What Does It Mean to Be an Academic Rep?
What does an Academic Rep do?
As an Academic Representative at Cambridge, you are the crucial link between the student body and the academic staff within your department or faculty. Your primary responsibility is to gather feedback from your peers about their educational experiences, whether it’s about the quality of teaching, the relevance of the curriculum, or the fairness of assessments. You then present this feedback in meetings with academic staff, advocating for changes that could improve the educational environment for everyone.
How are Academic Reps elected?
Academic Reps are elected by their fellow students, during Michaelmas term. You don’t need any previous experience to stand in the election, just a passion for making your academic experience better and a willingness to represent your peers.
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.
What do I gain from it?
Being an Academic Rep isn’t just about helping others—it’s also a fantastic opportunity for personal growth. You’ll develop key skills like leadership, communication, and negotiation, which employers highly value. Plus, you’ll build strong relationships with both students and staff, expanding your academic and professional network.
How can I get involved?
If you’re interested in becoming an Academic Rep, the first step is to keep an eye out for Election updates on our website and social media accounts. Academic Rep nominations open on the 7th October at 9 am. You can reach out to Cambridge SU for an informal chat about the roles and ask any questions you may have.
Why should I consider standing for 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.
Final Thoughts: Is it worth it?
Absolutely. Being an Academic Rep is a role that brings both challenges and rewards. You’ll have the chance to influence the direction of your education, gain invaluable skills, and connect with a wide range of people across the university. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave Cambridge and it can truly make a difference.
“Being an academic representative has been a fantastic experience. I have grown in confidence as a speaker as well as improved my ability to put across points clearly during meetings with members of the faculty. It is a wonderful opportunity to not only help others but also to improve yourself”. - Oisin McGinley Classics Academic Rep