In this section

Course Representatives 

Every course has student representatives who gather feedback and raise issues directly with teaching staff. They attend Joint Consultative Committees (JCCs) and departmental meetings on your behalf. 

What they do: 

  • Collect feedback from students in their cohort 

  • Raise concerns at departmental meetings 

  • Work with staff to improve teaching and assessment 

  • Connect local issues to wider university policy 

Find your course rep: [Search by course/department] 

Divisional Representatives 

Each of Oxford's five divisions has student representatives who tackle bigger picture issues and sit on high-level committees, working directly with senior university leadership. 

What they do: 

  • Represent student voice on major university committees 

  • Lead policy research projects on key student issues 

  • Coordinate between different levels of representation 

  • Drive systemic change across their division 

Each division is represented by: 

  • One Undergraduate Representative 

  • One Postgraduate Taught Representative 

  • One Postgraduate Research Representative 

What Do They Do? 

As a Rep, You Will: 

  • Attend training from Oxford SU to equip you with essential skills. 

  • Meet with staff at Course, Department, and Divisional levels. 

  • Gather and present feedback from students on teaching, assessment, learning spaces, digital resources, and more. 

  • Report back to students and Oxford SU on updates, outcomes, and next steps. 

  • Join collaborative forums like Student Rep Boards and RepComs to share practices and shape broader academic change. 

Skills You’ll Develop: 

  • Academic policy analysis 

  • Strategic communication 

  • Stakeholder engagement 

  • Evidence-based advocacy 

  • Problem-solving and time management 

  • Representation, accountability, and leadership 

 

Oxford SU’s Commitment to You 

When you take on this role, Oxford SU will: 

  • Provide you with robust training and resources 

  • Offer ongoing advice and support throughout your tenure 

  • Facilitate networking opportunities with staff and fellow reps 

Recognise your contribution with: 

  • A Certificate of Completion 

  • A LinkedIn recommendation 

  • Professional development/ networking opportunities 

  • Refreshments at SU-hosted meetings and events 

 

Where Does Your Voice Go? 

Academic representation works through a structured ecosystem: 

Course Level 

  • Reps attend departmental JCCs or staff-student forums 

Divisional Level 

  • Reps contribute to Divisional Boards, USC/GSC, and QAC 

  • Student Representative Boards (UG and PG) meet termly to share insights and collaborate on common concerns 

University Level 

  • Sabbatical Officers (Sabbs) advocate for student priorities in central University committees and consultations 

Issues can be escalated through this structure to ensure they reach the right level whether that’s fixing course logistics or influencing institutional policy. 

Meet Your Oxford SU Team/ Divisional Representatives/ Administrators  

Academic representation at Oxford is supported by a team of student representatives, Oxford SU Staff and Divisional staff members across five divisions: 

Oxford SU:  

Humanities: 

Social Sciences: 

MPLS: 

Medical Sciences: 

Department for Continuing Education: 

chloe.harper-ashton@conted.ox.ac.uk 

 

How Can You Get Involved? 

There are several ways to shape the student academic experience: 

  • Become a Course Rep 
    Elections are held in early Michaelmas Term via your department 

  • Apply to be a Divisional Rep 
    Applications open each year in Michaelmas 

  • Run for Sabbatical Office 
    Leadership Elections take place in Hilary Term 

  • Share your feedback 
    Talk to your Course Rep/ Div Rep or email us at studentengagaement@oxford.su.ox.ac.uk,  your concerns and ideas drive change!