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SSLC Handbook Liaison Committee

2008-2009

go.warwick.ac.uk/sslc

go.warwick.ac.uk/sslcgo.warwick.ac.uk/sslc

Your SSLC…

Name: Position: Email address:

Chair

Secretary

Academic Convenor

Faculty Representative

Subject Librarian

Careers Advisor

E-Learning Advisor

IT Representative

Notes


Dear SSLC Member,

Welcome!

This Handbook will provide you with an introduction to the Student-Staff Liaison Committee system and serve as a point of reference throughout the year. The Handbook is key to both understanding and fulfilling your role in this important network of student feedback and consultation. You can download the Handbook and access other information on the SSLC system via the SSLC web Portal at: www.go.warwick.ac.uk/sslc. SSLCs are also encouraged to use their dedicated page on the Portal to upload meeting minutes and agenda and to share information.

The University and the Students’ Union jointly produce this Handbook every year and continue to collaborate closely over the SSLC system. This has produced an incredibly positive and effective form of academic representation and feedback for students across the institution. Warwick’s SSLC system is very well regarded both within the University and nationally by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). The report from the most recent Institutional Audit of Warwick undertaken in 2004 by the QAA indicated that: “the SSLC system makes an effective and positive contribution to the management of quality and standards, especially at the departmental and course level.”

The success of the SSLC system and the enormous benefits it brings to students and to the University as a whole are a result of the joint efforts of student representatives and staff – we hope that your involvement will continue this fantastic tradition.

All the very best for the year ahead!

Mohammed Surve, Education Officer, UWSU

Stephanie Liggins, Postgraduate Student

Dr Ken Flint, Biological Sciences Department

Dr Penny Roberts, History Department

The SSLC Coordinators

Contents Page

What are SSLCs? 2

Representing Students – how do you do it?

5

SSLCs and the Students’ Union 7

SSLC key contacts 8

Full contact list 9

The SSLC calendar 10

SSLC meetings 11

Agenda and minutes 13

The Chair and Secretary 15

The Academic Convenor 17

The Annual Report form 19

Other sources of advice/opportunities to give your feedback

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1

New in the Handbook for this year:

• MoredetailedsummaryofkeySSLC principles

• GuidanceonSSLCrepattendance at departmental staff meetings

• AdditionalguidanceonSSLC arrangements for students based off campus


WHAT ARE SSLCs?

SSLC stands for ‘Student-Staff Liaison Committee’SSLCs are committees made up of elected student representatives and members of staff. They provide an accessible arena for students to discuss with staff issues connected to teaching, learning and student support. They also provide an opportunity for the department to consult with students and receive feedback on new proposals. The SSLC should always be consulted on any major changes to course structures or content.

SSLCs should not consider matters relating to named members of staff or students, nor are they the place for students to air their personal grievances.

Key principles of the SSLC system SSLCs can be organised in many different ways to suit the needs of the students they represent. The guidance in this Handbook sets out a framework that should be suitable for the majority of SSLCs. Advice on arrangements for students on courses that do not follow the typical, full-time campus-based pattern is included below.

All SSLCs, however they are organised, should be guided by the following principles. SSLCs should:

• bestudent-led.SSLCrepsshouldbeproactiveinorganisingtheSSLCand,inconsultationwiththe students they represent, in raising issues for discussion. The SSLC should have a student Chair and Secretary. All SSLC reps should take part in available training to help them fulfil their role.

• besupportedbyanamedAcademicConvenor,whoisamemberofstaffappointedbytheHeadofDepartment. Convenors should attend available briefing sessions to gather information and share good practice.

• provideanaccessibleforumtoenablestudentstodiscussteaching,learningandstudentsupportissues with staff in an open manner, within the framework of a formal structure. The department should consult with the SSLC on new proposals, including changes to courses.

• forfull-time,campus-basedcourses,meetatleastfourtimesperyear,andforpart-time,campus-based courses, meet at least twice per year. Liaison mechanisms that do not involve face-to-face meetings (eg for some distance learning courses) should provide students with at least a similar frequency of structured opportunities to raise and discuss issues with staff.

• encouragetheresolutionofissuesandimprovementsatadepartmentaland/orcourselevel.Issues raised through the SSLC should be discussed regularly and promptly at staff meetings. An SSLC rep should be encouraged to attend departmental staff meetings (see page 12).

• ensurethatdiscussionsandresultingactionsaredocumentedanddisseminatedtothestudentbody represented through the SSLC. This is key to the credibility and success of the SSLC.

• produceanannualsummaryofissuesdiscussedandactionstaken,tofeedintoUniversityandStudents’ Union decision-making processes and encourage action at an institutional level.

• notconsidermattersrelatingtonamedmembersofstafforstudents,orpersonalconcerns or grievances. Advice on how to raise individual issues is included at the end of this Handbook.

Organising different types of SSLC There are many different types of SSLC: large departments can have separate SSLCs for undergraduates, taught postgraduates and postgraduate research students; smaller departments may decide to have two SSLCs, one each for undergraduates and postgraduates; other departments may choose to have only one SSLC. Departments should ensure that SSLC arrangements for joint degree students provide those students with adequate opportunities to discuss issues with members of staff from each department contributing to the degree.

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Postgraduate Research SSLCsThere are three ways of organising postgraduate research SSLCs:• AnSSLCforallpostgraduateresearchstudentsinthedepartment;• AnSSLCforallthedepartment’spostgraduates,taughtandresearch;• AnSSLCforallthedepartment’sundergraduatesandpostgraduates,

where there are too few postgraduates in a department for a separate committee.

Postgraduate research SSLCs can provide a mechanism for organising conferences, peer research presentations or departmental social events, contributing to the overall postgraduate experience at Warwick and preparation for future careers.

Part-time and 2+2 degrees (on campus)Students on part-time or the second half of 2+2 degree courses are encouraged to stand as an SSLC representative for their course or department. There is also an overarching part-time and 2+2 students’ SSLC which recognises the specific issues part-time and 2+2 students may face. All part-time and 2+2 students based at Warwick are invited to attend this SSLC, and should contact Sally Blakeman ([email protected]) for more information.

Collaborative and distance learning courses – students based off campusAll students studying off campus should have access to student-staff liaison arrangements which serve as a mechanism for student feedback and consultation and adhere to the principles underpinning all SSLC arrangements. If it is proposed that the arrangements for a particular group of students will depart from any of the key principles of the SSLC system, this should first be discussed with the SSLC Coordinators (contact details below).

Examples of how SSLCs for students based off campus are organised successfully in a number of departments will appear on the SSLC Portal soon. Students based off campus can include:

Students studying at partner institutions in the UKEg students following courses at partner colleges or other institutions, including students on the first two years of a 2+2 degree

Most partner institutions will have committees or groups that are similar to SSLCs and all students studying for Warwick qualifications should have access to these. In addition, it can be helpful if the course leader from Warwick responsible for the partnership visits the institution at least once per term to meet with students to discuss the course and any issues raised. If a partner institution does not have the equivalent of an SSLC (or if they would like to establish an SSLC specifically for the collaborative course), an SSLC should be set up and run in accordance with the principles in this Handbook. An Academic Convenor should be appointed at the partner institution, with additional support provided by Warwick as required. SSLC reps at partner institutions are encouraged to contact the Students’ Union Education Officer and the Academic Representation Coordinator at Warwick to exchange ideas and information.

Students studying at partner institutions outside the UKSome educational institutions and cultures have very different systems from those in the UK and the department responsible for the collaboration should ensure that there are mechanisms in place for the views and concerns of students to be represented and discussed. This may be through existing structures at the partner institution, or through the introduction of a traditional SSLC or an alternative forum, eg a discussion at the end of a module or a via a web forum (see below for more advice on the use of web forums). Students in some cultures may not be familiar with the concept of questioning/challenging methods of teaching and learning and provision of support, but if students can see that their concerns are taken seriously they may be more receptive to this concept.

Whatever mechanisms are put in place, students should be encouraged to consider the issues listed on page 11 and an annual summary of issues discussed and actions taken should be produced and forwarded to Jenny Bradfield, Assistant Registrar (Teaching Quality) by the deadline for submission of SSLC Annual Reports (see page 19). This process, at least initially, may require more input from a member of Warwick staff than for traditional SSLCs.

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Distance learning and work-based students For distance learning and work-based students/participants, the use of web-based forums can be very useful for ongoing contact. In addition, many courses have at least one face-to-face meeting for students and staff during the year (eg workshops, study days) and it should be possible to arrange at least one SSLC meeting on one of these occasions. A web forum can be created in the SSLC Portal or linked to it (contact the Academic Representation Coordinator, Tim Sansom, to find out more). SSLC reps should be asked to volunteer and be appointed democratically. Reps should be encouraged to lead the forum and to consult with other students on their course. A member of Warwick staff should monitor and be responsible for the web forum, in order to answer queries or refer them to other members of staff, encourage discussion and report back on action taken by the department. Although the forum may run throughout the year, it can be useful to arrange a ‘virtual meeting’ at a set time, inviting discussion of particular issues (including those listed on page 11).

A typical structure for a distance learning or work-based SSLC could include two face-to-face meetings per year and two virtual meetings. An annual summary of issues discussed and actions taken should be produced and forwarded to Jenny Bradfield, Assistant Registrar (Teaching Quality) by the deadline for submission of SSLC Annual Reports (see page 19).

Do SSLCs work? Yes! Every year the SSLC Coordinators review the annual reports written by each SSLC and the Education Officer writes a summary report that is considered by a number of University committees. If there is an issue that is of concern to a number of SSLCs, the University should discuss appropriate action to address this. SSLCs can also be very effective in helping to resolve issues at a departmental level.

What have SSLCs achieved? In past years SSLCs have persuaded the University to make a number of changes that have improved life and learning at Warwick for students:

• ExtensionofLibraryopeningtimes• Pedestriancrossings• SubstantialimprovementsinIT,includinganincreaseine-learning,e-submission,podcastsand

wireless internet provision• Earlierpublicationofexamtimetables• Quickerfeedbackfromdepartmentsonassignments• Greaterskillsrecognition• Thealignmentofjoint-honoursstudents’readingweeks• ALearningGridonGibbetHill• Settingupmentoring/’buddy’schemes• Extensionofcomputerlabopeninghours• IncreaseddepartmentalsupportforErasmusandyearabroadstudents

The SSLC Coordinators The Coordinators oversee the SSLC system and consider common issues arising from Annual Reports. They can advise on the operation of individual SSLCs. The Coordinators, supported by Jenny Bradfield, Assistant Registrar (Teaching Quality), and Tim Sansom, Students’ Union Academic Representation Coordinator, are:

• KenFlint,BiologicalSciences(staffcoordinator);• PennyRoberts,History(staffcoordinator);• MohammedSurve,Students’UnionEducationOfficer(studentcoordinator);• StephanieLiggins,PhDstudent,Physics(studentcoordinator).

The University values the input of the Coordinators into formal decision-making processes and the two staff Coordinators are automatically members of the University’s Academic Quality and Standards Committee. The Students’ Union Education Officer is also a member.

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REPRESENTING STUDENTS – how do you do it?

SSLC Representatives are elected by students. They attend meetings of their SSLC and they ensure that students’ views are heard, and that action is taken and reported back. For more information on election of SSLC reps, SSLC meetings, membership of SSLCs and roles see pages 10-18.

Responsibilities of an SSLC Representative

• Toattendatrainingsessioninweek4,term1.

• Tomakeyourselfknowntothestudentsyouarerepresentingandthestaffyouwillbeworkingwithonthe committee.

• TogaugetheviewsofstudentsonyourcourseandpresentthoseviewseffectivelyatSSLCmeetings.

• Toreportagreedactionbacktostudents.

• Toreadminutesofmeetingsandensureyoufollowuponactionsallocatedtoyou.

• ToensurethatthecommitteecompletesandapprovestheAnnualReportForm.

• ToalerttheFacultyRepresentativeorEducationOfficerofanyissuesyoudonotfeelarebeingappropriately addressed.

• TochecktheSSLCPortalregularlyfornewsoreventsforrepresentatives,aswellaschangestoUniversity policies and documents which may be of use to SSLCs.

Collecting students’ views

You cannot claim to represent the “views of students” unless you have researched those views thoroughly:

• circulateyouremailaddressandcheckyoure-mailsformessagesfromthestudentbody.

• checktheSSLCpigeon-holeforanynotes.

• sende-mailsbeforeeachmeetingaskingifthereareanyconcerns.

• arrangeadrop-insessionbeforeeachmeetingforstudentstodiscussaparticularissueortheircoursein general, and/or let students know that you will be available after a lecture to discuss issues for the next SSLC meeting.

Making sure action is taken

One way of encouraging action is to ensure that during the meeting every task is allocated to a person and a deadline is set, against which the outcome can be measured. If nothing is being done, raise the matter with the staff members of your committee. If this fails, approach your Faculty Representative or the Education Officer for advice and intervention if necessary.

Completing the feedback loop

It’s not all over when the meeting stops. You have to keep those you represent informed of decisions. The SSLC and department need to demonstrate to students that they are taking students’ views seriously and acting on them. Departments and SSLCs can use a number of measures to complete this loop, including:

• publicisingtheactionordecisionsresultingfromstudentfeedbackviaemail,orthroughSSLCnoticeboards, the SSLC Portal or a linked webpage, on-line forum or newsletter.

• makingannouncementsinlecturers.

• discussingtheissuesraisedbythefeedbackwithinandoutsidetheSSLCmeetinganddeterminingthe best way to address the issue in consultation with staff and students.

It is important that, whatever the methods used to obtain feedback, the process is meaningful for students. A lack of publicising actions taken is one of the primary reasons for ‘questionnaire fatigue’ amongst students.


SSLC Webpages and the Portal

SSLC webpages are a great way to communicate with students and staff. The University’s in-house web publishing tool, Sitebuilder, enables all SSLCs to have their own webpages on the SSLC Portal. There is also an option to integrate an on-line discussion forum. As a minimum, SSLCs should post their agenda and minutes on a webpage, to inform other students of issues discussed and actions taken. If the SSLC already has its own webpages, a link to those pages can be posted on the Portal.

Representing the student view on internal and external reviews

The quality of the student learning experience is the main focus of regular reviews of departments held by the University and external bodies, such as the Quality Assurance Agency or professional, statutory and regulatory bodies. As SSLCs discuss student academic concerns, and act as a forum for departments to consult with students on future plans, SSLC student representatives are often invited to take part in these reviews. You are not obliged to participate in a review, and if you have any concerns about the review process you should speak to the SSLC Convenor, Departmental Head, or Students’ Union Education Officer.

What you gain from being an SSLC Representative

• ByattendingtheUnion’sspeciallydesignedtrainingeventsyouwillbenefitfromthetipsoftheUnion’sStudent Trainers for making the most of the opportunities you get from being a member of an SSLC.

• ByreadingStudents’UnionpublicationsandtalkingtostaffandtheUnion’sofficersyouwillgainknowledge of issues in higher education.

• YourexperienceasanSSLCrepresentativeisagoodstartingpointtogetinvolvedinanyofthewiderange of representative posts in the Students’ Union, from committee member right up to Sabbatical Officer.

• YoucanusemanyofyourexperiencesasanSSLCrepasevidencefortheWarwickSkillsCertificate.For more information on how to build on your skills visit www.warwick.ac.uk/skills/

• Youwilldeveloptransferableskillsthatwillproveinvaluableinyearstocome:

Transferable skills gained from being an SSLC representative

CommunicationBeing a good representative is about communicating with staff and students. You will find that your experiences of meetings and dealing with your constituents will improve your verbal and written language skills.

OrganisationMany SSLCs play a pro-active role in organising social events, second-hand book sales, student research presentations or open days.

Meeting skillsAttending SSLC meetings should give you experience of formal meeting structures with a Chair, Secretary, agenda and minutes and familiarise you with how business is processed.

Negotiation skills and conflict management

Your skills in these important areas will develop naturally through involvement in the SSLC system, as you help to resolve possible areas of disagreement and seek solutions to problems.

Time managementIt is an important skill to be able to fit your SSLC commitments around your degree. You will get used to setting objectives and priorities to ensure that you make the best use of your time.

Public speaking and confidence

It is possible that you will develop public speaking skills and become more confident in general by making announcements updating students on the issues discussed at their SSLC.

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SSLCs AND THE STUDENTS’ UNIONThe SSLC system is at the centre of the Students’ Union’s work. Feedback from the SSLC system enables the Union to identify problems within Faculties that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Where SSLCs fit into the Students’ Union Structure The Students’ Union’s Education Officer, Mohammed Surve, and the Academic Forum Coordinator coordinate all student academic representation and are supported by Faculty Representatives. The information that SSLCs feed into the Union’s representative structure is crucial to enable discussion of key issues at Students’ Union and senior University meetings.

Role of the Education Officer: Mohammed Surve The Education Officer is a full-time student representative with primary responsibility for all of the Students’ Union’s work on matters relating to education, both internally and externally – on a national level. The Education Officer represents students on the highest academic committees in the University (the Boards of Undergraduate andGraduateStudies,AcademicQualityandStandardsCommitteeandSenate).ThroughouttheyeartheEducation Officer calls on the help of SSLC Representatives, Faculty Representatives and the Academic Forum in education-related campaigns.

Faculty Representatives Each Faculty has an undergraduate and postgraduate representative. Faculty Reps need to receive the minutes of SSLC meetings to enable them to identify unresolved departmental SSLC concerns, Faculty-wide issues and examples of good practice. Faculty Reps will try to visit as many SSLC meetings as possible during the year. If the SSLC would value their advice on an issue, they should be invited to attend the relevant meeting. It is the Faculty Rep’s job to attend and represent students at Faculty Board meetings. If an SSLC matter is not resolved at departmental level, it can be referred to the relevant Faculty Board. The Faculty Rep can also ensure that issues specific to the Library, Careers Service, Academic Office or IT Services are raised at the University Resources SSLC.

Faculty Postgraduate Representatives, and the chair of the Postgraduate Forum, are elected online during cross-campus elections in the second week of the Autumn Term. To stand for a position, please contact the Education Officer at: [email protected].

Role of the Academic Forum The Academic Forum is made up of the Education Officer, Faculty Reps and other elected students. Its job is to coordinate the election of first year SSLC representatives and to assist the Education Officer with his campaign work. It provides a forum for the discussion of common themes and issues that have been raised at SSLC meetings.

Postgraduate Forum The Union’s Postgraduate Forum helps to raise welfare, social and academic issues specific to postgraduates at relevant Union and University committees. The Chair of the Postgraduate Forum is a member of the University’BoardofGraduateStudiesandtheUniversityResourcesSSLC.

Union Council The Education Officer, Academic Forum Coordinator and Faculty Reps all sit on Union Council. Council is the elected body of all students, making policy and directing the work of the Union. If you want to get involved and change your Union, contact the Education Officer or your Faculty Rep.

Academic Representation Coordinator: Tim Sansom Tim is a permanent, full-time member of Students’ Union staff and is central to the administration of the SSLC system. He maintains and develops the SSLC Portal, attends as many SSLC meetings as possible and is available to give SSLC Reps advice on SSLC issues. He also briefs Union Officers on developments in higher education and helps them to prepare for University meetings.

SSLC Faculty Forums A new initiative launched in 2007-08, the Faculty Forums provide SSLC reps with the opportunity to share their views and raise areas of common concern with each other and with the Education Officer and Faculty Reps, so that issues can be taken directly to University meetings and incorporated into the work of the Students’ Union. It is usually the role of the SSLC Chair or Secretary to sit on the Faculty Forum, which will normally meet once in the autumn term and once in the spring term.

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SSLC KEy CONTACTS AND ROLES

Elections for the following vacant positions will take place in the autumn term:

• AcademicForumCoordinator

• UGArtsFacultyRep

• UGScienceFacultyRep

• PostgraduateFacultyReps

Mohammed SurveEducation Officer & SSLC Coordinator

[email protected]

Stephanie LigginsSSLC Coordinator

[email protected]

Position vacantAcademic Forum Coordinator

[email protected]

Position vacantUndergraduate Arts Faculty Representative

[email protected]

Position vacantUndergraduate Science Faculty Representative

[email protected]

MichaelFervenUndergraduate Social Studies Faculty

[email protected]

David MetcalfeMedicine Faculty Representative

[email protected]

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FULL CONTACT LISTName Position Extension* Email

Mohammed SurveEducation Officer, Students’ Union & SSLC Coordinator

x72779 [email protected]

Stephanie Liggins SSLC Coordinator, Students’ Union [email protected]

Position Vacant Academic Forum Coordinator [email protected]

Position Vacant Undergraduate Arts Faculty Rep [email protected]

Michael FervenUndergraduate Social Studies Faculty Rep

[email protected]

Position Vacant Undergraduate Science Faculty Rep [email protected]

David Metcalfe Medicine Faculty Rep [email protected]

Position Vacant Postgrad Arts Faculty Rep [email protected]

Position Vacant Postgrad Science Faculty Rep [email protected]

Position Vacant Postgrad Social Studies Faculty Rep [email protected]

Position Vacant Institute of Education Rep [email protected]

Position Vacant Postgraduate Forum Chair [email protected]

Ken FlintSSLC Coordinator, Biological Sciences


Penny RobertsSSLC Coordinator, History


Jenny Bradfield Assistant Registrar (Teaching Quality) x74464 [email protected]

Tim SansomAcademic Representative Coordinator Students’ Union


Stuart Thomson President, Students’ Union x72784 [email protected]

Stephanie Jones Welfare officer, Students’ Union x72778 [email protected]

GillFrigerio Acting Director, Careers Centre x23619 [email protected]

Mike Roberts Director, IT Services x23753 [email protected]

Anne Bell University Librarian x23033 [email protected]

Antony Brewerton Head of Academic Support, Library x75790 [email protected]

Sally Blakeman Centre for Lifelong Learning x28100 [email protected]

Ken Sloan Deputy Registrar x74800 [email protected]

Student Advice and welfare x72824 [email protected]

*Extension numbers are given where available. To telephone someone in the University or the Students’ Union dial (024) 765 + extension number as listed above.

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THE SSLC CALENDAR 2008-09

AutumnTerm

Week 0SSLC Academic Convenors’ briefing - all new convenors are required to attend and all returning convenors are encouraged to attend.

Week 1 Lecture tours, notifying first year students of SSLC Elections

Week 2SSLC Elections (arranged by Students’ Union for first year undergraduates; arranged by Academic Convenors for all other undergraduates and all postgraduates); online election of postgraduate Faculty Representatives.

Week 3 Last Elections for all SSLC representatives

Week 4 SSLC representative training (see below for dates)

Week 5 SSLC meetings begin

Week 6 Every SSLC should have met once by the end of this week

Week 8Education Officer and SSLC Coordinators’ report on University-wide Undergraduate and Postgraduate issues and good practice in 2007-08 submitted to the Academic Quality and Standards Committee (AQSC) of the University

Weeks 8-10SSLC Faculty Forum meetings (the exact dates will be disseminated to all reps once finalised)

Spring Term

Weeks 8-10SSLC Faculty Forum meetings (the exact dates will be disseminated to all reps once finalised)

Summer Term

15 May Undergraduate Annual Report deadline

Week 29SSLC Coordinators meet to discuss undergraduate SSLC Annual Reports for 2008-09 academic year

Summer Vacation

10 July Postgraduate Annual Report deadline

August/SeptSSLC Coordinators meet to discuss postgraduate SSLC Annual Reports for 2008-09 academic year

September Departments nominate Academic Convenors for the next academic year, if not already done

SSLCREPRESENTATIVETRAININGFour parallel sessions for training will be held during week commencing Monday 20 October 2008 (Week 4) each evening in Students’ Union meeting rooms (precise details to be notified).

All SSLC representatives must attend one of the SSLC training sessions.

SSLC training events will include refreshments and are an opportunity to meet other SSLC representatives, develop the skills needed to be an effective and successful rep and find out where to get help if you need it. For students based off campus or on courses that begin earlier in the academic year, the Students’ Union will provide training materials and, where possible, will visit an induction or SSLC meeting at the start of the course.

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SSLC MEETINGS

Remember: SSLCs for full-time courses should meet at least four times a year. There must be a very strong reason to have fewer meetings.

Who should be on the SSLC?• Students should be in the majority. As a general guide there should be at least two representatives

per year.

• Studentrepresentativesshouldbeelectedfromeachyearofeachcourse,orstudentsrepresentingvarious stages of progression in a part-time or postgraduate research degree.

• SSLCrepelectionsareheldinweek2.ElectionsforfirstyearundergraduatesarearrangedbytheStudents’ Union. Elections for all other undergraduates and all postgraduates are arranged by the Academic Convenor.

• TheChairoftheSSLCshouldalwaysbeastudent;theSecretaryshouldbeastudentwherepossible.

• AtleasttwomembersofacademicstaffelectedbytheirdepartmentshouldsitontheSSLC,oneofwhom will be the Academic Convenor. If the SSLC covers more than one course, a member of staff representing each course should attend meetings as often as possible.

• TheHeadofDepartment,oranotherseniormemberofacademicstaff,shouldbeinvitedtoSSLCmeetings from time to time.

The time, venue and agenda for the first meeting will be organised by the Academic Convenor

Issues to be discussed at meetings:

For Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate courses:

• Coursecontentanddelivery(butnotindividualmembersofstaff),includingchangestocoursestructures and proposals for new courses

• Assessmentandexamination,includingfeedbackonassessment• Skillsdevelopment• Progressmonitoring

For Postgraduate Research courses:

• Monitoring,progressionandsupervisorysystems(butnotindividualsupervisors)• Assessment• Researchtraining

For all SSLCs:

• Studentsupportandguidance• Libraryprovision• ITissuesandavailabilityofe-learningresources(egdigitalresources)• Careersadvice• DepartmentalliaisonwiththeLibrary,ITandCareers,andinductionandtrainingarrangements• Learningfacilities,includingtheLearningGridinUniversityHouseand/ortheBiomedGridatGibbetHill• Otheracademicresources,includingaccommodation,seminarsize,timetable

The SSLC (with the assistance of the Academic Convenor) should invite a representative from the Library, Careers Centre and the e-Learning Advisor team to attend at least one SSLC meeting. Each Faculty has an e-Learning Advisor, who provides support to departments in developing e-learning resources (see www.warwick.ac.uk/services/elearning/experts/elat). If the SSLC wishes to discuss a matter concerning the provision of IT (eg IT accounts, email system), a representative from IT Services should also be invited to attend.

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What happens after the SSLC meeting?Immediately after a meeting the Secretary should write and circulate the minutes. Members of the committee should take any appropriate action they have been assigned. Members should also ensure that SSLC decisions and actions are reported to the student body; see ‘completing the feedback loop’ above (page 5).

University Resources SSLCA University Resources SSLC made up of student Faculty Representatives, the Students’ Union Education Officer and representatives from the Library, Careers Service, IT Services and Academic Office meets once per term. SSLCs are encouraged to contact the Education Officer or a Faculty Representative to suggest issues to be discussed at the University Resources SSLC. Information about the University Resources SSLC can be found on the Portal at: www.go.warwick.ac.uk/sslc/universityresources.

Departmental Meetings

As a minimum, a representative from each SSLC within the department should be invited and encouraged to attend departmental staff meetings to discuss SSLC matters.

In this context, ‘department’ includes departments, schools or centres, and ‘departmental staff meeting’ means a regular (eg termly) department-wide staff meeting, rather than ad hoc, informal meetings between a small number of staff.

In addition to inviting SSLC reps to discuss SSLC matters, departments are strongly encouraged to invite reps to stay for discussion of all open business at departmental meetings (ie all items other than those involving named members of staff or students). Inviting SSLC reps to attend discussion of all open business provides a further channel of communication between staff and students, and SSLC reps can offer a valuable perspective on issues affecting students, including departmental facilities and teaching and learning resources.

If a department has more than one type of ‘departmental meeting’ (eg teaching committee, undergraduate and/or postgraduate meetings, in addition to the main departmental meeting), the department and the SSLC(s) should discuss, periodically, which meeting(s) it would be most beneficial for SSLC reps to attend. This would normally be expected to include the main departmental meeting. The arrangements within a particular department should encourage a productive use of SSLC reps’ time, whilst ensuring that SSLC reps are invited to the meeting(s) at which key issues connected to teaching and learning are discussed.

SSLC reps should take the opportunity to attend departmental staff meetings and should report back to the SSLC on discussion of issues affecting students.

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AGENDA AND MINUTES

An agenda for the meeting should be circulated a week in advance, and circulation of minutes should occur within two days of the meeting.

Copies should be sent to: all SSLC members the Departmental Secretary the Students’ Union Academic Representation Coordinator the relevant Faculty Representative

A copy should also be pasted on the SSLC Portal, (or a website linked to the portal) or other tools for communicating with students.

SampleSSLCAgenda

UNIVERSITY OF WARWICKSSLC name (list courses included)

AGENDAMeeting to be held on date at time in venue

1.1 Minutes of the last meetingNote any inaccuracies or approve

1.2 MattersArisingItems identified for action at past meetings which were outstanding. Those tasked to carry out further action to feedback on progress. Items remain in matters arising until resolved.

1.3 Progress of RecommendationsResults of discussions/items which were deferred or recommended to those outside the SSLC, ie to the staff meeting, Education Officer, Subject Librarian etc.

1.4 Agendaitem(e.g.Libraryprovision)TO CONSIDER: An oral report from the Subject Librarian on the implementation of a new 3-day loan scheme.

1.5 AnyOtherBusinessItems arising after circulation of the agenda or not placed on the agenda.

1.6 Date, time and venue of the next meeting

Item numbering:

1.1 = first meeting of the year, first item etc.2.1 = second meeting of the year, first item etc.

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Sample SSLC Minutes

UNIVERSITY OF WARWICKSSLC name (list courses included)

MINUTES

Date: 7 November 2008 Time: 14:00 Venue: H311

CIRCULATIONFull names of Committee Members, Faculty Rep, Subject Librarian etc.

PresentNames of those who attended the meeting.

ApologiesandAbsencesNames of those who did not attend the meeting.

1.1 MINUTESOFThEMEETINGOF24OCTOBER2008RESOLVED:That the minutes for the meeting of 24 October be approved

1.2 MATTERSARISING

1.2.1 LibraryREPORTED:That students were having difficulties obtaining core texts from the library.

ACTION:To invite the subject librarian to the next meeting to discuss this matter.

1.3 PROGRESSOFRECOMMENdATIONS

1.3.1 Assessment FeedbackREPORTED:That students’ concerns with the quality of formative feedback had been reported at the departmental meeting.

ACTION:The Head of Department is to consider different methods of improving the situation.

1.4 ExAMTIMETABLE

1.4.1 REPORTED:That students on module x are concerned that the submission date for the last piece of assessed work is a week before the start of the exams.

ACTION:That the Chair report the concern to the Faculty Representative, as it may be a similar concern across departments.

14 15


THE CHAIR AND SECRETARy

The SSLC Chair A Student Representative takes the post of SSLC Chair. They should be elected at the final meeting of the year preceding their term of office. If this is not possible, the Chair should be elected by the new SSLC as early as possible in the Autumn Term.

The Chair’s role is:

• Tobringthemeetingtoorderandregulatetheconductofthemeeting.

• Tofollowtheagendaandcontroltheamountoftimespentoneachitem,leadingthecommitteetowards a decision.

• Toensurethatagreedactionsaredelegatedandimplementedwithinanappropriatetimescale.

• Tocheckallminutespriortoissueandensuretheyarecirculatedtothemembersofthecommittee, as well as the Faculty Representative, Students’ Union Academic Representation Coordinator, Tim Sansom ([email protected]), and Departmental Secretary.

• ToensuretheStudents’Unionisawareofmeetingdatesandtimes,byemailingtheAcademicRepresentation Coordinator and posting the dates on the SSLC’s webpage.

• ToattendFacultyForummeetingstodiscusscommonissues.

Checklist for SSLC Chairs

At the first meeting of the year:*Elect or appoint a Secretary; preferably a student.

*Elect or appoint a representative from the SSLC to attend departmental/centre meetings to discuss SSLC business.

*Ensure all SSLC representatives are aware of their responsibilities and decide a committee-wide strategy for communicating with other students.

*Set provisional dates for meetings for the year and have the Secretary circulate these to members, your Faculty Representative, the Students’ Union Academic Representation Coordinator, Subject Librarian, Careers Advisor and Faculty e-Learning Advisor (see www.warwick.ac.uk/services/elearning/experts/elat)

Throughout the year:*Communicate with the Students’ Union via your Faculty Representative or the Education Officer to ensure they are aware of issues raised by your SSLC.

*Ensure your Faculty Representative is aware of meeting dates and times, and receives copies of agendas and minutes and has been invited to the meetings.

*Check your departmental Noticeboard and Departmental page on the SSLC Portal to ensure that all Reps’ details are up-to-date and clearly displayed.

*Attend Faculty Forum meetings.

End of the year:*Complete the Annual Report, sign it and submit it prior to the deadline, preferably with the approval of the entire committee.

15

go.warwick.ac.uk/sslcgo.warwick.ac.uk/sslc 16

ThESSLCSECRETARy

The Committee Secretary is normally elected at the first meeting of the year and should be a student. The Chair and Secretary should communicate regularly to ensure:

• That Committee meetings take place.

That members are aware of the date and location of meetings.

• That members are provided with the best information available on the subjects to be discussed.

• That accurate records are maintained of meetings, decisions made and actions taken.

• That the Annual Report is completed and agreed by the student representatives and submitted on time.

The Chair and Secretary should try to ensure that pre-meetings are held when appropriate. These afford an opportunity for student members of the committee to meet before the main meeting to clarify issues among themselves. They also ensure that all student representatives are aware of issues being raised, and provides them with an opportunity to canvass the opinions of other students prior to the SSLC meeting.

Duties of the SSLC Secretary, in consultation with the Chair and with support from the department.

1 Bookroomformeetings

2 Collect items for the agenda and circulate the agenda

3 Circulate papers; use e-mail where possible

4 Create an attendance sheet

5 Arriveearlytocheckroomlayout

6 Make brief notes of discussionsRecord all decisions of the committee, seeking clarification from the Chair when a decision is unclear. Your do not need to take verbatim minutes or name individuals when minuting decisions.

7 Draft the minutes as soon as possible following the meeting Ensure that the attendance is recorded on the minutes, that items indicate who will follow-up, and that the departmental secretary, Faculty Representative and Academic Representation Coordinator receive copies of the minutes, and that they are posted on the SSLC’s webpage.

17


THE ACADEMIC CONVENOR

The Academic Convenor should be a member of staff appointed by the Head of Department to take responsibility for the SSLC. The Convenor organises the first meeting of the year and negotiates SSLC resources such as noticeboards and websites. The Convenor is also responsible for ensuring that the SSLC Annual Report form is completed on time, agreed by the student representatives or Chair of the committee, and returned to the SSLC Coordinators via the Assistant Registrar (Teaching Quality), Jenny Bradfield ([email protected]). Convenors can also play a role in facilitating pre-meetings.

Duties of the Academic Convenor:Convenors’ Briefing

A briefing for Convenors is held each year, normally in September. The briefing provides information on the operation of the SSLC system, updates on new initiatives and a chance for all Convenors to discuss common issues and share ideas and good practice. New Convenors are required to attend and returning Convenors are encouraged to join the briefing.

Publicity

To ensure that new students are made aware of SSLC procedures through pre-registration literature and departmental information for current students.

Elections

To convene elections for SSLC representatives other than first year undergraduates, normally in the second or third week of the Autumn Term. It is essential that these elections are conducted democratically and Convenors should arrange formal election meetings for second, third and fourth year undergraduates and postgraduate students (see the Portal for guidelines on conducting SSLC elections). Responsibility for the election of first year undergraduate representatives is given to the Students’ Union’s Education Officer working with the Faculty Representatives, unless the Convenor indicates otherwise.

Meetings

Although SSLCs are student-led, it is the responsibility of the Academic Convenor to convene and collect agenda items for the first meeting of the academic year, at which the Chair (if not previously elected) and Secretary of the SSLC are elected. The Convenor should ensure that the required topics are discussed by the SSLC at least once a year, as outlined on page 11.

Support

The Academic Convenor provides support to the SSLC in the following broad ways:

• DisseminatesinformationaboutSSLCsandprovidesadviceontheoperationofthecommittee.Student representatives should receive notice from the Convenor about training sessions and the SSLC Handbook should be distributed by the Convenor prior to their training sessions. The Convenor is a main contact point for the University and Students’ Union in communicating with SSLCs.

• AssiststheChairandSecretaryintheorganisationofagendaitemsbyarrangingfortheSubjectLibrarian, Careers Advisor, IT Services representative or e-Learning Advisor to be invited to attend meetings at the committee’s request.

• EnsuresthatSSLCconcernsandrequestsareconsideredatstaffmeetings,andthatastudentrepresentative is invited to attend staff meetings to discuss SSLC items.

• EnsuresthattheChairandSecretaryareawareoftheirresponsibilities,includingsendingtheagenda and minutes of meetings to the Departmental Secretary, Faculty Representative and Students’ Union Academic Representation Coordinator.

• EnsuresthattheoperationoftheSSLCiseffectiveandresponsivetotheneedsofthestudentsand the department, encouraging student leadership and dialogue between staff and students, and adheres to the SSLC principles set out in this Handbook.


ChecklistforAcademicConvenorsSummer

• AttendtheConvenors’BriefinginWeek0

• EnsuretheSSLCismentionedindepartmental/coursehandbooks

• UpdateSSLCwebsiteandnoticeboard

Start of Autumn Term

• ConveneelectionsforSSLCrepresentativesotherthanfirstyearundergraduatestudents

• ForwardthenamesandUniversitynumbers/librarycardnumbersof

SSLC representatives to the Students’ Union Academic Representation Coordinator ([email protected])

• DisseminateinformationabouttheSSLCsystem,includingtheHandbookandinformationon training events

• Organisethefirstmeetingoftheacademicyear,ensurethatthepreviousyear’sAnnualReport is considered and Chair and Secretary are elected

On-going responsibilities

• EnsurethatcopiesofSSLCminutesandAnnualReportsarekeptonfileinthedepartmentfor internal and external reviews

• EnsurethattheSecretarysendsagendaandminutestotheFacultyrepresentative,Academic Representation Coordinator and Departmental Secretary

• Ensurethatinvitationstostaffmeetingsareextendedtostudentrepresentatives

• Provideorganisationalassistanceforpre-meetingspriortothemainSSLCmeeting

• UploaddatesandtimesofmeetingstotheSSLCPortal(ifnotdonebythestudent SSLC reps)

19


ANNUAL REPORT FORM: SSLCs and the University

The SSLC system is a key mechanism for ensuring the overall quality of provision at Warwick. It is vital that copies of SSLC minutes and Annual Reports are kept on file in departments to be made available to internal and external reviewers. Assessment of quality takes place internally through Annual Course Review and Strategic Departmental Review, and externally through the QAA’s Institutional Audit process.

Why do SSLCs need to write an Annual Report?All SSLCs are required to complete a report at the end of each academic year detailing their student-staff liaison work. The report form should be completed with the participation of the whole SSLC. It serves four main functions:

• ToensurethatSSLCsareoperatingeffectively.• Toenablestudentstohighlightissueswhichhavebeendiscussedduringtheyear.• ToprovideexamplesofgoodpracticeintheoperationoftheSSLCandhighlightwhattheSSLC

has accomplished during the year.• ToenabletheStudents’UnionandtheUniversitytoconsidercommonissuesraisedbySSLCs.

The SSLC Coordinators read every Annual Report and the Education Officer writes a summary report, highlighting common issues and themes discussed across the University. This summary report is considered by a number of University committees, which can recommend that action is taken to address student concerns or to spread good practice.

The previous year’s report should be an item on the agenda of the first meeting of the new academic year and progress reported on any unresolved issues. SSLC Annual Report forms can be downloaded from the SSLC Portal.

Annual Report Deadlines 2008-09

Undergraduate: 15 May 2009Postgraduate: 10 July 2009

Reports should be typed and sent to Jenny Bradfield, Assistant Registrar (Teaching Quality): [email protected] A student member of the SSLC should email the report, or a hard copy signed by the student Chair and Secretary should be provided.

Remember: The SSLC annual report is one way that the University finds out what YOU, the student is thinking; it is crucial that this is sent to the University on time, otherwise your views will not be heard.

Guidance on writing the Annual Report

Ideally, the report should be discussed at the last SSLC meeting of the year. If this is not possible, it should be circulated to the members of the SSLC for comment and signed off by the Chair or Secretary. The report should be submitted by a student member of the SSLC.

The report should be typed and should contain enough detail to highlight in an informative way the issues discussed during the year and action taken. A sample of an exemplary SSLC report is shown below.


STUDENT-STAFF LIAISON COMMITTEE

ANNUAL REPORT for UNDERGRADUATE SSLCs in 2007-08

It is the responsibility of the Academic Convenor to ensure the SSLC Annual Report is completed by or in consultation

with student SSLC representatives and returned to Jenny Bradfield, Teaching Quality, Academic Office, by 16 May 2008,

even if the Committee has not had its last meeting of the year by that date. Please type this Annual Report.

1. Which department/centre/degree courses are covered by this Student-Staff Liaison Committee?

If the course is delivered off campus, please also state the location of delivery.

Is this SSLC for: (yes/no)

Undergraduate courses?

Yes

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses? If yes:

• how many PG reps sit on the committee?

• how many UG reps sit on the committee?

36

2. MEMBERSHIP

Name Student?

(yes/no)

Staff?

(yes/no)

Academic Convenor no yes

Chair yes no

Secretary yes no

Number of staff members: 5

Number of student members: 36

Invited to attend? (yes/no) Receives Minutes? (yes/no)

Subject Librarian yes yes

Faculty Rep / Education Officer

(Students’ Union)

yes yes

Academic Representation

Coordinator (Students’ Union)

3. MEETINGS

How many times has the SSLC met during this academic year? 5

If there were fewer than 4 meetings this year, please indicate why. n/a

What was the attendance at each meeting (please state as both

number of attendees and as a percentage of total membership)?

Number %

1st meeting:

36 87

2nd meeting:

27 66

3rd meeting:

29 71

4th meeting:

24 59

5th meeting:

26 63

SampleofanExemplaryAnnualReport


4. FOLLOW-UP FROM 2006-07 SSLC ANNUAL REPORT Please identify which issues have been resolved, which issues are still unresolved, and highlight any solutions which have been particularly effective for the current academic year. Issues resolved from 2006-07:

It was agreed to make plagiarism software available to 1st year students. Outstanding issues of a module specific nature were resolved at the end of year annual module review meeting of the UMC. It was agreed that student shout-outs would be accommodated to encourage better online module evaluation completion rates.

Issues not resolved from 2006-07:

None

5. COMMUNICATION (a) Which of the following methods have been used to gather material for meetings? Please tick or type “yes” in appropriate box(es): SSLC pigeon hole SSLC notice board Questionnaire E-Mail Yes Departmental staff meetings Yes SSLC portal or other internet forum Yes Other (please specify): Undergraduate Management Committee

Yes

(b) Was the SSLC portal used (yes/no)

(www.warwick.ac.uk/go/sslc)?

yes

If yes, how was the portal used? Was the individual page for this SSLC utilised (Nb: if you would like to include a link on the portal to an existing departmental webpage, please contact the Academic Representation Coordinator, Tim Sansom, [email protected])? A link was set up to the Portal from a newly created Senior Tutor home page. The link was publicised in an e-mail and in lecture shout-outs. Usage by students however seems to be minimal. Do you have any suggestions for developing the portal?

(yes/no) Is a student representative of the SSLC invited to attend formal departmental/centre/collaborative course meetings for the discussion of SSLC business?

yes If yes, how many meetings were attended? If no, why not?

Is a student representative of the SSLC regularly invited to be a member of any additional departmental committees that discuss teaching and learning or resources?

yes If yes, please specify which committees:

Undergraduate Management Committee

Has the SSLC as a whole seen and discussed the content of this report? If the report is drafted between meetings, it should be circulated by email to members of the SSLC.

yes If no, why not?

Are there any training or information needs related to the SSLC system that have been identified this year?

If yes, please specify:

6. ISSUES AND GOOD PRACTICE 2007-08 Main topics discussed at SSLC meetings under the following headings and action taken: What was discussed? What action was taken? Course content and delivery (but not individual lecturers), changes to existing courses and proposals for new courses

* Issue of appropriate use of seminar classes across modules: nature/frequency etc * Issue of appropriate nature of supervision in RAE and, specifically, of role of tutor in giving feedback on final drafts.

* To be discussed at next UMC


* Changes in content and delivery of

CDA were discussed

* Reflecting previous years’ SSLC

discussion, CDA has been revised in

various ways, including providing a

better preparation for economic

statistics and undergraduate research

work in 2nd and 3

rd year modules

Assessment, including

assessment feedback,

and examinations (if

applicable)

* The new 17-point scale marking

scheme was discussed and explained

from the staff side

* Students were concerned about

variation in marking across tutors

* Students expressed uncertainty

about the dept policy on word limits

for assignments and the uniformity of

implementation across modules.

*CDA has a new group project work

element, involving a role for student

peer assessment

* the system of moderation was

explained by staff

*the matter will be discussed at the

next UMC

*this was welcomed by students

Skills development and

training

* the new CDA module involves

students in acquiring new skills in the

management, description, coding and

elementary analysis of economic data.

Student support

(including progress

monitoring and the

Personal Tutor system)

* The personal tutor system in the

department is being re-modelled to

generate better interaction between

staff and students in the development

of the ug student as a researcher –

through the integration of PTs into the

curriculum of the CDA module.

*There is a new Senior Tutor website,

with links to a variety of resources

*There is a new system of

consideration of mitigation, linking the

role of the senior tutor into the exam

board process.

* SSLC reps will e-mail their thoughts

on the tutor system to the dep senior

tutor and SUnions’ Education Officer

Library provision

Was the Subject

Librarian invited to

attend to discuss

relevant issues?

*Issue of access to electronic books

was discussed

*Feedback on the library’s re-

furbishment was positive

*Problem of availability of core texts

for EC320 was discussed

*Issue was brought to the attention of

the module leader

IT and e-Learning

provision

Was an e-Learning

Advisor invited to attend

to discuss relevant

issues?

*Issue that IT rooms are often booked

or fully used was raised.

*The revised CDA module is partly

taught through the provision of

podcasts – feedback on these is very

positive.

*The department has now adopted

online submission for all assessed

essays in all relevant ug modules.

This has operated smoothly and

efficiently.

*Online module evaluation by

students has again generated a

disappointing completion rate

*It was pointed out that there are 3 new

computer rooms in the Soc Studs

building and that the Students’ Union is

in discussion with the AIT SSLC over

this matter.

*SSLC reps to be encouraged to make

lecture shout-outs to encourage

completion.


Other academic

resources (teaching

accommodation,

research facilities and

electronic resources)

* AV facilities in L3 were criticised

*Issue of availability of hotspots in

lecture theatres discussed.

*Issue to be brought to attention of AV

support

*Issue to be taken to IT SSLC for

advice

Careers provision

Was a representative of

the Careers Service

invited to attend to

discuss relevant issues?

* There was discussion about the

variety of careers covered in

organised events.

* There was discussion about just

what support could be provided on job

applications and, especially, cover

letters

* Feedback on the Alumni Event was

very positive, and students asked for

a repetition next year

Yes – It was noted that the

cooperation between the SSLC and

the careers service was excellent.

*Consensus that the careers service

provides excellent support.

*Careers Service rep indicated that

while general comments and feedback

can be given to individual students,

resources do not permit detailed

scrutiny of each application.

Other issues or SSLC

initiatives (if the SSLC

covers both UG and PG

students, include, for

example, supervisory

arrangements [but not

individual supervisors]

and research training)

*There was discussion of engagement

in the SU’s education consultation

process

*There was discussion of the NSS

and of how to promote completion by

3rd year students

*Discussion of student representation

in other dep meetings

*a forum was set up to address this

further

* Future SSLCs should invite course

leaders for relevant Agenda items. A

need to have them present for the

whole session, was not identified

* Future SSLC Chairs should be given

access to minutes of dep staff

meetings.

7. UNRESOLVED ISSUES Which of the issues discussed during this year remain unresolved and what steps are being taken to resolve them?

8. ACADEMIC CONVENOR FOR 2008-09

Who will be the Academic Convenor of this SSLC next year?

NAME: E-MAIL: EXTENSION:

9. CONFIRMATION FROM STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES – PLEASE SIGN BELOW

If this form is submitted by e-mail, it should be sent by a student representative in lieu of signature.

Chair of SSLC Secretary of SSLC Date

When you have completed this form, please return it to Jenny Bradfield, Teaching Quality Team, Academic Office, by 16

May 2008. The form should be returned by this deadline even if you have further meetings scheduled in the current

academic year; the draft form should be circulated to members of the SSLC by email. The Academic Convenor should

keep a copy for departmental records.

go.warwick.ac.uk/sslc 24

OTHER SOURCES OF ADVICE/OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE yOUR FEEDBACK

Where to go if the SSLC cannot deal with it

If you feel that an issue discussed by the SSLC is not being dealt with appropriately or quickly enough by the department, or if the departmental staff meeting indicates that a concern raised by the SSLC is a central University issue, contact the appropriate Faculty Representative, or the Students’ Union Education Officer (for contact details, see page 9).

Remember: personal grievances or complaints that involve specific named members of staff or students should not be discussed at SSLC meetings. If you have a concern that cannot be discussed by the SSLC, contact one of the following, who should be able to help:

Personal Tutors A student’s personal tutor should often be considered as the first port of call, particularly if the problem is of a personal rather than an academic nature. If the problem is with the personal tutor him/herself then either the Head of the Department or the Senior Tutor for the department can be approached.

Departmental Senior Tutors Each department has their own Senior Tutor or a member of staff who is responsible for the personal tutor system within their department. These are suitable people to approach if students experience problems with their personal tutor or feel unable to talk to him/her about a problem, particularly one of a personal nature.

Directors of Studies WhereadepartmenthasaDirectorofUndergraduateorGraduateStudies,studentsshouldconsiderapproaching him/her, especially where the problem is of a more academic nature (such as an individual’s teaching style or materials).

Heads of Departments The Head is the person to approach with problems such as relations with personal tutors or academic problems which cannot be channelled through the Director of Studies.

University Senior Tutor The Senior Tutor’s Office can provide guidance and support on a range of issues and may be able to intervene and negotiate with a department where appropriate.

Students’ Union Advice and Welfare Services Advice and Welfare Services provides free, confidential, non-judgemental and impartial advice on a range of issues. Contact them at [email protected].

Other opportunities to give your feedbackThe SSLC system plays a central role in consulting with students and finding out what you think about your experiences at the University. Feedback from SSLCs is complemented by information gathered from a number of other sources (see the University’s Teaching Quality website for more info: www.warwick.ac.uk/go/quality/categories/feedback/), including:

• ThejointStudents’Union/UniversityAcademicSatisfactionReview(ASR),whichisconductedacrossthe University and asks students for their views on various aspects of teaching, learning and resource provision, as well as to rate the importance of each item.

• Surveysorganisedbyexternalbodies,includingtheNationalStudentSurvey,theInternationalStudentBarometer and the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey.

• Departmentalfeedbackmethods,whichmightincludemodulereviewmeetings,writtenandon-linequestionnaires, focus groups or informal discussion. Feedback should be documented irrespective of the method used in obtaining student opinion. Documentation can facilitate action and reporting back and should be kept on file in departments so that it is available for use in internal and external review processes.

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