Student Voice Rep FAQs
Interested in becoming a Student Voice Representative? Here are all the Frequently Asked Questions about the role.
WHAT IS A STUDENT VOICE REP (SVR)?
SVRs are the voice of the students!
SVRs have more responsibility than Course Reps. They represent multiple courses within their Faculty and work towards enhancing the quality of learning, teaching and student experience by liaising with Course Reps, Executive Officers, the Students' Union and senior managers from the University.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN SVR?
Representation: They raise awareness of their SVR role and identify themselves to Course Reps. SVRs establish communication channels with these students to allow them to effectively represent the student body at faculty committee meetings.
Strategy: SVRs work with University members of staff and take part in strategy and decision-making in their faculties.
Promotion: They assist with the promotion of the Students' Union among their peers, including Elected Officers campaigns, events, and any important information and updates.
Campaign: SVRs research, campaign and produce a report on an academic issue.
HOW MANY HOURS OF WORK WILL I HAVE TO PUT IN?
This role gives you the opportunity to earn a bursary given at the end of the academic year. The £500 bursary attached to the role is calculated on the basis of 2-3 hours of work per week. However, there are no fixed hours apart from the committee meetings which SVRs are invited to attend. How much work you put in will really depend on what crops up in your faculty.
HOW WILL THE ROLE WORK IN THE CURRENT COVID-19 RELATED CIRCUMSTANCES?
The Student Voice Team have moved the full programme of support, meetings and training online, which will be facilitated via video call programmes that students will have access to.
HOW DO I GET THE FULL BURSARY?
This bursary is granted based on your performance in the role. This is merit-based and will be determined according to your level of engagement throughout the year and your end-of-year portfolio (which includes a research project). You will receive a proportion of the bursary that reflects your engagement and communication over the year.
WILL I HAVE ANY SUPPORT?
The Student Voice Team will monitor attendance at Students’ Union meetings and catch up with you on a regular basis to see how you are getting on. They will also be in touch regularly to offer support, and give you details on upcoming events, dates of meetings and other information. They will also be your first point of contact if you are struggling to resolve an issue.
WILL I HAVE TO ATTEND ANY TRAINING?
Yes! You will receive comprehensive training at the start of your role to support you in your role as SVR. It is important that you attend these sessions as this will allow you to develop personal and professional skills to help you be effective in your role. There are various other training sessions for SVRs to help with their role, support them through their research project and to earn extra merits.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN SVR?
Not only is it an amazing addition to your CV but you will be working as part of a team that gives students a central voice in how the University is run. As an SVR you will be involved in Quality Assurance at USW and will help contribute to improving the standard and recognition of student degrees.
You will also develop a number of skills, including but not limited to: communication, organisation, time management, strategic leadership, decision-making, assertiveness, campaigning, effective representation, research skills, mediation and conflict resolution. These skills will remain with you for life and will be recognised by potential employers.
HOW DO I BECOME A STUDENT VOICE REPRESENTATIVE?
Think you'd make a great SVR? Student Voice Reps are elected into the role every year. You can find out more about our SVR elections on the Elections page. For more information about standing for Student Voice Rep, contact the Student Voice Team, who will be happy to answer any queries or concerns.