What do Student Reps do?

How are they elected?

Course, Research, and Lead Department Reps:
Speak to your Programme or Course Leader to let them know you’re interested in the role. They will explain the application or selection process for your area.

Faculty Reps:
Faculty Reps are elected through the Students’ Union Rep Elections, which take place each October. Self-nominations are accepted and you can find details about the elections here.

What kinds of things do they do?

At UCL we have several types of Academic Reps who work at course, department, and faculty level. Each role has slightly different responsibilities:

  • Course Reps: gather feedback from students, raise issues at SPCs meetings, and help shape improvements to teaching, assessments and resources
  • Research Reps: represent postgraduate researchers, highlighting concerns around supervision, facilities, training and wellbeing.
  • Lead Department Reps: support Course and Research Reps, attend department meetings, co-chair SPCs and help coordinate student feedback across department.
  • Faculty Reps: work on broader issues affecting entire Faculty, attend senior-level committees, chair Faculty Student Forums and collaborate closely with the Student Union

These Reps gather student feedback, work with staff to improve programmes, and help shape the student experience. You can read more about last year’s impact and the initiatives led by student representatives in SHS here.

Extra information:

  • Reps often help improve communication between staff and students.

  • They may help run surveys, organise feedback activities, or promote key opportunities.

  • Reps sometimes work on long-term projects that benefit future students, not just current ones.

How much time does it take?

The commitment is approximately 15 hours per term, which includes attending meetings and completing any follow-up tasks or initiatives.

How can I get help?

If you are a current Academic Rep, you will have access to a dedicated Moodle page with useful resources and mandatory online training. You can access it here.

Additionally, the Faculty provides its own resources and guidance, and you can find further information on our dedicated Rep SharePoint site.

Your point of contact in the Faculty is Sannah Gulamani, the Student Experience and Engagement Coordinator (s.gulamani@ucl.ac.uk).

Email me or book a slot via The Rep Surgery.

  • You can always reach out to other Reps in your department or faculty—peer support is a big part of the community.
  • Staff (such as teaching administrators, programme leads, and student support teams) are also available if you need help addressing a particular issue.
  • You don’t need to solve problems alone—Reps are part of a wide support network.