Class Rep

zam

Should I bother running for class rep?
I've heard it's stressful and annoying and takes up a lot of time but is also a great way to get involved with the SU, you get a weekend away, etc..
Anyone have any experiences/stories?

jennedy

My mate did it. workload depends on how much you want to do like just parties or talkin to lecturers too and all the suey stuff. weekend is meant to be a laugh

Jammyc

Denerick will be by shortly, he'll give you plenty of insight.

Steve Higginson

You should definitely run as long as you don't dislike helping people. You might not like it in that case. Otherwise it's quite rewarding and great craic too.

Plus, you get to run all the class parties, so you can make sure they're on in places you wanna go :P

Also, weekend away.

lee4892

I did it in my second year two years ago, due to being signed up by friends without actually wanting to do it. I don't have alot of time to help out due to being a carer outside of college but it's a great way to meet people in your class, especially if you're in a huge class like science or Nursing. It's also a great way to get in touch with the lecturers and EO's and of course there's the perks such as SU Class Rep Hoodie and Trip away.

It does require some time out from class, meetings, bitching and does require a certain amount of time dedicated to answering queries and emails and stuff and dealing with problems.

I would suggest giving it a try if you have a spare amount of time. If you're in a very stressful school/department then maybe give it a miss or you'll find catching up difficult.

Denerick

What person in their right mind would volunteer to do this? Judging by past experience, usually the most obnoxious, loud, attention seeking imbecile. Also someone with so little self respect they're willing to climb the greasy SU pole in such a vulgar fashion.

amacachi

Denerick wrote: »

What person in their right mind would volunteer to do this? Judging by past experience, usually the most obnoxious, loud, attention seeking imbecile. Also someone with so little self respect they're willing to climb the greasy SU pole in such a vulgar fashion.

I'm shocked.

Denerick

amacachi wrote: »

I'm shocked.

I realise my outburst is out of character.

lee4892

Denerick wrote: »

What person in their right mind would volunteer to do this? Judging by past experience, usually the most obnoxious, loud, attention seeking imbecile. Also someone with so little self respect they're willing to climb the greasy SU pole in such a vulgar fashion.

I didn't volunteer I was kinda forced into it but I can assure you I'm no obnoxious, loud, attention seeking imbecile I'm quiet, may be outgoing but shy and don't really like attention. I found it a great way of getting out of that. :pac:

djcervi

To be honest I can actually see where Denerick is coming from. I've seen in a particular situation where one class rep has made their own friends in the class, and this bunch are pretty much connected together (this bunch now were doing stuff with the SU, during freshers etc). Within this group the class rep organised an end of exams class party, but it was starting in the gaff of one of the class rep's friends houses. As a result of not knowing this guy I didn't attend the class party and did something else. I thought it was bad organisation, and bad in the sense that the class rep should be there trying to get to know other people from the course, instead of just humming in on one group of friends. At most of the class parties, (when they were organised in the Pav), it was always the same clique of people together.

I think, to be a class rep, the most important is to get to know a fair amount people on your course. Even if you don't talk to them every day (and the other way) it'll be a good feeling to know you can talk to someone (and they can talk to you whenever) . I would love to be a class rep, if it meant helping people and getting to know my class. Although I don't think I'd have the nerve needed to deal effectively with lecturers.

lee4892

Actually this should never happen. We always organised class parties to start in Doyles as it's central to everyone and everyone knows where it is. We always arranged for class reps to be there at least a half hour before to meet people and all went on to the parties together. There should be at least two class reps per class so if you feel that one or both are not doing the job properly or are sticking with friends and not helping as they should be it's your right to complain to your EO.

I liked to try to get the people emailing me to see me the following day to put a face to the name, but some people like to remain as an 'emailer'. And as for your last comment I would say that if you really want to give it a go, then do it. Most of the dealings with lecturers are done through email! or through your EO.

Aoibheann

zam wrote: »

Should I bother running for class rep?
I've heard it's stressful and annoying and takes up a lot of time but is also a great way to get involved with the SU, you get a weekend away, etc..
Anyone have any experiences/stories?

Are you interested in running? Yes, it can be stressful, but also a lot of fun. You have to represent your class in whatever way is required of you. There'll most likely be problems with lecturers, and you'll be the one who needs to speak to them/take things further if there are any serious issues. But at the same time, it means that you can make sure that things get done, and done right. As well as that, you'll get to know pretty much everyone in your class (especially in the smaller classes where you're the only rep) which is great. You'll get to make friends outside of the class too.

There is also the weekend of training, which is interesting. Some do regard it as a bit of a piss-up but you CAN take the opportunity to actually learn something from it if that's what you want - it's definitely what I tried to do. It's also great for getting involved with the SU if that's what you want, but there are loads of other ways of doing that such as various campaigns.

As regards experience as a rep? I loved it last year. It was stressful at times - we had mix-ups with online assignments that required a bit of work to get an extension, we had some issues with lecturers, etc. But those issues were actually very easily sorted. The best thing to do is to introduce yourself to your lecturers early on because they'll be familiar with you as a rep then, and you'll find them so much more willing to help the class as I found last year. Then you can organise nights out - that's not so difficult because there's so many clubs around that are willing to give concessions/drinks vouchers etc, and you can deal directly with them or with the ents officer if you so wish. Attending SU Council is also a good laugh as well, provided you don't get too hacky and serious about it. It's also a great way to practice a bit of public speaking if you do feel strongly about an issue. It's not the be-all and end-all of being a rep, but it is nice to be involved and be able to actively make a difference. More importantly though - do listen to your class, and do make sure that you're representing their wishes, not solely your own.

Make sure you're running for rep for the right reasons, not just to "climb the greasy SU pole" as Denerick as mentioned below.

Denerick wrote: »

What person in their right mind would volunteer to do this? Judging by past experience, usually the most obnoxious, loud, attention seeking imbecile. Also someone with so little self respect they're willing to climb the greasy SU pole in such a vulgar fashion.

I'll address this seriously, though I know I shouldn't :pac::

I know an awful lot of class reps who haven't the slightest interest in the SU (I probably can't say the same for myself, I'm a bit of a hack :P), and still manage to do their job effectively. There's plenty of quiet, efficient reps who get the job done without attracting any attention whatsoever. That does also go for those who are involved with the SU. Sure, you do get a lot of those only in it for what they can get out of it, but there are some decent reps involved too, I promise.

This isn't directed entirely for Denerick as this is a common spiel on the forum. Just to let others know we're not all a bunch of self-serving pricks! :P

djcervi wrote: »

I think, to be a class rep, the most important is to get to know a fair amount people on your course. Even if you don't talk to them every day (and the other way) it'll be a good feeling to know you can talk to someone (and they can talk to you whenever) . I would love to be a class rep, if it meant helping people and getting to know my class. Although I don't think I'd have the nerve needed to deal effectively with lecturers.

Honestly, if you want to be class rep, you'd be doing it for the right reasons - which a lot of people aren't. It does take a lot of nerve to be able to deal with lecturers, but you'd be surprised at what you can do. Like I said, if you become rep you should introduce yourself to the lecturer early on. It makes such a difference and it really does make speaking to them so much easier when issues do arise.

electrogrimey

I was class rep last year, didn't run this year. I had basically nothing to do with the SU most of the year, basically just did things on behalf of the class. Organized nights out, with discounts for the group, organised a trip to Belfast, and then got class hoody's made at the end of the year. The main downside to it was losing a load of money due to bad organisation of the trip on my part...

It's as much, or as little work as you want it to be, and as hacky, or not hacky, as you want it to be.

d93c2inhxfok4y

electrogrimey wrote: »

I was class rep last year, didn't run this year. I had basically nothing to do with the SU most of the year, basically just did things on behalf of the class. Organized nights out, with discounts for the group, organised a trip to Belfast, and then got class hoody's made at the end of the year. The main downside to it was losing a load of money due to bad organisation of the trip on my part...

It's as much, or as little work as you want it to be, and as hacky, or not hacky, as you want it to be.

I was class rep in first year and this was pretty much my experience of it, too. I really enjoyed it - great way to meet people and that.

Blerdiii

i'd seriously love to go for class rep , and there are 4 for my class. tbh its not even the party end id be aiming for (though i wouldnt say no )
itd be great to know your able to (try) sort out stuff with lecturers...as i can already see one problems may arise with!

Dubs

Handed in my nomination form there yesterday... sort of. No one was in the Hamilton so some guy on the BOI stand said he'd take it up to house 6 as he was going up there anyway. Wondering if it actually managed to find it's way

gamma23

lee4892 wrote: »

....There should be at least two class reps per class so if you feel that one or both are not doing the job properly or are sticking with friends and not helping as they should be it's your right to complain to your EO.

Most of the dealings with lecturers are done through email! or through your EO.

What is an EO?????????????

Blerdiii wrote: »

i'd seriously love to go for class rep , and there are 4 for my class. tbh its not even the party end id be aiming for (though i wouldnt say no )
itd be great to know your able to (try) sort out stuff with lecturers...as i can already see one problems may arise with!

Did you do it in the end????

Dubs wrote: »

Handed in my nomination form there yesterday... sort of. No one was in the Hamilton so some guy on the BOI stand said he'd take it up to house 6 as he was going up there anyway. Wondering if it actually managed to find it's way

You should email and make sure your name is going to be on the ballot for the voting if your not sure the form made it. You can email education@tcdsu.org or the faculty convenor at EMS@tcdsu.org (apologies if your not in Science...something tells me you are)

Blerdiii

gamma23 wrote: »

What is an EO?????????????



Did you do it in the end????



You should email and make sure your name is going to be on the ballot for the voting if your not sure the form made it. You can email education@tcdsu.org or the faculty convenor at EMS@tcdsu.org (apologies if your not in Science...something tells me you are)

well ive put my name forward and a few ppl nominated so we'll see!

Dubs

gamma23 wrote: »

You should email and make sure your name is going to be on the ballot for the voting if your not sure the form made it. You can email education@tcdsu.org or the faculty convenor at EMS@tcdsu.org (apologies if your not in Science...something tells me you are)

Thanks! You guessed right, what gave it away?

Aoibheann

Dubs wrote: »

Handed in my nomination form there yesterday... sort of. No one was in the Hamilton so some guy on the BOI stand said he'd take it up to house 6 as he was going up there anyway. Wondering if it actually managed to find it's way

If it's one of the two guys I think it is, I'm fairly sure you're safe. Like gamma23 said, it's best to double check. And good luck!

gamma23

Aoibheann wrote: »

If it's one of the two guys I think it is, I'm fairly sure you're safe. Like gamma23 said, it's best to double check. And good luck!

It was both and they put the forms in the box so they tell me.

Dubs

Ha cool, sound guys. Even after I took like 10 rocky bars! Much thanks

Aoibheann

They had MILLIONS (okay, hundreds) of those bars. I took far, far too many. Delicious rocky bars..

Bueller

Well! Didn't even know voting for this had started. We're off to a great start :cool:

Bueller

Got it who will I be seeing this weekend then?