Getting Involved: Student-Staff Rep

This year I was one of three student-staff reps for the third year geography group. At the end of class one day our lecturer asked for volunteers to sit on the student-staff committee (a committee of lecturers and students that serve as a communication platform between the school and its student body to make sure everyone is happy with the way things are and to solve any issues that may arise). To be honest, at the start I was a bit apprehensive about it – I already had my hands full with peer mentoring, working for the ambassadors and keeping on top of my studies. But when no-one else volunteered, my friend and I decided to. Looking back, it’s something I’m really glad I did. It didn't take up much time at all – the committee only met a couple of times during the year, meaning I didn’t have to sacrifice any mentoring or ambassador time or good grades to participate in it. And despite only meeting a few times, we got stuff done and some important issues worked out. One of our classes had a heavy amount of reading involved in it and students were falling behind. After talking to the lecturers on the committee, they agreed to give us a couple of free classes so we could catch up on readings. After a particularly difficult exam that few people did well in, we talked to the lecturers and they marked up everyone’s grade. Communication works both ways, and as well as bringing students’ problems to the lecturers, we discussed the issues and worries of the teaching staff, such as low attendance at lectures, with the students. We also participated in an outside evaluation of the geography programme, discussing what worked well and what didn’t, and suggesting ways to improve it in the future for all you lovely incoming students (you’re welcome!).

 

I’d definitely recommend volunteering as a student-staff rep. It gives you the chance to actively shape your academic experience; you deal with issues that directly affect you and your peers and you have the opportunity to help make it a better experience for everyone. If I was a career guidance counsellor I’d say you gain valuable communication and problem-solving skills. It’s also a good way to get to know your fellow students, as they come to you with issues they want brought up at committee meetings and you report back to them. You also get to know your lecturers better. From sitting on the committee I realised how sound the geography lecturers were – they were more than willing to listen to the concerns of their students and to help fix any problems. You play an important role as a means of communication between students and teachers, you learn a lot, and it doesn’t take up much of your time. Definitely something worth doing.