Student elections? You might be thinking of UNSA. But no, we’re talking about something different! UNSA holds elections for its committee and team positions, but the University also offers students opportunities to join committees that impact teaching, learning, and the functioning of the university as a whole.
The student elections offer many roles and positions for students to have a say in different areas of the university. These areas include the University Council, the Academic Senate, and College Boards, with roles available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and higher degree research students. These roles run from 1 January to 31 December and provide opportunities to meet new people, learn new skills, and influence key university decisions.
What do elected student representatives do?
Responsibilities include attending meetings, reviewing meeting papers, and discussing agenda items to share diverse perspectives and represent students at a higher level. They ensure that a range of student voices are heard in discussions about what’s happening, changing, and improving at the university. Student representatives allow current students to share their unique insights and ideas for improvement, which is crucial as the university evolves in response to the fast-paced world around us.
One student who has made a significant impact is Lucas Dowling, who held the role of Student Member on the University Council from 2021 to 2023. Lucas reflects on his time in this influential position and offers insights into what it’s like to represent student voices at the highest level of university decision-making:
A student’s perspective: Lucas Dowling on his time as student member of university council
Why did you nominate for Student Member of the University Council?
I nominated for the Student Member of the University Council for several reasons. I wanted to give back to my student community, including advocating for their interests and making decisions in the best interests of the university – with an outstanding student experience at its core. For me, this meant ensuring our university was equipped to deal with the return to campus post-COVID, expanding student representation throughout the university, and ensuring our university had the cost of living crisis firmly in its sights.
What type of jobs or tasks do you do in your position? What was your position all about?
The role had two distinct facets:
- Director of the University, including reading papers presented to the University Council and its committees, attending both Council and Committee meetings, providing both a student and general director perspective on the matters before Council, and bringing matters to the Council’s attention.
- Ceremonial: Members of the University Council also have a ceremonial role; attending graduations, university philanthropic and community events, and representing the university. Some of my favourite memories from my time on the University Council include attending graduations (including 15 graduations in the end of year 2023 graduations) which provide a critical reminder of why universities exist in the first place.
Are there any benefits to being on the University Council?
Holding a position as the Student Member of the University Council had a number of benefits:
- Getting involved with the student community and advocating for the student experience and broader university.
- Up-skilling: Communication, inter-personal, governance and strategy, and access to professional development provided by the Council.
Current positions available for the 2025 term of service include:
Council
1 x Undergraduate
1 x Postgraduate
Senate
3 x Undergraduate students (one of whom must be from a non-Newcastle campus location)
1 x Postgraduate Coursework student
1 x Postgraduate Higher Degree Research student
1 x international student
1 x Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student
College Boards
6 x Undergraduate students (2 students from each College)
6 x Postgraduate Coursework students (2 students from each College)
6 x Postgraduate Higher Degree Research students (2 students from each College)
How does it all work?
The elections run in two phases: nominations and voting.
Phase 1 is the nomination and awareness phase, where students can nominate themselves, express their interest, and promote their candidacy for student representation. This phase is open now and closes on 25 September at 5 pm.
Phase 2 is voting. The university uses an optional preferential voting system, with ballots counted according to longstanding conventions. Phase 2 runs from 8 October to 22 October. Once representatives are chosen, they will be notified and will start their term of service on 1 January, 2025.
How do you nominate yourself for a position?
Visit the Student Elections webpage or email elections@newcastle.edu.au for more information or to express your interest. On the webpage, dropdown boxes provide details on each role and the nomination process. You can nominate for all positions you are interested in and eligible for, increasing your chances of becoming a voice for students across the university. The elections webpage also includes an FAQ PDF to offer further clarification on frequently asked questions.
Have your say as a student at the University of Newcastle! Enjoy the benefits of meeting new people, gaining new skills, and making a difference with your unique perspective. This is a great opportunity to have a voice in important university decisions while building valuable experience. Check out the nomination process and eligibility to get started as a potential student representative for 2025!