2013 Class Rep Handbook

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YOUR STUDENTS’

ASSOCIATION

class representative handbook

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YOUR STUDENTS’

ASSOCIATION

class representative handbook Brought to you by VUWSA Class Reps

Kia ora, and thank you for volunteering to become a Class Representative! You are directly contributing to the quality of learning and teaching at Victoria University.

As a Class Rep, you are able to facilitate immediate improvements in learning opportunities for you and your class. You are a vital link between your class, your lecturer, VUWSA, and the University. At the same time you will personally benefit from the training and experience of being an advocate and a spokesperson for a group of your peers.

Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) and Victoria University of Wellington Students Association (VUWSA) share a strong commitment to improving the quality of education at Victoria. Class Reps are at the heart of making that commitment a reality. We value students like you having the opportunity to work in collaboration with staff to improve the learning experience by presenting theconcerns and ideas of your peers.

When you listen to the members of your class, pass on their feedback, and connect students with each other, you’re having a real impact on the quality of education at Victoria, and the student experience of all students. For that, we say thank you.

This Handbook aims to provide you with written guidance on how to be effective in your role, and what support exists along the way. It will be complemented by training sessions and personal contact with Jayendra Chhana, the VUWSA Education Organiser. He can be contacted at eo@vuwsa.org.nz or on (04) 463 6981.

We look forward to working with you this year to make Vic even better.

Nga mihi

David Crabbe 2013 Assistant Vice Chancellor (Academic) www.vuwsa.org.nz

Sonya Clark 2013 Vice President (Academic)

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introduction

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What happens now?

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the role of class reps

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The Importance of Class Representatives Responsibilities of Class Representatives

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Working with the support of the Class Representation

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Organiser and Course Co-ordinator/s, you should: You should NOT:

being visible: from face to face meetings to virtual reality Working with Facebook

what a class representative should focus on

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Course Content and Structure Course Workload Personal Development Teaching Methods Assessment and Feedback Academic Support Teaching Facilities and Learning Resources Student Involvement Student Privacy

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assisting students who have a problem

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staff/student liaison meetings

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programme reviews class representative Academic Professional Development and Personal Growth Food and Prizes Other Opportunities for Representation

support and services available VUWSA VUWSA Contacts Useful Resources and Services Relevant VUWSA Services Victoria Services

class rep functions The Student Charter of Victoria University class rep registration form

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introduction what happens now?

1. Register Fill out the registration form with your correct contact details. Return the form to your lecturer who will then pass the form on to your School Manager. The School Manager will compile a list of Class Reps to send through to the Education Organiser at VUWSA the organisation , contracted

by VUW to provide support and training to Class Reps. Your details will be entered into a database so you can easily be contacted.

2. Attend a Training Session To register quickly for Training, check out the Class Rep page on the VUWSA website and email the Education Organiser with your preferred session and time. Do this as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss out.

Check Out: www.vuwsa.org.nz/representation/class-reps-2/ Remember, you have to attend ONE training session EVERY Academic Year to qualify for the Class Rep Certificate. There are two levels of training: Basic (for first time Class Reps) and Advanced (for returning Class Reps). Sessions are designed to inform and empower you in your role. They show you how you can best serve your class. They include guest speakers and food.

3. Be Visible and Known Introduce yourself as the Class Rep to your course co-ordinator/s; provide them with your contact details.

Organise a meeting with your course co-ordinator/s to discuss how best to work together during the trimester. Talk about how they would like to receive feedback from the class and how you work together to address any issues that may arise.

Visibility and feedback are the most important responsibilities of a Class Rep!

Make yourself and your contact details (email only) known to your classmates by standing up in class and introducing yourself.

Ask your lecturer to put your details on Blackboard, your course webpage or your programme’s noticeboard so it is easy for people to get in touch with you.

Consider providing your lecturer with a photo so that other students can recognise you.

During the Trimester, provide further opportunities for your class to talk to you so that you can provide feedback to staff involved in your course. Talk with your course co-ordinator and discuss how you might best do this.

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In the past, Class Reps have: • Provided time (10-15 minutes) after lectures so that students can talk to them; • Re-introduced themselves and their role to the class throughout the Trimester; • Used a discussion board on Blackboard or the class webpage; • Negotiated with their co-ordinators a strategy to use Blackboard notices and/or class emails; • Created a Class Facebook page for general discussion (check out our tips on using social media if you are keen to start a course Facebook page).

the role of class representatives the importance of class representatives Your voice Matters. As a Class Rep, you are seen as a leader who can speak and share the experiences of your class.

When you speak, the University listens.

Class Reps provide the first point of contact for other students in their class. They are able to quickly resolve basic problems and offer support and guidance.

Class Reps are, most importantly, the ears and voice of the students at Victoria. They provide an important link between students, academic staff and the office of the Assistant Vice Chancellor (Academic).

Class Reps provide an important point of consultation when changes need to be made or are being proposed. Without Class Reps, the student voice at Victoria would be small and absent in decision-making.

Class Reps work within Victoria’s academic representation structures to provide constructive feedback to academic staff and student representatives in Faculty and University committees regarding the quality of teaching and assessment, course content and facilities.

International research shows Class Reps are the most effective form of student representation in university structures. This is because Class Reps can bring about change that other students can see and experience. Victoria has recognised this and has a Class Representative policy to ensure that every Undergraduate student has access to a Class Rep and that Postgraduate courses have the option of electing Class Representatives.

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responsibilities of class representatives EDUCATION ORGANISER • Provide course and programme related feedback • Ready to provide a student perspective in student consultation.

• A space to discuss student opinion on the student experience at Victoria • Directs student consultation and voice through to Faculty and University Committees.

• Take the views of Class Reps and the Student Forum to faculty and University Committees • Have a voice in programme and policy approval/ development.

Education Organiser at VUWSA: Providing Support

Working with the support of the Education Organiser and Course Co-ordinator/s, you should: At the beginning of the Trimester: • Make sure the students you represent know you and how to contact you; • Attend a training session.

Then, in your course: • Ensure that the aims and objectives of your course are being covered in learning and assessment; • Consult with fellow students to identify highlights in course learning and teaching approaches, arising issues and student needs; • Be available to listen and prepared to help/support students with their concerns; • Keep lecturers informed of positive aspects of course delivery and assessment and any arising issues.

And, in your school with the support from the VUWSA Education Office: • Attend Staff/Student Liaison meetings and any Class Rep meetings called by your school, the Education Organiser or the Student Forum; • Relay University, Student Forum and VUWSA Information to your class; • Consult with students on University matters when they arise; • Participate fully in Academic Reviews of Programmes when they occur.

You should NOT: • Overload yourself with Class Rep work to the extent that it has a negative impact on your studies or stress levels; • Deal with large scale or intensive advocacy cases; • Deal with harassment or serious conflict cases; • Counsel students with personal problems.

In these situations listen to the student and refer them onto the VUWSA Student Advocate.

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being visible: from face to face meetings to virtual reality Most Class Reps want to know at the end of the Trimester that they volunteered for a reason and that they made a difference to the learning and teaching happening in their course. However, if you are keen to feel that your role matters, then it is important to be proactive.

This means BEING visible. You should be known by both students and staff in your course or programme.

Generally, Class Reps rely on making themselves physically known.

They may stand up in front of the lecture theatre or make regular meetings with the academic staff in their course. Some Reps even make themselves known to support staff, such as the course administrators.

Make it your Goal this Trimester: have your name positively known by all the students in your class and the teaching staff in your course!

However, relying on the times that you can physically show yourselves to others can be quite restrictive.

Not all students attend lectures and some Class Reps find themselves representing a cohort of students in a programme so getting around to all papers can be very difficult. This is where social media can be very helpful. But, in using social media, Class Reps also have to ensure that their use is ethical and that applications like Facebook enhance learning and do not backfire on the Student Experience at large.

working with facebook Here are some tips for working with Facebook: • Confirm with your course co-ordinator that they are okay with you using Facebook, show them these pages if necessary.

• If you are the owner of the group, make sure you make clear, either in the name of the group and/or on the wall, that the page has been established by you and not the course co-ordinator (eg. you might call your page something like INFO199 Class Rep Page).

• In setting up a group, make sure your Class Group is a ‘Private’ Group.

• Use the wall posts for general course discussion and support. For example, supporting each other through assignments, providing clarity on aspects within the course outline, encouraging each other to get through various aspects of the programme.

• Use the page to provide a forum for organising study groups and social occasions; instead of complaining about issues in the course, which should be taken through official university structures in order to ensure issues are actually addressed.

• Use the events for social events, study events and even for assignment deadline reminders!

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• Do not use the status updates to talk about problems within the course. This can easily escalate out of your control. You might find that a simple question could end up leading to personality attacks and/or just destroying the morale of your class.

• Use the wall posts to ask students to email you if they feel that there are issues that are occurring in the course. This ensures that the discussion remains on a one to one basis from where it can be confirmed whether the issue is one that pertains to the individual or to the course as a whole.

• It is your role as class rep to ensure a positive and constructive environment. This means telling students what is appropriate to post and, if needed, moderating content posted by other students.

• Any questions about Facebook, contact the Class Representation Organiser at VUWSA.

what a class representative should focus on As a Class Rep, your key role is to provide feedback to your lecturers, course co-ordinators and the university on the experiences of students in your course. From time to time, students may come to you with a variety of issues and problems. The following are areas that are within the scope of your role.

course content and structure At the beginning of a course, a Course Outline should be made available to all students. The Course Outline is the University’s formal contract with you in your course. It provides you with links to key policies, procedures in your school, course objectives and topics, meeting times, staff contact details and assessment information.

Questions to focus on: • Does the course follow the stated course aims and objectives?

• Are the course aims and objectives easily understood?

• Have students been consulted when major changes have been made to the course described within the course outline?

As a Class Rep, you should read your course outline carefully. Be proactive as well – if you can see potential issues, talk to your co-ordinator ASAP.

If you have a clear Course Outline that is being well followed, make sure you tell your Course Co-ordinator. If an issue arises, you should first talk about it with the Course Co-ordinator, then with the Programme Director or Head of School. Feedback on course content and structure should be given in Staff/Student Liaison meetings and in programme reviews.

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course workload The point value of courses should equate to the workload required for the majority of students in your class (1pt =10hrs).

Students need to be able to balance their course requirements within their study programmes and lives outside of the University.

Questions to focus on: • How manageable is the course workload?

• Are assessments well placed throughout the course to help students balance their workload?

If individual students have issues around balancing the work of a course with other factors in their lives, refer them to the range of resources and workshops offered by Counselling Services.

Victoria also has a Workload policy regarding the clustering of Assessments around the same time.

If a student has an issue with 3 or more assessments due in the same week, talk to the relevant Course Co-ordinator about the possibility of an extension. However, this should be done well in advance of the due due dates as lecturers are unlikely to give extensions for what they may see as poor time management.

Feedback on course organisation and management can be given in Staff/Student Liaison meetings and in programme reviews.

personal development Students should feel that their academic skills and attributes that they can use beyond the course of their study.

Students do not just learn for the sake of learning. Given that most students have goals beyond university, it is important that the skills and content students are learning in courses are transferable into other papers and future career choices

Questions to focus on: • Does the course provide students with the necessary discipline skills to continue their study and work aspirations?

• To what extent does the course cater towards future job and career opportunities?

If individual students have questions about their personal development, then refer them to Student Learning Support Services or VicCareers. If you have questions relating to several students, talk to your Course Co-ordinator and Head of School. Feedback on personal development can be given in Staff/ Student Liaison meetings and in programme reviews.

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teaching methods Students should feel that the way in which content is being delivered in a course promotes learning and achieves the intended outcomes of a course.

Questions to focus on: • Is the content of lectures clearly communicated?

• How effectively are support materials and other media employed during teaching time?

• Is the speed of delivery in lectures appropriate for students?

• What aspects of lecture delivery are helping students learn? How? • Are there any aspects of lecture delivery that could be improved?

How?

Issues about individual staff should not be brought to Staff/ Student Liaison Meetings and should not be talked about on social media status updates or discussion boards.

Teaching methods are very personal; so make sure anything you feedback acknowledges the strengths of individual lecturers and has encouraging aspects to share. If you have experienced a good lecturer, speak on behalf of your class and tell that lecturer what the class has enjoyed about their lectures.

However, if an issue with teaching methods arises, it should be talked about, and brought up quickly, with the Course Co-ordinator. As a Class Rep, it is also helpful to have a number of suggestions, such as: providing PowerPoint handouts, including multimedia in the lecture, recording the lecture or repeating key points.

assessment and feedback Anything stated about assessment in the Course Outline (including deadlines) cannot be changed after the second week of a Trimester without consent of students.

All course assessment should relate to specific learning objectives in the course outline. Assessment should be fairly weighted and evenly spread. Likewise, due dates for items of assessment should not fall within the exam period or Trimester break and all assessment criteria needs to be clear and accessible for all students.

Returned work must have sufficient marker feedback so that students understand what they did right or wrong. It should be returned in time for students to use the feedback in their next piece of assessable work. Student ID numbers, rather than names, should be used in any publication of assessment or exam results.

Class Reps often find that the majority of issues brought to their attention pertain to assessment.

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Questions to focus on: • Are specific assessment items appropriate to the course content?

• Are the assessment criteria and guidelines clearly communicated to students?

• Have students received sufficient feedback?

You may find students approach you with a variety of personal issues (often regarding deadlines, marking and exams). For most individual matters, encourage students to first talk to the lecturer as soon as possible and offer to sit in as a support person. In the case of exams, all students are expected to attend and sit unless they are seriously ill or injured. If this is the case, advise the student to talk to Student Health or Counselling (24 hours either side of exam) as they may be able to apply to be considered for an aegrotat pass.

If you are finding that assessment is clear, and makes a valued contribution to the learning experience of students, be sure you tell your Course Co-ordinator. If students are unclear about deadlines, criteria or feedback, first look at all documentation given on the assessment including what is in the course outline.

Then talk to the Course Co-ordinator and ask them to clarify with the class any confusion. If it appears that students are disadvantaged in any way, talk to the Education Organiser about your options .

Feedback on course/programme assessment should be given in Staff/Student Liaison meetings and in programme reviews.

academic support There are a number of services at Victoria to support students; however, not all students are aware of these services.

Questions to focus on: • Are there adequate supports in place for students on placement or work experience?

• Do students on placement or work experience feel that they are supported?

Check out the Class Rep page on the VUWSA website for an update list of support services and contact information.

• Are Victoria staff responding to emails or phone messages left by students?

As a Class Representative, it is good to know what Victoria does offer and how to contact these services. Check out the Class Rep page on the VUWSA website for a list of referral services.

If students do not feel that they are receiving adequate support on campus or on placement, talk to the Course-Co-ordinator or Staff member overseeing placements, then talk to Head of School. Feedback on academic support should be given in Staff/Student Liaison meetings and in programme reviews.

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teaching facilities and learning resources VUW is committed to providing an environment that facilitates teaching and learning.

Questions to focus on: • Is the classroom/lecture theatre temperature at a good level?

Victoria is committed to providing good quality teaching facilities and learning resources.

• Do students have sufficient access to library resources? • Do students have access to Library and ICT facilities?

If you do find issues here, you should bring them up with the Course Co-ordinator as soon as they arise. Temperatures can be adjusted and resources can be put on Close Reserve in the Library. Schools can also work with the University to ensure that access to the Library and ICT is appropriate for the needs of your class.

student involvement In addition to providing feedback to Course Co-ordinators and Programme Directors throughout the trimester, the University also relies on Class Reps to contribute to formal processes in the school such as Staff/Student Liaison meetings and programme reviews.

All students also have an opportunity to evaluate their courses (within a three year cycle) through the Centre for Academic Development (CAD) evaluations. Students can now access the results to previous evaluations on the CAD website.

Victoria is committed to providing students with opportunities to feedback into course delivery.

As a Class Rep it is important for you to know that the University takes these evaluations seriously. Lecturers need to have good results in teaching evaluations if they are seeking promotion and Heads of School/Programme Directors are expected to address any areas of concern that have been highlighted by students. As the Class Rep in your class you should, to this effect, encourage your fellow students to attend the final lectures of a course so that their voice and opinions are included in the end of course evaluations.

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student privacy All NZ Universities are bound by the New Zealand Privacy Act. What this means is: • Any disclosure of personal information must be based on informed consent; • Students cannot be pressured to provide the consent; • A student can withdraw their consent to any disclosure of personal information at any time, even if they signed the agreement on the enrolment form that allows disclosure.

Any issues involving student privacy and informed consent should be taken to the Lecturer involved and/or the Head of School.

assisting students who have a problem The following steps outline the process for resolving such issues. If you need help don’t hesitate to contact the Education Organiser or the VUWSA Student Advocate.

Four Steps to Resolving issues: 1. Clarification Discuss and clarify specific details with the student. Listen to their story and consider whether the issue is isolated or whether it affects other students as well.

2. Direction If the issue is a personal one, refer them to the VUWSA Student Advocate. If it affects other students in the class then ask for feedback from the whole class. Either speak to the class directly or get them to email you through Blackboard or Facebook. Make an appointment with the lecturer to discuss this feedback. At any point in this stage, feel free to contact the Education Organiser for advice and support.

3. Resolution Meet with the lecturer and work together with them. Act as a Representative and be diplomatic rather than confrontational. Briefly state the information you have and advise them of the students’ views on the matter. Take notes at your meeting with the lecturer so you have a written record. Seek joint solutions and if possible agree on a course of action. Report the outcome together to the class.

4. Referral If no solution is found contact the Education Organiser who can make sure the issue is raised at a higher level.

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staff/student liaison meetings Staff/Student Liaison Meetings are an important opportunity for shared communication between Schools and Class Reps. They are typically called and facilitated by the Head of School, Programme Director or School Manager. When they occur, Class Reps are required to attend.

How to approach the meeting: Before the meeting, consult your class for positive feedback and any issues or ideas for improvements that could be talked about at the meeting. Consider all the points of feedback within the mandate of your role.

Remember, issues to present at Staff/Student Liaison Meetings are ones that involve the School and its students as a whole, not individual staff. Issues can range from the small and practical to larger and more involved. Go in with a positive attitude and most issues will be able to be resolved!

Take notes of any actions you need to take as well as information to report back to your class.

programme reviews Every programme of study at Victoria is formally reviewed on a seven year cycle. Class Reps are expected to feed into these reviews when they happen. If you are focusing on all the points of feedback within the mandate of your role you should find this process quite simple.

It is expected that Class Reps will: • Talk to students in their class about their course of study; • Complete the Class Rep survey, and where possible, encourage other students to contribute their perspectives; • During the week the panel meets, attend and share a student perspective on the programme to the panel.

The VUWSA Education Office fully supports Class Reps in all stages of the review process.

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representative academic Victoria Plus Award Points The Victoria Plus award, administered by Vic Careers, recognises the significant contribution of students to volunteering and student support work. Attending training and representing your class contributes to your completion of this Award.

Class Rep Certificates If you attend a training session, at the end of the trimester you can request a Class Rep Certificate. The Certificate is a valuable addition to your CV. Class Rep Scholarships There are a small number of Scholarship awards available each Trimester in recognition of Representatives who have been acknowledged by University Staff and Students as visible and active contributors to the learning experiences of their fellow students.

professional development and personal growth Professional Development The skills you gain in representing your fellow classmates include: decision-making, communication, negotiation, organising, delegation, advocacy and institutional navigating. If you are considering an academic career, becoming a Class Rep is a great way to get to know the staff and issues in your area.

Personal Growth Our Class Reps have opportunities to grow their confidence, networks and ability to empathise with others.

Your time this trimester will be filled with challenges to learn more about yourself, how you operate and your leadership strengths. As always, VUWSA is just a click away to help you through this exciting period!

food and prizes Class Rep Functions Next year, the Education Organiser hosts a catered Scholarship function where all Class Reps can attend and celebrate their achievements. Catering is also provided at the training sessions.

Class/School Functions As a Class Rep you can access some funding for Class/School Functions and arrange one for you and your classmates. Check out the back of this Handbook for more information.

Regular Prize Draws

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Prize draws will be held for all trained Class Reps at the end of each trimester and during training sessions.

other opportunities for representation Faculty Delegates Faculty Delegates provide an essential student voice within the University decision making process and are the next step in University representation. Delegates are formal members of Faculty Boards and Committees. They can also sit and vote on the Student Forum. Only Class Reps can apply for Delegate positions. For more information, or if you are interested in becoming a Faculty Delegate, talk to the Education Organiser.

VUWSA Forums and Elections As a democratic body, VUWSA is led and controlled by our members. You have opportunities to participate in our forums, which focus on student issues like education, housing and public transport; and in our elections later in the year. Your voice matters, so make it heard!

support and services available VUWSA The Class Representative System is organised and administered by the VUWSA Education Team in partnership with the University. The Education Team is headed by the Vice-President (Academic) who is supported by the Education Officer and the Education Organiser. You can expect the Education Team to maintain frequent contact with all Class Representatives and to receive relevant email newsletters throughout the year.

The Education Organiser is available for any queries you may have regarding your role and responsibilities. The Education Organiser can direct you to the appropriate Victoria staff member or, in the case of major issues, to work with the Vice-President (Academic) to ensure that any issues raised are addressed at higher levels within the University structure.

The Education Organiser facilitates wider student consultation on proposed changes to ensure that your voice is carried up the University decision-making structures. They can help you develop your own consultation mechanism if you wish to survey or talk to your class.

VUWSA also provides an independent Advocacy service for students requiring personal support in addressing personal and academic issues.

You can also refer students to VUWSA for bus passes, the food bank, student calendars/diaries, and information on clubs and representative groups.

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VUWSA contacts VUWSA, Kelburn Office a. Level 2, Student Union Building

p. 463 6716

e. kelburn@vuwsa.org.nz

The Kelburn Office is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (closed when VUW is closed). Any general queries can be referred here and will be passed on to appropriate service.

Rory McCourt, President p. 463 6986 e. president@vuwsa.org.nz @rorymccourt The VUWSA President is a voice for students at Vic. Rory welcomes any questions, issues or ideas for making Vic and Wellington an ever better place to learn and live.

Sonya Clark, Vice-President (Academic)

p. 463 7406

e. avp@vuwsa.org.nz

The Vice-President (Academic), or AVP, oversees all student representation at Vic and helps students get their voice heard. Sonya has 3 years’ experience as a Class Rep and knows the University like the back of her hand! Get in touch to progress all issues academic.

Gemma Swann, Education Officer The Education Officer provides further assistance to the Education Office in its support of student representation. Gemma comes to us with experience as both a Class Rep and a Faculty Delegate Jayendra Chhana, Education Organiser

p. 463 6987

e. eo@vuwsa.org.nz

The Education Organiser, or EO, facilitates student representation at the University.

The EO provides policy advice to representatives and performs the role of Class Representation Organiser.

Lorraine Guthrie, Student Advocate p. 463 6984

e. advocate@vuwsa.org.nz

The Student Advocate is available to any student with personal issues or concerns during their study at Victoria. The VUWSA advocacy service is free, professional and confidential and, whilst based at Kelburn, Lorraine can be available at every campus.

useful resources and services The Class Rep page on the VUWSA website has a list of valuable resources and services for your role and is the first place to look if needing anything specifically straight away. www.vuwsa.org.nz/representation/class-reps-2

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relevant VUWSA services Check out vuwsa.org.nz/services or the VUWSA Offices, Level 2 Student Union Building, Kelburn Campus for more information on the following services: Advocacy Service VUWSA offers a free, independent and confidential advocacy service to all students. This service can offer support and assistance on a huge range of issues, including course related matters (plagiarism or misconduct allegations), employment and tenancy disputes, and WINZ or Studylink difficulties.

Events We run awesome gigs, parties and events throughout the year. Some are only for members, so be sure to sign up! Check vuwsa.org.nz/events for details on upcoming events.

Food Bank VUWSA provides a free foodbank service, to ensure that students’ cupboards are never empty! Students can apply for foodbank assistance at any VUWSA office.

Free Bread Your students’ association is generously supported by Brumby’s in Karori and Aro Bake, enabling VUWSA to provide free bread every Wednesday and Friday, at the Kelburn office.

Free Bus Passes If a student’s timetable requires them to be at two different campuses on the same day, the VUWSA & VUW partnership provides for free bus passes. The student simply needs to present their timetable of classes & tutorials along with their Student ID, to the Kelburn VUWSA office, and the passes will be loaded onto their Snapper card.

Free Flu Shots VUWSA organises free flu shots for all students. Early in Trimester 1, a clinic will rotate through campuses and halls, making sure our community at Vic is ready to fight the fluey Wellington winter!

Salient VUWSA is proud to support vibrant student media at Vic, including the award-winning Salient, which is written by students, for students, and distributed to all campuses and around Wellington. Salient is read by 16,000 students every week during classes. It is a great avenue for getting your message across about education issues being experienced in your course.

Rep Groups VUWSA also supports the many representative groups on campuses who speak up for diverse communities like UniQ, the Pasifika Students’ Council and the Post Graduate Students’ Association.

Head to our website to get involved today!

Student Job Search Student Job Search is owned by students and offers a free job-seeking service, matching employers with you to provide current and graduate students with jobs that pay now and later.

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class rep functions Class Rep functions are a great way for students to get to know each other at the beginning of a trimester or to celebrate the successful completion of courses at the end of a trimester. There is limited funding so it is best to get your application in as soon as possible to ensure approval.

Class Representatives should work together with their classmates to set a function date and encourage participation. Decide with your class what you would like to do and what support you want to seek.

In the past such support has included: • A contribution towards end-of-course pizzas; • Food for Class Rep facilitated study groups; • Non-alcoholic drinks and picnic items for a before-section Teacher’s College celebration; • A contribution towards Hangi food; • Sausages and meat for end-of-course BBQs. Once your class has decided on an idea, email the Education Organiser for consideration and, hopefully, approval.

You will need in your email: • The idea that your class has proposed; • The number of students attending; • What you would like funding for; • The date and time of your event.

Email the Education Organiser (eo@vuwsa.org.nz) at least one week before the function.

Class Representatives must organise a venue. You might talk to lecturers or School Managers about the use of a large classroom or similar. There are plenty of outdoor areas if the weather is fine, or alternatively you may contact VUWSA to find a suitable venue within the Student Union Building.

If your application is approved, you will have to work with the Education Organiser on organising the food and the funding of your event. Students will have to provide any drinks or additional items themselves.

Please make use of this subsidised service and encourage your classmates to take part.

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The Student Charter of Victoria University of Wellington The community of scholars at Victoria comprises a partnership of students and staff who work together to develop learning that contributes to the development of the individual and of society.

The Student Charter is a formal and enduring commitment to this partnership and sets out the expectations of the student experience at Victoria and how that experience is fostered.

A good student experience is realised through individual and collaborative efforts to build understanding, skill and experience that are relevant not only to disciplinary expertise, but also participation as a member of global society. To achieve the greatest benefit from their university experience, a student at Victoria is encouraged to work towards the following goals: • Being an active member of a scholarly community committed to enquiry and , integrity • Engaging intellectually with others • Developing autonomy in pursuing knowledge and understanding • Broadening social and cultural engagement • Communicating facts, concepts, ideas and arguments effectively Being an active member of a scholarly community committed to enquiry and integrity To support students in achieving this goal, the University community is committed to: • A system of student representation that emphasises partnership in making,decisions, that affect the student academic and broader university experience • Respect for individual difference, privacy and well-being • Enabling access to staff in order to support the quality of learning and of the university experience • Valid and fair assessment against clearly stated learning goals • Integrity in the academic community • Providing services that support student success and well-being in their study and engagement outside the university.

• Seeking and responding to student feedback on the experience of courses, programmes and student life.

• Fair and transparent procedures for dealing with complaints.

• An environment that fosters overall physical and emotional well-being.

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Engaging intellectually with others To support students in achieving this goal, the University community is committed to providing opportunities to: • Interact during a programme of study with leading scholars at the University.

• Engage critically with the ideas of international scholarship.

• Develop a strong sense of disciplinary relevance in undertaking any enquiry.

• Work collaboratively with staff and other students to build skills of enquiry.

Developing autonomy in pursuing knowledge and understanding To support students in achieving this goal, the University community is committed to providing: • Clear and comprehensive information about courses, qualifications and pathways into, through and out of study programmes, including to higher levels of study. , • Clear information for understanding expected standards of academic performance.

• Constructive feedback that contributes to further learning.

• Opportunities to reflect on strategies to achieve high standards of performance.

• Academic support for setting and achieving personal goals.

• Resources, services and spaces that encourage self-directed learning Broadening social and cultural engagement To support students in achieving this goal, the University community is committed to providing opportunities to: • Develop an international perspective through disciplinary study.

,

• Understand and apply the Treaty of Waitangi.

• Build awareness of the nature of cultural difference and intercultural communication.

• Apply for study abroad or other experience beyond the University.

Communicating, concepts, ideas and arguments effectively To support students in achieving this goal, the University community is committed to providing opportunities to: • Read extensively, purposefully and critically.

• Develop writing and speaking skills through guidance, practice and feedback.

• Explore issues and solutions to problems through interaction with others.

• Participate in different forms of communication with a wide spectrum of the University community.

22

YOUR STUDENTS’

ASSOCIATION

class rep registration form details* (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)

Name:

Paper code:

Phone (day time):

Email:

returning form Please return this form to your lecturer, who will pass the form on to the School Manager. Once your registration arrives at VUWSA, you will receive a follow up email with further information.

clause I understand that VUWSA may give my name and phone number tomy faculty representative for communication and information support purposes. I also understand that the PrivacyAct 1993 applies to this information and that I can access or change itat any time at the VUWSA office.

signed*

date*

* You MUST fill out these sections for your application to be processed.

23

Notes

Notes

www.vuwsa.org.nz KELBURN OFFICE Level 2, Student Union Building p. 463 6716 e. kelburn@vuwsa.org.nz

PIPITEA OFFICE GB08 Old Government Building p. 463 9479 e. pipitea@vuwsa.org.nz

www.vuw.ac.nz 24

KARORI OFFICE Common Room p. 463 9781 e. karori@vuwsa.org.nz