Representation within UEA

The Union’s role within the University is to represent the views of the student body through various different means, including the committee structure, working with University staff, taking part in a working group, or campaigning on a particular issue.

Like most other large institutions, UEA is governed by a complicated maze of committees. Nearly all committees at UEA have student representatives sitting on them. The Union believes it is essential that students are not only consulted on the decisions the University makes, but are also actively involved in the development and creation of policy.

Every student is represented in their School on official committees. To find out who your reps are, click here.

Students are also represented on central-level University committees which discuss wider student issues and University policy. Some positions on these committees are taken by Executive Officers, and some are elected from the membership of Union Council.

Union Executive Officers are involved in a number of University working groups dealing with various issues, including graduation and the provisions made for international students.

University Charters

The Vice Chancellor has expressed an interest in a long-term project to raise standards in Schools. This might include a charter saying what students can expect from their course at UEA. A motion suggesting such a charter was passed at Union Council in Autumn 2006, and the Union - and therefore you! - will hopefully be heavily involved in the discussions.

Committee Representation

One of the biggest representation issues facing students remains the restructuring of the University. Restructuring reduced some student representation, which is why it's so important that those of you sitting on committees talk to your constituents to find out their views.

Drama saved - LLT wait...

In February 2004, the University's Senior Managment Team announced its intention to withdraw subsidies from the School of Languages, Linguistics and Translations (LLT) and the Drama department. The Union of UEA Students ran a highly successful campaign which resulted in the Drama department being saved and the closure of LLT being reconsidered.

Quality Assurance

In 2003, the Union of UEA Students and the Graduate Students Association teamed up to write a submission to the Quality Assurance Agency regarding the students' experiences of UEA. Preparations will soon begin for the next audit, which is happening in a couple of years. Click here for more information about the QAA and what it does, and click here to read the students' submission.

To find out more about student representation at UEA and how you can get more involved, contact Cammie Fulmer, the Union Academic Officer.