course rep training handbook 2021/22

Course Rep

Training Handbook

2021/22

Course Representative Handbook 2021/22 www.rusu.co.uk/representation 1

Contents

What is Reading University Students’ Union? 2

Your Education Officer 4

Introduction to University Structures 5

Senior Reps 2021 6

Course Reps: Your Role & Responsibilities 7

Why is the role so important? 7

Role and Responsibilities 7

Benefits & Rewards 7

Course Reps - Time commitment 8

Tips on how to promote yourself 8

MYREP Portal 9

Course Rep Consultations 10

Model Agenda for Course Rep Consultations 11

Academic Representation on University Teaching & Learning Committees 12

Student Staff Partnership Groups 12

Working at Committee Level 14

How RUSU supports your committee work 15

Making positive change 16

Securing Change 16

Change It 16

Rewards and Recognition 17

RUSU Excellence Awards 17

Improve your employability 18

Graduation Transcript 18

Rep Accreditation Scheme 19

Personal Development Opportunities 20

Tips for Inclusive Teaching & Learning 22

Library Information 23

Green Impact 24

Useful Acronyms 25

Signposting – Useful Contacts 27

Signposting 28


What is Reading University Students’ Union?

Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU) is run by students for students. We are a

registered charity, so any money we make goes back into improving the facilities and services

to our students. RUSU exists to provide high quality representation, opportunities for personal

development and excellent services and facilities to enhance our students’ University

experience.

It is important for students to be able to speak freely about their time at University and

campaign for change so the University can work to make further improvements for the

students. This means we are unbiased and can speak to the University independently about

issues that are affecting students. RUSU acts as the link between students and the

University, to ensure the University can hear the student voice and improvements can be

made to your academic and university experience.

RUSU Vision and Mission

RUSU’s ambition is to deliver what students want and to enhance their university experience;

we aim to provide high quality representation, opportunities for personal development and

excellent services and facilities to all of our members. As an Academic Rep, you are part of

RUSU and as such are joining a huge team of students working for students to enhance the

student experience. The work you do for RUSU is hugely important!

RUSU is committed to promoting equality and diversity throughout our work. We strive for

equal opportunities for all. No individual will be treated less favourably than any other on the

grounds of gender identity, sexual orientation, race or ethnic origin, disability, marital or

parental status, religion and belief, age or any other reason.


Your Full-time Officers

RUSU is led by four Full-time Student Officers who are voted into office by an annual online election. Student Officers listen to the views of the thousands of students on campus and represent the student voice on campus, locally, nationally and internationally.

Welfare Officer The Welfare Officer is responsible for the development and management of welfare initiatives, as well as taking the lead on welfare campaigns. The Welfare Officer will also liaise with the RUSU Advice Service; supporting and helping to promote their services.

President The President is responsible for ensuring all decisions reached by RUSU have gone through the democratic process as laid out in the Constitution and Bye-Laws. The President is also responsible for leading on external affairs, liaising with the National Union of Students (NUS) and will lead on RUSU’s democracy initiatives such as Change It and the Union’s green initiatives.

Education Officer The Education Officer will work closely with the Advice and Representation department to coordinate academic representation as well as leading on academic campaigns and events. The main aim of the Education Officer is to improve academic experience and maintain strong working relationships with relevant University staff and Academic Reps.

Activities Officer

The Activities officer is responsible for the management and development of RAG (Raising and Giving), Student Media and all RUSU sports clubs, societies and volunteering initiatives.

Grace Loweth

RUSU Welfare Officer

Ben Knowles

RUSU President

Bethany Nugus

RUSU Education Officer

Amy Sheffield

RUSU Activities Officer


Your Education Officer 2021/22:

Bethany Nugus

Hi, I’m Beth, a second-year English literature student. This last year has been such an unusual experience for all of us. We have all faced never ending hurdles fighting for the education and life experience we have paid for. With the threat of Covid-19 evolving, we are hopefully entering a transition to traditional teaching. I want teaching standards to be maintained fusing our traditional methods with the successes of online learning, which is why I have decided to run for Education Officer.

Goals

A quick transition: returning to in-person teaching whilst adopting new practises.

We need to push for a swift and safe return to in person teaching, keeping the successes of online lectures, such as recording in person content for students to review at their own leisure and to reference.

Tackling the issue of bunching deadlines

I want to encourage staff to stagger deadlines without damaging the integrity of the module. This will not only enhance the student experience, potentially improve the quality of work, plus reduces pressure.

Improved transition from predominantly online A levels to Degree standards

The upcoming freshers have endured most of their A level experience online, therefore, may struggle adapting to the demands of a degree. I want to ensure their transition is easy, understandable, and enjoyable.

Bringing educational expectations closer with student welfare

Poor mental health and university education should never go together. I want to work closely with the welfare team pushing for a less stressful academic environment, improving student’s mindset and education.

A quick transition: returning to in-person teaching whilst keeping some of the successes of online teaching, such as recording in person lectures for those that cannot make it.

Tackling the issue of bunching deadlines creating a more enjoyable learning experience.

Bringing educational expectations closer with student welfare.


Introduction to University Structures Students are enrolled on a programme. Their programme will be the title of their degree, e.g. BA in

English or MSc in Real Estate. Each programme is managed by a School, although combined

degrees will be taught by more than one School/Department. If a student has any queries about

module enrolment, you should refer them to their Department or School Office for help. Outlined below

are the Schools at UoR:

AGRICULTURE, POLICY & DEVELOPMENT ARCHAEOLOGY, GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Department of Agriculture

Department of Food Economics and Marketing

Department of Archaeology

Department of Geography and Environmental Science

ARTS AND COMMUNICATION DESIGN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Department of Art

Department of Film, Theatre and Television

Department of Typography and Graphic Communication

Ecology & Wildlife Conservation, Zoology

Biological Science, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences

BUILT ENVIRONMENT CHEMISTRY, FOOD & PHARMACY

Department of Construction Management and

Engineering

Department of Architecture

Department of Chemistry

Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences

Department of Pharmacy (Reading School of Pharmacy)

HENLEY BUSINESS SCHOOL (& ICMA) HUMANITIES

Business and Management

Accounting

Real Estate

Department of Classics

Department of History

Department of Philosophy

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL STUDY AND LANGUAGE INSTITUTE

LAW LITERATURE AND LANGUAGES

Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics

Department of English Literature

Department of Languages and Culture

MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES

POLITICS, ECONOMICS & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Department of Meteorology

Department of Computer Science

Department of Politics & International Relations

Department of Economics

PSYCHOLOGY & CLINICAL LANGUAGE SCIENCES

Department of Psychology

Department of Clinical Language Sciences


Senior Reps 2021/22 Each School will have two elected Undergraduate Senior Rep and one Postgraduate Senior Rep, apart

from Henley Business Senior which will have four Undergraduate and three Postgraduate Senior Reps

and ISLI. Senior Reps work with the Course Reps and student from within their School, and feedback

from SSP Group meetings will be taken to School Management Boards.

School Reps

Agriculture, Policy and Development UG: Anastasiya Savchenko & Rusafa Karim

PG:

Archaeology, Geography and Environmental

Science

UG: Joseph O’Connell & Claudia Sham

PG:

Arts and Communication Design UG: Dan Lupton

PG:

Biological Sciences UG: Lisha Rai

PG:

Built Environment UG: Bupesh Hirani & Xi Sun

PG:

Chemistry, Food Sciences and Pharmacy UG: Vivian Oparaku & Sabah Riaz

PG:

Henley Business School

UG: Nikolaos Papathanasiou, Taher Kamari,

Konstantinos Kontoulis & Tiegan Royce

PG:

Humanities UG: Henry Fletcher & William Mah

PG:

Institute of Education UG: Toby Clark & Louise Gerth

PG:

International Study and Language Institute

Law UG: Oscar Minto & Lauren Fuller

PG:

Literature and Languages UG: Jennifer Liddell & Miranda Roberts

PG:

Mathematical, Physical and Computational

Sciences

UG: Tom Templeton & Antonis Karaolis

PG:

Politics, Economics and International Relations UG: Casey Byrne & Drew Taylor

PG:

Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences UG: Katherine Birch & Megan Gompels

PG:


Course Reps

Why is the role so important? Course Reps ensure that all students are fairly represented on teaching and learning matters within

each programme. They work to ensure the student voice is being heard by the University and positive

changes are being made throughout every school to benefit the diverse student population. They sit

on the Student Staff Partnership Group meetings and have the opportunity to participate in quality

process and Board of Studies meetings. Course Reps act as key liaison between students, the

Students’ Union and the staff on each programme. Course Reps are encouraged to get involved and

participate on academic related campaigns.

Role and Responsibilities

All Course Reps will sit on the Staff Student Partnership Group meetings (SSPGs). Your role

would be to provide the student voice on matters directly affecting students on your programme.

Ensure student feedback is heard by the University. Liaise with all students on your programme

to gain a good picture of feedback on teaching and learning matters and support services that

directly impact student learning experience.

Attend introductory Course Rep training to prepare you to be effective in your role and on Staff

Student Partnership Group meetings.

Work with key staff within your department to create positive changes on your programme.

Attend termly Course Rep Consultations with your Senior Rep; identifying any issues that have

been raised at SSPGs and feedback any issues/changes to the RUSU Education Officer.

Record changes and impact made by Course Reps by using the online reporting tool.

Be the key contact between the Students’ Union and your programme. Liaise with the Student

Engagement Coordinator, RUSU Education Officer and key staff within the school, such as the

School Director for Teaching & Learning, on academic representation matters.

Benefits & Rewards

Create positive change for those studying on your programme.

Excellent career boosting experience to enhance their CV.

Develop key skills and build evidence of how they have used those skills in a work environment.

Access to full training and support.

Gain volunteering hours which count towards the University of Reading RED Award.


Scrutiny and/or Periodic Review Panellist. (Paid roles which are only open to elected reps).

Build relationships with key staff within your department, the University and the Students’ Union.

Join a network of like-minded students and work alongside each other.

Invitation to attend any Academic Rep social events

Recognition of Course Rep role included on your degree transcript.

Course Reps – Core time commitment

Meeting/Event Term

Duration

Course Rep Training Autumn 2021

2 hours

Staff Student Partnership Group (SSPG) Autumn 2021 Spring 2022 Summer 2022

6 hours (2 hours per meeting)

RUSU Course Rep Consultations

Autumn 2021 Spring 2022 Summer 2022

3 hours (1 hours per meeting)

Outgoing Handover Session

Summer 2022 1 hour

Promoting Yourself To be effective in your role as Course Rep you will need to promote yourself to and gain feedback

from a diverse range of students on your programme; including home and international, full-time and

part-time, young and mature student. You need to be easily contactable for students, and report back

to those students, ensuring they know about the improvements that have been made from their

feedback and your hard work!

Tips on how to promote yourself

Introduce yourself- explain your role and how students can contact you.

Circulate your email to students- encourage students to contact you with any issues.

Course Rep Consultations – Meet with your Senior Rep(s) and other Course Reps in your School

Lecture shout outs- keep students updated on events, SSPG meetings etc.


Social media- Twitter, Facebook (set up a group for you and the Course Reps in your

department).

Drop-in sessions- informal meetings for students to chat about any issues.

Notice boards- update with any success stories, suggestion boxes?

Make friends with admin staff – Ask the course administrator to help you promote your role.

Group chats – utilise group chats for your course/societies to gather opinions and close the

feedback loop.

Get help from RUSU’s Student Engagement Coordinators - who can help promote you through

the RUSU website, social media and email.

Feedback- information from meetings, boards and committees to students and RUSU.

MYREP Portal Through this portal you will have the ability to message all students on your course. You can also write

blogs, create events, run polls and update any important news from your SSPG meetings. By visiting

rusu.co.uk/representation/student-reps/academic-reps/find-my-rep/, all students will be directed

straight to their Course page and will be able to find out who their Reps are and how they can get in

touch with any academic issues they may have.

https://www.rusu.co.uk/representation/student-reps/academic-reps/find-my-rep/


Course Rep Consultations

Your Senior Rep will oversee the work of the Course Reps in your school. They will chair and convene

termly Course Rep Consultations with the Course Reps in your school. It is important that attend these

meetings once a term to ensure you are giving an update on the amazing work you have been doing,

to make note of any changes you have made happen, or any issue that you have come across on

your programme.

This is a chance for you and the other Course Reps in your School to get together and discuss any

trends or issues in feedback you have been receiving from students and to decide where changes

need to be made in your school.

It is also a chance to network and catch up with your team and Senior Rep!


Example agenda for Course Rep

Consultations

Course Rep Consultation [School you’re part of]

1. Attendance

2. Introductions

3. Selection of secretary (If a Student Engagement Coordinator is not

present)

4. Explanation of Role and meetings (in Autumn)

5. Course Rep Feedback (By year/course)

6. Any specific feedback needed e.g.

a. Assessment and Feedback b. Teaching c. Timetabling

7. Relevant campaign/project updates

8. Any other business

9. Date for next meeting


Academic Representation on University Teaching

& Learning Committees Committee meetings are an essential part of the student representation structure. This is key process

for making change at a course, school and university level. The University of Reading invite student

representatives to become members of most committees which take place. The Teaching and

Learning Committees have a direct work flow; the work of Course Reps at on SSPGs will feed up to

the Board of Studies, which feeds up to the School Management Board.

Course Reps sit on Staff Student Partnership Group meetings (SSPG). Senior Reps report to

Senior Management Board, Senate and some University level committees.

All Course Reps sit on Student Staff Partnership Groups. This is a programme level meeting.

Course Reps (normally one per year but it is up to the School Director of Teaching and

Learning) sit on Board of Studies. This is a Department level meeting.

Senior Reps report back to key staff on the Senior Management Board.

RUSU Education Officer sits on University Board for Teaching, Learning and Student

Experience. This is a University level meeting.

Course Representation Handbook 2021/22 www.rusu.co.uk/representation

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Student Staff Partnership Group meetings

Every programme should operate a Student Staff Partnership Groups (SSPG). Sometimes SSPGs will be split between Undergraduate and Postgraduate, but usually these are mixed and will have Course Reps from all years of the undergraduate and postgraduate cohort will sit on the meeting together with departmental staff. Course Reps will attend these meetings once a term; the minutes will be distributed to students and will be discussed at higher level University meetings.

Membership Programme Directors Head of Department/School (as appropriate) School/Department Director of Teaching and Learning (as appropriate) Programme Administrators A Secretary appointed by the Head of School Student Course Representatives Standing Invitations: A Representative from the Library A Representative from Careers, Placement and Experience Centre A Representative from IT Services The Programme Directors for Joint Programmes A Representative from Study Advice


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Working at Committee Level

Your role at Committee Meetings

Represent students – Be well informed on student opinion and share the views and feedback

from students who are on your course. Know the agenda and when it is appropriate to voice the

opinion of the student body. MOST IMPORTANT: Make an effort to contribute and you’ll

gradually find it easier

Be constructive - You are there to scrutinize the work of the University but don’t forget the

positives! Tell the University when things are great - you want the staff on your course to carry

on doing things that benefit students! You should aim to share both positive and negative

feedback. If you make constructive comments and suggestions, then people will start to ask you

for your opinion and value your presence.

Keep it student focussed - Make sure you raise all matters relating to the students’ teaching

and learning experiences. You have the power to get the student voice heard by the University!

Keep it relevant – Ensure you focus on teaching and learning issues on your course and don’t

bring up issues which are outside the scope of the meeting. Refer these issues elsewhere. (See

later section on signposting!)


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How RUSU supports your committee work You will receive electronic invites to your Committee Meetings and Committee reports will be distributed via email or Blackboard. Course Reps should meet with each other before the meeting to discuss:

The updates due to be shared at the upcoming committee meeting.

Any recurring/common issues or ‘big’ issues affecting students.

Any past knowledge of how the University/Union has been involved in the past.

Progress/completion of any actions that were agreed to be undertaken by Course Reps at the last meeting.

After attending your Committee Meeting you should report back to RUSU on the following;

Your attendance - whether apologies were sent – (who went as alternate?)

Recurring/common issues or ‘big’ issues affecting students

Points raised by the Course Reps which influenced committee decision/outcomes or

affected future actions to be undertaken by the university.

Impact/changes for students/‘wins’ for students.

Actions (meetings/research/report) you agreed to undertake at the committee meeting.

Committee terms- Jargon Buster!

Chair is the person appointed to plan and run meetings and to ensure effective

participation.

Secretary is the person appointed to convene the meeting, collate and send out reports

to the committee members, take minutes and distribute these to the committee

members.

Terms of reference used to set out the parameters within which authority is delegated to sub-

committees, standing groups, advisory panels etc. and to specify how the group

is accountable. They should be produced in writing and made available to all

members of the Committee/Board and the relevant sub-committees.

Minutes are a written record of the meeting and should include actions (agreed by the

committee members).

Reports are submitted to meetings. Some meetings RUSU are expected to submit an

update report at every meeting. If you are responsible for the production of a

report, you will need to prepare and submit by the deadline. The deadline is

usually at least one week prior to the date of the next committee meeting.

Nominated alternate is a person acting in the place of another; a substitute.


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Making positive change Lobbying committee members is a direct way to make change happen. Make sure you plan

your actions, seek advice from a Student Engagement Coordinator, Education Officer,

Senior Reps or fellow Course Reps. Here are some things to consider when putting across

a student issues at committee.

The Problem - State it as students see it.

Causes - Why does it happen?

People - Who will know more about this?

Information - What background research do you need? Will you submit a formal report?

Evidence - How can you prove students care about this?

Desired solution - What do we (students, Reps, RUSU) want?

Committee - Which committee or Student Officer could you take it to?

Deadline - When does the committee meet, how long will it take to change?

Securing Change

Set your objective – Make your objective clear.

Be prepared – Do your research and be able to anticipate questions and opposition.

Get yourself heard – Speak to the ‘right’ people, attend the committee meetings.

Team work – Work together as a team with a shared objective.

Get support –Speak to the Student Engagement Coordinators, Education Officer,

University staff that are positive about your idea. Seek support and advice at pre- and

post-meetings.

Monitor progress – Review at post-meets, Follow up actions

Feedback progress – Feedback success stories at post-meetings

Run a campaign – Speak to a Student Engagement Coordinator at RUSU.

Change It

1. You can submit ANY idea to Change It. Got a good idea?

Just visit www.rusu.co.uk/changeit to let everyone know! Then

students can like, dislike and share their comments on the

idea.

2. Meet up You will then be invited to attend an optional meeting

where you will hear what will happen to your idea.

3. Promote your idea Your idea may be sent to a vote. If this

happens we will provide you will promotional materials and

tips to promote your idea to other students.

4. Vote On It Students must vote on your ideas for it to be

passed as a campaign or policy.

http://www.rusu.co.uk/changeit


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Rewards and Recognition

RUSU Excellence Awards

The Excellence Awards are for students to nominate members of

University of Reading staff who have gone above and beyond,

tirelessly working to improve the delivery of the teaching and

learning experience. There are 18 different Excellence Awards on

offer:

Academic Tutor Excellence Award

Support Staff Excellence Award

Diverse and Inclusive Teaching Excellence Award

A Teaching Excellence Award for each school

All winners receive a trophy in front of both students and peers,

and are commended publicly by the University at the Graduation

ceremonies. RUSU invites the awards winners to present at the

RUSU Partnership in Teaching & Learning Showcase, where they

can share good practice with their peers to further enhance the

quality of teaching across the institution. We want to promote the

partnership in teaching and learning which is outlined in our

Student Charter between Students and Staff; acknowledge and

facilitate the growth of new and upcoming practices; and engage

more students in RUSU Excellence Award process. Students can nominate throughout the

year and we ask Course and Senior Reps to encourage students to submit their

nominations of staff online at www.rusu.co.uk/excellence.

RUSU Course & Senior Rep Awards

The Course & Senior Reps Award scheme recognises the great

work of our Academic Reps and also raises awareness of

Academic Reps on campus. Students can nominate Reps who

have provided effective representation, good feedback and made

positive changes within their school. Please encourage students

nominate academic reps at www.rusu.co.uk/awards! Winners

receive a trophy and are invited to attend the RUSU Excellence

Awards Ceremony and the RUSU Student Experience Awards

Ceremony, which take place at the end of the spring term.

http://www.rusu.co.uk/excellence

http://www.rusu.co.uk/awards


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Improve your employability We aim to develop your knowledge and experience – providing evidence of your

transferable skills that will improve your chance of gaining employment. The table below

shows the kind of skills you will have the opportunity to develop whilst undertaking the role

of Course Rep. Try to expand your skills in this role – remember the more you put into the

role – the more you will get out of it.

Graduation Transcript We want you to have a record of your role. We arrange for the University of Reading to

include the fact that you have fulfilled the role of Course Rep on your final degree transcript.

This will show future employers that you undertook an additional role whilst studying.

Skills/ Experience

Communication (at all levels within the University)

Advocacy (representation)

Building relationships

Canvassing opinion

Lobbying/Campaigning

Time management

Negotiation

Networking

Analytical

Research

Managing multiple priorities

Organisation

Problem solving

Committee membership

Decision making

Knowledge

University structures

Democratic processes

How committees work

How to influence change

How to signpost/refer

Teaching & learning Issues affecting students in HE

Diversity issues

Personal/

Professional

attributes

Professionalism

Approachable

Assertive

Inquisitive

Altruism

Integrity

Self-motivation

Enthusiastic/passionate


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Rep Accreditation Scheme RUSU’s Rep Accreditation Scheme officially launched this year to help you get the most out

of your time as Reps. Not only will you receive bespoke rewards for your hard work but also

increased recognition from key staff at RUSU and the University, and also future employers.

The scheme includes a variety of activities (including your compulsory responsibilities) to

help you tailor the role around your existing commitments and also to your interests and

what you want to get from the role.


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Personal Development Opportunities

PLanT (Partnerships in Learning & Teaching) Project

A teaching and learning initiative, gives you the opportunity to design and implement a project which

will enhance and develop aspects of your course. The project would be a partnership between you

and a member or members of staff. For more information, visit www.rusu.co.uk/plantproject or speak

to the Education Officer.

Reading Experience & Development (RED) Award

The Reading Experience & Development (RED) Award is a scheme run by the University, to help

students who take part in other activities (such as Academic Representation) in addition to their

academic studies, gain the recognition they deserve. You can register to take part in the RED Award

via the RISIS Web Portal.

Student Scrutiny Panel

Scrutiny Panels look at new program proposals and feedback on the viability of the course. Each

Scrutiny Panel has a student member. You will need to take additional training and if selected, you

will be paid £200. For more information, or to express your interest in becoming a Student Scrutiny

Panellist, contact a Student Engagement Coordinator.

Periodic Review Panel

The purpose of Periodic Review is to monitor the quality and standards of a programme and the

awards offered by each department. A Periodic Review also allows the University to identify areas of

good practice and areas for development in learning and teaching is disseminated throughout the

University. You will need to take additional training and if selected, you will be paid £450. For more

information, or to express your interest in becoming a Periodic Review Panellist, contact a Student

Engagement Coordinator.

http://www.rusu.co.uk/plantproject


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Nominate in the Election next year!

There are lots of roles you can put yourself forward for. If you are interested, please pop into RUSU

to discuss with a member of the team. We can tell you more about the other roles on offer and what

skills/experience you will develop if you took on another role. Here are some of the roles available!

Full-time Officers

Part-time Officers

Student Trustee

Senior/Course Rep

NUS Delegate

Society Committee Member

Future training opportunities

We want to ensure that you get the support and training you need to develop your skills, enhance

your employability and ensure you are effective in your role. RUSU offers short training sessions and

will keep you informed of when these will be taking place, if you want to discuss any specific training

needs, please speak to the RUSU Representation Team. Training may include:

Chair training

Communication training

Working effectively with committees

Campaigns training

Being a Periodic Review Panellist (for elected Academic Reps only)

Being a Student Scrutiny Panellist (for Academic Reps only)


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Tips for Inclusive Teaching and Learning

The University has a duty to follow good

practice in supporting disabled students, in

order to meet the requirements of the law

and our obligations to our students. All

teaching colleagues have been asked to

follow the guidance set out below to help

deliver inclusive teaching and learning at

University of Reading. It is anticipated that

these measures will benefit all students.

Please contact the T&L Dean Clare

Furneaux ([email protected]) if

you have any other suggestions for making

T&L more inclusive.

1. Put lectures notes and/or relevant learning materials on Blackboard in advance (minimum:

48 hours before a teaching session).

a. Using the VLE to do this will make accessing learning much easier and more flexible for all students, including disabled students.

b. Access to materials in advance will help students with some disabilities or specific learning difficulties prepare for sessions better and can aid all students.

2. Prepare accessible documents

a. Use the ‘Styles’ feature of MS Word to structure documents, making it easier for students to

navigate and use other assistive software. See more on accessibility features in MS Office 365 and

on LaTeX

b. Handouts should be in 12-point font as a minimum size (ideally 14 point). Further information at

AbilityNet.

c. All presentations should be easy to read (with a font large enough to read by all when displayed

on the screen) and with numbering to aid access for students. There is an Accessibility Checker built

into PowerPoint and for more details on this and other practical advice see WebAim

d. Alternative approaches to learning materials can include pod or screen casts as well as other

forms of multimedia.

e. Pod- and screen-casts should, ideally, be accompanied by a transcript, unless (in the case of a

screencast) it is obvious from the image on the screen what is being explained verbally.


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3. Use accessible reading lists for your programmes. The University's online reading list system,

Talis Aspire, is designed to be accessibility compliant. An accessible reading list is structured

purposefully to encourage student progression and manage the transition through programmes.

4. When planning student assessments think about the diversity of your student cohort.

Different forms of assessment should be considered to ensure students are able to demonstrate

their learning. The University of Reading Engaging Everyone site and the Learn Higher resource site

can support you with this.

5. The inclusion of activities beyond the lecture/seminar format can provide great opportunities

for learning, but do consider diversity issues for activities such as group work, field work, practical

work, placements, and study abroad, and how adjustments might be made to these activities in order

to enable disabled students to participate.

Library information

Liaising with the Library

The Library is committed to providing the best study experience we can for students at Reading. We especially welcome feedback and suggestions gathered by Course Reps on ways we can build upon the services we offer. We also encourage you to promote our services to your fellow students so they can make best use of the Library over the coming year. Here are four things you can do to start:

• Find the Liaison Librarian for your programme and introduce yourself! Our dedicated team of subject liaison librarians are on hand to provide guidance on finding resources on your reading lists, gathering information for assignments, citing references, planning dissertation research, using library e-resources, and help with general library enquiries. We attend relevant meetings within Schools/Departments, like the SSLC and Boards of Study and especially encourage feedback at these from Course Reps on Library-related issues. A list of Liaison Librarians by subject area is available here: http://www.reading.ac.uk/library/contact/staff/lib-liaison.aspx

• Explore our Study Advice and Maths Support services: www.reading.ac.uk/library/study-advice, www.reading.ac.uk/library/maths-support. They offer individual advice, online guides and videos, and workshops in addition to advice provided by personal or course tutors. Study Advisers provide guidance to help you develop your academic study skills, for example essay writing, time management, note-making, and exam preparation. The Maths Support staff offer help with any mathematical topic you need for your studies.

• Keep up to date on the Library refurbishment project, see our dedicated webpage: http://www.reading.ac.uk/library/about-us/lib-news-refurbishment.aspx. Here you will also find information about alternative study space across campus and a link to the ‘Free Room Finder’ app.

• To keep up to date on all things Library-related, why not subscribe to our blog: http://blogs.reading.ac.uk/librarynews/

http://www.reading.ac.uk/library/contact/staff/lib-liaison.aspx

http://www.reading.ac.uk/library/about-us/lib-news-refurbishment.aspx


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Green Impact: RUSU’s Sustainability Champions! Part of your role this year is to act as Sustainability Champions in your school. Sustainability is fast

becoming a priority for the student movement. In recent years Students’ Unions have upped their

campaigning and started integrating sustainability into their own practices. We want to create a

greener curriculum which will see sustainability issues being discussed in lecture theatres, as well as

on campus, in student housing and within the community.

Senior and Course Reps play a crucial function in providing institutions and Student’s Unions with

valuable feedback on the academic experience of students on their courses, as well as acting as a

powerful tool to promote and secure change.

-Over eight in every ten students consistently believe that sustainability should be actively incorporated and promoted by universities

- Over two thirds consistently believe that sustainability should be covered by their university courses;

- Over 60% of students want to learn more about sustainability

Sustainability issues you should consider: Keep it Digital paper usage at Uni is phenomenal. You should encourage students and staff in

your faculty to change to online submissions for course work, email lecture notes and hand-outs to students and create a paperless culture on campus.

Resources How are laboratory fume cupboards managed? How does your department

recycle, reuse and dispose of items? What appliances do staff and students use? How can we make save money and cut carbon?

Green Impact Green Impact Universities & Colleges (GIUC) is something that the students of

University of Reading can sign up to. Signing up to GIUC provides a framework of actions that a department can complete to improve its environmental credentials and help minimise the negative impact on sustainability.

Fair-trade Encouraging departments to purchase fair-trade goods and asking staff and

students to consider the social impact their spending has.


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Useful Acronyms The University (and the Union!) loves acronyms and abbreviations. Here is a handy little

tool to help you decipher what staff are referring to when they use acronym in meetings!

BoS Boards of Studies At least one Course Reps from every

school/department should sit on it!

CoP Community of Practice People with a common interest meet to discuss things. Not a decision making body with powers but you may be invited to attend various ones about T&L

CQSD Centre for Quality Support and Development Team of people responsible for the development and enhancement of teaching and learning; quality assurance and development of teaching and learning policies and processes, and training and development for all University staff.

DLHE Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education An annual survey that asks graduates 6months after graduating what they are now doing to assess the institution’s employability rating

DVC Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Gavin Brooks

HBS Henley Business School On both Whiteknights and Greenlands campus with a vast mixture of students and do things very differently!

HEA Higher Education Academy

A national organisation, funded by the four UK HE funding bodies and grants providing academic staff with professional recognition, networking and development opportunities, and advice and support

HEFCE Higher Education Funding Council for England HEFCE distributes public money for higher education to universities and colleges in England, and ensures that this money is used to deliver the greatest benefit to students and the wider public.

IFP International Foundation Programme A one-year programme for International students that they study before going on to do a degree course here. They study introduction to academic English etc. They are usually under 18.

ISB International Student Barometer An annual survey of International students.

ISLI International Study and Language Institute

IWLP Institution Wide Language Programme Provide language courses any student or staff member can do. There are Course Reps on each programme

NSS National Student Survey Annual survey of final year students’ University experience which you should promote to final year undergraduates.

NUS National Union of Students

OFFA Office for fair access Body who looks at the University’s access agreement and Widening Participation

OIA Office of the Independent Adjudicator for HE External body to whom students can take complaints about the University after they have exhausted all internal complaints/appeals procedures

PGCAP Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice A taught programme for Reading staff relatively new to teaching and learning in HE (the PGCAP is being replaced by the APP)

PGR Postgraduate Research (Students) PhD level students


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PGT Postgraduate Taught (Students) Masters level students

PRES Postgraduate Research Experience Survey Annual survey for PGR students

PTES Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey Annual survey for PGT students

QAA Quality Assurance Agency Similar to Ofsted for HEI’S. We had an Institutional Review in 2012/13.

RED Reading Experience and Development (Award)

REF Research Excellence Framework New government imitative which uses various metrics to monitor research excellence within universities

RUSU Reading University Students’ Union

SCAM Standing Committee on Academic Misconduct Education Officer sits on this panel

SCAEFS Standing Committee on Academic Engagement and Fitness to Study

Education Officer sits on this panel

SCoSS Sub-Committee on Student Support Welfare Officer sits on this committee.

SDC Standing Disciplinary Committee Highest appeal body. SCAM cases can get appealed here but also behavioural cases. Welfare Officer sits on this committee.

SDTL School Directors of Teaching and Learning

SSCER Senate Standing Committee on Examinations Results

Education Officer sits on this panel which hears students’ appeals of their exam results.

SSLC Student Staff Partnership Group Every school/department has one and course reps attend (sometimes chair) them. Biggest place a course rep can influence.

STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

TEF Teaching Excellence Framework New government imitative which uses various metrics to monitor teaching excellence within universities

TLD Teaching and Learning Deans There are 5 Teaching and Learning Deans- they are responsible for certain strategies in teaching and learning

TLDF Teaching and Learning Development Fund A pot of money for T&L projects which you will choose which of the applicants get what

UBTL University Board for Teaching and Learning Education Officer and President sit on this high level board which most of the T&L sub-committees report to.

UCAS Universities and Colleges Admissions Service

UoRM University of Reading Malaysia

UROP Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme

VC Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort

VLE Virtual Learning Environment Blackboard

WRPL Work-related and Placement Learning


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Signposting - Useful Contacts RUSU Advice Service [email protected] 0118 378 4100

Advice Service provides independent, confidential and free service to all students at the University of Reading,

for students seeking professional, legal advice on housing, money, general welfare matters and academic

issues.

Peer Support [email protected]

Peer Support offers informal, but confidential, support to any student of the university. Peer support is

distinctive in being provided for students by students who have had training in listening and helping skills.

Study Advice Service [email protected] 0118 378 4242

Provides students with study skills, through individual sessions, workshops, online study guides. The Study

Advice team aim to help students develop their skills and also assess students with specific learning disability

such as dyslexia and dyspraxia.

Disability Advisory Service [email protected] 0118 378 8921

The Disability Advisory Service offers advice and guidance to students and coordinates a range of support and

services to enable all students to participate fully in University life. They can advise on applying for Disabled

Students Allowances, assist with arranging support workers such as note takers and mentors and liaise with

departmental staff, exams over adjustments, accessible accommodation, the campus and funding.

Academic Tutor www.reading.ac.uk/internal/academictutor/pt-home.aspx

The Academic Tutorial System is based on scheduled meetings between Tutors and their tutees.

The minimum requirement is for three such meetings per year (plus an initial meeting during Fresher’s Week

for new undergraduates). The Academic Tutorial role is essentially twofold: academic development and

pastoral care. They offer guidance and advice on the availability of appropriate support concerning study,

financial and other matters offered by the University where these are affecting the student's ability to complete

their studies successfully.

Student Wellbeing Service [email protected] 0118 378 4216

The University Counselling service offers short-term counselling support, free of charge for all current students

(undergraduates and postgraduates). They are a multi-disciplinary team of counsellors and mental health

advisors offering specialist support for any developmental, clinical and academic problems which may arise.

Immigration Advice Service [email protected] 0118 378 5555

The University of Reading Immigration Advice Service is the only place on campus that provides students with

immigration advice; they advise students on meeting Tier 4 visa application requirements, give updates on

immigration rule changes that could affect students and information on working during and after your studies.

Student Services Centre Helpdesk [email protected] 0118 378 5555

Provides information on many aspects of student support, including, tuition fee, debt to university, student

finance issues, such as paying tuition fees, debts to university. There are also links to UPP (halls provider),

immigration services. If you want to ask any questions about your registration with the university, here is a

good place to go.

Careers, Placement & Experience Centre [email protected] 0118 378 8359

The Careers Centre events provide CV and application support, job and placement vacancies, and a range of

free employer brochures, application forms, directories, occupational guides and casebooks which are

available to take away. Students can have a quick query discussion, or in-depth confidential guidance

(available by appointment).

mailto:[email protected]




http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/academictutor/pt-home.aspx






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Signposting Your role as Course Rep is to represent students on your course on matters relating to their

experience of teaching and learning. Including how the degree is run, content and structure, course

costs, resource access, Blackboard, feedback, exam guidance, assessments, dissertation and tutor

contact time. You do not deal with student issues relating to personal problems, and need to be able

to direct students to the most relevant means of advice.

Does it affect more than one person?

Yes No

Does the problem relate to

a specific module or a

programme?

Signpost student to alternative

service – See Signposting –

Useful Contacts

Yes No

Is it urgent?

Does it solely

affect your

School?

Yes No

Yes No

Speak to the relevant

Module or

Programme Leader

Report issue to

Course Rep: for

SSPG

Speak to

relevant

department

/School staff

Take the issue

to your SDTL

Is it urgent?

Yes No

Speak to the

Rep team or

Education

Officer Use this decision tree to track the issue and help

your decided where to take student

feedback/issues.

Does it

solely affect

your

School?

Bring issue

forward at the

Education Officer

No Yes

course rep training handbook 2021/22

Documents