Student Representative Council

Student Representative Council Logo

 

The Student Representative Council (SRC) are an elected body of students charged with setting policy for DUSA and holding the Executive and Board of Trustees to account. The SRC meet once every three weeks to make sure your Student Association is run for the benefit of students.

The SRC is your voice within DUSA. Beyond their democratic role with the Association, the SRC will discuss the big issues affecting students on campus and beyond. Do you think the University has gone a step too far? Are you uncomfortable with something going on within your School and think something should be said about it? Contact your representative and, as a body, the SRC will discuss the issue and take action. School Presidents are an important link between DUSA and Grassroots University issues.

Minutes

What is SRC's Position In DUSA
While the DUSA Executive are permanent members of SRC, the Council should be seen as an independent body holding the DUSA trustees to account and monitoring the management of the Association.

The SRC keep DUSA on the right track and bring important issues occurring within the University to the Association. The SRC are an important tool in the democracy of DUSA, ensuring students are represented at every level.

The DUSA Executive will report back to SRC at each Council meeting on their activities for the previous three weeks.

Does The SRC Have Any Influence On The University?
The School Presidents are important members of Council, providing an important link with the University. School Presidents sit on School and College boards and have an input at one of the highest levels of University management.

Furthermore several other SRC Councillors sit on University Senate Subcommittees and the Library and Information Services Committee.

Policy passed by the SRC is published and should be taken seriously by the University. Positions taken by the SRC are a representation of student opinion and this is a voice the University must listen to!

What Can The SRC Do For Me?
If you have an issue directly related any of the SRC Councillors – for example as a 1st year student you may want to contact the 1st Year L & T Representative – they can raise issues and propose motions for you at any SRC meeting.

SRC also hold subcommittee meeting during the weeks in between SRC meetings. These are the Learning and Teaching Subcommittee and the Services and Facilities Subcommittee. These subcommittees allow Councillors to discuss issues in some more detail and put together action plans on how problems can be resolved. SRC Councillors will always have full support of the DUSA Executive committee in any campaigns they might undertake.

The SRC meetings are also open to all students. Do you want to get a better idea of what they actually talk about? Then turn up at the meeting and sit in as an observer. The Council meets every three weeks in the DUSA meeting rooms at 6pm on a Tuesday. Meeting dates will always be published well in advance. You can also keep abreast of their activities by following the SRC minutes that are published on the DUSA website.

How Do I Get Involved?
Running for a position on SRC is a great opportunity to get involved at University and expand your CV. It’s a chance to meet some new people and get a closer look at how DUSA and the University are managed.

SRC elections are held early each September, so keep your eyes peeled for election and nomination dates and information.

Who Sits On The SRC?

The permanent members of the SRC are:

  • School Presidents
  • Rector
  • Sports Union President
  • Rector’s Assessor
  • The DUSA Executive Committee
  • Student Assessor

The SRC Councillors, elected by the students, are as follows:

  • SRC Chairperson
  • Mature Student Representative
  • Learning And Teaching Representative
  • 2 Societies Representatives
  • Services And Facilities Representative
  • Equality And Welfare Representative
  • 1st Year Learning And Teaching Representative
  • Student Staff Representative
  • 1st Year Services And Facilities Representative
  • Environmental And Sustainability Representative
  • International Student Learning And Teaching Representative
  • Halls Representative
  • International Student Services And Facilities Representative
  • 3 SRC Councillors Without Portfolio
  • Postgraduate Student Learning And Teaching Representative
Who Is My School President?
Please see the University page on Representation for a list of School Presidents

http://www.dundee.ac.uk/qaf/studentrepresentationoverview.htm

How Do They Fit Into My Representation Structure?
School Presidents are the figurehead of representation within their School. Often the School President will chair the Student-Staff Liaison Committee or at least hold an influential position in organising class reps and involving them in representation processes.

The School Presidents also sit on the Student Representative Council (SRC) and can embody concerns of students within their School through the most influential student representation body on campus.

What Is My School Presidents Position Within The University?
School Presidents sit on School and College Board alongside staff representatives and senior University management. The School President can take your views to the highest levels of management within the University. They also work closely with the DUSA Executive who sit on University Court and Senate. The DUSA Executive will facilitate the needs of School Presidents and ensure they are used as an important tool in representing the views of every student to the University.

Student Representation involvement in quality assurance is a joint venture between DUSA and the University. Please click here for the joint statement on representation.

The DUSA Deputy President and the Academic Affairs department work closely together in assuring quality enhancement through the School President role.

What Can My Reps Do For Me?
You can contact your School President for assistance on any range of issues. They have established relationships with the School Secretary and academic staff within your school and can resolve many learning and teaching issues you might face. School Presidents can always point you in the right direction where further attention is required and the DUSA Executive guarantee full assistance to them on any issues that might arise.

In recent years School Presidents have been extremely successful in ensuring the best service possible is provided to students at the University. For example click here for case studies from the University website.

Become a School President
Do you think you have what it takes to be a School President? Elections run each February/March and the Deputy President works closely with the Schools concerned to ensure everyone has the opportunity to get involved.

What Do SRC Councillors Do?

SRC Chairperson

The chair will be expected to chair all full meetings of the Council in a fair, honest and effective manner. They will be responsible for setting the agenda ensuring appropriate time and weight is given to matters arising. The elected Chair will liaise with the Deputy President, The Honorary Secretary (who convenes the SRC) and the Vice President of Engagement on all aspects of their position. All will try to facilitate the needs of the Chair as is possible.

The post holder will be the figure head of the SRC and as such will be expected to fulfil certain duties such as attending the DUSA Board of Trustees as an observer. The Chair is also expected to attend all meetings of the Council and all its sub-committees, as well as attend the University Academic Senate, as the Council’s representative.

The Chair will ensure a vote is taken on motions and policies proposed by the Council, as well as ensure the minutes and motions of the SRC are publicised within DUSA.

Learning and Teaching Representative

The Learning and Teaching Representative will ensure that the student voice is heard on any matters relating to Learning and Teaching within the University, and encourage feedback on matters pertaining to academic quality and Quality Assurance Framework within the University. Along with the Deputy President, the position holder will ensure all significant Learning and Teaching issues as brought to both the SRC as well as to the correct academic department.

The post holder will promote and support other Learning and Teaching Representatives with their roles as well as work with the Chair on any issues which arise at the University Senate.

1st Year Learning and Teaching Representative

Along with the Deputy President, the 1st Year Learning and Teaching Representative will ensure all Learning and Teaching issues are brought to the attention of the SRC and the Learning and Teaching Sub-committee. The post holder will pay particular attention to and keep themselves up to date with Quality Enhancement Themes relevant to the first year experience with the support of the Deputy President.

The representative will, along with the 1st Year Representative for the Services and Facilities, ensure that the contact with 1st year class representatives is maintained.

Postgraduate Representative for Learning and Teaching

Along with the Deputy President and Vice President of Engagement, the Postgraduate representative for Learning and Teaching will ensure that all issues pertinent to postgraduate studies are brought to the attention of the SRC and the SRC Learning and Teaching sub-committee. The post holder will pay particular attention to and keep themselves up to date with Quality Enhancement Themes relevant to the postgraduate experience, with the support of the Deputy President.

This representative will ensure regular interaction with Postgraduate students, with support from the Vice President of Engagement, and encourage feedback on the teaching experience.

International Students Representative for Learning and Teaching

Along with the Deputy President, the Vice President of Student Activities and the Vice President of Engagement, the International Students representative for Learning and Teaching will ensure that all issues relating to the international students is brought to the attention of the SRC and the SRC Learning and Teaching Sub-committee. The post holder may occasionally liaise with the University International Support and Advice service, and any other relevant bodies within Student Services. The representative will work closely with the Vice President of Student Activities and the Vice President of Engagement in a bid to reach out to international students on both a professional and social level.

Services and Facilities Representative

The Services and Facilities Representative will ensure that the student voice is heard on any issues relating to services and facilities and encourage feedback on matters pertaining to University and DUSA facilities. They will attend the SRC Services and Facilities Sub-committee, as well as the Library and Information Services Committees (LISC), along with the Vice President of Communications and Campaigns. The representative will have a degree of responsibility in ensuring that any services and facilities issues are raised at the correct platform at University levels and student feedback in encouraged. The post holder will support and promote other Services and Facilities Representatives with their roles and encourage feedback from all parties. The post holder will work closely with the Hall of Residences Representative, in order to ensure that University residence issues are addressed.

1st Year Services and Facilities Representative

The 1st Year Services and Facilities representative will ensure effective communication of any issues relating to the Services and Facilities pertaining to 1st year students to the SRC and the Services and Facilities sub-committee. The post holder will liaise with the Services and Facilities Representative regarding any issues relating to the Library and Information Services Committees (LISC). The post holder, along with the 1st Year Learning and Teaching Representative, will ensure contact with the 1st year class representatives is maintained. The representative will maintain contact with the Halls Representative, in order to ensure that University Residence issues are addressed.

Postgraduate Services and Facilities Representative

The Postgraduate Representative for Services and Facilities will attend the Services and Facilities Sub-committee. They will also be responsible for actively seeking out the needs and necessities for postgraduate studies in relation to services and facilities and to raise these concerns at both the SRC and the SRC Services and Facilities sub-committee. The post holder will liaise with the Services and Facilities Representative regarding any issues relating to the Library and Information Services Committees (LISC). The representative will work closely with the Deputy President and the Vice President of Engagement, who will ensure all needs pertaining to their role are facilitated.

International Students Representative for Services and Facilities

Along with the Deputy President, Vice President of Student Activities and the Vice President of Engagement, the International Students Representative for Services and Facilities will ensure that all issues relating to the international students is brought to the attention of the SRC and the SRC Services and Facilities Sub-committee. The post holder may occasionally liaise with the Services and Facilities Representative regarding any issues relating to the Library and Information Services Committees (LISC). The post holder will liaise with the University International Support and Advice service, and any other relevant bodies within Student Services. The representative will work closely with the Vice President of Student Activities and the Vice President of Engagement in a bid to reach out to international students on both a professional and social level.

Environment and Sustainability Representative

The Environment and Sustainability Representative will sit on the Services and Facilities Sub-committee of the SRC. They will have regular contact with the Vice President of Student Activities and the Vice President of Engagement on any matters relating to their role. The post holder should ensure that any environmental issues arising at the University are reported to the SRC and that appropriate action is taken. The post holder should liaise closely with the Vice President of Communication and Campaigns on any relevant environmental campaigns. They will endeavour to help further DUSA’s Fair Trade Commitment, working closely with the Vice President of Student Activities.

Equality and Welfare Representative

The Equality and Welfare Representative will sit on both the Services and Facilities and Learning and Teaching Sub-committees of the SRC. The post holder should be aware of any issues of equality and diversity on campus and report such problems to the Council, ensuring effective action is taken, with support from the Deputy President and Vice President of Student Welfare. They will be actively involved with any welfare campaigns by the University and DUSA.
The Equality and Welfare Representative should ensure that the advice and support provided by Student Services is of the highest standard and should encourage student feedback on this. They will work with and be available to the DUSA Executive, School Presidents and other representative in order to seek advice on any matters arising.

Disability Representative

The Disability Representative will sit on both the Services and Facilities and Learning and Teaching Sub-committees of the SRC. They should be aware of any issues with disability provision on campus and report problems to the Council, ensuring effective action is taken. They will work closely with the Vice President of Student Welfare in helping raise the profile of disability campaigns and the Universities Disability Services.

The Disability Representative will ensure the advice and support provided by Student Services and Disability Services are both of the highest standard and should encourage feedback on services. They will work with and be available to the DUSA Executive, School Presidents and other representative in order to seek advice on any matters arising.

Mature Students Representative

The Mature Students Representative is required to attend both the Services and Facilities and the Learning and Teaching Sub-committee. They should regularly consult with and encourage feedback from mature students. Where pertinent issues arise, they should raise them at SRC and ensure appropriate action is taken. They will be supported in their role by the Vice President of Engagement, who will work with the post holder to encourage greater participation and engagement of students with DUSA on both a professional and social level.

SRC Council without Portfolio (x3)

These representatives will primarily be responsible to sit on the SRC and all its sub-committees, invigorating debate and proposing motions in the best interests of the student body. The SRC Councillor is mandated to ensure that the Council is run as a fair, effective and democratic body effectively holding other Council members, the DUSA executive and University to account. These councillors, as well as all others, will be encouraged to hold surgeries, with support of the DUSA Executive, to listen and consult with students on issues affecting them.

Co-opted positions

Society Rep (x2)

The society reps will ensure that the voice of societies is represented on the Council. They will be elected from the Societies Council. The post holder will liaise with the Society Council and bring any relevant issues to the Council’s attention. The post holders will be sit on the Services and Facilities sub-committees of the SRC and will work closely with the Vice President of Student Activities to provide support and representation for the affiliated societies at DUSA.

Student Staff Rep

The Student Staff representative will act as the voice for the Student staff employed by DUSA and to ensure there is a safe working environment for all student staff. Their role is to liaise and bring any issues which are relevant to the student staff experience to the attention of the Council. The post holder will sit on the Services and Facilities sub-committee of the SRC and will work alongside the Vice President of Communications and Campaigns in relation to any campaigns occurring within the building. The representative may be asked to represent fellow student staff during disciplinary hearings and is responsible for liaising between Human Resources and the Council.

Halls Rep

The Halls Representative will act as the voice for any issues which may occur with students in University Halls of Residence. The representative will sit on the Service and Facilities sub-committee and work closely with the Deputy President to ensure that University residences are meeting there expected standard of the students. The post holder will liaise with the 1st Year Learning and Teaching Rep as well as the 1st Year Services and Facilities Rep to ensure that the 1st Year issues are being dealt with.

Media Rep

The Media Rep will act as a voice for the media groups while still maintaining the interests of the students at large. The post holder, like most of the co-opted members will not sit on any sub-committees but can attend if an issue is relevant to that sub-committee. The representative will liaise with all media outlets on campus and take their views forward to the Council.

School Presidents

Students also elect a President who serves as a figurehead for those in their School. This role has become more prominent and important in recent years. School Presidents liaise with key figures within the School, such as the Dean and School Secretary, to represent issues affecting students. The School President not only sits on the Staff Student Liaison Committee and SRC, but also attends School and College Boards and thus has an input in the management of your institution at a high level.


Class Reps

Each School within the University elects a number of students to provide representation at class level. Staff Student Liaison Committees meet regularly and are a valuable exercise in student democracy. They give students an important opportunity to sit around the table with staff within the School and air any issues students might be facing. Class Representatives are in class with you every day and always available to chat about issues. DUSA offers training to all class representatives and will facilitate their needs every step of the way.

Most Schools organise their class representation system internally and you will be given the opportunity to get involved and make your mark early each year.