Christ Church Students’ Union is a charity run by students for students, providing support and representation for every student across all our campuses.
In becoming a student at Christ Church you are automatically a member of our Students’ Union.
As well as a chance to get involved, network with other students and join a club or society, your membership to the Union gives you the opportunity to voice your opinions and shape the future of your university.
The Students' Union is run by students who are elected by students – and everyone can have their say.
The four elected sabbatical officers work full-time to represent you and champion student causes.
Their Union council includes black and minority ethnic, disabled, international, LGBT, transgender, mature, women, postgraduate and placement officers to ensure a diverse student voice is heard and everyone has their say.
Working together
The Student and University Partnership Agreement captures how the university and union work together on behalf of all students.
The University has a data-sharing agreement with Christ Church Students’ Union. This sets out how students’ personal information can be used and shared between the University and the Union.
Students' Union Constitution
The University agrees to the Students' Union constitution (which is called the Articles of Association) and the Students' Union Code of Practice, both of which are available below:
Freedom of Speech and External Speakers
The University has a commitment to promoting the freedom of speech. It has agreed on a Code of Practice on the Freedom of Speech, which also includes the Students' Union.
There is advice on booking external speakers for events, including those for Students' Union events, on the University Solicitors area of this website.
Student Reps
It is important that there are opportunities for you to share your views on the student experience and course of study.
Student Representation
Student Course representatives, often just referred to as 'Course Reps, act as a voice for the students on their course. They are elected by their fellow students, and get to participate in staff-student meetings known as student forums which normally take place once a semester/trimester.
In addition there are School and Faculty Representatives who sit on University boards, the Union Council and committees. These senior Reps are elected by the Students' Union.
What is the role of a Student Representative?
At student forums, Course Reps feed back on the content and organisation of their course as well as wider students issues, to help improve the student experience. In-between meetings, course reps are expected to seek feedback from their peers to ensure they represent the majority view, and then to update their fellow students about any developments.
A student representative:
- acts as a voice for the students
- provides feedback to the University and the Union on key issues which affect the student experience
- works proactively to develop and enhance the wider University experience
- communicates regularly with the cohort being spoken for.
The natural skills that you need to be a student rep are good communication and good rapport-building skills so being able to develop relationships with your peers and also with your lecturers. The skills that you can develop in the role will really benefit you in the future.
Alice, 3rd year Sociology student and course rep
There are multiple benefits to being a student representative:
- You can make a difference by helping your Course team to enhance the student experience.
- You get to know students and staff on your course better.
- You’re part of another massive community, comprising students from right across the university – many of whom you’d never otherwise get to meet.
- You’ll access bespoke training delivered by the Students' Union.
- You can log the hours that you spend on student rep business on your Christ Church Volunteering Profile. This enables you to work towards one of four Certificates in Volunteering, helping your CV or LinkedIn profile stand out from the crowd.
To find out more and get involved click here or you can read the Course Rep Handbook for Students. For any questions, please contact coursereps@ccsu.co.uk.