Joining the Course Rep team is one of the easiest ways to meet other people, gain new skills, and make a difference on campus. Read on to find out what it's all about and how to join the team! Already know you're interested? Scroll to the bottom of the article to sign up!
What is a Course Rep?
Course Reps are student volunteers who represent the other students on their course. We want every year group of every course to have a Rep, so every students' views can be heard. Reps collect feedback from their peers about their course and their student experience at CU Scarborough. They report this feedback to Your Students' Union through Student Voice Meetings which take place each block. Your SU then works with Reps and staff to improve what isn't working and encourage more of what is!
Reps also become a point of contact for students on their course, signposting them to support services where needed and helping to resolve course-related issues.
What difference do Reps make?
In the last year, CU Scarborough Course Reps have:
- Partnered with staff to improve a complex assignment brief
- Secured free period products available to all students on campus
- Successfully campaigned to have the additional charge on non-dairy milks removed by the campus cafe
- Achieved the sale of CU Scarborough hoodies on campus - and fed in on the designs
- Worked with Your SU to improve student voice accountability processes
What do I get out of being a Rep?
As a Course Rep you are the voice of students at CU Scarborough. Your SU will empower you to build relationships with staff and work on initiatives to improve the education and student experience for your classmates. As a Rep you will:
- Join a community of CU Scarborough students who want to make a difference
- Get to meet and work with students from different year groups and courses
- Gain confidence
- Develop and improve your communication skills
- Boost your CV by earning digital badges
Don't just take our word for it though - here's what some of last year's Reps have to say about the experience!
I found that being a Course Rep enabled me to improve my communication skills and active listening, it also helped me to gain confidence in the area of public speaking/speaking in front of prople I'm unfamiliar with. This was a skill that I was able to use on my Access course when presenting assignments. I enjoyed being able to represent my classmates and put forward issues that they did not always feel they could raise themselves. I like being able to give back and hope to help make the degree experience enjoyable for all. I also enjoyed meeting and interacting with peers I wouldn't have met through my course.
Rachel, Access to HE Course Rep 2022-23 and 1st Year Psychology Course Rep 2023-24
After I took on this role in my second year, I really enjoyed the responsibilities I received. In addition, I have already seen big improvements in the delivery of the BML course at Scarborough and hope for more to come with more collaboration between staff and students... All students truly appreciate the opportunities to share their opinions and express their ideas and I am confident I have the abilities to be able to encourage them further so we all have the best university experience we deserve.
Catriona, Business, Management & Leadership Course Rep 2022-23 & 2023-24
What is the time commitment?
The minimum time commitment for Reps is 2 hours per block. This comprises 1 hour collecting feedback from your classmates across the block's teaching weeks, and 1 hour attending that block's Student Voice Meeting.
However, many Course Reps choose to spend more time volunteering in the role by catching up with Students' Union staff between meetings, setting up meetings with tutors and Course Leaders to address issues, and supporting Your Students' Union at events.
I want to sign up - what are the next steps?
There are just three quick and easy steps to becoming a Course Rep.
- Fill out the sign-up form (click here!)
First there's a quick form to complete to let us know a bit about you and ensure you understand the role.
- Complete Course Rep training
Then there is a short online training module which will equip you to start your time as a Course Rep.
- Pick up your Rep lanyard
Once you've completed the training, you'll be able to pick up your Rep lanyard and start gathering feedback ready for your first Student Voice Meeting!
If you have any questions about being a Course Rep, please get in touch with us at scarborough.su@coventry.ac.uk