What is a PGR Subject Representative?
If you are looking to improve the experience of your peers in your subject area or to develop your skills while completing your Research; you may want to stand to become a Postgraduate Research Subject Representative. This is a new and exciting role within the Students’ Union and has been designed in collaboration with your Postgraduate Research Representatives and the Doctoral College.
How does it differ from being a Course Representative?
From February 2022, PGR Subject Representatives will replace the current PGR Course Representatives. This means current PGR Course Representatives will need to either re-run for election if they ran in autumn 2021 or run for the first time if they were co-opted by their School/Institute.
The reason for the restructuring of the system is three-fold:
- Ensuring all representation work is in line with Union policies
- Reducing any additional workload current Representatives are responsible for in their School/Institute
- Creating stronger cohesion and communication chains across Faculties
Role and Responsibilities
Key to the new system is the introduction of Postgraduate Research Board Meetings, which involve meetings between Subject Reps, QMSU Faculty PGR Reps, and the Doctoral College. This will introduce a direct line of communication between Representatives across the Faculty, and with the Doctoral College, increasing transparency, democracy, and ultimately positive change.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Collecting feedback from your cohort
- Updating students with any relevant news
- Preparing for meetings and following up actions after meetings
Training and Support
QMSU encourages all PGRs to consider standing for election in order to advocate for their peers, as well as having their voice directly heard above the level of the own School/Institute! The role is also constituted by your own goals. If you or your peers want something changed, this is the opportunity for the university to be formally engaged and accountable. We can’t stress enough the positive outcomes of advocating collectively, as well as learning a host of other transferrable skills relevant in research-practice such as:
- Communication
- Public speaking
- Problem solving
- Presentation
- Negotiation
- Teamwork
- Leadership
All training related to the role is provided, and additional training opportunities are available throughout the year.