Academic Reps are in their positions from September - end of June and are split into 3 core roles: ‘Faculty Convenors’, ‘School Convenors’ & ‘Course Reps’. Each role has different levels of responsibility.

Faculty Convenors: Faculty Level Representation and listening and overseeing the representation of School Convenors and Course reps from across the Faculty. Taking important feedback to university level meetings such as the Faculty Teaching and Quality Committees (FLTQC’s) and the SU’s democratic structure such as Education Committee and Union Council.

School Convenors: Entire School Representation, by listening to the views of Course Reps and supporting and leading these Course Reps to make change in their Schools. They also co-chair the Student Staff Liaison Committee’s (SSLC’s) in their School. This role should liaise between Course reps and Faculty Convenors, and represents students at the SU’s Education Committee and Union Council.

Course Reps: Course Level Representation for those in your course and gathering feedback on the ground to bring to the attention of the staff within the School, working with them and the School Convenor to provide solutions to issues and celebrate what students are enjoying about their learning.

You'll be offered robust training to gather feedback from your peers and present findings to influential University staff, all with the support of the Union and follow up on any queries you might have.

SSLCs - Student Staff Liaison Committee’s

SSLCs typically happen twice a term. They’re important and friendly meetings where feedback and mutual understanding is welcome. Your School Convenor and Staff co-chair will ask you for what you would like to discuss and share these items with you before the meeting so you can gather feedback and share with the School.

Who attends?: School Convenors & Course Reps

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School Boards

School Boards are made up of key teaching staff (e.g. course leaders and advisors) and the School Convenors attend on behalf of the SSLC. Any issues that cannot be resolved at SSLC level should be taken to the School Board and raised with appropriate staff members.

Who attends?: School Convenors

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FLTQCs - Faculty Learning & Teaching Quality Committee’s

Faculty Learning and Teaching Quality Committee (FLTQCs) are for wider consideration and faculty level discussions. These are chaired by the Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching in the Faculty and attended by the Directors of Learning and Teaching from each school. Some issues raised at SSLC and/or School Boards that are relevant to the whole faculty will be passed up through and presented, as well as wider University policy seeking faculty and school specific feedback before being put in place.

Who attends?: Faculty Convenors

As an Academic Rep, you’ll receive our full backing when working with the University. You’ll receive training, giving you the skills needed to advocate for yourself effectively from day one. You’ll also receive support from experienced Convenors, your Officer Team, and the Student Voice staff team.

Because the Union is a separate organisation to UEA, we’ll always be on your side.

Student Voice Team:

Matthew Cullum - Student Voice & Communities Coordinator (HUM)

Laura Ali - Student Voice & Communities Coordinator (FMH)

Tanne Heathershaw - Student Voice & Communities Coordinator (SSF)

Elisha Owen - Student Voice & Communities Coordinator (SCI)

All staff are contactable here.

• A robust skills training package, including public speaking, communication skills, research skills, wellbeing and anti-racism topics.
• Ongoing personal development throughout the year, including a Rep Academy programme which responds to your priorities.
• Networking opportunities, with the chance to work with our Full-time and Part-time officers on university-wide projects.
• Social opportunities: The Union will host a couple of different events throughout the year which you will be invited to attend.
• Accreditation, with credit towards your UEA Award and certification of your time as a Course Rep, giving you CV experience to stand out from your peers.
• The chance to progress, with a role that sets you up to become a Convenor, an Officer, or a graduate worker in the Higher Education sector.

Yes! Being an Academic Rep is a great way to gain confidence with public speaking, and every year we see students transform into brilliant speakers. You’ll be working alongside a team of reps who can provide peer support and guidance, giving you the perfect environment to gain the skills you need to thrive.

You don’t need to be #besties with all of your course mates to be a good rep, so don’t worry if you don’t know everyone. Here’s some of the ways you can get your name out there:

• Introduce yourself in any social spaces, such as group chats and Facebook pages, or after class!
• Ask your lecturer for some time to introduce yourself to your cohort in class.
• Drop into any Academic Societies around your course (e.g. Nursing Society, AMA Society), and use that space to gather feedback.
• Ask your Course Director if they can upload your details to the Blackboard site for your Course/School.

Your name will also appear on the SU Website when your peers search for your course, so they’ll see you there as well.

If you’ve raised your concerns through the Academic Rep System, university meetings and there’s still an outstanding issue, then you still have options:

• Raise the issue directly with the Student Voice team.
• Share your issue with your Education Officer or other elected officers, who regularly discuss academic issues with decision-makers at a senior university level.
• Individual issue or difficult personal circumstances? Speak to our Welfare team.