Student voice committees (SVCs)

Student voice committees (SVCs) are an important channel for students to air their views, criticisms and suggestions for improvements, and a wide range of issues regarding modules and teaching is covered each year. All reasonable suggestions are carefully considered by the department(s) concerned. Issues raised are reported to the School Education Committee, where appropriate, with other matters being referred to the Head of School. Students are encouraged to make full use of this forum. You can read more on the Queen Mary feedback pages and the QMSU representation pages.

Terms of reference

The SVCs exist to consider and discuss matters relating to:

  • the content and organisation of programmes of study and any proposed changes;
  • the provision of academic facilities and general departmental/ School/ College facilities;Departmental/ School social activities;
  • provision for student welfare 
  • arrangements for induction and study skills provision;
  • Local monitoring of academic standards through, for example, consideration of annual programme reviews on undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, external examiners' reports, first destination statistics and results of student experience surveys;
  • election of student representatives to Faculty/ School Boards and College committees with assistance from the Students' Union;
  • any other topics on which the SVC wishes to express a view.
Membership
 In STA, Directors of Student Support and Engagement co-run the Student Voice Committees along with one student course representative.
Meetings are held twice per term, and all the Student Reps are invited to voice their views and concerns after gathering comments from the groups of students they represent. The School SVC is attended by key members of staff, in order to be able to answer as many questions/points directly and immediately as possible. 
Membership includes:
  • One or more undergraduate student from each year (first, second and final) 
  • One or more taught postgraduate student 
  • One research student from each subject area
  • One or more foundations students (IFY, PMP)
  • Directors of Education
  • Directors of Student Support and Engagement
  • STA Student Engagement Manager
  • a representative from the STA Student Support Team
Election of student members

The Students' Union hold elections for Course Representatives in September and October. The Students Union provide full training to those who are elected. Students will be invited to nominate themselves each year to represent their subject area and year. Once elected, a student Course Representative remains in post until they graduate or they step down. This allows students to gain experience and pass it on to new reps, as Senior Representatives.

If you are interested in becoming a Student Course Representative, go to the Student Union Hub and ask about it, or have a look at their website www.qmsu.org/yourvoice