5 Things You Should (And One You Shouldn't) Mention To Your Course Rep At Sheffield Hallam University

It's important to remember that whilst Course Reps are here to ensure that your course is running smoothly and that you're getting as much out of it as possible, it's also crucial that you don't come to them with issues outside of their boundaries. So what exactly CAN a Course Rep sort for you?

1. Timetabling Issues

Via shu.ac.uk

If you have an awkwardly placed lecture or seminar, then it's only right that you should bring this to the attention of your Course Rep who can then discuss this with staff. Whilst they might not be able to change the room allocation, they can make tutors aware of why you might be a little late and they may start their session a little later to accommodate for this.

2. Assessment Problems

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It can therefore be quite disheartening and frustrating if you aren't completely certain what you're supposed to be doing with an assessment. If you feel it could be better explained or there isn't the necessary material available to you that you need in order to succeed then let your Course Rep know. It could be that staff just didn't realise how difficult students are finding the assessment so passing the message on might be all that's needed to feel more confident - which is always good!

3. Blackboard Material

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If you need to miss a lecture for whatever reason, it can be quite annoying when what you need to catch up isn't available to you. This is a perfect issue to bring to Course Reps. It's a simple problem to fix and once the required presentations or seminar prep is up there then you can catch up or revise past material to your hearts content!

4. Placement Assistance

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You should feel supported by staff so that you can ensure you end up at the best placement for you. Mentioning to Course Reps any uncertainties you have regarding your placements is crucial (you must remember though that it isn't the Reps' duty to actually organise your placement for you) - they can then pass this concerns onto staff and it's possible that staff may put on extra sessions regarding them for you or offer more one-to-one meetings to get you sorted.

5. You're Enjoying Yourself!

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Whilst Course Reps are there to make sure that any issues you may have encountered on your course are ironed out, they also want to know if you're happy. Staff enjoy hearing about you being satisfied with the courses they're delivering and there's always the chance in every meeting for Reps to pass on praises.

6. And One You Shouldn't - Personal Issues

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Course Reps aren't counselors. There are people in both the University and the Union whose job that is. Course Reps are more than able to direct you where to go if you need to speak to someone about a personal issue, but it isn't their job to talk to you about it themselves. So if a Course Rep directs you elsewhere if you approach them with such an issue, don't think it's because they don't care - they do, it's just there are other people who can better assist you.