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My Experience as a Course Rep
By Chrysafo-Agni Gkmpolante-Xystri
So, you’re a Manchester Met student interested in becoming a Course Rep? Or have you just heard about the role throughout this year and been curious about what it involves?
Whatever your reasons, don’t worry; I got you! Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Chrys, a part-time postgraduate in my second year of MSc Psychological Wellbeing in Clinical Practice (PWICP).
Let’s get straight into it!
Motives for becoming a Rep:
+ Always tending to go the extra mile when dedicating myself to any aspect of life
+ Becoming a committed voice for the student body
+ Connecting more with my classmates on an academic level
+ A way of giving back to Manchester Met
+ My passion for a difference
+ Boosting my employability
Skills I've gained
+ Negotiation/Influence
+ Networking
+ Self-management
+ Initiative
+ Evaluation
+ Teamwork
I've learned to...
Take all students’ opinions into consideration, so the teaching department can gain a holistic view of how their postgraduates are finding their student life so far.
As well as this. I’ve learned how to collaborate with other fellow Reps, e.g., if one of them can’t attend a formal meeting, I can offer to pass on some commentary on their behalf.
Being candid with staff members about both positive and constructive feedback is another important skill I’ve learned on this journey.
And finally, finding ways to negotiate with academic professionals to find common ground in suggestions for change is something I’ve gained a new confidence in.
Challenges along the way
One challenge I remember facing was miscommunication. Whilst all Clinical Psychology students were waiting patiently on delayed placement allocation updates for one of our modules, I received mine early as a student.
As a Rep during this period, I decided to inform the class about my allocation for reassurance that they’ll receive theirs too soon.
However, when a student reached out to Man Met’s placement department, they were told that my early allocation was “wrong”. Undoubtedly, this frustrated and confused me since I’d never intended to misinform my classmates.
Nevertheless, I apologised within the group chat and explained my end of the situation. The following week, while other integrated placements started rolling out, my allocation was correct, despite the confusion caused. It made me realise that misunderstandings can happen within the role and not everything can be under control—and that’s okay.
Just because you face a bump or two in the road doesn’t mean you’re unsuitable or not good enough.
Advice on becoming a Course Rep
Go for it: If you’ve reached this point of the blog and imagine yourself as a great Rep, do it.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for you to try something new and gain people’s trust and make new friends.
Keep a balance: Before deciding, consider your responsibilities outside university and how volunteering for your program can fit into your week. At the end of the day, it’s a role which will need some time and dedication throughout the academic year, so be mindful.
It’s essential to keep in touch with your course’s Programme Support Lead in case external factors are impacting your ability to engage with academic volunteering.
Keep in contact with The Union: As well as staying in touch with your classmates and academic professionals, keep in contact with The Union. They rely on students’ views to make sure all taught courses are up-to-date and the best they can be for future applicants.
Socialise: Your duty is mainly to collect academic feedback from students to staff, but there’s so much more to gain.
The Union arranges Rep & Relax events to gather all Reps across Man Met to network and share academic and non-academic experiences while chilling, eating treats, and having fun.
Believe me, regardless of the different academic routes you study, you’ll find you have more in common with other reps than you think.
Extra training: Keep checking The Union website for Course Rep-related sessions to attend, which let you extend your abilities.
For example, last year, I participated in a three-session training with Tender, an organisation that fights to prevent domestic violence. Despite the academic nature of Representatives, there might be times when students on your course reach out to you about other personal matters, and it helps to know where to redirect them around Manchester Met for support.
Volunteering Awards: This annual ceremony takes place during the end of Spring, where volunteers across the Uni can attend and be congratulated for their efforts alongside their studies. Specifically, Student Reps can be nominated for the Academic Representation category.
For more information
+ Check out The Union's website
+ Read this years' Course Rep Handbook
+ Contact your course’s Programme Support Tutor about how to register
