Agenda and Papers - University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh
Senate Quality Assurance Committee – 25 May 2011
Convener’s Business
EUSA Class Representatives Learning Lunches
The Committee’s attention is drawn to the successful series of EUSA Learning
Lunches, as described in this article from the Sparqs e-bulletin.
Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) launched a successful series of
rewarding Learning Lunches for class reps this academic year.
Described by reps as an opportunity for “networking, representation, and
communication,” EUSA’s Learning Lunches have become a fun and effective way of
supporting class reps.
Lunches are held approximately once a month and include short, informative
presentations delivered by key members of the University community. Presentation
topics have ranged from an interactive demonstration of PebblePad by Career
Services staff, to a discussion of ELIR with the University’s Director of Academic
Standards and Quality Assurance.
For the class reps who attend (often 50+), Learning Lunches offer insights into
University and EUSA, as well as the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas with
other reps, sabbaticals and EUSA staff over a free lunch. One class rep explains
that Learning Lunches allow him “to meet other people engaged in improving the
University environment,” and illustrate “how class reps connect to the wider academic
community.” Indeed, the University has been delighted to present at these Lunches,
enjoying the opportunity to communicate personally with reps from across the
institution.
Learning Lunches allow EUSA to inform reps of pertinent University issues or key
EUSA campaigns. These Lunches also allow EUSA to listen and respond directly to
reps’ suggestions, concerns, and feedback. One rep explains that he really
appreciates being asked “to provide our opinions and views,” as this helps him and
other students feel “more involved with EUSA.”
EUSA is proud that Learning Lunches have become an invaluable tool for both reps
and EUSA, and hopes the momentum continues well into the future.
For further information: Rachael.King@eusa.ed.ac.uk.
Sparqs e-bulletin: http://www.sparqsblog.org.uk/
Higher Education Academy Workshop: Enabling Staff Engagement in the
Inclusive Curriculum
The University will host and facilitate a Higher Education Academy capacity-building
workshop on enabling staff engagement in the inclusive curriculum. The workshop
will provide a practical means of building internal capacity to engage all academic
staff in the use of inclusive learning and teaching practices to improve the quality of
2