This article outlines:
What is an SSC/SSLG?
The purpose of an SSC/SSLG meeting is to strengthen understanding and improve the flow of communication between staff and students. Through open dialogue, they will promote high standards of education, training and student support in a cooperative and constructive atmosphere. They also enable best practice to be shared between departments.
As a Rep, you have the opportunity to express the views of your cohort to the department about academic, pastoral or other issues relating to your programme of study and also the broader student experience. SSCs/SSLGs aren't just a platform for raising issues or concerns, but you can also highlight aspects that students have enjoyed or benefitted from.
It's important to remember to canvass the views of the students you represent before meetings and to represent these at the meeting, closing the feedback loop and sharing the outcomes with your peers. (The 5 Rs!)
What is discussed at an SSC/SSLG?
Not every student issue needs to be presented at an SSC/SSLG (see the Decision Tree to explore this). Below is a list of typical agenda items or things which are useful to discuss in this forum.
- Quality and timeliness of feedback
- National survey outcomes and changes as a result of these
- Academic policy
- Personal Tutoring system and pastoral care
- External examiner reports
- Academic business - good practice and issues needing further consideration
- Reports from periodic reviews
- Communicating trends identified in the department
- Quality assurance
- Matters relating to the student experience
- Summary reports from Faculty Education Committees or Postgraduate Research Quality Committee
How often do SSCs meet?
Departments will advertise the dates and times of your relevant SSC/SSLG and you should receive an invitation to attend. Your Head of Department is responsible for ensuring meetings are held.
Additional meetings can be requested by both staff and students and a reasonable period of time should be given for any additional meetings.
Agendas & Minutes
The Chair and Director of Undergraduate/Postgraduate Studies is recommended to meet with Reps before each meeting to draw up an agenda together. The agenda should be circulated 10 working days before the meeting.
As a Rep, it is your responsibility to collect items to be discussed from the students you represent and this can be done by working together with your departmental Rep team. All students (not just Reps) should be able to see the agenda ahead of the meeting - remember the final 'R' reporting!
If actions arise from an SSC/SSLG there will be an opportunity to report on progress at the next meeting. The Chair and Deputy Chair of the meeting should work with other Reps to ensure that the department issue an appropriate response to all students. Year Reps will also be expected to communicate the outcomes with students and discuss any further issues.
