Role and Function of a Class Representative / Ról agus Feidhm an Ionadaí Ranga

What is a Class Representative?

With the ever-increasing number of students attending NUI Galway, it is important that there is active representation for the student body so student’s voices can still be heard. It is also hard for the Officers to make contact with the entire student body, so this is why Class Reps are a vital component to the Union.

Class Reps are elected by their classmates to represent their fellow students’ views to the college. They play an integral role in representing students, helping students overcome problems and maintaining the quality of courses. Class Reps act as a point of contact between the Class, Lecturers, Course Co-ordinator and the Students’ Union. Class Reps sit on course board meetings at college level in which they act as the voice of the students, ensuring that the college takes into account the requirements of students in any decisions that are made. Basically, Class Reps liaise with both the Students’ Union and the University staff to ensure all problems are solved and that a high level of course quality is continuously maintained.

How to express the views of your class?

For you to be able to express the views of your class you first of all need to know their opinions. You should never assume or guess what their views will be. Consultation can be a simple process and here are some ways of findings out the opinions of your class: • Discuss topics on a Class Group social media page. • Class surveys on google forms, survey monkey or even Padlet. • Discuss it in your virtual classroom at the start or end of class. • Have a virtual coffee morning/office hour.