This webpage details the role of postgraduate representatives and provides information about the application process.
Page updated: 16/10/2024
Role Description
At the start of each academic year, the Department of Sociology invites members of the incoming PhD and MPhil cohorts to volunteer for the position of Student Representative.
Up to two representatives are appointed on the MPhil programme and one rep from the first year PhD cohort. The reps’ mandate is to provide constructive feedback designed to improve the learning experience on their respective programme as well as supporting community building activities within their cohort.
The PG reps are automatically appointed as members of the Postgraduate Education Committee (PEC) and will work with the Director of Postgraduate Studies (Prof Iacovou in Michaelmas and Lent terms, Prof Kandil in Easter), MPhil Director (Dr Hogarth), the postgraduate administration team, and the communications and outreach coordinator in the course of their duties.
The reps’ mandate is to provide constructive feedback designed to improve the learning experience on their respective programme as well as supporting community building activities within their cohort.
Responsibilities
When mandated by PEC, the PG reps will canvas their respective cohorts for feedback on elements of the programme and are expected to relay all opinions even if they do not coincide with their own views. The reps are not responsible for resolving individual issues and should direct students to the usual contact persons (supervisors and postgraduate administration) when issues arise. Ultimately, the aim is to work constructively with the Department to support communication and identify potential improvements where they are feasible.
Deadlines
Applicants for the role of PG rep should complete the online form by noon on Wednesday 11 October 2023. If the Department receives more than two applications within a cohort, elections will be held by secret online ballot between Wednesday 11 and Friday 13 October 2023.
Successful candidates will be announced by the end of the day on 13 October. The representatives will be expected to attend the first PEC meeting on Tuesday 29 October. Their terms as PG rep will run until the end of the academic year.
