Welcome to our first Education update of this new Academic Year! So far this semester, we have been working hard making sure that the representative system is reaching new levels, to allow for as much positive change as possible! This has included a refresh of Course Rep Training, a shift in the way Accreditation works, and even the expansion of the Rep roles: we now have Course, School and College Reps!
Key Successes:
The Course Reps this year have already been very busy making changes within their Course for their fellow students and we wanted to share some of their achievements so far!
In Chemistry, reps have succeeded in getting access to a dedicated website for past papers on all modules before the end of term. In Engineering, course reps have gained more support in modules for 4th year students as well as a tutorial hand over form a lecture to encourage more interaction between different programmes in the school. In Physics, an information board has been set up on Blackboard after reps feeding back the need for it.
In History, reps have helped improve the curriculum to create a greater balance between course credit and workload and the HYPIR School Reps are helping with the school’s social media to work on improving student engagement and increasing the communication between staff and students about events run by the school. In the School of Arts, reps were happy with the improvements made to the Victorian Studies module to use more inclusive language. In PGT Business, following concerns from reps, 10-minute breaks have been introduced into long lectures and presentation timings are being adjusted for next year to avoid clashes.
In Healthcare, work is being done on timetabling for their Wellbeing Café for first years to make it more accessible to students. In Natural Sciences, staff are working on giving more structure to lectures so that students can follow though easily after rep feedback. In Psychology, there has been positive feedback on the content warnings implemented by the school as well as the revisions sessions run by staff.
Other Success Highlights!
School of Arts - Positive feedback on the supplementary materials for the Victorian Studies module, students are happy with the improvements made to use more inclusive language
PGT Business – changes to timing of presentations have been made for next year to avoid clashes and set 10-minute breaks have been introduced for long lecturers
Economics – glossary of terminology to be sent to students in their 1st year, as they get used to new terminology used by lecturers. Year 2 students have asked for more resources to better prepare them for careers, which the school will look into.
Chemistry – a dedicated website for past papers of all modules will be accessible before the end of term for students
Computer Science – staff to release a completely transparent signposting on what spaces are available, when and to whom
Criminology – Course Reps are suggesting improvements to the Personal Tutor system. In general, students are enjoying their modules and the interactive styles of their lecturers
Education – Students have received more clarity on the E-Portfolio and what is meant by engagement with lecture notes, and blackboard access restrictions have been resolved
Engineering – Course Reps given a tutorial session hand over to encourage students to communicate with others outside of their friendship group and programmes. Students have received more support in their 4th year modules which has been very helpful.
Geography – improving the reading list and literature support for Human Geography as well as an improvement to the assessment turnaround times
Healthcare – working on timetabling the Wellbeing Café for first years pre placement as well as working on extending the opening time of RKCSB
HYPIR – Course reps are helping with making improvements to the History curriculum to prevent an imbalance between course credit and workload amount. School reps are now helping with the HYPIR social media to work on student engagement and increase comms between students and events run by HYPIR.
Law – Physical and electronic noticeboard with course reps and their contact emails to improve the visibility of course reps
MCS - Past question papers for SY1021 released for students
Museum Studies – Students are receiving more assessment support and students will get more time to work on presentation skills
Natural Science – Staff working on more structure in the lecturers so that students can follow through easily
Physics – Clarity given on the January Examinations after conflicting information was given. More logistical information will be provided for PA70912 projects. General info board set up on the new BB after requests from students.
Psychology – Course reps received positive feedback on the content warnings implemented by the school and revision sessions were useful
STEM – Students found the release of past papers helpful and wanted more. Staff are working on a better middle ground for Mathematics. Staff working on potentially having a focus group for to improve certain module handbooks
If you have any more success stories or would like to get involved in Representation, head to the Students’ Union website or contact coursereps@le.ac.uk.