Student vs Staff Debate
A blue-tinted photograph from the 1990's showing a full lecture theatre with student debaters at the front of the room talking to the audience.
Join us for a spirited and entertaining showdown as students and staff switch sides in a debate that dares to question the status quo. In this year’s “Student vs Staff Debate,” we ask: Is the way we learn stuck in the past?
Our student team will defend the virtues of chalkboards, textbooks, and timeless teaching, while staff will argue for tossing out the old rulebook in favour of innovation, flexibility, and future-focused learning. Expect witty arguments, unexpected alliances, and a few good-natured jabs as both sides battle it out.
Moderated by the Honourable Patricia Forsythe AM, Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, the debate will feature:
Student Team (Defending Traditional Learning):
- Dylan Roth – Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Ester Townsend – Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science
- Ryan Muir – Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Ellen Parker – Senior Manager Education and Innovation, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing (staff scribe*)
Staff Team (Championing Future-Focused Learning):
- Mark Trevaskis – Chief Executive Officer, University of Newcastle Students' Association (UNSA)
- Loren Collyer – Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy and Leadership
- Nick Stevens – Manager Pre-Start-up Programs, Integrated Innovation Network (I2N)
- Nicole Creen – Bachelor of Media and Communication (student scribe*)
*The scribe is each team’s dedicated note-taker and strategist, capturing key arguments, clever comebacks, and memorable moments to ensure nothing important - or entertaining - is missed.
As part of the Festival of Autonomy and in celebration of 60 years of the University of Newcastle, this debate is more than just fun - it’s a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and imagine what the next 60 years of education might look like.
Open to students, staff, and alumni, this event promises laughs, lively discussion, and a fresh perspective on what education really means today. Come for the debate, stay for the banter - and cast your vote for the winning team! Plus, student attendees can count this event towards the iLEAD program.
Event Information
- Date: Friday 1 August 2025 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm
- Location: Bar on the Hill, Callaghan Campus
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.