Although most people pick their university course because they like the modules, there will always be one or two aspects that you’re not quite as fond of. Maybe it’s the really early starts, or perhaps the lack of presentations uploaded to refer back to after the lecture. It could even be something so small as the way your marks are given back to you. The best way to change this is to become a course representative.
Universities will consistently tell their students that their views are taken into account. Of course, any major problems will easily find their way up to the head of department if they’re causing that much of a problem, but sometimes it’s the smaller things that are harder to change. As a normal lowly student, it can be difficult to find out whether other students are having the same thoughts, so by becoming a subject representative you can easily assess if the problem is an individual one or something bigger.
On top of this, there’s a high chance it’ll earn you some decent brownie points if you offer to take on the role. Course Representative doesn’t sound especially exciting and is often ignored by students, so by offering up your assistance you’ll be doing everyone a favour. It means that, further on in the year, if there are other, more exciting roles that require student assistance, your name should be top of the pile. Your lecturers and course leaders will already be aware of your dedication to your studies and this will only work to your advantage.
It can also help you to get on better with your course mates. Often, the role of Course Representative isn’t fulfilled, meaning that if students do have particular problems with a lecturer or aspect of the course, they have no one to turn to. It can seem daunting to go directly to the head of department and tell them that, actually, you don’t like how Mr Smith only uploads half of his notes to Blackboard after the lecture. Other students might not want to express their individual problems so if there’s a go to student who is designated to speak on behalf of everyone, it can seem an easier option. In turn, students’ administrative problems can be dealt with without problems, and the course as a whole can continue more smoothly.
Becoming a Subject Representative will contribute towards your HEAR at the end of your degree, which is sent to prospective employers. Not only will you be taking on that vital position between the university and the students, but you’ll also be putting yourself ahead of your peers when it comes to university achievements and taking part in your course.
Photo: Flickr/ University of Fraser Valley
Have you been a subject representative for your course? Let us know in the comment section below!
Hi! I’m a 19 year old journalism student at the University of Sheffield. I’m currently in my second year and am spending my second semester studying at Universidad Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona! I love writing about my thoughts and opinions, as well as travel and student matters. You can check out my personal blog at: https://auseve.wordpress.com
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