What will I do on the Senate?

Our representatives report they find their time on the Senate rewarding and interesting. They love the Senate's team culture and discussions, being heard by senior staff, the professional development opportunities that come with the role, the flexibility of being able to raise and pursue projects to change and improve the University, the staff support, and the sense of accomplishment.

So what does being on the Senate involve? You will need to take on the responsibilities of the Senate role alongside your study commitments. The vast majority of students who apply find they are able to balance their study and Senate commitments, but it is worth thinking about if you have time for the following.

You will be trained and supported by the other representatives and staff to undertake these duties. The basic responsibilities for all Student Senate representatives are as follows:

  • Attend up to 8 Senate meetings per year by video-conference.
  • Prepare a short written report ahead of each Senate meeting, providing student issues you've heard about and anything you've done in your role.
  • Run one student forum per semester on your campus inviting students to meet you and discuss ideas and issues
  • Use Senate social media to gather feedback from students about their issues and ideas.
  • Be proactive in your approach to working on student issues by communicating and meeting with key staff members to highlight issues with them, researching realistic solutions and assisting to implement and promote changes made.
  • Provide a student voice on university projects and consultation processes.
  • Join and take an active role in one of Senate's working groups. These exist to advise the University on particular areas of the student experience. At time of writing the groups are: activities and engagement, networking and community outreach, residence and res life, student support and inclusion.

Should you have any questions about the requirements and if you might be able to make the role work for you, you can contact the Executive Officer to discuss.