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Course Representatives 2009-2010
Elections results are out - click here for details

What is a Course Rep?

Course Representatives (Course Reps) are ELECTED students who REPRESENT their fellow COURSE STUDENTS on EDUCATIONAL ISSUES to the Union, their Department and College. They are an integral part of the college system and act as representatives who voice and champion the concerns of students. The Course Reps form a vital link between the student body, academic department and the Union. Without Course Reps departments would find it difficult attaining student feedback to make appropriate changes, and the student body would lose its voice to promote change and improvements.

Year Reps

Year Reps are elected by Course Reps within their year across College. They chair the SU year meetings and represent students on issues affecting their year.

Faculty Reps

Faculty Reps represent students at faculty level and sit on their respective faculty boards. They are nominated by their departments from the Course Reps elected.

QEC Reps

QEC Reps are elected by the Course Reps to sit on the Quality Education Committee (QEC), which is the principle College body concerned with monitoring and enhancing QM’s teaching. One rep is elected for each faculty and also chairs the SU Faculty Meetings.

Course Reps deal with issues including:

  • Lecture structure
  • Library resources
  • Timetable/Exam Clashes
  • Anonymous marking
  • Assessment feedback
  • Online learning
  • Reading lists
  • Departmental handbooks

How do I become one?

You have to run in the Course Rep elections and only students within your year and department can vote for you. Some departments have more than one Course Rep position. To run you need to fill out the nomination form on this website and upload your manifesto during the nomination period at www.qmsu.org/studentvoice/elections. Please leave plenty of time before the deadline. Any questions or problems email Anna Hiscocks at vpwelfare@qmsu.org.

Election Dates are as follows:

Nominations Open – 28/09/09
Nominations Close – 09/10/09

Voting Opens – 15/10/09
Voting Closes – 23/10/09

Results – 26/10/09

Responsibilities

To run as a Course Representative you must be available to attend one of the training dates on either, Wednesday 28th October or Saturday 31st October.

Once elected you must attend and participate in your Student-Staff Liaison Committees, held at least twice an academic year. You will also be required to attend the Student Union Faculty or Year Meetings which occur four times an academic year.

Most importantly one of your main responsibilities is to engage with your peers and ensure that you are voicing the opinion of all students

What would I gain?

The job market is becoming very competitive nowadays and employers are looking for more then just undergraduates. By being a Course Rep you will be able to demonstrate that you are not an average undergraduate but a student who has proactively utilised their time at university.

By being a course rep you gain the following transferable skills:

  • Public speaking
  • Teamwork
  • Communication skills
  • Negotiation
  • Meeting/Committee skills
  • Presenting skills
  • Decision-making
  • Problem solving
  • Time Management
  • Organizational Skills
  • Leadership
  • Self-Management

Course reps are highly regarded and rewarded for their participation and have a strong relationship with their Heads of Departments. They receive a certificate of contribution awarded at the lavish Drapers Hall in the City of London and they also get to discuss student issues with the Principal.

Who is my Course Rep?

To find out who your Course Rep is, or how to contact them, click on your relative department below. Alternatively to find out more about the Course Rep roles and functions contact Anna Hiscocks Vice President Education, Representation and Welfare on vpedandrep@qmsu.org or 02078828039.

Handbook

Case Studies

Name: Sophie Richardson

Post: 2nd Year Linguistics Rep and Arts QEC Rep

"Being a Course Rep gave me the opportunity to represent my fellow students and to gain an insight into the workings of the Uni, something which I wouldn't have normally been able to discover. It was a fantastic way to meet lots of people, make new friends and to develop my own interpersonal skills. I absolutely loved being a Course Rep and feel it is a great way to get involved with QMSU and the University itself."

Case Study 2

Name: Aslom Ullah

Post: Postgraduate English Course Rep

“Prior to being a Postgraduate Course Representative during my MA, I had been an undergraduate Course Rep during my second year and final year of my BA in English at Queen Mary. I found it a thoroughly enriching experience. The Students’ Union is passionate about making sure students’ voices are heard rather than ignored. I must admit, I was as shocked as the Course Rep next to me when the Principal suddenly said, ‘ok, I am all ears, what changes would you like to see?’ The only question I find needs asking is, “who is it that wishes to take up the challenge of using their voice as a student to implement change on the campus?”

Case Study 3

Name: Lauri Stephenson

Post: 1st Year French & 2nd Year German Course Rep

“My role as a representative involved many different tasks which meant I could immerse myself into the language department and more importantly make a difference to not only my own but the student life of my peers. As a Course Representative you are the voice of the students and when they have an issue, you convey this in semester meetings with the lecturers. You are the link between students and lecturers, without the Course Rep’s the voice of the student might not be heard. It also is extremely useful to have on your CV as it shows that you are trying to get involved in student life as well as studying for a degree. Acting as a Course Representative enriches and enhances your time here at Queen Mary, so get involved!”

Case Study 4

Name: Beatriz Ungerer-Dal Poz

Post: 2nd Year History Rep

“Being elected a Course Representative gave me the chance to meet some great students from across the different departments. You get the opportunity to see how your department and your Faculty make the decisions which affect your years at University and when they ask your opinion they listen, they don’t always agree but they do listen. The skills that you acquire are the skills that later in life will help in which ever type of work you decide to do later on. I learnt great leadership and team work skills, not to mention communication skills, because one of the key aspects of being a Course Rep is talking to the students about what they want and what their opinion is on issues and telling the right people.”