Frequently Asked Questions

What are Reps and what do they do?

School, College and Senate Reps are all part of the academic Student Representation System run in partnership by the University of Birmingham and the Guild of Students. Reps within this system provide a voice for students on academic concerns at different levels of committees. School, College and Senate Reps work directly with the Student or PGR Reps, who volunteer to represent their course, to ensure feedback is heard on a higher level.

For example, Student Reps take academic feedback from students on the same course as them, to course-level or department-level Staff Student Forums. If an issue cannot be resolved there, the School Rep can then take the feedback to a School-level meeting, and so on. 

What is a School Rep?

School Reps are student representatives that attend School-level committees to represent the voice of all students within that School at the relevant level of study. They do this by actively gathering feedback on key issues and presenting these at the School-level committees they attend.

The most common School-level committee is known as a School Education Committee. These committees include academic staff, professional services staff and student representatives who meet throughout the year to discuss anything affecting the teaching and learning experience within each School. This includes the future direction and priorities for the School to focus on through submission of a School Education Plan. 

What is a College Rep?

College Reps are student representatives that sit on College-level committees to represent the voice of all students within that College at the relevant level of study. They do this by actively gathering feedback on key issues and presenting these at the College-level committees they attend.

College committees consist of academic staff, professional services staff, a Guild Officer and student representatives (College Reps) who meet throughout the year to discuss anything affecting the teaching and learning experience within each of the University’s 5 Colleges. There are 2 main College committees that meet regularly across the year that all College Reps are expected to attend (College Education Committees and College Quality Assurance and Approval Committees). PGR-level College Reps will also be asked to attend the University’s Graduate Research Board, which meets to discuss issues affecting Researchers. College Reps are also invited to sit on the Guild’s ‘Education Committee’, to help shape academic interests. 

What is a Senate Rep?

Senate Reps are student representatives that sit in Senate meetings, to represent the voice of all students across the University at the relevant level of study.

Senate is the highest education-related decision-making body at the University. It is chaired by the Vice Chancellor and consists of other senior members of staff at the University, as well as Guild Officers and student representatives (Senate Reps). The committee meets 3-4 times per year and many discussion topics are confidential. 

How do I run to be a School, College or Senate Rep?

Our 2022 Summer Elections will provide continuing Undergraduates and Postgraduate Researchers the opportunity to become School, College and Senate Reps for the 2022-23 academic year. You'll be able to apply for a Rep position from Monday 9th May at 10am. As a part of your application, you can write a 200 word statement to tell voters why you think they should elect you. 

How much of a commitment is it?

Commitment varies per role and per School. Some Schools or Colleges, for example, may involve going to more committee meetings than others. Generally, for each committee you attend, you can expect to be invited to attend this for 1-2 hours every month or two. This will vary per month, and will also depend on how many different committees you are invited to in your role. For College Reps, you may be invited to several different committees. For Senate Reps, Senate meets 3-4 times per year.

What do I get out of being a Rep?

Being a Rep gives you the opportunity to make real changes for students on campus. It allows you to voice your fellow students’ feedback and work with staff across the University to make changes, resolve issues that arise and improve the student experience.

These roles also build your skills in problem-solving, team-working, confidence and leadership - as it does involve taking solution-based feedback to committees with senior staff members. The role is also verified, can be added to your Enhanced Transcript and is worth PSA points. 

What support do I receive as a Rep?

You will be sent the committee papers for any committees you attend in advance, usually by the committee secretary. In some Schools and Colleges, members of staff (this may be the Chair, a Student Experience Officer or the Secretary) may offer to go through the papers with you to help you understand the context of what is being discussed. You can also approach these committee members with questions prior to, or after committee meetings.

The Student Reps team at the Guild, based in the Student Voice department are also here to support you. We are dedicated to supporting the Student Rep System and can offer briefings for papers, if needed, or answer any questions that you may have. We can also help you come up with plans for how to raise feedback.

Who can I speak to/where can I get more information?

If you have any questions about the role or are hesitant to apply for the position, please get in touch with the Student Reps team at the Guild! You can email us at studentreps@guild.bham.ac.uk and we will be happy to meet with you, or answer your questions via email.