing or Bebo polls are a good way to go.

15. Make sure that everyone knows about it. Use email (through UCD Connect), class announcements and texts to ensure this. Don’t worry if not everyone turns up. As long as you told them, then that’s your job done. You can get an @ucdsu.ie mail address, just ask me and it shall be done! Organising Class Parties and events (cont)

16. 4. Staff-Student Committees/Consultative Forums Attending these is one of the most important aspects of being a class rep. These committees can change how a course is run, how the exams are timetabled and many other student issues. If you are on this committee, attendance is a must. If you cannot attend at anytime do send your apologies.

17. Staff-student committees/Forums cont… You will be sent a set of minutes before the meeting, read these and ask what has happened to each of the complaints mentioned in the previous meetings. Send all relevant materials to Ronan and highlight any issues of concern to him or Barry.

18. Staff-student committees/forums cont… If you don’t get invited to these committees, let us know so that we can do something about it. Do attend these committees; it really is an essential part of your job. DO talk to your class beforehand, and find out what they think needs improvement. DO tell them what happened at the meeting, and any decisions that were made. There’s no point in being a representative unless you represent.

19. 5. Council, the Constitution, and Elections

20. 6. General Advice Be friendly, and don’t dismiss someone before you listen to them. Regularly update the class on any developments at Council etc, and encourage them to attend! Have fun! Being a class rep is a great way to meet new people, and will help you learn about how the college works and play a small part in improving it!

21. Campaigns – What your Union is all about!

22. The Definition of a Campaign The Different Types of Campaigns The Campaign for Change The Awareness Campaign Campaigns on a National/International Level Campaigns on a Local Level

23. The vital role of Class Reps in Campaigns YOU are the people who will lead the campaigns Getting your class/constituents involved and engaged The Campaign Launch

24. Campaign Escalation Information Dissemination Ideas include: Campaign Stalls Fliers Emails / texts Petitions Talks Debates Demonstrations and Protests

25. Post-Launch What will happen after the Campaign Launch? Don’t let the cause die – Persistence is key Remember why you started your campaign

26. The Campaigns Calendar 2007-08 The Calendar of Campaigns, what we have ahead of us Pages 14-17 of your Resource Pack *Addendum: March on Stormont against the Re-Introduction of Top-Up Fees- November (date tbc)

27. Feedback and Questions Have you got any questions on the Class Rep Efficiency presentation or the Campaigns presentation? Have you got any ideas for other campaigns? Contact details: (087)6218775 (01) 7163122 [email_address]