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 2027 Student Representative positions open for recruitment, of varying levels of commitment and covering different areas of university life.

1. Student Representative 2027 - Casual Vacancies

These positions for 2027 have become available as current elected candidates will not be able to fulfill the role until the next election. If selected to one of these positions, you will hold the role for one year, until the next formal election occurs. These positions involve participating in formal meetings and working with university staff to represent the voice of students.

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
Academic Senate Committee - Research and Graduate Research Committee HDR x2

Students enrolled as HDR candidates for research or coursework.

This role has an ex officio position on SAC.
Academic Senate Committee - Teaching and Learning Undergraduate Student Representative

Students enrolled in an undergraduate qualification within any faculty at UOW.

This role has an ex officio position on SAC.
Arts, Society and Business (ASB) Onshore International Student Representative

Students enrolled as an onshore international student studying within the faculty of Arts, Society and Business.

This role has an ex officio position on SAC.
Arts, Society and Business Undergraduate (ASB) Student Representative

Students studying an undergraduate qualification within the faculty of Arts, Society and Business.

This role has an ex officio position on SAC.
Engineering and Information Sciences (EIS) Undergraduate Student Representative

Students currently studying an undergraduate qualification within the faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences.

This role has an ex officio position on SAC.
Engineering and Information Sciences (EIS) Postgraduate Student Representative

Students currently studying a postgraduate qualification within the faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences.

This role has an ex officio position on SAC.
Engineering and Information Sciences (EIS) Onshore International Student Representative

Students enrolled as an onshore international student studying a qualification within the faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences.

This role has an ex officio position on SAC.
Science, Medicine and Health (SMAH) Onshore International Student Representative

Students enrolled as an onshore international student studying a qualification within the faculty of Science, Medicine and Health.

This role has an ex officio position on SAC.
Science, Medicine and Health (SMAH) Postgraduate Student Representative

Students currently studying a postgraduate qualification within the faculty of Science, Medicine and Health.

This role has an ex officio position on SAC.
University Residences

This role has an ex officio position on SAC.

2. PULSE Advisory Committee

Got thoughts on campus life? We’re all ears.

From events and UniBar food to clubs, volunteering and everything in between — if you’ve got ideas, opinions, or ways we can improve, we want to hear from you.

We’re forming the Pulse Advisory Committee (PAC) and looking for students who want to help shape the Pulse experience for everyone at UOW.

By submitting an Expression of Interest, you’ll have the chance to:

  • Share real feedback directly with the Pulse team
  • Influence events, activities and programs on campus
  • Help make student life more fun, inclusive and engaging

PAC catch-ups are catered, and participants receive Duck Bucks to spend on campus as a thank you for their time.

If you care about improving campus life or have ideas to share, submit an Expression of Interest and get involved.

Register your interest

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.

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