Defining Academic Representation Philippa Costello Representation Officer OU

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Defining Academic Representation Philippa Costello – Representation Officer, OU Students Association Lorraine Adams –

Defining Academic Representation Philippa Costello – Representation Officer, OU Students Association Lorraine Adams – Vice President Education Peter Cowan – Vice President Administration

In this session, we will explore what formal Academic Representation means at the OU,

In this session, we will explore what formal Academic Representation means at the OU, and how you can take advantage of Students Association volunteers to ensure that you are working in partnership with students when opportunities arise.

Defining Academic Representation “The OU Students Association is run by students for students. Its

Defining Academic Representation “The OU Students Association is run by students for students. Its purpose is to serve students’ interests and to ensure that the student voice is heard throughout the University. ” (Relationship Agreement) ----The OU Students Association provides many different opportunities for students to be involved in student voice activity through volunteering as an academic representative. The Students Association plays a key part in making sure that student feedback is heard, and to ensure we are working on projects that truly matter to students.

Relationship agreement • [The] Relationship Agreement between the OU and OU Students Association is

Relationship agreement • [The] Relationship Agreement between the OU and OU Students Association is a statement of intent that each party is committed to honour and sets out how we will work together: Section 2: • To support the Student Association’s objectives for the advancement of OU students’ education, set out in the OU Students Association Constitution by: – – – defending the principles of equal opportunity and of open access to the OU regardless of academic qualifications or financial circumstances; promoting the interests and welfare of OU students, and representing and supporting them; being the recognised representative channel between students and the OU, and any other external bodies; asserting that all students studying with the OU have the right to have their views heard and acknowledged; and providing social, cultural and recreational activities and forums for discussions and debate for the personal development of students. ‘Students are at the centre of the relationship between the OU and OU Students Association, which will ensure that the student voice is engaged in a dialogue at every level of the decision making processes in both organisations and that the outcomes are widely communicated. ’

Who are our Reps?

Who are our Reps?

Central Executive Committee • The Central Executive Committee lead the Association’s strategic direction, run

Central Executive Committee • The Central Executive Committee lead the Association’s strategic direction, run events and activities and talk to the Open University on your behalf about decisions that affect students. • VP Education – Lorraine Adams – “VP Ed is responsible for reviewing the academic side of the O U and making sure that students’ views are heard in OU committees, from Boards of Study and Teaching Committees to Senate. The student representatives who attend these committees are Central Committee Representatives (CCRs) and VP Ed has the oversight of their appointment and training as well as communication from and to these reps. ”

Central Committee Representatives • A team of volunteers that act on behalf of the

Central Committee Representatives • A team of volunteers that act on behalf of the wider student body by discussing the student experience, and being consulted on OU teaching and learning. • This group of Representatives attend and contribute to meetings that sit within The Open University Governance Structure and are members of committees from school to institution level. • There are currently over 60 individual students sitting as full members on OU Governance Committees, from Boards of Studies to Senate and Council. • “An OU Students Association appointed member will be a full member of a committee, with the same rights and responsibilities as any other full member, as set out in the applicable Standing Orders. ” (Relationship Agreement)

Learner Experience Representatives • This group of volunteers are the eyes and ears of

Learner Experience Representatives • This group of volunteers are the eyes and ears of the Association, chatting in online forums, on social media, at tutorials, and everywhere students are. • They are responsible for picking up on academic and study related issues, and feeding these back to other representatives. • This feedback helps to build up a picture of student opinion across the faculties and the university as the elected reps pass on the knowledge. • In the 2 years since this role has been available, we have had over 60 students volunteer as an LER. • Great gateway opportunity!

Senate Reference Group • The Senate Reference Group act in an advisory capacity to

Senate Reference Group • The Senate Reference Group act in an advisory capacity to the six student members of Senate • They ensure that the student members of Senate have the benefit of a face-to-face forum in which they are able to consult peers on Senate papers. They are not mandated by the group.

Thank you! www. oustudents. com @OUstudents. Voice

Thank you! www. oustudents. com @OUstudents. Voice