Academic Representation – Programme & College Representatives

By Anisha Johal

Ever wondered about what Academic Representation is? What being a Programme/College Representative consists of? Why you should consider becoming an Academic Representative? Well, let me give you an insight into my journey of Academic Representation as a Programme Representative and College Representative.

At the start of my first year I was interested in becoming an Academic Representative, therefore I stood to be a Programme Representative for my course and was successful in securing the role. I had been part of the school council throughout school and sixth form, so I was keen to continue in a similar role at university.
Being a Programme Representative consisted of me assisting, supporting and addressing any academic issues, problems and difficulties that my peers were facing. It was my duty to collect student feedback on the course, facilities and the university in general, raising it during the termly Programme Committee Meetings (PCMs). During these formal meetings, different aspects of the course were discussed alongside the Course Leaders, Lecturers, Tutors and other members of University staff.
In addition, I also attended the annual Programme Representative Conference (PRC), which proved to be a great opportunity to network with other Programme/College Representatives, attended important meetings and developed the skills necessary to be successful in my role.
Not only have I enjoyed my role, but it has also enabled me to obtain a deeper insight into how the University operates, the way in which students’ issues are tackled and how changes can be implemented into degree courses.
The positive impact created inspired me to run in the annual University of Derby Students’ Union Elections for the College Representative of Humanities role. This would enable me to resolve issues, problems and dilemmas on a greater scale. After creating my Manifesto, displaying my posters around our university campuses and campaigning throughout the voting period, the results night commenced. I was delighted to be democratically elected as the Humanities College Representative. As well as attending PCMs and the PRC, I will also be attending the Education Council, Scrutiny Panel and College Quality Enhancement Committees.
After the Students’ Union delivered an excellent, informative and high quality training session, I brainstormed potential campaign ideas. What struck me the most was the significant proportion of Programme and College Representative positions that were still vacant. Therefore, I am aiming to create, design and implement an effective, efficient and engaging campaign in order to recruit more Academic Representatives (Programme and College).
So if any of you aren’t too sure about becoming a College Representative, I would advise you to go for it! It is definitely a rewarding role enabling you to create positive changes around the University, as well as enabling you to develop transferable skills that are essential in employment.
If you have any questions, issues or concerns, feel free to contact me via:
Email: a.johal3@unimail.derby.ac.uk
Facebook: Anisha Kaur Johal
Twitter: @AnishaJohal
Instagram: @anishajohal