Student Elections
Elections are an important part of the university's governance. They provide opportunities for staff and students to contribute to decision making processes and help shape the future of the University.
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.
Notice of Elections
Notice of Election
Council
Student Elections
The University of Newcastle is to elect two students to the University Council for a one-year term, commencing 1 January 2027 and concluding 31 December 2027.
Nominations for the positions are now open and will close 5:00pm AEST, Monday 21 September 2026.
If required, an electronic ballot will be conducted.
Nomination Forms for Student Elections
- Nomination Form-Students-Council (PDF, 478.1 KB)
Last published: 24 Aug 2026 6:03pm
- Nomination Form-Students-Academic Senate (PDF, 719.1 KB)
Last published: 25 Aug 2026 9:56am
- Nomination Form-Students-College Boards (PDF, 787.5 KB)
Last published: 25 Aug 2026 9:56am
Available Positions
Council
Student Elections
| Category | Positions | Term |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate | 1 | one-year |
Postgraduate | 1 | one-year |
Eligibility
Council
Student Elections
To be eligible to nominate for election and serve as a student member of the University Council, a candidate must:
- be enrolled in a course and active in a program leading to an award of the University at the close of nominations and throughout the term of office; and
- not be employed on a full-time basis as a member of the academic or professional staff of the University or any of its controlled entities at the close of nominations and throughout the term of office.
The University Council also requires that candidates:
- be a fit and proper person to hold office as a member of Council and provide a TEQSA declaration including a confirmation that they have not previously been subject to any misconduct findings and are not currently subject to any relevant investigations; and
- be in good academic standing in accordance with the University's academic progress expectations.
Why Nominate
Council
Student Elections
As an elected student member of University Council, you will have the opportunity to represent the views and interests of the student community at the University's highest governing body. Student members contribute to important decisions about the University's strategy, governance and future direction.
This rewarding role allows you to make a meaningful impact on the University community, develop professional networks, and gain practical governance experience that will benefit your future career.
For further information, please see the Council and Elections webpages.
How to Nominate
Council
Student Elections
- Download and complete the Nomination Form and Fit and Proper Persons Declaration. There must be a separate Nomination Form for each candidate.
- Your nomination must be proposed, seconded and signed by two current students who are eligible for this election (see above) and belong to the student body of the position you are nominating for.
- You can include a statement (150 words or less) to support your nomination, together with a passport-size photograph. This will be distributed to voters in the event there are more eligible nominations received than positions available and a ballot is required.
- Submit your completed Nomination Form and Fit and Proper Persons Declaration to the University Secretary by 5:00 pm AEST on Monday 21 September 2026 via email to elections@newcastle.edu.au
Candidate statements must not include any offensive, defamatory or inappropriate content that may breach the University’s Student Code of Conduct. The University Secretary reserves the right to request that a statement be edited if it contains any inappropriate content or is longer than 150 words.
Contact
If you have any queries regarding this election, please email elections@newcastle.edu.au
Notice of Election
Academic Senate
Student Elections
The University of Newcastle is to elect 7 students to the Academic Senate for a one-year term, commencing 1 January 2027 and concluding 31 December 2027.
Nominations for the positions are now open and will close 5:00pm AEST, Monday 21 September 2026.
If required, an electronic ballot will be conducted.
Nomination Forms for Student Elections
- Nomination Form-Students-Council (PDF, 478.1 KB)
Last published: 24 Aug 2026 6:03pm
- Nomination Form-Students-Academic Senate (PDF, 719.1 KB)
Last published: 25 Aug 2026 9:56am
- Nomination Form-Students-College Boards (PDF, 787.5 KB)
Last published: 25 Aug 2026 9:56am
Available Positions
Academic Senate
Student Elections
| Category | Positions | Term |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate (any campus) | 2 | one-year |
Undergraduate (Non-Newcastle Campus) | 1 | one-year |
Postgraduate Coursework | 1 | one-year |
Postgraduate Higher Degree by Research | 1 | one-year |
International | 1 | one-year |
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander | 1 | one-year |
Eligibility
Academic Senate
Student Elections
To be eligible to nominate for election and serve as a student member of Academic Senate, a candidate must:
- be enrolled in a course and active in a program leading to an award of the University at the close of nominations and throughout the term of office.
The Academic Senate also requires that candidates:
- be a fit and proper person to hold office and provide a declaration including a confirmation that they have not previously been subject to any misconduct findings and are not currently subject to any relevant investigations; and
- be in good academic standing in accordance with the University's academic progress expectations.
Why Nominate
Academic Senate
Student Elections
As an elected student member of Academic Senate, you will play an important role in representing the student voice in discussions and decisions that shape the University's academic direction. Student members contribute to the consideration of matters relating to teaching and learning, the student experience, research training, academic policy, and academic quality.
This unique opportunity allows you to influence the University's academic future, contribute to effective academic governance, and help enhance the learning and research experience for current and future students.
For further information, please see the Academic Senate and Elections webpages.
How to Nominate
Academic Senate
Student Elections
- Download and complete the Nomination Form and Fit and Proper Persons Declaration.
- You can include a statement (150 words or less) to support your nomination, together with a passport sized photograph. The statement and photo will be distributed to voters in the event there are more eligible nominations received than positions available and a ballot is required.
- Submit your completed Nomination Form and Fit and Proper Persons Declaration to the University Secretary by 5:00 pm AEST on Monday 21 September 2026 via email to elections@newcastle.edu.au
Candidate statements must not include any offensive, defamatory or inappropriate content that may breach the University’s Student Code of Conduct. The University Secretary reserves the right to request that a statement be edited if it contains any inappropriate content or is longer than 150 words.
Contact
If you have any queries regarding this election, please email elections@newcastle.edu.au
Notice of Election
College Boards
Student Elections
The University of Newcastle is to elect 18 students to the College Boards for a one-year term, commencing 1 January 2027 and concluding 31 December 2027.
Nominations for the positions are now open and will close 5:00pm AEST, Monday 21 September 2026.
If required, an electronic ballot will be conducted.
Nomination Forms for Student Elections
- Nomination Form-Students-Council (PDF, 478.1 KB)
Last published: 24 Aug 2026 6:03pm
- Nomination Form-Students-Academic Senate (PDF, 719.1 KB)
Last published: 25 Aug 2026 9:56am
- Nomination Form-Students-College Boards (PDF, 787.5 KB)
Last published: 25 Aug 2026 9:56am
Available Positions
College Boards
Student Elections
| Category | Available | Term |
|---|---|---|
| COLLEGE OF HUMAN AND SOCIAL FUTURES BOARD | ||
Undergraduate | 2 | one-year |
Postgraduate Coursework | 2 | one-year |
Postgraduate Higher Degree by Research | 2 | one-year |
| COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT BOARD | ||
Undergraduate | 2 | one-year |
Postgraduate Coursework | 2 | one-year |
Postgraduate Higher Degree by Research | 2 | one-year |
| COLLEGE OF HEALTH, MEDICINE AND WELLBEING BOARD | ||
Undergraduate | 2 | one-year |
Postgraduate Coursework | 2 | one-year |
Postgraduate Higher Degree by Research | 2 | one-year |
Eligibility
College Boards
Student Elections
To be eligible to nominate for election and serve as a student member of the College Boards, a candidate must:
- be enrolled in a course and active in a program leading to an award of the University at the close of nominations and throughout the term of office.
The College Boards also require candidates to be:
- a fit and proper person to hold office and provide a declaration including a confirmation that they have not previously been subject to any misconduct findings and are not currently subject to any relevant investigations; and
- in good academic standing in accordance with the University's academic progress expectations.
Why Nominate
College Boards
Student Elections
Elected student members of College Boards play an important role in representing the student perspective in discussions and decisions relating to academic matters within their college.
Student members contribute to their Board's consideration of matters affecting teaching, learning, assessment, course and program development, academic procedures, and the overall student experience.
They provide valuable insight into how College decisions impact students and help ensure that student views are considered in the College's decision-making processes.
This role provides students with a unique opportunity to contribute to the academic governance of their College and help shape the educational experience of current and future students.
For further information, please see the College Boards and Elections webpages.
How to Nominate
College Boards
Student Elections
- Download and complete the Nomination Form and Fit and Proper Persons Declaration.
- You can include a statement (150 words or less) to support your nomination, together with a passport sized photograph. The statement and photo will be distributed to voters in the event there is more eligible nominations received than positions available and an electronic ballot is required.
- Submit your completed Nomination Form and Fit and Proper Persons Declaration to the University Secretary by 5:00 pm AEST on Monday 21 September 2026 via email to elections@newcastle.edu.au
Candidate statements must not include any offensive, defamatory or inappropriate content that may breach the University’s Student Code of Conduct. The University Secretary reserves the right to request that a statement be edited if it contains any inappropriate content or is longer than 150 words.
Contact
If you have any queries regarding this election, please email elections@newcastle.edu.au
Nomination Forms for Student Elections
- Nomination Form-Students-Council (PDF, 478.1 KB)
Last published: 24 Aug 2026 6:03pm
- Nomination Form-Students-Academic Senate (PDF, 719.1 KB)
Last published: 25 Aug 2026 9:56am
- Nomination Form-Students-College Boards (PDF, 787.5 KB)
Last published: 25 Aug 2026 9:56am
Questions?
Do you have questions relating to elections? You can find more resources and information on the elections webpage .
Contact
For further enquiries, 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.