Student Representatives play an invaluable role in shaping the student experience at the Open University. We welcome all students who 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 held by the Open University to promote the student voice at every level of governance. We welcome applications from all students. We have vacancies on the following committees:
- Access and Open Academic Committee Learning, Teaching, and Assessment
- Access Board of Studies
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Academic Committee Learning, Teaching, and Assessment
- Business Board of Studies
- Curriculum Partnerships Committee
- Engineering and Innovation Board of Studies
- Environment, Earth and Ecosystems Board of Studies
- Law and Policing Board of Studies
- Maths and Stats Board of Studies
- Open Board of Studies
- Physical Sciences Board of Studies
- Social Sciences and Global Studies Board of Studies
- Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Academic Committee Learning, Teaching, and Assessment
- Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies Academic Committee Learning, Teaching, and Assessment
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:
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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 team at the time of application.
Role terms expire on 31 August 2027.
Commitment
The role usually lasts for 1 year.
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 for use in your role. This is known as an @open email address and will provide you with access to certain spaces 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 before the role starts.
Location
This role can be carried out online, so it can be fulfilled anywhere with an internet connection. However, some meetings may be held in person with sufficient notice. All reasonable expenses incurred in attending committee meetings will be reimbursed.
The opportunity closes at 11:59pm on Monday, 22nd June 2026.
All volunteers sign the Open SU Volunteer Policy and agree to 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 have a selection of online information sessions, which will be 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 discuss the role and give you a chance to ask any questions. Just email us at oustudents-voice@open.ac.uk
Dates for Student Representative information sessions:
To continue an application in progress, please visit your Volunteer Profile