Class representatives are fellow students just like you, who are there to represent the views and opinions of your year to your school, and to the university as a whole. The Class Representative system brings students and staff together to discuss issues and concerns.

click here to download the Class Rep Handbook.

What kind of things do class reps deal with?

Class Reps can discuss any academic issues with staff: examples include teaching methods, lecture content, practical facilities and library books. Class Reps are best able to deal with issues affecting several students – for example, if the quality of the handouts you receive in lectures is poor or the library never has the books you require – and they can approach staff with concerns shared by several students in the year.

If you have a very personal or serious issue we’d encourage you to go and speak to you Director of Teaching, or seek advice from the Director of Representation at the Students’ Association (dorep@st-andrews.ac.uk). The most important point to remember is, whenever you have difficulties, make sure you get in touch with someone and don’t struggle in silence.

Who is my class rep?

The Director of Teaching in your School is generally the person responsible for organising the elections and publicising the results, so you should have been told at the start of a lecture or received an email with the names of your Class Reps. There should be a noticeboard in your school with the contact details of your class rep. If not, or you can’t remember, just email your Director of Teaching (their email address will be on your School’s website) to ask or our Education Officer, Chris Dickie on edu@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Remember, if you are having any problems you can always go to your School President for help and advice.

Why should I become a class rep?

If you don’t like the way something is run, feel your facilities are lacking or don’t have the library books you need, then become a Class Rep and do something about it.

You’ll be the voice of your year group, representing them to the staff and putting forward their – and your - opinions. You’ll influence matters like the content of courses, teaching methods and facilities for students to improve things within your own school.

You will also get the chance to influence wider University policy by having input into class rep forums convened by your School President. Getting involved means you can have your say as to what the new library should look like; and what needs to change to make academic life easier for students.

It goes without saying that getting involved with class representation looks great on your CV, brings you new skills and experiences, and can also count towards the St Andrews Award.

How do I become a class rep?

The best thing to do is to make yourself known to the Director of Teaching and listen out for when elections are announced. Each School will hold elections during the first few weeks of the first semester – they’re normally looking for two class reps per year group. Your course coordinator or Director of Teaching should speak to all students to tell you on when the elections will be and how to put your name forward, but don’t be shy about asking them first – they’ll be keen to see an enthusiastic student.

The prospect of putting your name forward may be a little daunting, but in reality the elections are usually pretty informal and the Director of Teaching will do their best to make it as straightforward and friendly as possible. All class reps will be provided with training by the Students Association.

If you have any more questions please get in touch with Siena Parker, Director of Representation on dorep@st-andrews.ac.uk.