Student Elections
Student elections are an important part of the university's governance. They provide opportunities for students to contribute to decision making processes and help shape the future of the University.
Elections for 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.
The University offers a range of opportunities for students to participate in committees that support teaching, learning, and core business operations. The student voice is vital and ensures that student perspectives are included in important University decisions.
Students elected to committees are expected to actively participate by attending meetings, reviewing meeting papers, and contributing thoughtfully to discussions. Representatives play an important role in sharing the broader student perspective and advocating on behalf of their peers.
Student representatives on the University Council, Academic Senate, and College Boards are appointed for a one-year term, from 1 January to 31 December.
Why Get Involved?
Notice of Elections
Notice of Ballot
Outcome of Student Elections
OUTCOME OF ELECTION OF STUDENT MEMBERS TO THE UNIVERSITY COUNCIL
NOTICE OF ELECTION RESULTS
The University of Newcastle is to elect one postgraduate and one undergraduate student member to the University Council for a one-year term of office, commencing from 1 January 2026.
One Postgraduate Student Member to University Council
At the close of the nomination period, two valid nominations were received for the one available position. Consequently, an optional preferential electronic ballot was conducted.
The successful candidate was Laura Dowling.
One Undergraduate Student Member to University Council
At the close of the nomination period, eight valid nominations were received for the one available position. Consequently, an optional preferential electronic ballot was conducted.
The successful candidate was Ivana Pedruco Aniceto.
Contact
If you have any queries regarding this election, please email elections@newcastle.edu.au
OUTCOME OF ELECTION – NOTICE OF ELECTION RESULTS – Students to Academic Senate
Nominations were called to elect students of the University for 7 available positions on the Academic Senate for a term of office of one year commencing 1 January 2026.
Undergraduate (Newcastle Campus) position x 2
At the close of the nomination period, eighteen valid nominations were received for the two student positions available to be elected as an Undergraduate position from a Newcastle Campus location to the Academic Senate, for a term of one year. Consequently, an optional preferential electronic ballot was conducted.
The successful candidates were:
- Omotola Abimbola; and
- Imogen Reid.
Undergraduate (non-Newcastle Campus) position x 1
At the close of the nomination period, one valid nomination was received for the one student position available to be elected as an Undergraduate position from a non-Newcastle Campus location to the Academic Senate, for a term of one year.
The successful candidate unopposed candidate was:
- Marie Ferguson
Postgraduate Coursework position x 1
At the close of the nomination period, three valid nominations were received for the one student position available to be elected as a Postgraduate Coursework position to the Academic Senate, for a term of one year. Consequently, an optional preferential electronic ballot was conducted.
The successful candidate was:
- Cheryl Johanna Meeran
Postgraduate Higher Degree Research position x 1
At the close of the nomination period, one valid nomination was received for the one student position available to be elected as a Postgraduate Higher Degree Research position to the Academic Senate, for a term of one year.
The successful unopposed candidate was:
- Thomas Tildsley
International position x 1
At the close of the nomination period, three valid nominations were received for the one student position available to be elected as a International position to the Academic Senate, for a term of one year. Consequently, an optional preferential electronic ballot was conducted. The successful candidate was Cheryl Johanna Meeran.
Cheryl Johanna Meeran was successful in the ballot across two categories (Postgraduate Coursework and International). The successful candidate indicated her preference to be assigned to the Postgraduate Coursework position. Consequently, the International student position was declared elected to the candidate with the next highest number of votes.
The successful candidate was:
- Ashutosh Chugh
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position x 1
At the close of the nomination period, no valid nominations were received for the one student position available to be elected as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position to the Academic Senate, for a term of one year. This position will now be filled by appointment.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any queries regarding this election, please email elections@newcastle.edu.au
OUTCOME OF ELECTION - NOTICE OF ELECTION RESULTS - Students to College Boards
Nominations were called to elect students of the University to College Boards for a term of office of one year commencing from 1 January 2026.
Notice of Result
At the close of the nomination period, one student was elected unopposed. Three ballots were held and six students were declared elected. A full overview of the College Board election results can be found here.
College Board - Engineering, Science and Environment (Undergraduate x 2)
At the close of the nomination period, six valid nominations were received for the two available student positions to be elected as an Undergraduate student position on the College of Engineering, Science and Environment College Board for a term of one year. Consequently, an optional preferential electronic ballot was conducted.
The successful candidates were:
- Ella Feeney
- Jessica Wilcox
College Board - Health, Medicine and Wellbeing (Undergraduate x 2)
At the close of the nomination period, three valid nominations were received for the two available student positions to be elected as an Undergraduate student position on the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing College Board for a term of one year. Consequently, an optional preferential electronic ballot was conducted.
The successful candidates were:
- Omotola Abimbola
- Gemma Jain
College Board - Human and Social Futures (Undergraduate x 2)
At the close of the nomination period, six valid nominations were received for the two available student positions to be elected as an Undergraduate student position on the College of Human and Social Futures College Board for a term of one year. Consequently, an optional preferential electronic ballot was conducted.
The successful candidates were:
- Tia Lambert
- Mitchel Tapera
Contact
If you have any queries regarding this election, please email elections@newcastle.edu.au
Questions?
Do you have questions relating to elections? You can find more resources and information on the elections webpage .
- Student Elections - Frequently Asked Questions
- Electioneering Guidelines for Student Candidates
- Elections Webpage
- Student Code of Conduct
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.