The University takes the views of all its students very seriously and relies on your input to ensure students are getting the most out of their education at Leeds. There are a number of ways in which you can participate in the development of the University, your School and your programme of study. You can, of course, talk directly to any member of staff, your School Rep, Course Rep, or you can become a representative for a wider group of students yourself.
Throughout your time at University you will be asked for your feedback on your experience as a student in a variety of ways. You should always take every opportunity to participate in surveys or reviews about your programme and your experience as a student. The University needs your help to make sure that it is providing the education and experience that students expect and need.
Students at the University of Leeds are represented by one of only two Students' Unions in the country to be awarded the prestigious SUEI Gold Standard. Leeds University Union is independent from the University of Leeds, working in partnership with the University to support an effective student representation system. Your Union provides support for School Reps and Course Reps at undergraduate and postgraduate levels who make sure your voice is heard.
Your Education Officer, Ben, wants to hear from students with ideas for improvement or concerns so that he can ensure that all students love their time at Leeds. Ben can be contacted directly at b.a.jackson@leeds.ac.uk
Who are My Reps?
Reps are more than a spokesperson for your peers at meetings; they actively network with staff and students, provide help and advice, collect views and information and feed it through appropriate channels to create a positive change.
If you would like to become a Rep, Leeds University Union can support you in a number of ways to develop your skills and learn how to be an effective Rep.
School Reps:
- There are around 60 School Reps at Leeds, working in teams within each Faculty
- They represent the views, concerns and positive comments of students studying in their School at your Faculty Taught Student Education Committee (FTSEC) which help develop policy about learning and teaching which affects all students
- School Reps are usually recruited by LUU in April for the following academic year, although postgraduate and some undergraduate School Reps are recruited at the start of the academic year in October
- School Reps also represent you at LUU's Better University Forum, a regular LUU meeting where students propose ideas about how the Union can help you to develop your education
You can find out who your School Rep is and how to contact them by visiting: www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/haveyoursay/schoolreps
If you want to know more about how to become a School Rep, the above link will also provide information about how this works.
Course Reps:
- The University and the Union work in partnership to support a strong, student-led representation system across the University. Staff supporting your programme will ask you to elect one Rep per teaching group depending on the School you study in. This could be module, seminar, studio or tutor group Reps, for example, who will represent students at Student:Staff Forum meetings and staff on your programme
- This means that more students are involved in actively listening to the views of students and passing them onto those attending SSF and FTSEC. This means there are more opportunities for you to become a Rep, for student's voices to be heard and for there to be a positive change
- The minutes of the Student:Staff Forum will be made available to all students either on the internet or on a notice board
You can find out who your Course Rep is by asking the student support staff in your School, and for more about Course Reps and the training available from LUU, go to: www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/haveyoursay/coursereps |
