• Summary of the role
• Responsibilities
• Meetings and committees

Summary of the role

The main focus of the Education and Representation Officer is academic support and equal and fair representation of students. Other attributes of this role are support with elections. This portfolio also runs all Union disciplinary procedures.

Responsibilities

1. To be responsible for the academic representation of students within the university
   
2. Liaise with and represent distance learners, students on placement and based at satellite sites, keeping them informed of the affairs of the Union.
   
3. To promote and develop links between the Union and local or connected further education students’ Unions
   
4. Co-ordinate and develop all the Union student representative development programmes
   
5. Be responsible for the continual development of the Union committee structure and the committees contained therein as set in the constitution
   
6. Co-ordinate the continual assessment of Union Development Plans in conjunction with the President
   
7. Be jointly responsible with the Media & Publications Officer for the promotion Sabbatical Elections
   
8. To co-ordinate representation of the academic needs in teaching and learning of all students, including mature, disabled, postgraduate, international and undergraduate students. 
9. To provide information for students about changes in education within the University and nationally, especially where that information changes. 
   
10. To work with the University to ensure and improve learning and teaching quality and standards.
    
11. To co-ordinate and support, and be responsible for organising the training of all student academic representatives, including Course, Student/Staff Liaison Committee, School, Faculty, International, Modular Degree, Student Abroad, Postgraduate Representatives and all other representatives on University academic committees.
    
12. To ensure that information and policy is disseminated to all educational representatives
    
13. To provide appropriate support and information for students on Academic Appeals and Boards of Academic Enquiry when required. 
    
14. To provide appropriate support and information for students complaining to the University on educational grounds.
    
15. To ensure the Union Council and Board of Trustees are made aware of University initiatives for student development e.g. key skills working or work based learning.
    
16. To work with the Union's Membership Services Manager to deliver training to student representatives on Boards of Study, Staff Student Liaison Committees and Faculty Boards.
    
17. To encourage, with the student representatives to attend any Education Committees.
    
18. To provide advice to members of the Union, with particular reference to academic issues. This may involve academic appeals, disciplinary or general enquires.
19. To act in line with Union policy, on behalf of individual students in their relationship with the University, with regards to academic issues and matters relating to student developments.
20. To run all Union members disciplinary committees.

Meetings and Committees

University of Portsmouth-led Meetings

The UoP Academic Council

• Quarterly
• The President, Education & Representation Officer and Student Support Officer sit on this Committee which is responsible for the management of all The UoP academic policies and procedures.

The UoP Quality Assurance Committee

• 6 times a year
• The President, and Education & Representation Officer sit on this Committee which is responsible for ensuring that The UoP maintains a high level of service to all students at The UoP.

The UoP Library Committee

• 3 times a year
• The President, and Education & Representation Officer sit on this Committee which is responsible for the operation and development of the University Library

The UoP Academic Policy Council

• 3 times a year
• The Education & Representation Officer sits on this Council which reports back to the Academic Council on the implementation of all The UoP academic policies and procedures.

The UoP Learning & Teaching Committee

• Quarterly
• The Education & Representation Officer sits on this Committee which is responsible for The UoP learning, teaching and assessment strategy.

The UoP Student Academic & General Affairs Committee (SAGA)

• 3 times a year
• The Sabbatical team sit on this committee which is the principal medium through which Governors are directly able to hear the views and concerns of the students through the Students’ Union’s Sabbatical Officers.

UPSU-led Meetings

UoP Directorate

• Bi-monthly
• An informal meeting with The UoP Directorate Team to discuss issues affecting students at The UoP. The President will lead the Sabbatical team in all discussions and negotiations.

The UPSU Board of Trustees

• Monthly
• As Education & Representation Officer you will hold the role of Trustee at The UPSU. This Board holds the ultimate responsibility for all affairs of The UPSU and you will be part of the decision making process. The President will Chair this meeting.

PSUT Board of Directors

• Monthly
• As Education & Representation Officer you will attend the Portsmouth Students’ Union Trading Company Ltd (PSUT). This Board holds the ultimate responsibility for all affairs of PSUT and you will be part of the decision making process.

UPSU/UoP Steering Group

• Bi-monthly
• To liaise with The UoP, UPEL regarding any issues surrounding the Student Centre and the provision of services for students.

UPEL/UPSU Liaison Group

• Monthly
• To provide a forum to discuss Catering and Bars Services and Facilities and to discuss, liaise and agree on all issues affecting the management of the Student Centre Building.

The UPSU Finance & Staffing

• Quarterly
• As Education & Representation Officer you will attend this meeting which is responsible for the management of all The UPSU finances and staffing.

The UPSU / UPEL Student Activities Meeting

• Monthly
• To liaise with UPEL on all student led activities.

The UPSU Union Council

• Monthly in term time
• The Sabbatical Team report into the Union Council Committee which is made up of elected student representatives.

The UPSU AGM

• Once a year
• Union Council and the Sabbatical Team report back to the student membership on a yearly basis.

The UPSU Sabbatical Exec

• Weekly
• An informal meeting in which the Sabbatical Team discuss any operational issues.

The UPSU Course Rep Committee

• Monthly
• The Course Rep Committee meet to discuss any academic issues