Tips for meetings you attend within your role as a Rep
Before
• Find out about how the committee works
• Get to know terms of reference
• How often does the committee meet?
• What are its decision-making powers.
• Where does it sit in terms of the institutional decision making process?
• How can you get an item on the agenda?
• How do students perceive the committee?
• Locate past papers and minutes
• Talk to former reps, other reps
• Find out what other committee members are like
• Check meetings and agenda deadlines
• Confirm time date and location
• Check with other reps about ambiguous, confusing and controversial items
• Try to meet other reps beforehand to gauge reaction to issues and define strategy
• Prepare notes if you want to speak on an item
• Talk to students
• Post up the agenda on the notice board
• Think about what you want to achieve from the meeting.
• Gain advice from the SU/SLO if you feel unsure about certain items
During
• Be prompt- even early
• Take all your papers with you
• Sit where the Chair can see you
• Sit with your allies (if it makes you feel more comfortable)
• Be positive and constructive
• Be assertive
• Ask questions
• Make notes
• Consider ideas
• Listen to others
• Be helpful in finding a solution
• Speak clearly and slowly
• Time your contributions carefully
• Decide on what you are going to make a stand
• Keep good eye contact with everyone
• Don’t be late or forget to take information with you
• Don’t be negative
• Don’t interrupt people
• Don’t read from prepared notes
• Don’t get into discussions with just one person or be aggressive
• Don’t lose your temper or shout
• Don’t speak on every issue unless it is necessary or waffle
After
• Report back to students, decide how you are going to do any items raised.
• If you win something, publicise it.
• Check minutes to ensure accuracy.
• Identify action that needs to be taken.
• Identify who else you need to speak to.
• Review objectives.
• Inform SU of any developments so that it can be added to the student voice website