The Students’ Union recently celebrated the hard work of Course and School Reps from right across the University, with the introduction of two ‘Rep of the Year’ Awards at the USSU Ball. There are over 700 Reps across the University of Salford, representing courses from Fashion Design, to Accounting and Finance. These Reps have fought and won on behalf of their peers on academic issues, securing improvements to course content and teaching methods. We’ve also had some Reps secure impressive wins like getting their exams week timetable to accommodate the observation of Ramadan. These students work in partnership with academics to shape your education, and it was an honour to formally recognise this work through our Rep Awards.

Course Rep of the Year

Anna Borun, BSc Human Biology and Infectious Diseases level 5.

Anna was recognised for her passion and determination to speak up on behalf of students, even when her peers did not feel comfortable to do so themselves. Anna said being a course rep has gained her new skills, “I’ve learnt about the art of negotiation” and being recognised was “a fantastic feeling when your work is recognised even though it's only volunteering.” Course reps receive training and year-round support from the Students’ Union as well as their University programme team.

“I’ve learnt about the art of negotiation”

School Rep of the Year

Fatma Sawalim, School Rep for Biomedical

Fatma was recognised for her long-held passion for representing students, and her commitment to ensuring that all students had the same positive experience of their course. Fatma said “I thoroughly enjoyed being there for my fellow classmates and students in the same degree it’s been fantastic to make sure that issues were resolved and the they had the books that they required!” Fatma worked to improve the student experience of those in her faculty, she said “this [role] ultimately helps and aids a better student experience for all and making the degree more successful in terms of student experience.”

“this [role] ultimately helps and aids a better student experience”

Becoming a Course Rep or School Rep means that you’ll be representing your fellow students, but ultimately never alone in a community that is 700 strong and is supported by the Students’ Union and the University. Recruitment for Course Reps will take place in the new academic year, and you can talk to your Programme Leader if you are interested in applying. School Reps support multiple Course Reps across a department and take on additional responsibilities, which you can read more about here

- Jon-Connor Lyons