Student representation exists at all levels throughout the University. The majority of this representation is coordinated through the AUSA Education Vice President and Class Representation Manager. They ensure that students are represented at every level possible at the University. They make sure that representatives are elected, organise and carry out training for representatives and provide ongoing support for ALL representatives.
Within each Department there are Class Representatives or Year Representatives. The student reps have two major roles to fulfil. Firstly they are advocates for the class or year they represent. This means they help mediate solutions to problems that affect their fellow students. Their second role is to be a member of the department SSCCs or Staff Student Consultative Committees. These are meetings that occur at least twice a semester, and where the students reps and academic staff talk about departmental issues. The students should then report back any items they feel are of importance to the students they represent.
Within each Faculty there are also SSCCs. Each departmental SSCC should elect a student rep to sit on the faculty SSCC. This person should take to these meetings issues that are decided upon at the departmental SSCCs. After the meetings the faculty reps should report back to their departmental SSCCs.
However, student representation doesn’t stop there. There are various committees that meet on a regular basis around the university. From the Teaching and Learning Quality Committee (TLQC) through the Education Committee, right up into the Senate and Council. There are students representatives who sit on these committees. They speak on behalf of the students of the university.
- To hear about crucial student issues from university committees
- To share concerns from departments and faculties
- To prepare for the monthly meeting with the Vice Chancellor
Without this flow of information there are many things that occur that no-one ever hears of.
Come and see us at 4 Alfred Street, opposite the UoA General Library, or email the Student Voice office at classrep.enquiries@ausa.org.nz
Top Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the question for the answer. For a full list of Frequently Asked Questions go here
General Class Rep Questions
1What is the role of a class rep
The key role of a class rep is to facilitate communication between the university staff and the students of a course. You communicate with both your cohort and relevant staff on any items that are of importance, for example, unfair assignment grading.
2Are you expected to help classmates with assignment related questions?
No, you are not required to do that. Please refer them to the course lecturer or course tutors if your classmates have any assignment related questions.
3How much work does being a class rep entail?
The role is very flexible. However, it is compulsory for you to attend training and SSCC meetings, both of which should take up no more than 4 hours a semester. You will also need to regularly keep in contact with both your peers and course staff. There is also an e-voice diary to be completed which should not take longer than an hour of your time three times a semester.
Role-related Questions
1As a class rep, do I need to be actively interacting with every student from the course?
No, this is not necessary. Running polls and feedback forms would be a good indicator of the students’ opinion, but it is good to go in front of the class during the lecture and gather a general consensus every so often.
2If a student went up to you and told you about their personal issue or issues outside of your responsibilities, what should you do?
Briefly listen to their problem and then refer them accordingly to your lecturer, course coordinator, Health and Counselling or AUSA Advocacy. Do not attempt to handle the issue as it is not part of a class reps’ responsibility.
3Who is the first point of contact whenever you have a class rep related issue?
Your first point of contact should be your Lecturer. For bigger issues contact your Course Coordinator or, alternatively contact the Student Voice Office at AUSA (classrep.enquiries@ausa.org.nz).
Feedback-related Questions
1How can you go about collecting feedback?
Learning to elicit feedback is a skill you learn while undertaking the role of a class rep. Potential ways in which you can go about eliciting feedback is by holding a class discussion before or after a lecture, sending out anonymous surveys (get your lecturer to help share the link on CANVAS), getting students to write their opinion on pieces of paper at the start of the lecture and collecting it at the end. Also directly approaching classmates after the lecture and asking for their opinion works very well.
2Who do I go to if I have any course-related feedback?
The lecturer first for any teaching and learning related issues arising from the course. For bigger course issues, you can talk to the course coordinator. If it is still unable to be solved (or if it ended up being solved) raise the issue at the SSCC Meetings and then contact AUSA for further resolution. In particular, you can contact the Class Rep Manager or the Education Vice President. Also, ensure to write it in the e-voice diary so that the Student Voice Office is aware of the issues.
3What if the other class rep and I do not agree with some of the feedback we have received?
Check the sample size of the feedback. Additionally, if you know who provided the feedback, you can ask them for more information so that you can better understand their viewpoint. You can also directly ask the class about the feedback and try to gather a consensus from there. If the feedback is frequent, you should still raise it with your lecturer.
SSCC/Faculty Meetings Questions
1What are SSCC Meetings?
SSCC stands for Staff Student Consultative Committee. There are the Departmental SSCC meetings and the Faculty SSCC meetings. Class reps are required to attend the Departmental SSCC meetings. At the Departmental SSCC meetings, one or two representatives will be elected to attend the Faculty SSCC meetings which runs the same way as a Departmental SSCC meeting. In both meetings, a chair and secretary will be present (both of which will be staff members) to facilitate and record notes from the meeting. In this meeting, class reps will take turns orally presenting any course feedback worth reporting. Any feedback, questions or concerns relating to the course you represent, should have been collected prior to the SSCC Meeting.
2 How will I know when and where the SSCC meetings are?
Someone from the relevant department/faculty will contact you with details for the meeting prior to it being held. Alternatively, please visit your school reception for more information.
3What happens if I am unable to attend an SSCC Meeting?
If you can't make the meetings, you must email the person in charge at least a day before the meeting. Send your apologies as to why you are not able to attend the meeting and send in the course feedback that you have gathered. Remember, all feedback is valuable even if you cannot be physically present to explain it.
E-voice Questions
1What is an e-Voice diary? Do I need to record my voice?
An e-Voice diary is an online google form for the class rep to fill out. You will not need to record your voice. On it, the class rep shares the feedback they have gathered from the students of the course. It is compulsory that you fill it out three times a semester. It will take no more than 10 minutes to fill out each time. The link to the e-voice diary will be sent out to you the first day of week 4, 8 and 12.
Lecturer-related questions
1How should I engage with the teaching staff?
If your coursemates have relayed to you issues about the course, don't be afraid to make time to talk to the lecturer or tutors. It is your job to provide them with emergent feedback, and they know this. They will be receptive. Ensure you do not provide your own personal opinion on the matter as it potentially puts you at a disadvantage as the anonymity is lifted.
2Will being a class rep create conflict between you and the lecturer?
Absolutely not! And in the case that this does happen, ensure that you email us at classrep.enquiries@ausa.org.nz. Lecturers’ in fact value class reps that are able to voice concerns on issues that impact the quality of their course.
Reward-related Question
1What are the benefits of being a class rep?
It is very rewarding to give your time to serve others! As a class rep, you have the opportunity to request a certificate of achievement and a reference letter at the end of the semester. We will let you know when to request for one - usually towards the end of the semester. Also, since your role as a class rep is voluntary, you will have the chance to enter into the University of Auckland Co-Curricular Recognition Programme that could lead to a grand ‘University of Auckland Distinguished Graduate Award’. Volunteering as a class rep is also a great way to develop professional skills. Want to know more, please attend one of our training sessions in week three.