51cg

Becoming a Student Representative is an excellent way to shape the student experience while developing valuable skills that will benefit you throughout your career.

Strath Reps are essential links between students and University staff. They collect and coordinate feedback from students on their course and represent these views at Student-Staff Liaison Committee meetings, helping to improve learning, teaching and the overall student experience.

Make a difference

As a Programme Rep, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Advocate for your fellow students in student-staff meetings.
• Work in partnership with university staff to improve the student learning experience.
• Influence positive changes that benefit current and future students.
• Access tailored and exclusive development opportunities through Strath Union.
• Meet students and staff from across your department and the wider University.

You'll receive training, guidance and ongoing support from Strath Union to help you succeed in the role, regardless of your previous experience.

Build Employability Skills

Being a Rep allows you to develop practical workplace skills while making a meaningful contribution to your student cohort. Through the role, you can develop skills including:

• Communication and active listening: Gathering feedback and presenting student views helps you develop effective communication, active listening and the ability to represent others' perspectives professionally.
• Negotiation and influencing: Working with staff to advocate for student feedback strengthens your negotiation skills and your ability to influence positive change.
• Public speaking and confidence: Speaking at meetings helps build confidence when presenting ideas and contributing to professional discussions.
• Problem-solving: Reps learn to think constructively to identify issues, explore potential solutions and contribute to quality enhancement.
• Organisation and time management: Balancing your responsibilities alongside your studies helps you prioritise tasks and manage competing commitments.
• Professionalism and teamwork: Collaborating with students, academic staff and professional services staff develops relationship-building and professionalism in a workplace-style environment.

Serving as a Strath Rep demonstrates that your achievements extend beyond your academic studies. Employers value candidates who can show leadership, initiative and a commitment to supporting your peers, giving you strong examples to use in CVs, applications and interviews.

Becoming a Rep

Reps are typically appointed or elected between week 0-3 of the semester. You should receive information from your lecturers or course coordinators on how to express your interest for the position. Most classes have more than one rep, so you can share some of the workload. 

Find out more about being a Strath Rep through the . 

Be Recognised at the STAR Awards

Strath Union’s celebrate students who make an outstanding contribution to the student experience and the wider University community.

Whether you're nominated, shortlisted or receive an award, STAR recognition demonstrates your commitment, leadership and positive impact. It's a great achievement to highlight on your CV, LinkedIn profile and in job applications, providing further evidence of the skills and experience you've gained through your involvement.

Together, your experience as a Rep, your Skills Record, Volunteer Hours Certificate and any STAR Award achievements can show employers the difference you've made during your time at 51cg.