Faculty of Law

Current Students

Class Representatives

Overview & Purpose

The Class Representative structure has been created to establish an information chain between students, lecturers and tutors. The system enables students to pass on positive comments and constructive criticism to lecturers and tutors. This will enable the speedy resolution of any problems that may arise. The system will apply in all compulsory law subjects. The student representative system will only apply in elective subjects where students request it. It is encouraged in electives with more than 40 students.

Students as Class Representatives

Students chosen as Class Representatives in each subject will conduct one formal meeting in the lecture where discussion will be held with fellow students in the absence of the lecturer, regarding general issues relating to lecturers and their tutors. As well as conducting this formal meeting, Class Representatives are expected to be available to hear student comments outside of the formal structure and act accordingly on these matters. Class Representatives should have good listening and diplomatic skills with a view to resolving issues quickly and privately.

The LSA encourages students to become involved in the system. Becoming a Class Representative enables the student voice to be heard and ensure that you are obtaining a quality service for your tuition fees.

Assessment

In all subjects, assessment for the subject is at the sole discretion of the subject coordinator. In core compulsory subjects assessment is not a matter of negotiation. In all matters it is for the subject coordinator to determine how they might deal with a concern expressed by a student representative. In elective subjects, although assessment is still at the sole discretion of the subject coordinator, negotiation on assessment is not discouraged.


Timetable

Week One
  • Election of Class Representative
  • Lecturer to call for nominations
  • Class Representative chosen on a show of hands

Week Two
  • Briefing of Class Representatives
  • Class Representatives to meet with LSA Academic Affairs Director.

Week Three

  • Class Rep meeting with Students
  • Lecturer to set aside 10 minutes at end of lecture.

Resolution of Problems

Step One:
Students are encouraged to raise all matters of concern directly with the lecturer or tutor. In this sense, any concerns are dealt with quickly and privately and this will resolve the majority of problems that may arise.

Step Two:
If the student does not wish to address the lecturer or tutor directly or if the teacher does not respond to a concern that has been raised with them, the student is advised to speak with their Class Representative who will discuss with the student the concerns they have.

Step Three:
If the problem still exists, the Class Representative will than raise the issue with the teacher and work with the lecturer or tutor to find a satisfactory solution to the problem.

Step Four:
If the issue raised has not been resolved then the Class Representative and LSA Academic Affairs Director will hold a meeting with the Deputy Dean to resolve the issue.

NB: It is stressed that feedback can be made to either the Class Representative or directly to the LSA Academic Affairs Director at any time not just formally through this system.

Policy Number: LAW036
Policy Name: Class Representatives
Contact Person: IT & Administration Manager
Date of Approval: March 2004
Date Last Amended: 14 April 2007
Date of Next Review: Sept 2008