Hi I’m Sam Higham V.P.Education and as part of my role I oversee the StARs programme here at Keele. Below is a bit of information about the StARs and what they do. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me at vp.education@kusu.keele.ac.uk

What is a StAR?

StAR stands for Student Academic Representative and they are elected to identify academic issues and relate these back to staff through informal meetings and the course boards or staff / student committees. StARs don’t only criticise when things go wrong, but also provide positive and constructive feedback from students to the course team letting them know what works well. They also have an important role in feeding back information from these meetings to their course mates – keeping everyone fully informed. StARs also ensure that information flows directly from students to the Union, allowing the elected officers of the Union to act in ways that meet the needs and expectations of students.

Why Become a StAR?

1. Enhance your Employability: In a today’s job market you need an edge on your competitors to ensure you get the job you want. By becoming a StAR you will be able to boast a whole list of new skills that will make you more attractive to prospective employers.
2. Represent your Peers: By becoming a StAR you will be given the opportunity to represent a large part of the student body and dealing directly with the problems they may be having.
3. Improve Your Course: Your role as a StAR will give you the ability to directly influence the way your course is run and the opportunity to enhance the academic experience of all who take it.
4. Have A Voice: StARs are listened to and respected. This position allows you to have your voice heard and ensure that any problems students are experiencing don’t get ignored or forgotten.

How to become a StAR

Most schools will hold informal elections (normally you just have to put your name forward), then if successful you will be asked to fill out a few details which will allow me to contact you when training starts. Training will be a rolling process this year , you will receive an email telling you when and where it will take place and if you can’t attend there will be plenty more taking place throughout the year.