I think the reward for Course Rep of the Year should go to Jamie McKendrick, of Aberdeen College, because of the way he has taken to the role over the past year and voicing the concerns of students at the Altens campus at Aberdeen College.

Students at Altens have been facing many issues regarding the conditions of changing rooms for mechanical engineering courses. Some things they face could be the state they find rooms in where it is a complete mess with rubbish lying around. One incident seen broken glass along the floor which was seen by students as very dangerous.

There has also been an issue in which the teaching environment students have found themselves in is just unacceptable. An example of this is the workroom where students put to use practical skills on motor vehicles, it has been found that at times there can be 3 classes in the workroom at one time. This can cause many problems when it comes to assessments in which access to a computer is needed for data etc. Reason this is a problem is due to the fact that the workroom only has one computer to cater for all students when in that workroom.

Relocation of classes has also been an issue for students on Jamie’s course in which the room they are to do theory is next to the car mechanics workroom. Classes are always disruptive due to noise travelling through to the classroom. This move was made to accommodate another theory class for a different course that is located in one of the other buildings. Students find that they can’t focus on their work and lecturers find it very hard to get anything productive done.

Jamie, in his role, has actively gone round classes to speak with students but also lecturers in regards to the issues being faced. He has also been very vocal when it comes to class rep meetings to ensure that the issues at Altens are being aired and noted. He has also raised this through course committee meetings ensuring that curriculum leaders and sector managers hear the students’ voice. Jamie’s motivation has also got the Students’ Association to get involved in which the ACSA has been collecting signatures from students regarding the changes to classes, the teaching environment but also the accessibility for many students who have been struggling in regards to assessments.

Jamie has also been arranging meetings in which the ACSA can actively come into classes to see the environment that students have to sit through and have thorough discussions with students from all courses and different levels.

The work Jamie has been doing has been amazing as this has been engaging students on the issues that they face and given them confidence to address them whereas before they would not have done that. Students have also been more forthcoming when it comes to discussing this with the ACSA and has help student participation increase on a campus that was very hard to engage with before. Students now feel that they are being listened to and are being properly represented when it comes to the arguments into why these changes were made. Although the work is still on going to improve on the standards that students’ face, it has been successful in regards to getting students actively involved.

Jamie’s motivation, determination and passion in making sure students experiences at college is to the highest standard is inspirational. This is a shining example of how course reps are a credit to colleges as well as the association. Whenever Jamie has a free moment, he is in contact with the association or getting involved in events which is beneficial to students. He has been as asset to the association in ensuring the ACSA also knows what is happening on that campus and is a prize example for other class reps to replicate the work he does in their own course areas and this is why I think the Course Rep of the Year should go to Jamie McKendrick.