Student Fellow

Background Information

Introduction to SAUWS and UWS

Students’ Association of the University of the West of Scotland (SAUWS) is the democratic representative body for the students at UWS, with a vision which sees us as a “Student led representative body campaigning for the continual enrichment of the student experience”.

UWS, Scotland’s largest modern university, aims to have a transformational influence on the economic, social and cultural development of the West of Scotland, and beyond, by providing relevant, high quality, inclusive higher education and innovative and useful research. UWS aims to make the communities it serves more successful; and to create opportunities for all to participate.

Student Feedback Fellow

This year SAUWS is introducing Student Fellows with the sponsorship of
Professor Anne McGillivray, the Dean of Students. This position is open to all students from all schools; we are looking for one student per school to research and develop programs at UWS through the use of National Student Survey feedback. Students will be given measurable targets to reach and will be reviewed half way through the scheme to make sure targets and expectations are being reached. The aim of these fellows is to improve the student learning experience at UWS. This position will also be recognised on the HEAR.

Pay and expenses

The scheme pays a bursary of £300 to each student which will be given through two instalments, one will be in December and the other will be at the end of the scheme which will be in February. All travel expenses to away campuses will be reimbursed (i.e. if you are based at the Paisley campus and meetings are at the Ayr Campus the cost of this travel will be reimbursed). Students will be given a cheque at each point of payment and therefore they will be responsible for declaring tax and/or national insurance to HMRC.

Closing date

The closing date for the application form for this position is October 6th.

Project Description

Title: Student Fellow

Department: SAUWS

Responsible to: Depute President, Education and Welfare (DPEW)

Student Representation Co-ordinator (SRC)

Hours of Activity: 15 hours per month – students may choose how to use this time accordingly.

Place of Activity: University of the West of Scotland:

Ayr Campus – University Avenue, Ayr, KA8 0SX

Dumfries Campus – Dudgeon House, Dumfries, DG1 4ZN

Hamilton Campus – Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0JB

Paisley Campus – High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BE

Remuneration: Bursary payment of £300 – two instalments at £150 throughout the course of the scheme. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

1.  Purpose of the Project

To work with school staff representatives in research and other project activity related to the student experience.

2.  Main duties and responsibilities

2.1  To work with the programme leaders to assess and improve the NSS feedback amongst the schools.

2.2  To work with student reps to improve learning and teaching and to create a positive change within schools

2.3  To work with enhancement developers and student tutors to research and develop ways to improve courses.

2.4  To work with students to promote how important feedback is to improve teaching and learning.

3.  Activities

3.1  To sit on the school board to represent their school.

3.2  Undertake meetings with DPEW and SRC to discuss practice and professional development.

3.3  To attend meeting with other student feedback fellows to assess how improvements are being made.

4.  Additional

Student fellows will need to attend the NSS conference in October, so that they can promote what work they will be doing over the coming months.


Person Specification

This role would suit a student wishing to develop their core skills in research, communication and presentations. It will provide the successful candidate with an opportunity to learn more about student engagement at UWS and to make a significant change within their school.

Essential

·  Studying at University of the West of Scotland during 2014-15 academic year.

·  Concise, clear and confident when speaking in public.

·  An excellent communicator.

·  A committed and enthusiastic approach to student engagement and course representation.

·  Ability to juggle competing priorities according to deadlines.

·  Computer literate and regular access to email/internet.

·  Willingness to travel to other UWS campuses.

Desirable

·  Previous experience of being a course representative

·  Previous experience of presentation, training, group work and/or facilitation.

·  Knowledge of the work and activities of SAUWS.

·  Awareness of Higher Education sector, the University of the West of Scotland in particular, and its mechanisms for quality assurance and enhancement.

Application Form

Personal Information:

Surname:
/ First Name(s):
Banner ID: / Student Email:
Course title: / Campus:
Home No: / Mobile No:

Employment and/or Voluntary Experience:

Employer Name & Address / Job Title & Duties

Using the project description and the person specification please describe how your education, skills, qualifications and experience are suited to this post; you should include any other interests and activities not mentioned elsewhere. Please remember to write your name on any additional sheets.