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Class & Postgrad Reps

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How to Become a Class or Postgraduate Rep

 

Class Reps

Class and Postgraduate Representatives are elected student volunteers, who help to enhance learning, teaching and research at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Class and Postgraduate Reps work with School or Postgraduate Presidents, University Staff, and each other to advocate for student needs and priorities at the Student Staff Consultative Committee (SSCC) meetings within their departments. Class and PG Reps have the power to advocate on curriculum, assessment, progression, achievement, guidance, support, teaching, learning resources, among other elements of the learning or research experience. 

While “Class Reps” is the umbrella term for all of these representatives, there are actually two different types. Class Reps represent a specific cohort of students around a year group, module or degree pathway (e.g. First Year Medieval History). Meanwhile, School Role Reps represent a school-wide issue, such as Sustainability, EDI or Careers and Employability. Both are supported by and work under the School/Department President, who will organise meetings with them regularly  

There are over 400 Class Reps who represent students of year groups, areas of study, or specific modules. To find yours, contact union[email protected]. 

Further information on what each role involves can be found in the Class Rep Elections tab under Role Descriptions.  

How to Become a Class or Postgraduate Rep

All matriculated students are eligible to run for a relevant Class or PG Rep Role! All you need to do is ensure that you are enrolled in the modules of the School you want to represent, and be in good standing with the Students' Association and the University of St Andrews.

The process for electing Reps is conducted early in semester one, and takes place largely online via the Election Portal. Undergraduates and postgraduates interested in becoming representatives must self-nominate for a position of their choosing. Each cohort will used ranked voting to elect a representative from the candidates who self-nominated.

Self-nominations for the Class and Postgraduate Rep Elections consist of a short personal statement (typically 250 words) that tells your peers why you deserve to be elected as a representative. Candidates must also submit a headshot or photograph of themselves and some basic contact information.

Below you will find the relevant information for the upcoming 2026/27 Class Rep Elections as well as FAQs. If you have any further questions, please do reach out to [email protected].Important Election Dates -

Role Descriptions

Class Rep

Class Representatives perform the following core functions within their departments:

  1. Gather feedback from the cohort they represent.
  2. Collate and analyse that feedback, looking for trends, themes, and possible actions that could be taken.
  3. Present feedback and potential outcomes to staff at Student-Staff Consultative Committee meetings in their departments.
  4. Work with staff to implement actions and make changes that students want to see.
  5. Close the feedback loop by communicating changes and the effects of student feedback to their cohorts.

In addition, Class Reps work with the School President or Language Convener on school-wide priorities and initiatives (helping out with other tasks as assigned). Class Reps can also work on other student initiatives and projects that they identify!

Postgraduate Rep

Postgraduate Taught and Research Representatives speak for their cohorts on matters related to the learning and research experience respectively. Specifically, PGT and PGR Reps:

  1. Gather feedback from the postgraduate cohorts they represent.
  2. Collate and analyse PG feedback, looking for trends, themes, and possible actions that could be taken.
  3. Present feedback and potential outcomes to PG-focused staff at Student-Staff Consultative Committee meetings in their departments.
  4. Work with staff to implement actions and make changes that postgraduates want to see.
  5. Close the feedback loop by communicating changes and the effects of PG feedback to their cohorts.

In addition, Postgraduate Reps work with the PGT and PGR Presidents on PG-wide issues and priorities, and attend a regular forum meeting to collaborate and dialogue with other PG Reps. PG Reps can also take on other school-wide priorities and initiatives that they identify.

Postgraduate Taught President

The Postgraduate Taught President is the lead voice for PGT students and oversees the PGT Rep system. They serve on important University Committees as well as the Student Represetantative Council (SRC). This is a part-time paid position.

A full role description (PDF) is available for this position.

 

Postgraduate Research President

The Postgraduate Research President is the lead voice for PG researchers  and oversees the PGR Rep system. They serve on important University Committees as well as the Student Represetantative Council (SRC). This is a part-time paid position.

A full role description (PDF) is available for this position.