C & R
How You Are Represented
HOW YOU ARE REPRESENTED
Course Reps are a vital part of the way that students' views and interests are represented within University decision making. Reps should be the first point of contact for students in the department who want an issue or idea addressed at the Board of Studies, or who have had concerns about the way their course is organised or run.
Course Reps fit within a broader structure of representation coordinated by YUSU, which includes having Officers and reps on the highest decision-making bodies across the University. By joining up these different parts of the system, YUSU and Course Reps can ensure that the highest quality education is enjoyed by all students at York and that the institution develops in the way students want.
This diagram gives an idea of the main representative channels, including the role of students in electing their representatives at each level:
IN MORE DETAIL...
University Senate
Chair: Vice-Chancellor, Brian Cantor
When: 4 times a year
Who attends: The Pro-Vice Chancellors, heads of departments, the Librarian, Director of Computing Services, one of the College Provosts, YUSU & GSA presidents, and four elected students.
What it does: Oversees all academic matters and advises University Council.
University Teaching Committee
Chair: Deputy Vice Chancellor, Trevor Sheldon (until Spring 2012)
When: 8 times a year, approximately once a month in term time.
Who attends: One representative for every three departments (on average), YUSU & GSA Academic Officers, academic support staff and the registry office.
What it does: Oversees all teaching and learning at York – from policy formation to new degree approvals. It has a mammoth agenda and often goes on for over 4 hours, but is where many vital decisions are made!
Board of Studies meetings (including Combined Boards)
Chair: Chair of the Board of Studies
When: Normally termly, often in Wk 8.
Who attends: The board of studies is selected from the department, including the Head of Department, deputy head of department, admissions staff, chair of board of examiners etc.
What it does: Makes significant policy and teaching decisions within departments, often of the kind which will affect resource distribution and the broad student experience.
Departmental student-led forums
Chair: Varies between departments
When: At least once per term.
Who attends: It’s mostly comprised of students with a few academics to respond and act on issues raised.
What it does: A forum for raising issues that are beyond the remit of Board of Studies or that can be easily resolved without formal discussion. A chance for students to shape the department with staff.
Academic Assembly
Chair: Independent student chair.
When: Twice per term (see www.yusu.org/assemblies for details).
Who attends: Any student can attend, Course Reps are expected to attend as ‘delegate members’ with two votes each.
What it does: Passes and steers areas of policy on academic issues, hears reports from Academic Officer, and oversees the Course Rep system.
