Academic Representation Intern (2024-25)

Your role

The St Andrews Students’ Association is central to the leadership and development of an active system of student representation, providing the space and tools for strengthening and building consultation and collaboration on key issues affecting the student community. The Director of Education coordinates a group of democratically elected academic representatives who drive essential feedback mechanisms, build community, and enhance learning and teaching at the University of St Andrews.

The Academic Representation Intern position will work with the Director of Education, Faculty Presidents, PG Presidents, the Academic Representation Co-Ordinator, and within the wider academic representative structure to ensure effective communication with the student body as well as administrative function of student fora across the Association.

Applicants should be able to work a minimum of one hour per day (during the work week) with members of the Education Executive Team - setting priorities, carrying out administrative tasks, supporting in drafting template communications, and ensuring the feedback loop is closed with the wider student body by utilising social media and alternative routes. A variety of other projects will emerge across the academic year and so applicants should be prepared to respond accordingly by supporting with larger scale standing items such as the Class Representative Elections and representative handover.  Some projects and activities may occur outside of term time or working hours, but specific arrangements will be made with the successful applicant on a case-by-case basis.

Principle Responsibilities of Post-Holder (Rep System Focus)

1. Act as clerk to the Education Executive Team by minuting, collating actions and uploading minutes of Association committees and working groups such as: , Education Committee, Class Rep School Roles Fora, (and UG and PG Academic Fora) to the Student’s Association website, and ensuring that information is kept up to date and relevant. Circulate minutes and follow up on action points to the relevant individuals.
2. Facilitate agenda setting and/or take minutes at weekly meetings of the Education Executive Committee.
3. Working with the Association’s Design Team, support in expanding the social media presence and visibility of the work of Academic Representatives by identifying and utilising effective communication channels for publicising relevant information or opportunities to the wider student body.
4. Support the planning of key events, such as Education Committee socials, and representative training sessions- coordinating room bookings, catering, venue setup, scheduling, and other logistics.
5. Close feedback loop and communicate representation wins to students at large.
6. Work on other special projects or department business throughout the year. These may include: Class Representative handover; Class Rep Elections; managing the Microsoft Teams group for Academic Representatives; coordinating feedback from elected representatives; end of year celebration and awards; and other opportunities that arise.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria – requirements without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the role.  Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the short listing stage. 

Desirable Criteria – requirements which would be useful for the candidate to hold.  When short listing, these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.  

Hours – Variable (expected 10 to 20 hours per week) The variable working hours reflect the changing demands on student representatives across the academic year – applicants must be flexible in this respect. In turn, the St Andrews Students’ Association is committed to giving flexible time off around exams and deadlines wherever possible. Specific schedules will be discussed with the successful applicant.

An average of 12 hours per week can be expected, some of which will be scheduled standing meetings/hours and some of which will be independent project work.

How to Apply

Applications for this post should be sent by CV and covering letter via email to [email protected] (Subject line “Academic Representation Intern Application”).

In addition to your CV and covering letter, please also attach a document (.jpeg, .png, or .pdf) with one of the following samples: (1) an example post you would add to the @sta.educom (St Andrews Education Committee) Instagram; OR (2) an example of a previous social media page or post you have curated.

Other contact information: Address: Union Building, St Mary’s Place, St Andrews, KY16 9UZ. tel: 01334 462700.

Closing date: 12^th May 2024 (by 23:59)

The University of St Andrews Students’ Association is committed to promoting diversity and equality for all and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We particularly aim to include perspectives from people with disabilities, from BAME backgrounds, and those with diverse sexualities or marginalised gender identities. 

The University of St Andrews Students Association is a registered charity, charity no: SC019883.