Roles and expectations

You will be expected to prepare for classes in advance by reading any relevant class and/or demonstrator material provided by the floor leader. 

There are forty five minutes paid time allocated for this for each new class you are involved with. For example, if you do two repeats of the same practical lab you will be paid for one forty five minute reading material preparation time.

You will be expected to make yourself available for course specific training and meetings. You will be made aware of these by the course organiser or floor leader. They can be in person or online (Teams). These are paid at the normal demonstrator’s rate.    

You will be expected to set a good example to students both in terms of academic and social behaviour.

Arrive at your designated class in good time - preferably 5-10 minutes before the students.  

• Classes usually start for students 10 minutes passed the hour.
• You will get paid for the full hour so you will be paid for arriving before the students.

Be aware that your floor leader may brief you on any changes to the class, safety issues and /or ask you to help set up the room

• Your floor leader will allocate you a bench or table.  When the class starts please go to your allocated bench/table.
• Often a floor leader will give an introduction to the class, be attentive during this period.
• Help seat any late comers and note/draw attention to the floor leader after any introduction
• During this introduction do not use your mobile phone and do not chat with other demonstrators. This can be distracting for both floor leader and students (lead by example).

During the session actively move between students and interact by checking that they are ok. You can check there understanding by asking open questions.

• Respond to questions or requests for assistance (usually indicated by students raising their hand).
• Try to avoid answering academic questions directly. Initially attempt to stimulate the student to think for themselves by asking open questions.
• After allowing the student to think, you can return to the student and check if their issue was resolved. If not continue to assist and if necessary directly answer questions, but try and refer to the source of information the students should/could have used e.g. Floor leader introduction or the practical /workshop guide.

If you are unsure of anything please ask your floor leader

When your batch of students have finished do not leave the lab without checking with your floor leader.

If you are still within the allocated time for the teaching session you may ask your floor leader if it is ok to leave. However, they may want you to help with additional tasks:

• This may include tidying the room and collecting class materials.  
• Getting students to help tidy benches in laboratory based practicals is common.
• Please follow the lab rules on waste disposal (use the appropriate waste bins and beakers) and ensure that during any tidy up period that you and your students continue to wear any safety equipment (gloves, safety glasses).

If your allocated session time is complete, it is polite to let your floor leader know that you are leaving. Engage in any discussion with floor leader and provide feedback where appropriate.  Additional hours beyond the scheduled time should not be claimed, it is the responsibility of the Course Organiser to ensure the session runs to time.

Sign the demonstrator attendance sheet (essential for timely payment). 

Be prepared

If there are any known potential safety issues in any particular session (usually in wet laboratory situations) you should have been made aware of them and the most suitable response to that situation is, in your demonstrator notes and training. 

This is another good reason to make sure you prepare in advance for any given class. 

What you should do if a safety issues arises or an accident occurs 

If you have received information regarding actions as part of your course specific training, follow these instructions.

1. In general the first step is to make sure that you and your students are safe and removed from physical danger.
2. Alert the floor leader and/or technical staff. Alert whoever is closest and most able to respond quickly.
3. Do not put your self or allow a student to be in danger in order to recover work, equipment or personal items.
4. Follow any instructions from floor leaders/technical staff in order to keep yourself and your students safe.

If a student becomes ill or feels unwell during a session

• Alert your floor leader immediately. If necessary, named first aiders associated with buildings and labs will be contacted.
• As the floor leader has to ensure the safety and well being of the whole class you may be asked to stay with the student to provide support until suitable actions can be taken or staff can be contacted.  If you do not feel comfortable doing this please tell your floor leader immediately.   

As a demonstrator you will be in direct face to face contact with many of our undergraduate students.  This means that you will encounter an array of personalities and emotional states.  

The first thing to remember is that the floor leader in any particular session has the ultimate responsibility of care for the students in that class. 

However, your role will often allow you to be aware of distressed students before the floor leader. 

What to do if you encounter a distressed or struggling student

In any conversation about mental health and pastoral support you should refer your student to their ‘student advisor’.  Student advisors are trained staff who’s role is to offer help and pastoral support to our students. This is their main role and so they are best placed to offer the most suitable help and advice.

There are many reasons why undergraduate students may initiate discussion about or disclose information that relates to their well being to a demonstrator.  For example, your age and gender may be more relatable to them than the floor leader. 

• If this occurs and only if you feel comfortable you can engage and offer comfort from one human to another (who can also relate to the stressors of student life). You may also want to offer some perspective from your experience as a student.
• However, do not engage in any conversations that you are personally not comfortable with. Refer the student to their student advisor.  As soon as you can, but when appropriate, report the situation to the floor leader. You are not personally responsible for that student. 

Your floor leader is also responsible for the wellbeing and care of their demonstrators.

Reporting Issues

If you encounter issues with the classes, students or other demonstrators that is causing you distress you should: 

• Report this to your floor leader as soon as you can.
• If you would prefer to inform the ‘demonstrator academic lead’ - see the 'contact us' link below.

Dignity and Respect

All students and staff sign up to a university code of conduct and as such have responsibility for their behaviour and how they interact with other members of the University.  

University dignity and respect policies and contacts

Access the University's wellbeing services