If you want to make changes in your department, want to meet new people and improve your skill set, then being an Academic Rep is the perfect role for you!
Academic Reps are very important when it comes to the student voice and ensuring students are getting the most out of their time here at Aberystwyth University. As an Academic Rep you help to keep your fellow students up to date with changes which are happening to their education and ensuring students are getting the last word.
As a Rep, your main role is to collect feedback from your fellow students on your course and then share this with your department by attending SSCCs (Student-Staff Consultative Committees). SSCCs take place on average 3-4 times a year and are a fantastic opportunity to start real change within departments and across the university. As an Academic Rep, you also attend the SU Academic Zone which is chaired by myself as the Academic Affairs Officer. This helps to influence SU academic policy.
Becoming a Rep is a brilliant opportunity to get to know your fellow students and staff as well as becoming a partner within your department. You will also gain a variety of skills which are in high demand by employers. Skills which you will develop and gain include leadership, negotiation and communication. Some Reps even get the chance to chair their SSCCs, all of this will help you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs.
The Students’ Union are here throughout your time as an Academic Rep and will support you every step, from standing to initial training and beyond. We offer all Reps an initial training session at the beginning of your role to introduce you to the role and explain everything as well as getting the opportunity to meet other Reps. Throughout the year you will be able to log your hard work as volunteering hours, these hours will be recognised at the end of year by our Aber Award, you could also be in with the chance of being nominated for Academic Rep of the Year at our Staff and Student Awards held at the end of the year!
Being an Academic Rep is a brilliant opportunity to make a real difference during your time here at Aberystwyth University and is something which I really enjoyed as a student. If you have any further questions, pop in to the SU or email me on suacademic@aber.ac.uk.