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Student representation

Student representation

Student representatives are at the core of the University of Wollongong's partnership with students. We actively seek student representatives because we believe you should be part of the decisions that shape your learning, teaching and overall experience at the University.

Why student representation is important

Student representation provides opportunities for students and staff to work in partnership to address key challenges facing the student cohort.  

At UOW, student representation takes a variety of forms such as formal representation on Academic Governance bodies including Academic Senate and its’ Subcommittees, University Council, Faculty Committees and the Student Advisory Council. It also includes informal occasions for the student perspective to be heard, such as through clubs and societies, working groups and focus groups. 

At UOW, we believe students are equal partners in their higher education journey. This is solidified in the Students as Partners Agreement, signed by the Vice-Chancellor and Student Advisory Council Chair in 2021. In this agreement, the University has agreed to engage more deeply with students as trusted partners in learning, teaching, curriculum and campus life. 

How to get involved

Turn your insights, ideas and stories about the UOW experience into real action that shapes what matters to students. 

Join the UOW Community of Student Partners to get first access to opportunities that will bring your voice to projects and decisions affecting campus life.

Think. Act. Represent.

Join the community

Formal representation opportunities

These are a mix of elected and nominated student representation roles delivered through recognised student groups that formally engage with the University.

There are a number of 2026 Student Representative positions open for recruitment, of varying levels of commitment and covering different areas of university life.

1. Student Advisory Council

We strongly encourage you to explore the Student Advisory Council (SAC), its purpose, structure, current members, and the responsibilities involved. Joining the SAC is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact at UOW and develop your leadership skills. That said, it’s a significant commitment. Be sure to reflect on whether you have the time, energy, and drive to contribute fully before submitting your EOI.

Position/s Scope
ASB (formerly ASSH/ BAL) Faculty Postgraduate Representative

Student studying a postgraduate research qualification in the Faculty of Arts, Society and Business (ASB).

Faculty Representative to Faculty Research Committee and other faculty committees, ex-officio on Student Advisory Council.
Casual appointment until next annual election cycle. 
Southern Highlands Campus  Casual appointment to Student Advisory Council only

2. University Council Undergraduate Representative Casual Vacancy 

The University Council is the governing authority of the University. It oversees strategy, performance, finances, risk, compliance and plays a central role in shaping the University’s future. As a Council member, you will represent undergraduate students at the highest level of decision-making and may also serve on Council committees.

This is an excellent opportunity to:

  • contribute to the University’s strategic direction 
  • gain experience in governance and leadership 
  • represent the interests of undergraduate students

Who can apply?

Undergraduate students enrolled in a UOW degree.

To request an Expression of Interest form, email uow-elections@uow.edu.au. Completed forms must be submitted to the Returning Officer, Alyssa White, by 5.00pm Friday 6 March.

Following the close of nominations, eligible candidates will be presented to Council, which will elect the successful candidate at its meeting on 20 March 2026.

More information about Council and this opportunity is available on the Council website.

Other student partnership opportunities

Actively participate by attending student events and asking questions, sharing views through survey responses and joining student insight sessions is a powerful way to have your voice heard and partner with UOW.

To see what’s coming up and how you can get involved, check out UOW Student Feedback.

Some examples of student voice and partnership experiences can be found below.

In a large first-year Anatomy and Physiology subject, a small student representative group helped surface what students were finding challenging and improve the learning experience. It worked best when everyone kept things open and respectful through treating students as equal partners, explaining the “why” behind decisions, and helping representatives share feedback from the wider cohort in a constructive way.

Students standing around a table

UOW staff partnered with design students to co-create Ride with Respect, a campaign made with students, for students, to promote safety and encourage active bystander action.

Over 8 weeks, students helped shape the brand, messaging and creative materials such as posters and decals, using their real experiences on campus to guide the ideas.

A poster at a bus stop

Student Voice Australasia (SVA)

Thanks to SSAF funding, UOW is a 2026 institutional member of Student Voice Australasia (SVA). SVA is the peak body for higher education institutions with a commitment to strong student partnership culture and best practice. This gives UOW access to the rich community of student and staff experts on representation models, governance frameworks and operating systems that underpin a thriving student experience informed by student voice.

We welcome you to read more about UOW’s commitment to Students and Staff Partnerships and the great work of SVA.  You’re encouraged to reach out to the Student Representation team via student-partners@uow.edu.au if you’d like to learn more.

Student Voice Australia logo

Promoting and supporting student voice, partnership and representation to all UOW students is proudly supported by SSAF funding. 

SSAF Funded Logo