- provide a forum for discussion of non-academic aspects relating to the student experience

- provide a direct link between students' views and the University Centre's decision making processes

- contribute towards the review and development of University Centre initiatives

- initiate and organise social events, clubs and other activities for the student community

Action: SEG members to propose changes and suggestions regarding the terms of reference

Chris provided an overview of the work surrounding employability, specifically mentioning the successful project bid to the Higher Education Academy (HEA) https://www.heacademy.ac.uk.  This project, as part of the HEA Enhancement Programme, will support the development of an employability framework.  The support received from HEA will come in the form of workshop and centre specific support for the team (made up of staff and students).  Chris confirmed that the intention is to have an identified employability framework in place for September 2015.

David Senior (FdA Leadership and Management year 2) shared his initial findings gathered as part of the induction activities, which questioned new students and their thoughts and ideas surrounding employability.  Further analysis and discussions are required to better inform the structure and priorities of the employability framework.

Steve J explained that while most universities have an employability award in place, the University Centre was keen to develop a bespoke award which accurately considers the needs and current circumstances of our students.  With this in mind, a key focus of the award will be to ensure that students can 'access' opportunities to develop employability given their additional pressures (family, work etc)

Lucy H shared with the group the SEG's intention to review the structure of the student representatives where by cognate groups have an elected student representative who communicates the views and thoughts of students.  This will require the cognate area student rep to liaise with programme level reps in preparation of meetings.  The general consensus was that this would improve communication and enable emerging themes to be discussed at the SEG while also providing the opportunity for isolated matters to be addressed.

It is expected that the University Centre will offer workshop support to cognate area student representatives, ensuring that they are made aware of the University Centre in context.  These sessions are likely to be scheduled on a 6 weekly basis.

Steve J shared with the group the concept of 'Padlet' and how this web-based software could be used to communicate the meeting notes and workings of the SEG.  It is hoped that this approach to 'minutes' will strike a fine balance between the tracking of developments while also ensuring that students are not phased and put off by an excessively formal approach towards meetings.

The decision was taken to feed this agenda item into the next meeting.

Chris R provided an overview of 'Classifieds' and their purpose (to provide in-house work-based learning opportunities for students).  While there are Classifieds in place (4), uptake is currently very slow.  Chris is however conscious that work based projects (internal) do take place at the programme level and may well be by-passing the Classifieds process.

Abi W suggested that a notice board be located in the HE Library with the Classifieds (in addition to the board currently located in MT). Tom F suggested that Classifieds could be presented to students earlier in the academic year, perhaps as part of the induction process.

David S indicated that a student was more likely to engage in a Classifieds if they could see the direct link with their academic requirements and that any 'employability' opportunities may not be given the same priority in terms of value.

Action: Chris R to provide an update on the approach to be taken to develop awareness of Classifieds and to increase student uptake

The picture below aims to provide a description of the classifieds

Debbie J shared with the group a draft leaflet which promotes the role of the student representative.  Ideas, thoughts and suggestions are welcomed with a view to this information being circulated to student groups week commencing 3 November. Once student representatives are elected, a student rep handbook will be issued.

12.00, ND15