Giving your feedback

The University is committed to reviewing and improving its practice. The main ways in which we seek feedback are through surveys and Staff / Student Liaison Committees (SSLCs). We also use focus groups, departmental working parties, and various kinds of feedback session.

You can get actively involved in determining how your educational and student experiences are organised by becoming active in the Students’ Union or by letting your Department, School or Division know that you are interested in contributing.

The University requires every Department, School and Division to have a formal system so that all students can comment routinely, in confidence, on the teaching they have received. Such comments help us to check that:

• you have a clear idea of the aims and requirements of each unit you study;
• our classroom teaching is effective and stimulating;
• the advice and feedback we provide on your work is helpful; and
• our resources are adequate. 

The main means by which we seek your feedback is through questionnaires. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire for each unit you have studied. Please complete each questionnaire fully, thoughtfully, and candidly. In particular, please tell us, not only your opinion on the unit you have studied, but also the reasons behind your opinion.

When we receive responses to questionnaires, we analyse them – especially any criticisms or suggestions they provide. The Director of Studies will then present the results of questionnaire to the SSLC. The results will also be discussed at departmental staff meetings so that appropriate action can be taken. Summaries of the feedback and the actions taken will be included in Director of Studies’ Annual Monitoring Reports. Each report is presented to the Faculty Learning, Teaching and Quality Committee, which will make sure that the actions taken are adequate, appropriate, and properly implemented.

Student representation

As a student of the University you are automatically a member of the Students’ Union. Officers of the Students’ Union represent students’ interests on University decision-making bodies. In addition, numerous student representatives play important roles on various departmental, faculty, division and University committees.

There are many opportunities for elected student representatives. Your Department/School/Division will have a member of staff who can advise on the opportunities and the responsibilities involved- ask your Director of Studies for further information. If you are elected by fellow students to serve on departmental, faculty or University committees you will be expected to represent the views of your fellow students and provide feedback following meetings.

Each Department/School/Division has at least one departmental SSLC. These comprise six or more elected student members, known as Student Academic Representatives (or ‘Academic Reps’) and an equal or smaller number of staff members. SSLC and faculty representatives are elected at the beginning of every year through online elections. Their role involves attending departmental meetings and also gathering information which is passed on to various University committees and departments.

Student Academic Representatives also sit on the Academic Council of the Students’ Union. There are separate Academic Councils for taught students and research students. They meets every three weeks during semester time in order to:

• keep Students’ Union Officers and Representatives informed of developments throughout the University;
• discuss common problems and interests affecting departments;
• gather student opinions and views to be used by the University and the Students’ Union; and
• update Representatives on Students’ Union activities. 

The Students’ Union runs a full training programme for student representatives through the Skills Training programme.

Beyond departmental level, the next level of representation is the Faculty. Four student representatives (including at least one undergraduate and one postgraduate) are elected to sit on the Faculty Board of Studies. This board makes most decisions in relation to teaching and research and reports to Senate. The Faculty Learning, Teaching and Quality Committee considers all matters relating to taught programmes across several departments within the Faculty and makes recommendations to the Faculty Board of Studies. Two students (one undergraduate and one postgraduate) are elected to this Committee. 

Full University committees with student representation include the Council/Senate/Students’ Union, the Learning, Teaching and Quality Committee, and Senate. Elections to many of these posts take place at the start of the academic year.

If you are interested inrepresenting student views at facultyor University level, please contact the Students’ Union Vice-President (Education): email sueducation@bath.ac.uk

Do feel free to approach your student academic representative at any time. This is normally the person who represents your year or degree scheme on the Departmental SSLC.

If you need to raise a concern, remember there are various routes open to you. You can discuss issues directly with a lecturer, your Personal Tutor, or the Director of Studies. Individual problems are often more readily resolved in this way. The Students' Union Advice and Representation Centre also provides students with information and confidential advice.

Postgraduate representation

Additionally, all postgraduate students of the University (on taught and research programmes) are automatically members of the Students’ Union and its Postgraduate Association. The Postgraduate Association is dedicated to representing the interests and views of all postgraduate students. For further information, please visit the PGA website.