Student Representatives play an invaluable role in shaping the student experience at the Open University. We welcome all students that are passionate about using their thoughts, ideas and experiences to make a positive difference for the wider student community now and in the future.
In this role, you will work with a team of volunteers to attend meetings that are held by the Open University to promote the presence of the student voice throughout each level of governance. We welcome applications from all students. We have vacancies in the following areas:
Access and Open
- Access and Open Academic Committee Learning Teaching and Assessment
- Access Board of Studies
- Open Board of Studies
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- Life, Health and Chemical Sciences Board of Studies
Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies
- Health, Wellbeing and Social Care Board of Studies
- Languages and Applied Linguistics Board of Studies
As a Student Representative, you’ll become part of a volunteer team that champions the views and interests of the wider student community, known as the Student Voice. Your role includes attending meetings held by The Open University to ensure that this voice is heard and considered at every level of governance.
A successful Student Representative will:
-
Join a committee as a full member
You’ll be able to comment, ask questions, and raise issues where appropriate. For details about each committee, see the Committee Descriptions and Chart.
To apply for a Student Representative role at Open SU, you must meet the following criteria:
Active Student Status
You must be a registered and active Open University student. This means you are either:
Eligible Modules
Role-Specific Requirements
Some roles may have additional eligibility criteria. For example, certain positions might require you to be studying specific modules or qualifications. For example, if you are studying Maths, you will not be eligible for a Law committee.
Academic Progress
To support your academic success, we will not consider applications from students who have failed or not completed their three most recently started modules at the time of application. This is to help you prioritise your studies and maintain positive academic progress.
Decisions on eligibility will be made by the Student Voice Ttam at the time of application.
Role terms expire on 31 August 2027.
Commitment
The role will usually last between 1 and 2 years.
Most committees meet 3-5 times per year.
You should allow:
Other Ways to Get Involved (Optional)
Training
When you become a Student Representative, you’ll complete a training programme designed to support your introduction to the role and your ongoing development.
Induction Programme
All new Student Representatives take part in a dedicated induction, which includes:
Core Training:
What Else You’ll Learn:
Community and Support
You’ll be invited to join online spaces where you can connect with other Student Representatives and get support from the Student Voice team:
Onboarding
You will also be given a dedicated email address to be used as part of your role. This is known as an @open email address and will provide access to certain spaces that you will need as a Student Representative. You will be required to complete the steps detailed by the Student Voice team to set this up.
To become a Student Representative, you must complete the full onboarding and induction training in prior to the role starting.
Location
This role can be carried out online, so it can be fulfilled anywhere if you have an internet connection. However, some meetings may be held in person with sufficient notice. All reasonable expenses incurred in relation to the attendance of committee meetings will be reimbursed.
The opportunity closes at 11:59pm on Monday, 12th January 2025
All volunteers sign an Open SU Volunteer Policy and volunteer within the Open SU Volunteer Agreement.
If you have any queries or require the application form in an alternative format, please contact oustudents-voice@open.ac.uk
Want to find out more before applying?
Thinking about becoming a Student Rep, but would like to find out a bit more first? We will have a Rep drop-in session on Tuesday, 6th January. An opportunity for you to discuss the role and answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, we can arrange a one-to-one call to talk through the role and give you a chance to ask any questions. Just email us at oustudents-voice@open.ac.uk
To continue an application in progress, please visit your Volunteer Profile