UWE Bristol Principles of Academic Representation

This document outlines the shared commitments of UWE Bristol and The Students' Union to ensure that the Student Academic Representation systems provide both quality assurance and enhancement in the educational experience. 

The Vision 

At UWE Bristol, we believe in nurturing a vibrant academic community where students and staff collaborate closely. Here, every student is a valued contributor, actively shaping their student journey and the future of the university. 

By working in partnership, The Students’ Union and UWE Bristol can implement meaningful changes that genuinely enhance the experiences of both students and staff. 

Our approach to academic representation fosters strong partnerships amongst students, staff, and The Students' Union, ensuring that every student is given the opportunity to contribute their views, be listened to, and have influence in shaping university policies and practices. We champion student-led initiatives and empower students to be co-creators of their educational experience. 

 

The Principles of Academic Representation 

To create a thriving and inclusive university, UWE Bristol and The Students’ Union at UWE uphold five core principles that guide our approach to academic representation for all students. These principles ensure that student voices are effectively heard, respected, and acted upon across the university. 

 

1.          Inclusive 

We embrace diverse perspectives and backgrounds, ensuring every voice is valued and has the ability to influence. 

• We encourage participation in representation, making it easy and accessible for all. 
• We empower students to engage, contribute, and represent others confidently. 
• We involve the appropriate student groups in discussions and decisions that affect them. 
• We accommodate cultural and linguistic backgrounds to encourage participation. 

 

2.          Partnership 

Staff and students work together as co-creators of the learning and teaching experience.  

• We encourage, support and enable open and regular dialogue. 
• We ensure that contributions and perspectives matter, are considered, and respected. 
• We commit to shared goals and work together to shape informed decisions. 

 

3.          Effective 

The impact of representation is seen, recognised and valued throughout the university, and it is visible to both students and staff. 

• We enable students to see the impact of sharing their views and ideas. 
• We provide effective training and information to students and staff to excel in their roles within academic representation. 
• We respond promptly to feedback and share outcomes with all. 
• We celebrate the success of representation, partnership, and feedback achievements. 

 

4.          Transparent 

Open discussion and clear communication foster trust, respect, and innovation. 

• We ensure that representation structures and expectations are clear and easy to understand. 
• We make insights and data available, accessible, and easy to interpret. 
• We clearly and promptly communicate how feedback has driven decisions, actions, and results. 

 

5.          Ambitious 

UWE Bristol and The Students’ Union strive to be at the forefront of academic representation, and to be recognised as leaders in the sector.  

• We identify, empower, and develop student leaders of the future. 
• We invest resources, time, and energy to continually develop a sector-leading representation system that evolves with the student body. 
• We foster student representatives’ skills and experiences for life after UWE. 
• We ensure that UWE Bristol is noticeably improved and enriched by student representation.