Representation

FUSA is a crucial driver of strong student representation in Colleges and across the University. Student representation plays a vital role in the Flinders University community, ensuring the student voice is heard at all levels of our institution. A student representative position might be as membership on a committee, an ongoing role as a Topic or Course Representative, or a member of Student Council.

A major focus in developing student representative programs within Colleges has been on building positive relationships between academic staff and students. Using partnership approaches, we seek to bring together the views and experiences of both students and staff to enhance the learning and teaching experience for all involved. Much of 2019 has been spent in developing these relationships so we can roll out a student rep structure across all Colleges in 2020.

Training

FUSA is proud to provide training, guidance and support to student representatives across the University. In 2019, training was delivered predominantly in-person, with online training available for students unable to come to campus. Our training was consistently highly reviewed by students and recognised as an important part of induction for students in newly appointed rep positions.

FUSA also trained a small pool of former student reps to deliver rep training to their peers through our ‘train the trainer’ program. Having been Topic or Course representatives themselves in previous years, our student trainers get to share their expertise and experiences with incoming student reps and develop new skills as trainers. Student trainer positions are paid roles.

Breakdown the number of reps FUSA worked with (either recruited or trained or both) across Colleges in 2019.

BGL EPSW HASS MPH NHS SE

Topic Reps S1 Topic Reps S2 Course Reps CEC Reps Total 62 66 3 1 52 1 5 1 3 2 4 5 1 6 3 56 129

Being a student rep has enabled me to develop a much more positive, can do attitude towards both my studies and personal life. Student reps are instruments for positive change and my experience as being one has enabled me to see the value in and importance of approaching all situations with an optimistic attitude and open mindedness that I previously lacked. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.