Academic Representative 

The Academic Representative is a voluntary role, that is responsible for representing student views and concerns at the departmental level. This role involves working on issues that directly relate to their course and collaborating with the Student Head of Faculty to address broader student-wide changes and issues. The Academic Representative ensures that the voice of students in their department is heard and acted upon in departmental and faculty decisions. 

As an Academic Rep you will need to attend a meeting in Week 5 each term. You will also need to collect student feedback to present at the meeting. The rep roles comes with training and lots of support! 

Key Responsibilities: 
  1. Representation: 

  • Act as the primary liaison between students and departmental leadership. 

  • Attend departmental meetings and present student concerns and suggestions. 

  • Advocate for student interests in departmental decision-making processes. 

  1. Collaboration: 

  • Work closely with the Student Head of Faculty to align departmental issues with faculty-wide initiatives. 

  • Participate in regular meetings with other academic reps and the Student Head of Faculty to discuss and strategize on key issues affecting students. 

  1. Feedback Collection: 

  • Gather feedback from students within the department on course-related issues. 

  • Conduct surveys, focus groups, and informal discussions to understand student needs and concerns. 

  1. Communication: 

  • Maintain open and effective communication channels with students, departmental staff, Students’ Union and the Student Head of Faculty. 

  • Provide regular updates to students on key activities, changes, and outcomes. 

  1. Problem-Solving: 

  • Identify and address issues affecting students in their courses, such as curriculum concerns, teaching quality, and resource availability. 

  • Propose actionable solutions to departmental staff and work towards their implementation. 

  1. Support and Guidance: 

  • Facilitate connections between students and appropriate departmental or university resources when needed. 

Requirements: 
  • This role may take up to 5-6 hours per month.  

  • Currently enrolled as a student within the department. 

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

  • Ability to represent and advocate for student interests effectively. 

  • Proactive and solution-oriented mindset. 

  • Ability to work collaboratively with students, departmental staff, and faculty members. 

How to become a Academic Rep?

All students can be a rep, all you need to do is speak to your lecturer or programme director.

©2024 Birkbeck Students' Union

Birkbeck Students’ Union is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered in England and Wales, charity number 1142614.

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