Student Elections
Elections for student positions on University Council, Academic Senate and College Boards are conducted by Council and Records Management with the University Secretary being the Returning Officer.
The University has a range of opportunities for students to become involved in Committees that contribute to the teaching, learning and the business of the University.
The student voice is an important voice in University matters and ensures that students are able to have a say in important decisions. The University seeks students for membership on committees who want to:
- meet new people;
- learn new skills; and
- effect change at the University.
Students who are elected to a Committee need to attend meetings, read the meeting papers and be prepared to discuss items at the meetings and share their perspective as a student.
Student representatives on University Council, Academic Senate and College Boards serve for a period of one year from 1 January to 31 December.
Joining such groups allows you to expand your network and is a great environment in which to learn the various skills which are invaluable once in the workforce, such as:
- team work
- negotiation
- leadership
- organisation
- financial management
- committee processes
- understanding of the importance of good governance for the effective running of an organisation
- understanding your role and responsibilities as a director or member of a board or Council
The long‐term benefits of the student governance experience have been proven in various studies that show:
- the positive impact of student involvement is evident in overall student excellence, leadership, job placement and potential job success
- the more a student gets involved in the academic life of an institution, the greater the acquisition of knowledge and development of skills
All students eligible to nominate for open positions are sent an email to their student email account at the beginning of each nomination period outlining the nomination process. You will need to fill in a nomination form and send it to the Student Elections team. The process is specified for each election period.
You will be advised of any elections in which you are eligible to vote via email. In the majority of cases, voting occurs through the 'Surveys' function in the myUON portal. This will be confirmed in each election. Your vote is always confidential.
Register of Intending Members
Are you interested in becoming a student member?
You don't need to wait. You can have your name listed any time on the Register of Intending Members. All you need to do is send an email to elections@newcastle.edu.au and provide your contact details and what Committee / Board you are interested in. The Deputy Returning Officer will contact you whenever there are vacancies for which you are eligible.
Nomination Forms
Nomination forms are created for each election and can be found under the 'Current Elections' section shortly before nominations open.
Rules, Legislation and Resources
University of Newcastle Act 1989
University of Newcastle By-law 2017
Constitution of the Academic Senate
College Board Terms of Reference
Fact Sheets
Student positions on Academic Senate
Student positions on College Boards
Generation Governance
Generation Governance is a free online course for student leaders that provides tips and tools for running a successful student organisation.
Current Student Elections
Nominations for student positions on University Council, Academic Senate and College Boards open on 16 August 2021.
Recent Election Results
Questions?
Do you have questions relating to elections? Read the Student Elections – Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet. Additional information can be found above in the 'Student Election Information and Resources' section.
Contact
Contact the Deputy Returning Officer for all election questions 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.