Elections
Elections are an important part of the University's governance, providing staff and students with opportunities to contribute to decision-making processes and represent the interests of their peers.
Elections for staff and student positions on the University Council, Academic Senate, and College Boards are conducted by Legal and Governance Services, with the University Secretary acting as the Returning Officer.
Why Get Involved?
The University offers a range of opportunities for staff and students to participate in committees that support teaching, learning, research, and core business operations. As an elected representative, you can contribute to important discussions and decisions, bring the perspectives of staff and students to the table, and play an active role in the University's governance. It is also an opportunity to gain valuable experience, develop professional and leadership skills, and build meaningful connections across the University community.
Check election status
Staff and Student Positions
Positions for the University Council
Staff
Category | Position | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 year term | Any academic staff (Level A-E) |
Non-Academic Staff | 1 x 2 year term | Any professional or non-academic teaching staff |
Students
Category | Position | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate Student | 1 x 1 year term | Any undergraduate course or program |
Postgraduate Student | 1 x 1 year term | Any postgraduate course or program |
Term for the University Council
Staff
The term of office for staff positions on the University Council is two years, commencing from 1 September and concluding 31 August.
Students
The term of office for student positions on the University Council is one year, commencing from 1 January and concluding 31 December.
Eligibility for the University Council
Staff
- Employed by the University at the close of nominations
- Includes contingent, continuing or fixed-term staff
- Excludes casual, sessional or conjoint arrangements
- Must meet TEQSA “fit and proper person” requirements
Students
- Enrolled in a course and active in a program leading to an award for the full term
- Must not be employed full-time by the University
- Must meet TEQSA “fit and proper person” requirements
Positions for the Academic Senate
Staff
Category | Position | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
Academic Staff (President) | 1 x 3 years | D or E |
Academic Staff (Deputy President) | 1 x 2 years | D or E |
Academic Staff | 3 x 2 years | A, B or C from College HSF |
Academic Staff | 3 x 2 years | A, B or C from College ESE |
Academic Staff | 3 x 2 years | A, B or C from College HMW |
Academic Staff | 3 x 2 years | D or E from College HSF |
Academic Staff | 3 x 2 years | D or E from College ESE |
Academic Staff | 3 x 2 years | D or E from College HMW |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Elected academic staff from CHSF Board |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Elected academic staff from CESE Board |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Elected academic staff from CHMW Board |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | A, B, C, D or E from PALS |
Academic Staff | 1 x 2 years | A, B or C from Non-Newcastle Campus Location |
Academic Staff | 1 x 2 years | D or E from Non-Newcastle Campus Location |
Students
Category | Position | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate | 2 x 1 year | Any location |
Undergraduate | 1 x 1 year | From a Non-Newcastle Campus Location |
Postgraduate (CW) | 1 x 1 year | Any Postgraduate Coursework Program |
Postgraduate (HDR) | 1 x 1 year | Any Postgraduate HDR Program |
International | 1 x 1 year | Any Course or Program |
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander | 1 x 1 year | Any Course or Program |
Term for the Academic Senate
Staff
The term of office for staff positions on the Academic Senate commences from 1 January and concludes 31 December.
Students
The term of office for student positions on the Academic Senate is one year, commencing from 1 January and concluding 31 December.
Eligibility for the Academic Senate
Staff
- Employed by the University at the close of nominations
- Includes contingent, continuing or fixed-term staff
- Excludes casual, sessional or conjoint arrangements
- Must meet TEQSA “fit and proper person” requirements
Students
- Enrolled in a course and active in a program leading to an award for the full term
- Must meet TEQSA “fit and proper person” requirements
Positions for the College Boards
Staff
Category | Position | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Any level from School of Architecture and Built Environment |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Any level from School of Engineering |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Any level from School of Science |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Any level from School of Computer and Information Sciences |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Any level from School of Education |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Any level from School of HCISS |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Any level from Newcastle Business School |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Any level from School of Law and Justice |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Any level from School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Any level from School of Health Sciences |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Any level from School of Medicine and Public Health |
Academic Staff | 2 x 2 years | Any level from School of Nursing and Midwifery |
Students
Category | Position | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate | 2 x 1 year | Any Undergraduate Course or Program from College HSF |
Postgraduate (CW) | 2 x 1 year | Any Postgraduate Coursework Program from College HSF |
Postgraduate (HDR) | 2 x 1 year | Any Postgraduate HDR Program from College HSF |
Undergraduate | 2 x 1 year | Any Course or Program from College ESE |
Postgraduate (CW) | 2 x 1 year | Any Postgraduate Coursework Program from College ESE |
Postgraduate (HDR) | 2 x 1 year | Any Postgraduate HDR Program from College ESE |
Undergraduate | 2 x 1 year | Any Course or Program from College HMW |
Postgraduate (CW) | 2 x 1 year | Any Postgraduate Coursework Program from College HMW |
Postgraduate (HDR) | 2 x 1 year | Any Postgraduate HDR Program from College HMW |
Term for the College Boards
Staff
The term of office for staff positions on the College Boards is two years, commencing from 1 January and concluding 31 December.
Students
The term of office for student positions on the College Boards is one year, commencing from 1 January and concluding 31 December.
Eligibility for the College Boards
Staff
- Employed by the University at the close of nominations
- Includes contingent, continuing or fixed-term staff
- Excludes casual, sessional or conjoint arrangements
- Must meet TEQSA “fit and proper person” requirements
Students
- Enrolled in a course and active in a program leading to an award for the full term
- Must meet TEQSA “fit and proper person” requirements
Positions
Category | Position | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
Staff | 1 x 3 year term | Any staff member of the University |
Term
The term of office for the staff position on the NUsport Board is three years, commencing from 30 October.
Eligibility
- Employed by the University as a staff member at the close of nominations and for the three year term
Positions
Category | Position | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
Academic Staff | 1 x 4 year term | Any level, member of UniSuper Fund. |
Non-Academic Staff | 1 x 4 year term | Any HEW level, member of UniSuper Fund. |
Term
The term of office for both academic and non-academic staff positions on the UniSuper Consultative Committee is four years, commencing from 20 September.
Eligibility
- Member of the UniSuper Fund
- Employed by the University on a continuing or fixed-term basis
- Excludes casual, sessional or conjoint arrangements
Key Resources
Frequently Asked Questions - Staff
Frequently Asked Questions - Students
Staff Positions on the University Council
Electioneering Guidelines
Vote Counting Guidelines
Additional Resources
Conduct, Fitness and Propriety
Relevant Legislation
Key Dates
Register of Intending Members
Have your name listed on the Register of Intending Members by emailing the Deputy Returning Officer, providing your contact details, including staff / student status and which governing body you are interested in.
The Deputy Returning Officer will contact you whenever there are vacancies for which you are eligible.
Contact
Contact the Deputy Returning Officer on elections@newcastle.edu.au
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.