By Beth Button (SOCSI)

I was an elected module rep during first and second year In my second year I was the chair of my school’s student staff panel.

Interested in getting involved in the running of the school and seeing what difference could be made through active student participation. Chance to meet more students off the course. To see how student opinions are recognised and responded too. A chance to get involved with student politics and see how they can positively influence change within the school. It offers a chance to get something extra from their time at university, as an extracurricular activity and employability booster!

They want a chance to shape the course to their needs and help improve areas that may not be working as effectively as they could be. Support from the staff in listening to and helping students to implement their ideas Students want the satisfaction of knowing that their opinions are valued and that they are being listened too.

Help with the advertising of the representative system, encourage other students to use the system. The staff of specific modules should be available for their module representatives to meet with them and help them in any issues that arise. Encourage the system, ensure at least one member of staff attends the student staff panel to help guide the students in their ideas.

Finding time to act on the many promises and ideas raised at staff student panel. Promoting the system to the other students and encouraging them to use it. Having the ability and resources to fulfil all the requests of students regarding changing factors within the school. Being seen to be an effective force of change within the school to the other students

Module representatives for every module in 1 st year In 2 nd and 3 rd year, a student may represent up to 3 modules. 1 st year reps meet together twice a term. Student staff panel meets twice a term, with a free buffet provided. The Chair of the student staff panel sits on the school’s board of studies once a term

Regular updates from the chair of the SSP regarding progress on ideas and motions. Face book groups for the different year group rep systems and one for the student staff panel. A notice board in the school with minutes from the latest SSP and details about the representative system- next year we aim to have photos of the module reps up.

An initiative born out of discussions in student staff panel about a lack of support for first years. The team is an based system offering advice on practical and everyday issues. Had nearly 200 s in it’s first year, ranging from questions about textbooks to advice on housing. The team also run activities during enrolment week for first years. Aims to increase interaction between year groups and offer a support base for first years.

The student team are present all week wearing bright yellow t-shirts and handing out flyers with the of the team on. Run workshops and advice sessions on being a SOCSI student and on life in Cardiff in general Tours of the University, focusing on first year lecture theatres and libraries etc.7 Drop in Q&A sessions.

The t-shirts worn by the student team during enrolment week

We have been running focus groups to find out what students want from the student representative system and the school in general. We offered the first years a Question and Answer session with second years to get advice about module choices for their next year.

Do you have any questions?