There are more than 300 Programme Reps at Edinburgh Napier University. Every year of every programme of study needs at least one and, depending on the size of your class, usually two or three students to be Reps. These Reps can raise students’ issues and suggestions for improvements with the teaching staff on their programme regarding things such as:
- time-tabling problems
- missed tuition
- exam schedules
- assessment frequency and methods
- feedback on assessments
- placement standards
- equipment standards and allocation
Being a Rep is a great way to gain valuable experience while on your course (it'll look great on your CV), develop your skills and win improvements for yourself and your class colleagues. The time commitment is pretty low (just a few hours each month) and you will learn a lot from the experience.
Your Programme Leader should ask your class for volunteers at the start of term. Let them know if you are interested.
ENSA will provide you with online induction training and give you tips on how to be an effective Rep. We will also offer support and advice wherever needed to allow you to represent the thoughts of your class colleagues to the University in the most effective way possible.
The University needs student input into its decision-making, to keep it up-to-date and relevant in what it delivers to its students. ENSA’s system of Programme Representation is recognised as one of the best in Scotland and it is a strength that we hope new students will be able to build on.
|
BENEFITS OF BEING A REP
|
| Meet and network with passionate, positive people |
| Develop your inter-personal skills |
| Develop effective working relationships with teaching staff |
| Boost your CV and improve your employability |
| Win improvements for your class |
The Role of a Programme Rep
- To make sure your colleagues know that you are the Rep and how they can contact you (e.g. create a class facebook or whatsapp group)
- To build relationships with the students, other Reps, academics and support staff.
- To actively listen to the students on your programme and seek out their views, especially when there are changes to the programme being proposed or there are problems.
- To always explore with your fellow students what outcomes they want from any representation you make on their behalf.
- To make sure you represent the majority opinion in class, not only the views of the most outspoken students.
- To represent collective views, not your own, nor those of individuals or small groups.
- Report back to the students on your programme after meetings or other representations.
ENSA will send you regular info updates throughout the year and, if you hit problems, our Co-President for Education & Employability is here to help you.
If you'd like to find about more ways you can participate in activities and conversations which can influence the quality of learning and teaching at the University, and improve the experiences of our students, check out the Student Voice pages on MyNapier.
In-Person Training
As well as the online induction module and huge library of helpful resources that are available to Reps, this year ENSA has introduced some in-person training based on student feedback and demand.
The training will take place on Wednesday 9 October, 1-3pm in Merchiston A17. This training will go through everything you need to be an effective Programme Rep and you'll get to meet other Reps and the ENSA staff that are always there to help.
If you are a Rep, or are going to become a Rep, you should definitely aim to come to this training! If you are unable to attend, please contact d.wright@napier.ac.uk
Rep Drop-Ins
Are you a new Rep needing a bit of guidance on your role? Got a question or an idea around increasing student engagement? Just want to chat about something with ENSA? Then come along to one of our Rep Drop-Ins!
New for 2024, these drop-in sessions mean that any Programme Reps can stop by and speak to ENSA's Head of Representation about their role, further training and other opportunities to get involved. These will be taking place at the following times:
- Monday 21 October, 10:30am to 11:30am - Sighthill 2D08
- Tuesday 22 October, 11am to 12pm - Merchiston C18
- Tuesday 22 October, 2pm to 3pm - Craiglockhart 3/06
Rep Forums
Rep Forums are important spaces for all Reps to get together and discuss the various issues they are having related to their academic experience. Speakers from the University often attend these to gather feedback on important changes and developments, and the forums are an excellence place to meet fellow Reps and work together. All Reps should attend these and to be officially recognised as a Rep on your transcript, you must attend at least half of all Rep Forums in an academic year.
The first University Rep Forum of the year will take place on Wednesday 16 October, 2-4pm in Merchiston A55. You can also attend online via a Teams.
Join on Teams
