Voice Wars Help us Reps Youre our only

Voice Wars: Help us Reps! You’re our only hope Lyn Devine Student Engagement Coordinator (Voice)

Introduction Session Objectives: • Why representation is more important than ever • How you can make (even more of) a difference! • What can the Students’ Union do?

Why representation is more important than ever Student focus on Academic Interests Following the release of the new NSS Student Voice Question bank, we participated in a national research survey which highlighted students’ focus on key areas of their ‘academic interests’: • Interest: Exploration and further understanding of their chosen career or area of study and, improvement of employability skills and connections within their chosen field • Extra-curricular activities and events; this may serve to further their engagement and knowledge in their field of study; or explore a different area out of interest or curiosity • Advice and Information: all areas relating to the support of students; this could be advice and guidance on key issues such as wellbeing, finance, or employability. Research also highlighted the provision of information surrounding issues relating to the University which may affect them during their time as a student, as an area of importance.

How you can make (even more of) a difference! Academic Societies This year we have focussed on the creation and development of Academic Societies; these student led groups are intrinsically linked to student retention and are an incredible way to further your education; or explore other areas of interest. We have increased our Academic Societies from 7 to 20 in Semester one alone, and we don’t want to stop there! Course related activities are a core part of your education, and allow you gain valuable experience in your field, gain contacts with industry professional and further your knowledge in your chosen career. It’s so quick and easy to set up a society; once approved you will be assigned a coach and given access to funding to get your group going! https: //www. staffsunion. com/activities/clubsandsocs/

How you can make (even more of) a difference! Making an impact at meetings Course rep meetings are the main mechanism given to reps to feedback on their course and make a positive impact for students on their course, or even at University level. • Activity: in pairs/groups take 5 minutes to draw what goes through your mind during a rep meeting. Then draw a second picture, this time draw a picture of your ideal meeting and how you feel during/after it. • (If you’re as artistically challenged as me, stick figures and thought bubbles are acceptable!)

NSS Survey th April 30 th January – 30 The NSS Survey is the most important opportunity a student will have to feedback on their experience whilst at University – It’s imperative that students engage with this process to ensure real change happens at Staffs. The Survey opened yesterday; as the Academic Rep for your course, you need to make sure every student understands the importance of their feedback and what they can achieve by participating, for future students.

Student Voice Research

Student Voice Research

How you can make (even more of) a difference! Student Voice Secret Agents • We are looking to recruit a specialist group of students to spread the word about student voice across campus; you’ll get to plan and participate in fun events and activities, and make sure that every student at Staffs feels represented. • If you want to make sure every student at Staffs has a voice, and quite fancy running around in a duck suit, email studentengagement@staffs. ac. uk

Any Questions? Thank you for listening