The Student Rep system is at the heart of the Students’ Union, winning day to day Educational battles for YOU! This page will have the full contact list of student reps once they have been elected – but before term starts here are some details about becoming a rep. If you have questions please e-mail the Representation Assistant, Antonia Bright: ab93@soas.ac.uk.
This is the 2011/12 Rep Guide with descriptions, useful tips and contacts: RepGuide 1112
Find out who your rep is in ‘Who is who…’
Law & Social Science
Languages & Culture
Arts & Humanities
IFCELS
All Research
Democratic
Student Representatives are elected by students, like you! First year should look out for an opportunity to stand as rep in the first 3 weeks of term.
Vocal and Active
Reps go to department meetings and ensure that students’ concerns are kept at the top of the agenda. Reps are a crucial contact in both for each department and for the S.U. Reps input helps determine what education campaigns to take up. The role is constantly reviewed and developed – based on experience. A new opportunity this year is to act as a career link, liaising with the Careers service as they work to improve employability post-study.
- NB: Students voted “Education Campaign” as the top priority this year. So, the Union is going for it with a set of aims which we will campaign to achieve. See the list here, make your comments, and work with us (wwhether you are a rep, or an enthusiastic student in general!)
Educational Priorities
Support
Reps share experiences with each other, including past experience so we can solve problems and make progress on student concerns year-on-year. If it gets frustrating, you can lean on the Union and each other – this doesn’t have to be difficult!
Some reps also work at a Faculty-wide level, gaining insight into how the school runs; from the creation of new courses, to decisions about reading lists. Reps have a vital role, and if we co-ordinate well with each other there’s scope to influence your educational experience and be the champion of your peers.
Reward
Students get a great deal from representing their peers and being involved in their department. Those who have taken initiatives have found they could change things for the better, and still keep up with their courses.
Student Representatives of 2009-10 said: “learning about the reality is also an eye-opening experience” “..to get to grips with the working aspects of your department and put faces to names it is probably the best way to do it.” “I always knew who to ask for help if I could not handle a problem” “Have an open mind and heart—this will allow you to observe and participate both as a student and a bridge between the school and student body.” “If you plan some social events then it can be quite interesting.” “You get to know many interesting people and they get a chance to meet you.”
If you ever need to make a complaint or direct someone on how to do that, here is our handy guide to making a complaint about the Union or the School: MAKING A COMPLAINT