StudentRepresentatives’

Handbook

Think Possibleat Doncaster College

Student Parliament

Each Curriculum Area will elect two representatives (a main rep and deputy who attends only if they are absent) to the Student Parliament. The Parliament will raise and debate student issues, which will then be fed into the College’s management structure for comment, response and/or action. The Assistant Principal: Inclusion, Student Experience and Commercial Developments will chair the Student Parliament. It offers an opportunity for students to influence developments in College.

All main representatives will be expected to attend training on how to be an effective student representative and receive a green rep lanyard. A certificate will be provided to you at the end of the Academic Year.

Finally, it is important to remember that you are not alone, if you need any support ask your tutor or contact the Student Union (located in room N.1.604, The Hub): student.union@don.ac.uk

You can also report any IT problems directly to Information Services by emailing service.desk@don.ac.uk

All information including dates of the meetings is available on the College website:www.don.ac.uk/studenthome/pages/student-parliament.aspx

‘Three years ago I joined Doncaster College as a level three hospitality student, where, being elected as an Academy and Student Parliament Representative, I discovered first-hand the positive effect that student voice had on our college experience. The College hoodies, the cash machine, academy enrichment activities, changes to certain policies and procedures to accommodate students in different circumstances are all the result the student’s voice being heard through their representatives, but it doesn’t end there.

Student reps play a crucial role in ensuring that students’ opinions are heard. For example, they can feed back to staff students’ views on what works well in college and what doesn’t, and put forward ideas that they and their peers believe could improve current practices. At the same time as they are helping staff by giving feedback, student reps develop their own skills of analysis, communication and negotiation skills that will help them stand out in the employment market.

This handbook is an invaluable guide, which will help current and future reps get the most out of their role. It shows how to make effective and informed contributions that can influence the way the college is run, and how to use the experience gained by being a rep in the employment market.

The work of reps is highly valued by their fellow students and by the College teaching and management teams. May I take this chance to thank you for becoming part of, or showing interest in, the Student Voice.’

Dale Evans

ForewordTips on being aneffective Student Rep:-

• It is not your job solve peoples’ personal problems; pass these concerns onto a member of staff.• Always give prior notice of your meetings so your students can get their ideas and concerns ready.• Be committed! Being a student rep is all about helping students on your course and other areas. If you don’t wish to be a rep, that’s ok, just don’t let it affect the other students from getting their voices heard.• Be available, once students start understanding your role and what you can do, they will approach you with ideas and concerns. Try and make time to listen to others and help in the best way you can!• Have good communication with your Course Leader. For most of the ideas and concerns you will need to speak to your Course Leader for help, advice and even a solution to the matters at hand.• Don’t be afraid to approach tutors about problems. As a student rep you are the voice for the students on your course, you should be able to communicate any problems that arise that your students feel they can’t bring to a tutor’s attention.• Let your students know what happens at the meetings. Let them know that their ideas and concerns are being put forward and dealt with. Provide feedback on the outcomes of the points that are discussed and circulate the notes that are taken. it will help build the trust between you and other students!• Wear your student rep lanyards so you can be identified.

Congratulations on being elected as a Student Rep!

It’s a fantastic opportunity to really get involved in all aspects of student life and make a difference by raising issues that are important to you and your peers.

What does itmean to be aStudent Rep?

Student Representatives are here to help and support their peers throughout their time studying at Doncaster College. They are here to provide a link between staff and students and help students get their voice heard during their time at Doncaster College.

Being a Student Rep involves:-

• Using an identified tutorial session to discuss needs and issues with your fellow students• Discuss the quality of teaching and learning provision• Communicating information about student rights and responsibilities, as provided for by the Student Union and the College• Raising issues that students encounter about access to equipment and facilities with the appropriate people in your department• Attending appropriate meetings • Having an input into the Curriculum Area’s Quality Assurance Process• Liaising with other Curriculum Area Student Representatives• Promoting the value of the Student Union to other students on their course.

How the Student Rep System works:-The Student Rep System is made up of two parts – The Curriculum Lead Meeting and the Student Parliament. As an elected student rep you will attend the Curriculum Lead Meeting which is made up of:-

Programme ManagerStudent Union Enrichment WorkerTwo student representatives from each curriculum areaA representative from part-time studentsA representative from mature students

What happens at the Curriculum Lead Meeting?

• Meet with the Programme Manager to raise issues and concerns that can be dealt with at programme level• The Curriculum Lead Meeting will monitor and evaluate student feedback about Curriculum Area issues • Ensure the voice of the student is listened to and contributes to the Curriculum area’s improvement plan• Provide feedback on the student experience of learning and teaching to the Head of Area• Report and provide feedback to Head of Area• Elect the programme area representatives who will attend Student Parliament on behalf of the Curriculum Area.

What are thebenefits oftaking part?

It may sound like a lot of hard work and responsibility, but you will also gain much from the experience. Being a Student Representative is sure to look fantastic on your CV, whilst also enhancing your skills and helping you get a job after College. As a Student Representative you will enhance skills such as:

• Assertiveness • Communication Skills (Written and Verbal) • Listening Skills • Public Speaking • Presentation Skills • Problem Solving • Time Management • Stress Management • Negotiating Skills • Teamwork • Effective Participation.