This document provides information about training for course representatives (reps). It outlines the learning objectives which are to understand expectations of reps and staff committees, describe the National Student Survey and why it's important, and explain the benefits of being a rep. It then discusses student-staff committees, gathering feedback, preparing for and participating in meetings, following up on actions, and the importance of providing positive feedback. It also describes what the National Student Survey is and its purpose, how being a rep benefits students by improving skills, and opportunities for online training, accreditation, and awards for reps.

2. Course Rep Online
Training!
Students
(needing
help)
You
(knowledgeable)

3. Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
• Understand what is expected of both you and your department with regards
to Student-Staff Committees
• Describe what the National Student Survey is and explain why it is important
• Explain the importance of giving positive feedback
• Understand the benefits of being a Course Rep, and be able to explain how
you can get accredited

4. Part 3: Behind
The Scenes

5. Part 3: Behind The Scenes
• How to SSC
• What is the NSS and why is it important?
• The importance of positive feedback
• Benefits of being a Course Rep
• Awards and Accreditation

6. Student-Staff Committees
(SSCs)

7. Student Staff Committees
Student Staff Committees are generally made up of:
• Course Reps
• Equality & Liberation Champions (recommended)
• Lead Union Reps (recommended)
• Representatives from the Department (chosen by Head of Department)
• Representative from the Library/Interested parties
• SSC Secretary (member of staff from the department)
These committees tend to be student-led, which means that the number of staff members
will generally match or be less than the number of students present.
The size, format and frequency of SSCs within each department will vary according to
student and staff numbers and the pattern of taught programme provision.

8. What to expect in Meetings-
Jargon busting
• Action - A task assigned to an individual or a group. Usually assigned at an SSC and
followed up on at the next.
• Agenda – The list of items which will be discussed during a meeting, and the order in
which they will be brought up. You will receive this before the meeting takes place.
• AOB – Any Other Business. This item at the end of the meeting gives you the opportunity
to raise any issues not listed in the agenda. If the issue is important or controversial, it’s
a good idea to email the SSC secretary to add it to the agenda, rather than bring it up
here.
• Apologies – Formal notice of not being able to attend a meeting. You can email the SSC
Secretary before a meeting to inform them you cannot attend, and this will be noted at
the start of the meeting.

9. What to expect in Meetings-
Jargon busting
• Chair – The Chair of a meeting leads by introducing agenda points and ensuring that
the meeting runs as efficiently as possible.
• Matters Arising – Matters arising gives both staff and students the chance to update
others on the progress of actions from previous meetings, or on any changes to the
situation.
• Minutes – The minutes of a meeting are a record of what was discussed, the actions
that were agreed and the deadlines and outcomes discussed.
• SSC – Student-Staff Committees, which are the meetings that you attend in order to
feed back any issues, queries or opinions on your course and department

10. Above are examples of the agenda, minutes and proposed
actions from an SSC.

11. • Gather feedback from your peers - it may be helpful to keep all your Course Rep
related documents in one place to keep track of this
• When raising an issue or concern, the department is much more likely to take
effective action if you can evidence the number of your peers that share the same
view, and that the information is a consensus rather than a personal opinion.
There are many ways you can gather evidence, such as Survey Monkey, Facebook
polls, or a petition.
• Identify any potential issues or causes for concern. Put together talking points and
remember to think of potential solutions for any issues
Before SSCs

12. • Have a look at the minutes from the previous meeting, to familiarise yourself with
any items for discussion
• Compare notes with the other Course Reps in your department or course, to make
sure that your arguments are cohesive and that you have the support of your
peers
• Email the SSC Secretary if you have any items which need adding to the agenda
• Send apologies if you cannot attend
• Check the time and location of the meeting
Before SSCs

13. During SSCs
• Be punctual
• Be clear, confident and concise when presenting your arguments
• Provide evidence where possible
• Don’t be afraid to say no, but be open to negotiating
• Remember to always be polite, professional and respectful
• Remember that the department wants to help, and is working with you to make
sure you’re getting the most out of your academic experience

14. • Reflect on which aspects of the meeting were a success, and which were not.
This can form part of your personal development, and also your portfolio
• Carry out any action points you have been allocated
• Make a note of all actions points, so that you can follow up at your next SSC. You
will be sent a copy of the minutes soon after the meeting, which can be used as
a helpful reference point
• Close the feedback loop, by relaying any changes or actions points back to your
cohort using any of the methods mentioned in the previous module
• Remember to collect feedback from your peers on an ongoing basis
After SSCs

15. If you need help preparing for your first SSCs, or
you are unsure how to proceed with any issues,
please contact:
coursereps@le.ac.uk

16. The importance of
Positive Feedback

17. Giving Positive Feedback
As well as highlighting areas for improvement, it is important to give your department
feedback on the things you think they’re doing really well.
Examples of this could be:
• Students enjoyed the extra revision sessions or skills workshops
• Lecture resources on Blackboard are very good
• Lecturers/Admin Support have good communication with students
• Students feel as though their feedback is respected and taken into account by the
department at SSCs; actions are followed through on
You could also feed back the positive points from the NSS reports or Rep briefings, so
the department can get an idea of what you want to see more of.
In the absence of positive feedback, changes can be made in the ‘wrong’ direction.

18. NSS Results

19. National Student Survey
What is the NSS?
• The National Student Survey (NSS) is a survey completed by
nearly half a million Undergraduate students across the UK after
they complete their final year. It gives students the opportunity
to share their views about their course and University
experience. The data from each University is collated and every
institution is then ranked.

20. Why does this effect you?
• It is in the University’s best interest to get good NSS results, as this data
has a direct impact on how many students apply to the University.
• As the survey is based on feedback from the students, the data
collected may be relevant to your role.
• We will provide you with an overview of the most recent NSS results in
your department if you are an undergraduate Course Rep.
• This will include the key areas where your department is doing well,
and offer an idea of areas for you to target, where past students have
identified room for improvement.

21. What do I do with the information?
• You can use data from the recent NSS report as evidence to
lobby your department to make changes, and to highlight good
practice.
• It is recommended that you read your department specific NSS
information in the Course Rep section on Blackboard before
your first SSC meeting. This information will also be given to
you at your initial briefings.

22. How does being a Course
Rep benefit me?

23. Being a Course Rep helps you to develop both personally and professionally, by
improving your employability and boosting your transferable skills:
• Practice your negotiation, problem solving, communication and leadership
skills
• Gain experience in formal meetings with senior University staff
• Network with 500+ Course Reps and Union representatives,
from departments across the University
• Have direct input and influence on University
decisions
• Attend the Vice-Chancellor’s Lunch
• Access to training and workshops facilitated
by the Students’ Union
How does being a Course Rep benefit me?
‘You will boost your
communication, problem-solving
and critical thinking skills… whilst
gaining the experience necessary
to succeed in your future career’
(Alex Rud, Biological Sciences)

24. Most importantly, ensure that the student voice is heard and
represented, and work to improve the Academic Experience
for yourself, your peers and future students!
‘There are always ways to
improve your experience as a
student and this is your chance
to be the voice of that change’
(Aaron Cawte, Informatics)
How does being a Course Rep benefit me?

25. Free online and face-to-face
Training opportunities
Course Reps have access to tailored workshops, designed and delivered by the
Students’ Union team to enhance your CV and develop your core skills.
There are a number of Masterclasses organised each year, including:
Negotiation and conflict resolution Public Speaking
Problem Solving & Decision making Communication
How to run a Campaign
As a Course Rep you also have access to the Educare online training platform,
which has many programmes for which you can gain certification.

26. Accreditation
The more you put into being a Course Rep, the more you get out!
You can gain accreditation through the Rep Development scheme, or use your role as
a platform to get involved with the following initiatives:
• Leicester Award: The role of Course Rep is recognised as a volunteering activity as
part of the Leicester Award, a programme which formally recognises and develops your
skills and accredits the many extra-curricular activities you undertake at University.
• Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR Recognition, UG): Course Reps are
recognised as an accredited extra-curricular activity on your HEAR transcript, providing
a written record of the engagement and volunteering undertaken during your studies

27. Awards
If you excel in your role, you also have the opportunity to win an award at the
following Summer Term events:
• Course Rep Awards: An end of year gala to celebrate the achievement of those who
have gone the extra mile to represent the academic interest of their peers.
• Student Awards: Within the annual celebration of student engagement, outstanding
Reps have the opportunity to win ‘Academic Representative of the Year’

28. Learning Outcomes
You should now be able to:
• Understand how SSCs work, and how to conduct yourself
• Explain what the NSS Survey is and why it is important
• Explain the importance of giving positive feedback
• Feel excited about the skills you’ll gain and opportunities you will
have access to as a Course Rep

29. If you have any questions…
Toby Taylor
Academic Representation Coordinator
tt165@leicester.ac.uk
Main Contact:
coursereps@le.ac.uk
Elena-Daniela Boaru
Development Coordinator
edb6@leicester.ac.uk

30. Congratulations!
You’ve completed your
Course Rep training!
You’re now ready to go out and start your
new role as a Course Rep:
We can’t wait to see what you do!