A new initiative established by a students’ association in partnership with their university which has made the most impact on the enhancement of the student experience
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Winner
GCU Engage: Student staff partnerships in policy and practice - Glasgow Caledonian University & Glasgow Caledonian University Students' Association
In 2014, Glasgow Caledonian University established GCU Engage, a partnership between the Students’ Association and the University. This initiative is the outcome of the work of a team of students, academics and professional support staff working collaboratively, over a period of two years to develop an institutional level approach to student engagement and partnership working. It is one that acknowledges students as co-producers and co-creators and not just the ‘end stage’ recipients of knowledge.
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Runner-up
Student representation assistants: supporting academic representation and experience – Queen Margaret University Students' Union
The Student Representation Assistant (SRA) position at QMU is a development of the sparqs Institutional Associate Trainers (IAT) scheme. The Students’ Union first took part in the IAT scheme in 2013-2014 and extended it to the SRA role in 2014-2015. It was felt that this resource could be optimised to improve student engagement and enhance the student learning experience.
Indeed, their role is to promote student representation, train class representatives, promote the National Student Survey and the STaR Awards (Student Teaching and Representation Awards). The promotion and training of class representatives is led by the Students Union with the assistance of the University. The National Student Survey and STaR Awards are initiatives run by the University and Student Union respectively. The Student Representation Assistants are an invaluable resource for both the Students Union and the University.
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Shortlisted for an award
Peer Support: improving the student experience through a partnership approach - Edinburgh University Students’ Association
Embracing diversity – the student experience of inclusiveness outside the curriculum - University of Abertay & Abertay Dundee Students’ Association
Partnership working with students in the delivery of induction and transition programmes - Heriot-Watt University
