Student Representation at Oxford Brookes University

We currently know of 606 Student Reps across the University. Number of Reps Known by the Students’ Union

Number of Reps per School

Where we are now: 606 Reps Across 8 Schools Eight Schools with very different reps systems. Reps details not circulated before week 4. 60% of reps have not contacted the Students’ Union. The role of reps is widely unknown – students and staff. Multiple levels of staff with differing workloads taking responsibility for reps within Schools. No common benchmark for reps within the Schools and University. Apathy amongst students about Reps.

Elect returning reps before the end of Semester 2. Becoming a student rep means assuming responsibility, and this responsibility should be taken away from those who are inactive. Wider communication. Greater awareness of reps and their roles for both students and staff. A benchmark for representation across all Schools and the University. Greater support for staff working with Student Reps. Suggestions for improvements from Staff & Students to be implemented in 2006/07

Towards a perfect rep system

Partnership To be a joint Students’ Union and University continuing project To jointly review the reps structure in each School To have a University-wide policy on reps that each School can gold plate Schools to decide what works for them – 8 School policies Both Students’ Union and Schools to provide training and communicate on training.

Partnership In 3 years time there could be… Agreement between the Students’ Union and each School University-wide policy on reps Individual School-based reps policies

Communication A rep to liaise with the Students’ Union and the relevant Dean (School Rep or School President) Reps encouraged to communicate with the Students’ Union Executive Committee To have effective electronic and physical forms of communication. Student-run reps meetings both within Schools and on University-wide scale (Reps Council) More social interaction between reps

Communication In three years time there could be… Students to know who their reps are School Rep/President system established A system that is open to all students not just those at Gypsy Lane

Accountability Develop the Students’ Union in regards to reps Role of Vice – President Academic Affairs Role of School Rep / President Role of Reps Council All reps elected for a one-year term of office

Accountability In three years time there could be… A more representative Students’ Union Reps from each School involved at the University-level Reps held to account by their constituents

Review of Schools 2007/08 - Business, Technology, Life Sciences. 2008/09 - Built Environment, Health and Social Care, Westminster Institute. 2009/10 -Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, University Committees