Interpersonal & International Business Communication Semester One, 2015
SEMESTER ONE 2015 Paper Description and Aims 3 Learning Outcomes 3 Assessment Grid 4 Teaching Staff 5 Course Delivery & Key Dates 5 Course Materials 6 Other recommended textbooks 6 Blackboard 6 Course Calendar 7 Expectations and Workload 10 MANT222 Assessment 10 Course assessment 10 First Actions Required 11 Internal Assessment A 11 Internal Assessment B 12 Internal Assessment C 12 Final Exam 14 Blackboard Submission Instructions 14 Course Policies and Practices 14 Format of submission, submission & collection process 14 Policy of late submission 14 Policy of Extensions 15 Grading Scheme 15 Academic Integrity 15 Student Learning Support and Information 16 Student learning centre 16 Library support 16 Maori student support 17 Pacific Island student mentoring coordinator 17 Disability information and support 17 Student Feedback 17 Class Representatives 17 Concerns about the course 18 Disclaimer 18 2
SEMESTER ONE 2015 Paper Description and Aims Welcome to MANT222. In line with the growing demand for graduates to be able to demonstrate attributes like communication competence, critical thinking and lifelong learning skills, this paper is designed to increase your understanding of capabilities in communicating in Interpersonal, International and Intercultural situations. Understanding informs good communication. Understanding is made up of two parts: cultural awareness or how another person s culture affects his or her communicative behaviour, and self-awareness or an understanding of how our own culture and personal dispositions affect our communication practices. Communication competence in everyday business and life itself is a mix of interpersonal and intercultural skills and understanding. One area of focus given business context is face to face interactions, another is virtual interaction skills. The course is divided into distinct components that allows for a profound understanding of why and then a more practical situation where you will be able to develop and explore what constitutes communication competence, the how. Prerequisites: BSNS105 or 108 points Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this paper, students should be able to: Knowledge & Understanding 1. (Using theory where appropriate), identify and analyse interpersonal and intercultural problems and propose communication related solutions. Skill-related Capacities 2. Suspend judgment and demonstrate the capacity to self-monitor inside communication interactions. 3. Demonstrate synthesis of concepts of self and group interpersonal communication. 4. Understand how to use a range of etiquette behaviours to achieve professional success. Judgment & Strategies for Interaction 5. Evaluate how a particular course of action might be received and with what result a complex communication dynamic comprising both interpersonal and intercultural aspects. 6. Show capacity to critically reflect upon interactions and improve your own virtual interaction and leadership behaviours. 3
SEMESTER ONE 2015 Learning Outcomes Assessment Grid BCom Graduate attribute Learning Outcome Assessment A (15%) Assessment B (25%) Assessment C (10%) Exam (50%) Critical thinking Interdisciplinary knowledge Communication skills Lifelong learning skills Leadership and Team skills Critical thinking Leadership & Team skills Communication skills Communication skills Lifelong learning Business environment Ethics Critical thinking Lifelong learning Leadership & team skills Communication skills Ethics Critical thinking Lifelong learning Leadership & team skills Communication skills Ethics (1) Using theories where appropriate, identify and analyse intercultural problems and propose communication related solutions. (2) Suspend judgment and demonstrate the capacity to self-monitor inside communication interactions. (3) Demonstrate synthesis of concepts of self and group interpersonal communication. (4) Understand how to use a range of etiquette behaviours to achieve professional success. (5) Evaluate how a certain course of action might likely be received and with what result for a communication interaction comprising both interpersonal and intercultural aspects. (6) Show capacity to critically reflect upon interactions and improve their own virtual interaction and leadership behaviours. 4
SEMESTER ONE 2015 Teaching Staff Paper Coordinator/Lecturer Name: Virginia Cathro Office: Room Co 825 Email: virginia.cathro@otago.ac.nz Office Hours: In general Monday 11am 1pm or email for an appointment. Lecturer Name: Associate Professor Graham Elkin Office: Room Co 813 Email: graham.elkin@otago.ac.nz Office Hours: email for an appointment Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday Guest Lecturers: To be advised (TBA) You should contact Virginia Cathro with any administrative enquiries about the paper, e.g. requests for late submission of assignments. Course Delivery & Key Dates Students are expected to attend two lecture classes per week Monday 10am -10.50am (1 hour) and Thursday 2.00pm 3.50pm (2 hours). Students also participate in an online virtual group activity. Lecture classes present the key conceptual material through discussion and interaction between teaching staff and students. These are supported by readings via the textbook and Blackboard. Students also attend a tutorial. Broadly, tutorials are each fortnight. Tutorial information is posted on Blackboard. The course calendar (page in this outline and online on Blackboard) details semester dates, lecture topics, policies and practices adopted within the paper, tutorials and assessment related scheduling information. Note that this calendar may change as the course proceeds. In this event, changes will be announced at lecture classes and detailed on Blackboard. Students are expected to prepare for and attend all classes (lectures and tutorials) to gain full benefit from the course. Being prepared involves reviewing information detailed on Blackboard, completing assigned readings and engaging in activities. Students unable to attend a lecture are expected to catch up on missed material. Unless stated otherwise, all aspects of the course are examinable. This website is helpful for University key dates: http://www.otago.ac.nz/news/events/keydates/ 5
SEMESTER ONE 2015 Course Materials Reading links and material is posted via black board. There is no textbook for this course but we encourage you read:- Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace, 5th Edition Iris Varner and Linda Beamer Illinois State University Press 2011 ISBN 13-9780073377742 Other recommended textbooks and Journals are. Intercultural Communication: A Contextual Approach. : Neuliep, J.W. 4th ed. (2009) London: Sage Publications The Journal of Business Communication Communication Quarterly International Journal of Business Communication Journal of Intercultural Communication Korero tahi: Talking together. Metge, J. ( 2001) Auckland: Auckland University Press Talking past each other. Metge, J., & Kinlock, P (1989): Wellington: Victoria University Press The University Library provides online resources for students. These include subject guides, and other research resources, and citation styles. Check it out at: http://www.library.otago.ac.nz/services/undergrad.html Blackboard Blackboard is the primary means of disseminating information for this course. Notices, extra readings, and other information will be placed regularly on blackboard for student use. See Course Documents folder in Blackboard. Blackboard is used to email the whole class so it is important that you check your student email and Blackboard regularly, or use evision to redirect your emails to your personal account. You will find helpful links to the Library referencing page, the Student Learning Centre, and writing resources in Blackboard. Recording of Lectures The content and delivery of lectures in this paper is copyright. You may record the lectures for the purposes of your private study or research, but may not further distribute the recordings for any purpose, whether with or without charge. See www.otago.ac.nz/copyright for full copyright information. I will endeavour to record and post audio recordings for each class. I am only human so please forgive me for any technical glitches in advance. The recordings are offered to supplement your learning more than as a get out of class pass. 6
Lecture Times: Monday 10 10.50am Thursday 2pm 3.50pm Lecture 1: Monday 23 Feb Week 1: 23 Feb Week 2: 2 March Week 3: 9 March Week 4: 16 March Lecture 2: Thursday 26 Feb Lecture 3: Monday 2 March Lecture 4: Thursday 5 March Lecture 5: Monday 9 March Lecture 6: Thursday 12 March Lecture 7: Monday 16 March Lecture 8: Thursday 19 March MANT222 SEMESTER ONE 2015 Lecture Class Theme Tutorial Class Reading Related to classes Assessment Notes Welcome let s get started The etiquette edge discussion How do we reflect? The power of reflection. Interpersonal communication & business (1) (includes topics of: selfidentity, impression management, building trust, conflict (interpersonal), etiquette, handling difficult people, valuing diversity, negotiating, office politics) Interpersonal communication (2) Interpersonal communication: Communication without words activities Interpersonal communication: Communication without words Communication Technology Culture and Communication : Business Communication is Cultural Communication Tutorial 1 Tutorial 2 7 BB Folder readings Check BB lecture readings Chapter for Tutorial program on BB: Chapter 7 Communication and Interpersonal Behaviour in Organisational Behaviour in New Zealand Theory and Practice 3 rd edition (out of print) Graham Elkin, Brad Jackson, Kerr Inkson 2008, Auckland New Zealand p.142-167 BB Folder readings Initial Actions required: Register for the GEEBIZ by visiting www.geebiz.org This is pivotal to be part of the contest and with regard to your internal assessment (35%). Discussion this week is directly related to both pieces of internal assessment. Sign Up for GEE by 8 April 2015 Tutorials start week 2. Assessment A: Tutorial Skills Program (15%) For the first occasion it is important to download the PDF copy of Organisational Behaviour in New Zealand Theory and Practice (Third Edition 2008) Chapter 7 from the Assignment tab in Blackboard, read pages 142-146. Be prepared to answer questions on this material. Tutorial 2: pages 147-151. Answer the questions in Case 7.2 and 7.3
Week 5: 23 March Week 6: 30 March Week 7: 13 April Week 8: 20 April MANT222 SEMESTER ONE 2015 Lecture 9: Communication Technology Monday 23 March BB Folder readings Lecture 10: Thursday 26 March Lecture 11: Monday 30 March Lecture 12: Thursday 2 April Lecture 13: Monday 13 April Lecture 14: Thursday 16 April Lecture 15: Monday 20 April Lecture 16: Thursday 23 April Communication and culture: How does Culture Influence Communication? How to write a business plan? 8 BB Folder readings Interpersonal & International Tutorial 3 Communication Relationships types of relationships, interactional patterns and pathways, power, the skill of self disclosure Good Friday 2April- Friday 10 April Mid Semester Break Formal Classes resume week of 13 April 2015 Tutorial 3: page 150. Write 500 words about the usefulness or otherwise of the spiritual child idea in daily life GEE finishes April 16, 2014. Assignment questions Assessment C. Submission of one page summary reflection to GEE and to University of Otago via dual submission method. University of Otago deadline Applied Communication: Telephones & Letters Applied Communication Interpersonal and Intercultural communication in business: Hot desking & Telework Tutorial 4 Varner & Beamer 2011 pp 289-328, pp.329-364 BB Folder readings 4pm, 13 May 2015 for one page reflection (10%); 20 May 2015 by 4pm for second submission (Assessment B). GEE starts 01:00 UTC on April 22, 2015. Your team will have three weeks to develop a six-page business concept proposal. The 2015 challenge is to develop an idea that profitably addresses the needs of the vulnerable in society. Tutorial 4: pages 152-mid 156 and complete the 3 parts of Exercise 7.2
SEMESTER ONE 2015 Week 10: 27 April Week 11: 4 May Week 12: 11 May Week 13: 18 May Week 14: 25 May Lecture 17: Monday 27 April Lecture 18: Thursday 30 April Lecture 19: Monday 4 May Lecture 20: Thursday 7 May Lecture 21: Monday 11 May Lecture 22: Thursday 14 May Lecture 23: Monday 18 May Lecture 24: Thursday 21 May Lecture 25: Monday 25 May Lecture 26: Thursday 28 May Meetings and Group Techniques Culture and Communication: Consequences for How We Communicate? Skills of Negotiating and Persuading Interpersonal Communication Relationships: The skills of persuasion and negotiation Meetings and Group Techniques - Revisited Organising messages to other cultures in New Zealand and abroad Intercultural dynamics in the International company Conflict management International Bureaucracy, Diversity and Virtual Groups Review of course for final exam Tutorial 5 Tutorial 6 BB Folder readings BB Folder readings BB Folder readings Assessment B: Individual reflective assessment (25%) Due: 4pm or prior on 20 May 2015 submitted via dual submission Tutorial 5: pages 156-159 and keep a log of some conversations you have using TA. BB Folder readings Tutorial 6 pages 159-167. Write 700 words covering the 4 most important things you have learned from these tutorials (700 in total!). BB Folder readings 9
Expectations and Workload Hours Item Breakdown 39 Lecture classes 3 hours per week for 13 weeks (1x1 hour plus 36 Reading of textbook and related supporting material, e.g. online via Blackboard 1x2 hour) Generally 1 hour per class (excluding first and last classes 12 Tutorial work 6x 50 minute tutorial plus 50 minute pre or post class work 80 Internal Assessment Individual essay, Individual reflection insides the GEEBIZ contest experience 10 Exam preparation Revision / review of lecture notes and previously read chapters, plus reading, analysing, and preparing for exam 3 Examination Duration of exam 180 Total 180 hours expected as standard for 18-point paper MANT222 Assessment All material presented is examinable (except where stated otherwise) by assignments and the final examination. All important assessment information such as due dates and times, content, guidelines and so on will be discussed at lecture classes and, where appropriate, detailed on Blackboard prior to each assessment. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are aware of this information, keeping track of their own progress, and catching up on any missed classes. Internal Assessment Assessment A: Tutorial Skills 5 tutorials commencing week 2 See page 7 of this outline. Assessment B: One page reflective summary (submit your one page document to both Deb and Virginia) Assessment B: Gee Experience 10% Reflection looking specifically at technology within your GVT experience 15% Reflection looking specifically at interpersonal communication within the context of GVT Final Exam Comprises essays questions. 15% 10% 25% 50% Submission at beginning of tutorials. One page reflection submitted to GEE and also submitted by hard copy and SafeAssign. See instructions below. Due: 13 May 2015 by 4.00pm (10%) Assignment by hard copy and SafeAssign (dual submission). See instructions below. Due: 20 May 2015 by 4.00pm (25%) Date to be announced. Page 10
First Actions Required 1. Tutorials are streamed and advised through evision. If you need to change or be streamed into a tutorial please email sue.mcskimming@otago.ac.nz or drop by reception, level 8, Commerce Sue or Leanne will assist. 2. Enrol in GEEBIZ preferably as an individual. To do this, go to the following website: http://www.geebiz.org/ click on the enrol tab at the top of the page and then the following link [*Enrol here* for the 2015 Global Enterprise Experience]. Enrolment is open from Jan 20, 2015 to April 8, 2015. If you are not enrolled by this date you will be unable to complete 35% of the internal assessment (assessments B & C) for the paper. 2015 GEE (GLOBAL ENTERPISE EXPERIENCE) Contest: Write a six page business concept proposal for a profitable product or service that addresses the needs of the vulnerable in society. 3. Complete tutorial preparation as list below. Internal Assessment A: Active Involvement in Tutorial Skills Program (15%) This program comprises 5 tutorials. Work is completed prior to tutorial. A series of practical workshops will be offered covering A 21 st Century model of Communication Interpersonal Communication Skills Observing and understanding ourselves Awareness of others Listening Non-verbal Communication Transactional Analysis Influential skills Participation The series is voluntary. It will be very valuable in terms of gaining skills in the area. 15% of the grade for the paper will be earned by being present, bringing the preparation for the tutorial completed and being active to help others learn for 5 of the occasions. Your preparation will be collected and will earn completed. 5 complete will lead to 15%. Anything less than 5 will achieve nothing. It is important to download the copy of Organisational Behaviour in New Zealand Theory and Practice (Third Edition 2008) Chapter 7. The pdf is located by going to the assignments tab in Blackboard. Tutorial 1: pages 142-46. Be prepared to answer questions about the material. Tutorial 2: pages 147-151. Answer the questions in Case 7.2 and 7.3 Tutorial 3: page 150. Write 500 words about the usefulness or otherwise of the spiritual child idea in daily life Tutorial 4: pages 152-mid 156 and complete the 3 parts of Exercise 7.2 Page 11
Tutorial 5: pages 156-159 and keep a log of some conversations you have using TA. Tutorial 6: pages 159-167. Write 700 words covering the 4 most important things you have learned from these tutorials (700 in total!). Form: Tutorial work may be handwritten. It is submitted at the beginning of your tutorial class. Attendance at class is assumed. Internal Assessment B: One Page Reflective Summary The one page summary is reflective and is done best by keeping journal entries over the duration of the GEE experience. Some archived one page submissions are available on the GEEBIZ website. You might start for example by comparing your communication capacities and expectations at the beginning of the project as compared to your appraisal of your performance within your global team and thoughts at the end of the project. Submission for the competition of the business plan is per GVT (responsibility of the GVT leader) and one refelction per individual (responsibility of the individual): Submit as per instructions on the GEEBIZ website. Email to GEEBIZ by 13 May 2015. Submission for the MANT222 paper: Assignments should be submitted electronically via Blackboard SafeAssign (instructions page 14) and hard copy to 8th floor Management Department reception by 13 May 2015 by 4.00pm. Internal Assessment C: GEE EXPERIENCE Individual Reflective Submission (25%): Submit by Wednesday 20 May by 4.00pm to 8 th Floor Management Reception and electronically to Blackboard SafeAssign. As an individual write an evaluation and synthesis of your learning inside the GEEBIZ virtual group activity. This evaluation and synthesis is anticipated to consider interpersonal communication concepts and group communication concepts. This might include, but is not limited to, your own communication style, preferences and expectations, how these might function in a work group or team as communication of practices, including how this might be more or less effective in a highly heterogeneous group. Your written submission comprises two parts. First, you are asked to reflect upon the role of technology with your GEE experience, for you personally and for your team (10%). Page 12
Second, you are asked to reflect upon group interactions and leadership (15%). Both aspects of this assignment should demonstrate an informed mind-set and sensemaking about the content of the course sessions/lectures (which will give you many of the needed conceptual tools). You are required to reflect upon your GVT experience. In so doing, you are expected to consult the literature in preparing both assignments, to apply concepts and theories from the course, and to reference your sources appropriately. Referencing format: Assignments are to conform to the latest edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) (http://www.apastyle.org/) and meet all author guidelines. Submission should be kept under 10 pages (inclusive of all tables, figures, references, and notes) and be 2,000 words excluding reference list (+/-10%). Every effort is made to review essays thoroughly and promptly. Work submitted is typically completed in three weeks. Feedback is given in class, on work and via Blackboard. Notification will be made via Blackboard once work is ready for collection from 8th floor reception (remember to bring your Student ID). Marking Scheme: To be discussed in lecture class and then posted on Blackboard. Form: All assignments must have a title page containing, paper code (MANT222), assignment title, number of words, student name and/or ID number. Assignments must be word processed in 12 point font using single or 1.5 line spacing. Paragraphs should not be one line. Section headings make it easier to follow assignments (e.g., presentation guidelines is the heading for the section you are currently reading). Short quotes should be integrated in paragraphs. Do not put pictures or superfluous diagrams in the assignment unless it adds to the content of the work. Remember to proof read your work and run a spell-check. Spelling and grammatical errors make your work look unprofessional and detracts the quality of your argument. Correct referencing (APA style) and citation is essential. Submit the assignment held together by one staple in the top left hand corner. Please do not submit in plastic folders or similar devices. Appropriate theories are expected to be engaged with. The use of example to demonstrate analysis and synthesis of concepts is also valued. This is where you demonstrate research and inquiry. It is good practice when discussing others to consider issues relating to confidentiality and privacy (When using examples from your group please either use A, B, C, etc. or fictitious names to preserve the anonymity of your group members). Dual submission: Deliver a hard copy to the drop-box, Department of Management, level 8, Commerce (do not put in the slots on level 3) by the due date / time. Submit an electronic copy by 5pm on the due date. Detailed instructions are on Blackboard and a guide on page 14 of this outline. Page 13
Final Exam (50%) The final exam (50%) will comprise essay style questions. Copies of final exams are available via the library website. You must sit the final exam. The exam is 3 hours in duration. To pass the paper your total marks from the exam and the internal assessment must combine to a total greater than 50%. Format: A mock-up of the final exam is typically posted on Blackboard during week 12 of the semester (locate the files via the assessment tab). This website is helpful regarding examinations information: http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/exams/ Blackboard Submission Instructions SafeAssign There are two links given for each assignment, one is the opportunity to submit a draft copy for checking and the other is for the final assessment to be uploaded by 5pm on the day it is due. If there is a problem with the blackboard server I will also know about it and an announcement will be made. So... DO NOT PANIC! If you can t submit it, email me. To upload your assignments go to the assessment tab in Blackboard for MANT222 and follow the instructions. Course Policies and Practices Submission Guidelines General Expectations: (1) Format of Submission, Submission & Collection Processes All internal assessments (excluding tutorial work) must be typed. Work that is not typed will not be accepted. Each assignment will specify manuscript submission requirements. To submit and collect work, take it to the 8 th floor Reception. The reception area is open from 8.30am to 5pm. Your student ID or other credible form of Photo Identification will be required to collect your work. Referencing guidelines: Preferred style for referencing is the APA style. Please refer to http://oil.otago.ac.nz/oil/module8.html for further information. (2) Policy on Late Submission: Deadlines are deadlines. Penalties will be applied to late work. Extensions are available for genuinely mitigating circumstances and must be arranged with the Course Coordinator (see below). (3) Policy on Extensions: Extensions will only be given upon application (and from the Course Coordinator) for mitigating circumstances as defined in the criteria by the University of Otago s Page 14
examinations policy, this typically means serious illness or bereavement. Application needs to be in writing or by email. Supporting evidence is encouraged. Grading Scheme The grading scheme used at the University of Otago is: Grade % Meaning A+ 90-100 Rare, outstanding, flawless A 85-89 Demonstrates originality; beyond what was expected A- 80-84 Excellent B+ 75-79 Polished; very good B 70-74 Comprehensive, covers material expected; demonstrates good understanding B- 65-69 Competent work; good coverage but minor flaws C+ 60-64 Demonstrates adequate understanding of fundamentals C 55-59 Demonstrates adequate understanding of fundamentals but some gaps C- 50-54 Barely adequate D 40-49 Inadequate; indicates a lack of understanding E 0-39 Very poor Academic Integrity Students should ensure that all submitted work is their own. Any student found responsible for dishonest practice (e.g. copying the work of others, use of unauthorized material in tests) in relation to any piece of work submitted for assessment shall be subjected to the University s Dishonest Practice regulations. This may result in various penalties, including forfeiture of marks for the piece of work submitted, a zero grade for the paper, or in extreme cases, exclusion from the University. Plagiarism is a form of dishonest practice and in turn the opposite to academic integrity. Plagiarism is defined as the copying or paraphrasing another s work, whether intentionally or through failure to take proper care, and presenting it as one s own. In practice, this means plagiarism includes any attempt in any piece of submitted work to present as one s own work, the work of another (whether another student or published authority) http://www.otago.ac.nz/administration/policies/otago003145.html. Any student found responsible for plagiarism shall be subject to the University s Dishonest Practice Regulations as outlined above. http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/plagiarism/ The University reserves the right to use plagiarism detection tools. Page 15
Student Learning Support and Information Student Charter http://www.otago.ac.nz/about/otago005275.html Guidelines for Learning at Otago http://hedc.otago.ac.nz/hedc/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/guidelines-for-learning.pdf http://hedc.otago.ac.nz/hedc/learning/ Student Learning Centre The Student Learning Centre, which is part of the Higher Education Development Centre, provides learning support, free of charge, to ALL enrolled students. Their services include: a workshop programme designed to help students to improve their learning strategies and their generic skills; individual assistance with learning issues; on-line study skills advice; a student leadership programme; a student-led peer support programme for students of all ages and backgrounds; conversational English groups for students from a non-english speaking background; The Centre also provides two very helpful study guides, Guidelines for Writing and Editing and Writing University Assignments and these are available on the SLC website. http://hedc.otago.ac.nz/hedc/learning/ Library Support The University Library provides online resources for students. These include subject guides, and other research resources, and citation styles. Check it out at: http://www.otago.ac.nz/library/for/undergraduates/index.html The Library website http://www.library.otago.ac.nz/index.php provides online access to resources and services, including group room bookings, library hours and locations, past exam papers, subjects guides and more. From your mobile: http://m.otago.ac.nz/library/ Page 16
Māori Student Support Tënā koutou katoa, Ko Corey Bragg töku ingoa Ko Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Waitaha me Ngāti Kahungunu öku iwi Kia ora, my name is Corey Bragg and I am the Māori student support person in the Business School. My role is to help link Māori students with the various support networks throughout the university and the community. Kaua e whakamā, don't be shy - come in for a chat. Mauri ora mai. Tel 479 5342 Email corey.bragg@otago.ac.nz Room CO 3.21 Pacific Islands Mentoring Coordinator Tara Duncan Tel 479 3486 Email tara.duncan@otago.ac.nz Room CO4.50 Disability Information and Support Students are encouraged to seek support if they are having difficulty with their studies due to disability, temporary or permanent impairment, injury or chronic illness. http://www.otago.ac.nz/disabilities/ Student Feedback We encourage your feedback. This can be in the form of contacting staff, participating in course evaluation surveys and communicating with class representatives. Continual improvements will be made to this course based in part on student feedback. Recent changes to this course as a result of constructive feedback include podcasting and some of the material shared with you as you engage in the GEE. Page 17
Class Representatives The class (or student) representative system is an avenue for encouraging communication and consultation between staff and students. It provides you with a vehicle for communicating your views on the teaching and delivery of the paper and provides staff with an opportunity to communicate information and gain constructive feedback from students. It contributes to the development of a sense of community within a department and it adds a further dimension to the range of support services offered to students. Volunteers for the role of class representatives will be called early in the semester. The OUSA invites all class representatives to a training session, conducted by OUSA, about what it means to be a class representative and some of the possible procedures for dealing with issues that arise. They also provide information on the services that OUSA offers and the role OUSA can play in solving problems that may occur. The OUSA provides support to class representatives during the semester. Departmental staff will also meet with class representatives during the semester to discuss general issues or matters they wish to have considered. Your class representative s name and contact details will be posted on Blackboard early in the semester. Concerns about the Course We hope you will feel comfortable coming to talk to us if you have a concern about the course. The Course Coordinator will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have. Alternatively, you can report your concerns to the Class Representative who will follow up with departmental staff. If, after making approaches via these channels, you do not feel that your concerns have been addressed, there are University channels that may aid resolution. For further advice or more information on these, contact the departmental administrator or head of department. Disclaimer While every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this document is accurate, it is subject to change. Changes will be notified in class and via Blackboard. You are encouraged to check Blackboard and your student email address regularly. Page 18