Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Elected Representation
The University of Newcastle Council is the highest governing body at the University. In 2025, its elected membership included undergraduate and postgraduate students, academic staff and non-academic (professional) staff, ensuring that all three groups had a democratic voice in the University’s highest-level decision-making.
Elected representation on University Council
The University’s Governance Rule in place during 2025 provided for five elected Council members: two elected by academic staff, one by non-academic staff, one by undergraduate students and one by postgraduate students. Representatives are chosen by their respective constituencies rather than appointed to these elected positions by University management.
University staff and student elections are coordinated by Legal and Governance Services, with the University Secretary acting as Returning Officer. Elected Council members contribute to the governance body responsible for University strategy, oversight, accountability and major policy decisions.
Undergraduate and postgraduate representation in 2025
At its meeting on 30 August 2024, University Council approved an increase in student representation to include separate undergraduate and postgraduate elected places from 1 January 2025. Both positions were represented during 2025 by:
- Mr Jacob Carson – elected undergraduate student member, serving until 31 December 2025.
- Ms Laura Dowling – elected postgraduate student member, with a term beginning 1 January 2025.
Both students were elected as members for 2025 and participated in Council meetings during the year.
Laura Dowling, elected postgraduate student member of University Council in 2025.
Elected academic and professional staff in 2025
The 2025 Council membership record also confirms two elected academic staff members, Professor Brendan Boyle and Dr Annika Westrenius, and non-academic staff representation. Ms Shireen Syed served in the professional staff position in the first part of 2025, followed by Ms Wendy Taggart during the remainder of the year.
The University’s 2025 financial statements record the change in the non-academic staff representative during June 2025. The elected structure meant staff perspectives from both teaching and research and professional operations were directly represented in Council deliberations.
Participation and accountable governance
Throughout 2025, a total of eight scheduled Council meetings were recorded, with participation by representatives from each elected category. These records provide a public account of how elected members contributed to institutional oversight during 2025.
By maintaining elected representation for students, academics and professional staff on its highest governing body, the University of Newcastle supports inclusive, accountable decision-making. This structure gives the people who study and work at the University a formal opportunity to contribute to its direction.
Risk Services
Risk Services plays a key role in supporting the University's integrated risk management framework by helping identify, assess, and manage risks to ensure informed decision-making and the achievement of strategic objectives.
Staff play a key role in risk management and success by identifying and managing risks as well as sourcing and maximising opportunities within their work area.
Records Governance Services
Records Governance Services is responsible for ensuring that the University meets its records and information management obligations in line with legislative requirements, in particular with the NSW State Records Act 1998. RGS provides advice, education and support and can assist with implementing best practice records and information management programs throughout the University.
Governance Support
The Governance and Assurance Services plays a pivotal role in enabling effective decision-making by providing strategic advice and operational support to the Governing Bodies of the University, including the Council, Academic Senate, and Executive Leadership Team.
Policy and Delegation
The University of Newcastle Policy Library is the authoritative source for the University’s policy documents.
Insurance
The University maintains relevant and appropriate insurance to protect and cover the core activities of staff, students, business and related entities. You may be covered by the University's insurance if you are undertaking officially approved activities related to your work or study.
Internal audit
Internal Audit is an independent and objective advisory service designed to improve the University’s operations and assist in the achievement of the Looking Ahead Strategic Plan (2020-2025).
Fraud and Corruption
All staff are responsible for contributing to the prevention, detection and response to fraud and corruption within their area, and for ensuring compliance with relevant University Rules, Policies and Procedures.
Incident management
The University has plans in place to manage the risks associated with, and maximise the ability to recover from unforeseen and disruptive events such as natural disasters, loss of critical infrastructure or pandemics.
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.