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Guide to: Code of Practice on Student Representation

This guide provides an overview of student representation at the University of Glasgow, including the role of Class and PGR Representatives, elections, training and recognition. 

For the Attention of: students interested in becoming a Class or PGR Representative, current Representatives, School staff supporting elections and Representatives and Staff involved in Student Voice Forums. 

Please Note: The guide includes summarised information and therefore, it is essential that you read the related policy and/or regulation in full. To search for specific information, you can use CTRL+F and search for keywords throughout the page.

To be read in conjunction with: Code of Practice on Student Representation

Supporting guidance: 

Staff Toolkit on Student Representation 

Student Toolkit on Student Represenation

Overview of Student Representation

What is Student Representation? 

The University of Glasgow is committed to receiving and responding to student feedback to enhance the student experience. Student representation is the process through which students can have their views represented and considered by the University. Working in partnership with the Student Representative Council (SRC), the University delivers student representation primarily through Class and PGR Representatives, who gather feedback from students and raise it through formal and informal channels.

What is the Student Representation Process?  

Student Representation is an annual process which follows the academic year structure. The following steps are involved: 

  1. Schools conduct annual elections and students elect Class and PGR Representatives. 
  2. Reps undertake training at the SRC.  
  3. Representatives gather and raise student feedback through Student Voice Forums and other engagement activities. 
  4. Schools consider feedback, respond where appropriate and communicate outcomes to students. 
  5. Schools confirm completion of the role and eligible representatives receive recognition on their Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR). 

The Role of a Class or PGR Representative

What is the role of a Class or PGR Rep? 

They are the first point of contact for students with concerns or suggestions about their class as a whole. They provide a mechanism through which student views can be shared with academic and professional services staff on matters such as course content and delivery, teaching methods and resources.  

Class Representatives represent undergraduate and postgraduate taught students, while PGR Representatives represent students studying on postgraduate research programmes. 

Representatives raise issues that affect groups of students. They do not normally deal with individual complaints, appeals or personal academic matters. 

Why would I want to be a Class Rep or PGR Rep? 

Becoming a Class/PGR Rep is a great opportunity to: 

  • Make a positive difference to the student experience at the University. 
  • Gain experience of working within formal committee and meeting structures. 
  • Develop valuable skills, including communication, teamwork, organisation, negotiation, time management and public speaking. 
  • Enhance your CV and future employability through practical experience. 
  • Receive training from the SRC, which can benefit you in your studies and beyond. 
  • Receive recognition of your contribution on your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR). 

Becoming a Class Rep and Elections

Annual Elections 

Schools are responsible for arranging elections, which normally take place within the first three or four weeks of the academic year. Elections are usually informal and may be conducted in person or online. 

Students should be notified in advance of elections and can nominate themselves by following the instructions provided by their School. Candidates may be asked to give a brief statement or explain why they would like to become a Class or PGR Representative. 

If elected, you will normally serve as a Class or PGR Representative for the remainder of the academic year and will be invited to complete SRC training to prepare you for the role. 

If your School has not held elections within the normal timeframe, please contact Academic Policy & Governance at apg-administrative-assistant@glasgow.ac.uk. 

Responsibilities of Schools

Schools are responsible for supporting the effective operation of student representation throughout the academic year. 

Recording Representatives in My Class Reps  

Schools must: 

  • Record elected Class and PGR Representatives in My Class Reps as soon as possible after elections have taken place. 
  • Ensure representative information is accurate and kept up to date throughout the year. 
  • Upload relevant information, such as Student Voice Forum agendas, minutes and outcomes, where appropriate. 

Supporting Representatives  

Schools must: 

  • Promote SRC training and support opportunities to representatives. 
  • Follow the requirements set out in the Policy on Student Voice Forums. 
  • Provide representatives with opportunities to raise and discuss student feedback. 

Confirming Completion of the Role 

Schools must confirm whether representatives have satisfactorily completed their role when requested by Academic Policy & Governance. This information is used as part of the process for recognising representative activity on a student's Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR). 

HEAR requirements 

In order for representative activity to be recorded on a student's HEAR, the following must be recorded in My Class Reps: 

  • attendance of SRC Class Rep Training; 
  • to have completed the annual, online feedback questionnaire on their experience as a representative; and 
  • confirmation from the School that the representative completed the role satisfactorily. 

For guidance on using My Class Reps, please refer to: 

My Class Reps: How to Guide for Staff

My Class Reps: Mapping User Guide

Related Resources and Guidance

Student Representation Resources:

  • The full commitment to Student Representation, the formal process and roles and responsibilities can be found within the Code of Practice on Student Representation.  
  • Support, guidance and tools to support Schools undertaking their responsibilities within Student Representation can be found in the Staff Toolkit.  
  • Support, guidance and tools to support Class and PGR Reps in undertaking their roles can be found in the Student Toolkit.  
  • For staff guidance on how to use My Class Reps, visit the How to Guide for Staff and Mapping User Guide. 
  • Further guidance for students on becoming a class or PGR rep and what this means can be found on the SRC My Class Reps page.  
  • To find your Class Rep or store/locate related documents, please visit My Class Reps.   
  • Policy on Student Voice Forums and supporting guidance.

Student Voice Resources:

Where to get Support

In addition to the resources linked above you can contact: