The Senate is the academic authority of the Open University and therefore has oversight of all matters relating to teaching, learning, and research. There are over 100 members of Senate, including six students. The so-called "Senate Six" are a mixture of three elected student reps and three appointed by the Students Association.
Read all about Senate
The Student Senate Reference Group acts in an advisory capacity to the student members of Senate, ensuring they are able to draw on the diversity of circumstances, views and opinions of OU students. Consisting entirely of students and chaired by the VP Academic Student Voice, the Student Senate Reference Group volunteers come together in advance of every meeting of Senate to discuss the committee papers, raising any items that they believe will impact students.
Tasks
Spend 1-2 hours per week engaging with fellow representatives and Students Association staff
Attend 4 committee meetings per academic year during normal office hours. For each meeting, you would need to allow approximately:
- 5 hours to read complex committee papers in advance of the meeting and participate in an online discussion forum
- 2 hours for the online meeting.
[Optional] Attend an evening online forum once a month, led by the VP Education
Training
A full induction is offered and all student reps receive ongoing support from our VP Academic Voice and the Volunteering and Representation Team, as well as mutual support from the other student committee members.
Benefits to self and others
- Develop confidence and key skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking
- Join a diverse and welcoming student committee
- Empower student members of Senate to act on behalf of students
- Shape the future of OU academic policy
Applications for this role are closed