A simple guide to attending meetings.

1. Gather together the concerns, questions, views and comments of students on your course
   
   
2. Prepare...
   • ensure that you receive an agenda prior to the meeting, and that you read it
   • write out the itmes you wish to discuss and points you want to raise
   • be aware that you are there to represent the views of the students on your course, not just yourself
   • don't forget the essentials - paper, pen etc.
   
   
3. In the meeting...
   • follow the agenda
   • don't be afraid to make comments, but do so in an orderly fashion - address the chair of the meeting
   • don't allow yourself to be bullied or sidelined, and don't bully or sideline anyone else
   • don't be confrontational as a matter of course - making sure your views are heard doesn't necessarily mean assuming an attacking stance
   • don't leave without discussing everything you intended to
   
   
4. After the meeting...
   • ensure you receive a copy of the minutes of the meeting
   • feedback to students
     • distribute the minutes or a shortened version, or just some notes
     • create posters if you need to inform students of an important development
     • contact students who had specific questions or views to put to the meeting
5. Evaluate...
   • did you raise everything you intended to?
   • were you listened to?
   • what staff action must you ensure is carried out?
   • what action do you have to carry out?
   • what will you do differently next time?

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