Academic
The University and Beds SU have different ways for you to use your Student Voice and shape you academic experience. Outlined below are the different feedback routes to help you choose the right option to get your voice heard.
Academic Representatives (Reps) are the voice of students on their course who champion student views and ideas to the University. They work in partnership with the University, the Students' Union and their fellow course-mates to enhance the learning experience. Academic Representatives have access to the full range of Beds SU training and support services, as well as the opportunity to take part in many different skill-enhancing opportunities across the institution.
To find out who your academic rep is and how to contact them visit the visit Beds SU
If you are unable to get hold of your academic representative, you could always take advantage of the Beds SU Digital rep system (more details below).
Student Voice Champions (SVC) support the student educational experience, acting as the communication channel between the students, Academic Reps and University of Bedfordshire staff. They will promote Faculty initiatives and advocate student views at high-level meetings.
You can meet your Student Voice Champions at Beds SU Union parliament meetings and also at the Student Staff Liaison meetings more information visit Beds SU If you are unable to get hold of your academic representative or student voice champion, please use the Digital rep system (below)
Digital Rep offers a simple way for all students to connect with their Academic Representative. This online service can be accessed via the Beds SU website allowing you to provide feedback and ideas to your Rep and the ability to discuss these with fellow students on your course. Your Rep with the help of Beds SU can then escalate views as required and provide a direct response to you via this online system. With Digital Rep it does not matter if you are based on one of our satellite campuses, a commuter student or simply can’t make it into uni on a particular day, you can ensure your voice is heard wherever you are!
To login to the DigitalRep system use your student ID and network password.
If you have any questions about the Digital rep system, please email be.heard@beds.ac.uk
Student Staff Liaison Forums should be scheduled to take place once per term. The Liaison Forums are Co-Chair by staff and Student representatives. Student Staff Liaison Forums are intended to provide a platform for the wider student voice, they are used to raise and deal with issues and topics. To find out when your next Staff/Student Liaison Forum is please look at the Student Voice tab on BREO.
Beds SU provides students with free, impartial advice and support on many aspects of university life, including academic appeals, accommodation issues, money worries and overall well-being. This service is independent of the University run by a team of dedicated, experienced advisers. If life at university has become a bit challenging then book an appointment with the advice and support team for one on one support. www.bedssu.co.uk/besupported
The Adjudication team handle all academic appeals, student complaints and student disciplinary cases on behalf of the University.
The University of Bedfordshire subscribes to the independent scheme for the review of student complaints run by the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA), and therefore our work can be externally investigated and scrutinised if students are dissatisfied with the outcome of their cases.
We aim to be proactive and helpful, while following our policies and procedures, which have been put in place to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency in our work.
For more information regarding the Adjudication team and their services please visit Academic Information or email adjudication@beds.ac.uk
When going through the academic appeals process the University advises you to seek advice from your students' union (Beds Su). Beds SU is an independent organisation and has a team of professional and experienced advice workers who can assist you with your complaint.
To get in contact with Beds SU please email be.supported@beds.ac.uk
If you have any queries about your course that isn’t feedback please visit SID.
For more information about SID and to find out how to contact the SID team please visit SID
PECS are chaired by the Portfolio Leader, attended by the course team and Academic Reps. They discuss issues from taught provision as highlighted by Academic Reps and teaching teams, as well as considering External Examiner feedback, annual monitoring and related actions. The minutes go to Academic Board which is chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic.