EMA Programme Representatives (PRs) are EMA volunteers who have been selected as representatives of their EMJMD programmes. The main job as a Programme Representative (PR) is to be the contact person between an EMJMD’s students, alumni, course coordinators and EMA. PRs are the advocate of the students and alumni of their course within EMA, and the ambassadors of EMA within their courses. If you are interested in volunteering as a PR for your course, apply here!
The Programme Representative Network (PRNet) volunteers conducted an overview of PR activities in 2021, and published the following results. The report was written by Roxana Aguilar Rivera (PR for CLMC, and volunteer in the PRNet); checked by Mariana Geffroy López (PR for IDOH, PRNet Manager); and approved by Ruturaj Trivedi (PR for EMSHIP, Director of the Student and Alumni Relations Unit at EMA). A summary of the findings from the report can be found below. The full report is not currently published, but you can contact programme.representatives@em-a.eu for more information.
PRNet Activities 2021
A total of 27 PRs submitted reports on their activities in 2021. 93% of PRs completed activities during that year, with one third of PRs completing more than 3 activities.
The activities reported by the PRs were divided into five categories:
Communication: Meetings with consortium partners or classmates, gathering feedback and reporting to the programme coordinators, sharing information about the programme with students and teachers, managing WhatsApp groups and other communication mediums, etc.
Professional development: In this category are included those activities that actively help students and alumni increase their skills and knowledge about their field of study. For example, organising webinars with experts, creating orientation booklets for alumni, and creating networking opportunities with potential employers.
Erasmus Mundus promotion: Any activity related to potential students of the EMJMD. This category includes answering emails and questions from prospective students, organising events with bachelor students to share information about EMJMDs, supporting prospective students in their application process, etc.
Social events: Organising meet-ups with peers, book clubs, picnics, etc.
Student support: In this category we included all the activities aimed at improving the experience of students during their EMJMD and solving issues that present during their studies. Amongst the activities reported we can mention orientation events for new students, orientation booklets to help students in their new cities, answering student questions, projects aimed at reducing issues such as racism and discrimination, mentorship programmes, etc.
EMA related activities: Activities that promote or improve EMA as an organisation. Being a connection between EMA and their programme. Activities that motivate alumni and students to become part of EMA.
After dividing all the reported activities into these different categories, the breakdown of activities is as follows:
Around one third of activities performed by PRs in 2021 were related to promotion of EMJMDs. Activities related with communication and student support were next in terms of amount completed (24%).
All of the PRs that reported activities also reported having positive results from these activities, such as an improvement in networks within their programme cohorts, an increase in the flow of information between students and programme staff, and a better understanding of the needs of the stakeholders of their EMJMDs.
Only two PRs reported receiving help (financial or otherwise) from their EMJMD, a partner university, or another organisation while completing these activities.
Planned Activities 2022
Active PRs reported between 1 and 5 activities planned for next year. Some PRs did not include any planned activities as they are in the process of handing over their position. Most of the activities planned are related to communication (26%), followed by Erasmus Mundus promotion (23%) and student support activities (21%).
Challenges and Suggestions
From the PRs that commented that they need help, the main aspects they need support with are:
More information and training about their role as PRs.
Opportunities to network with other PRs.
Classes or workshops to develop their skills (e.g. graphic design classes, web design, communication skills, etc)
Financial support for events.
Volunteer agreements.
Technical support (e.g. a platform to create their EMJMD’s web page or a zoom account without time limits to do webinars)
Despite challenges, some PRs have done an exemplary job, from which others PRs can learn and replicate in their respective programs. Examples:
Organise events and guides that can help incoming students in their first semester.
Coordinate webinars with alumni and experts so that students can have a wider perspective of their options after graduation.
Manage social media accounts and blogs to promote their EMJMD.
Promote EMA to their coordinators, alumni, and students.
Most PRs reported that they are self-sufficient and do not need help from EMA at the moment. In the future, EMA is looking at options to help support Programme Representatives financially, and we would also like to see EMJMD programmes offer more support for PR activities.
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