By-Elections
See below the current academic rep by-elections we have open.
What is an academic rep?
Academic Reps are the voice of students in faculties, departments and schools. They run on unique manifestos and are then elected by their subject peers to fulfil this role, which is an exciting opportunity to actively shape students' educational experience here at Cambridge.
Reps have the power to enact changes to education, individually based on their priorities and collectively, working with other representatives across the University. Their responsibilities include taking students’ ideas and concerns to faculty and department boards, relaying important information from those boards back to students, and organising with their peers to foster a subject community.
Reps work with the Students' Union, sharing knowledge with the Vice President (Education and Widening Participation) and other reps as part of a University-wide system of academic representation. Reps are trained by SU staff and receive individual support to help them achieve their goals.
Types of Rep
There are two main types of reps, Subject Reps and School Reps.
Subject Reps are the voice of students in faculties and departments. They run on unique manifestos and are then elected by their subject peers to fulfil this role, which is an exciting opportunity to actively shape your educational experience here at Cambridge! Their responsibilities include taking students’ ideas and concerns to faculty and department boards, relaying important information from those boards back to students, and organising with their peers to foster a subject community.
School Reps are higher level student representatives. They represent all students studying in the School by linking up with the relevant faculty and department academic reps leading on School level change. They sit on the Council of the School, which is responsible for education, research, strategy and resource allocation across several faculties in a discipline area. School Reps also sit on the SU's Student Council, where they hold the sabbatical officer team to account and debate and vote on SU policy.
You don't need prior experience to be an Academic Rep and will receive training and support from the SU and your faculty or school.
Academic reps are elected in Michaelmas term.
Support for reps
Widening Participation & Representation Coordinator
The Widening Participation & Representation Coordinator is a member of full-time SU staff who trains and supports all Academic Reps. They provide individual guidance and expertise to reps, and work with the University and Faculties to ensure that academic representation is as effective as possible.
Academic Forum
This is a meeting of Academic Reps from across faculties, departments, and schools, where we explore current issues and campaigns, seek advice from relevant staff, and discuss and feed into university-wide educational conversations. University staff and student campaigners occasionally attend to seek feedback or support with a project. It’s also a space to suggest policy for the SU on how the sabbs can better campaign at a university-level for educational improvement.
Training
Reps attend training sessions throughout the year, including just after they’re elected in Michaelmas term. Training equips reps to effectively advocate for their peers, understand ongoing university projects and priorities, and successfully campaign for change. School Reps receive training tailored to their role, and all reps have access to training resources throughout the year.
If you'd like to know how to become or contact your academic rep, need support and advice as a current academic rep or are a staff member responsible for supporting Academic reps, simply contact us via academic.rep@cambridgesu.co.uk.
FAQs
What do your Academic Reps do?
Academic Reps are the link between you and the University on all things course related. They listen to your thoughts and ideas about your course, and feed this back to your school. By telling your Academic Reps how you are feeling about your course, they can drive positive change within the University to make sure you are getting the best experience.
What do I gain from being an Academic Rep?
Being an Academic Rep is a chance to make a difference to your course as well as develop your employability skills. During the role you will gain:
- Negotiation skills
- The ability to communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders
- Collaborative problem solving skills
- Advocacy skills
- And so much more!
Why should I consider running in the election?
Becoming an Academic Rep gives you a voice in the decisions that directly impact your education. It’s a unique opportunity to ensure that the issues you and your peers care about are addressed at the highest levels of your department. Whether you’re passionate about improving lecture recordings, advocating for more inclusive curriculum content, or just making sure that student voices are heard, being an Academic Rep is your platform to make change happen.
Will it impact my studies?
One of the best things about being an Academic Rep is that it’s a role you do alongside your studies.
How do I become an Academic Rep?
Academic reps are elected in Michaelmas term.
Interested in putting yourself forward but want more information? If you feel a little unsure or have questions, just email us at academic.rep@cambridgesu.co.uk
I am a Rep - now what?
As a Rep you're part of a community of students representing others and making change happen. The first thing to do is to take part in our Academic rep training, to make sure you've got the basic skills to represent your peers.
How do I find out who my Rep is?
Go to the Academic Rep page on the SU website and select "Find My Rep" in the panel on the left. You will then have the option to search for your Rep by logging in or typing your course name into the search box.