Student Representation

Representation for Graduate Students

There are various channels of representation available to Cambridge graduate students, at college, faculty, and university level, as well as further afield. The Graduate Union (GU) is the body co-ordinating graduate representation in the university.

Hierarchy of Student Representation

College

Graduates are represented within their colleges by the Middle Combination Rooms (MCRs), or equivalent bodies. They are often also represented by bodies made up of undergraduate and graduate students together. Elected student representatives in each college (often a member of the MCR committee) also sit on the college's Governing Body or College Counncil. The college student unions send representatives to GU Council and CUSU meetings.

• College Unions (MCRs) – list of websites, MCR presidents and social secretaries.

Faculty

The structure of academic provision in the University is a complex hierarchy of schools, faculties and departments. Teaching and research takes place in the Faculties, Departments and research institutes. Each Faculty Board has an elected graduate representative, and there are also many graduate consultative bodies at departmental and sub-departmental level. Faculty Board representatives sit on the Graduate Union Council.

• Faculty Reps
• The University's Academic Structure: Schools, Faculties and Departments

University

At University level, there is graduate student representation on a range of decision-making committees, much of which is co-ordinated by the GU. As at college level, there is a separate body, the Cambridge University Students' Union (CUSU), which represents all students, both graduate and undergraduate. Graduates can also speak in University 'Discussions' held regularly in the Senate House.

Graduate students may also attend and speak at meetings of the GU Council, speak and vote at GU General Meetings, elect the members of the GU Executive, and vote in GU Referenda.

• Graduate Union representation and services
  • GU Board
  • GU Council
• University Committees
• Graces, Fly-Sheets and Discussions
• Other Student Unions

External

At national level, graduate interests are represented by the National Postgraduate Committee and National Union of Students (NUS).

• Other Student Unions
• Local and National Government

Information for Student Representatives

To coordinate graduate student support across the university, the GU runs mailing lists for members of MCR committees, faculty representatives and representatives on university committees. The GU also provides a facility for representatives to directly update graduate students with news from faculty board and committee meetings using the GU website, and to inform applicants with an alternative prospectus. To access these features, please log in using Raven to:

• Information for Student Representatives