Student Senate
Who Are We?
We’re the Student Senate, your student go-to for getting things done. We're all about creating a culture that represents you, actively participating in university decision-making, and adding some unforgettable experiences to your student journey.
What We Do?
We take action. We are the link between you and the University; we empower students to shape their university experience, from identifying gaps in student voice to organising student activities to boost student participation.
How Can You Get Involved?
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2024 Student Senate Representatives are as follows:
| Position | Name |
| Co-Chairperson/s | Lisa Connolly, Pranima Thapa |
| Undergraduate Student Representative | Pranima Thapa |
| Postgraduate Coursework Student Representative | |
| Higher Degree Research Student Representative | Md Anamul Islam |
| First Nations Student Representative | Andrew Gower |
| International Student Representative | Esther Rachel Shajan |
| Sport Student Representative | Shreyash Bhattarai |
| Disability and Inclusion Student Representative | Lisa Connolly |
| Residential Colleges Student Representative | Taylah Hoffman |
| LGBTIQA+ Student Representative | Taz Clifford |
| Sustainability Student Representative | Andrew Peach |
| Equity Student Representative | Tanner Gill |
| Toowoomba Campus Student Representative | |
| Ipswich Campus Student Representative | Tiarn Barton-Ilic |
| Springfield Campus Student Representative | Amaany Shiyam |
| Online Student Representative | Gracia Khouri |
Appointed Senate Representatives
| Position | Name |
| SRC Co-Chairperson/s | Shaima Chowdhury Sharna, Zachary Vellacott |
| Academic Board Student Representative (UG) | Peter Giess |
| Academic Board Student Representative (PG) | |
| Academic Board Student Representative (HDR) | Nomination under review |
| Council Student Member | Olivia Beard |
| Student Guild Student Director | Hayden Williams |
Submit a statement of up to 250 words outlining why you would like to be a Student Representative at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø using . (TIP: consider including some of your past experiences, interests, or what being a student representative means to you).
Please note your statement may be viewed by the relevant committee and on the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø electronic election system so students can make an informed decision when casting their vote.
Being a Student Representative offers several benefits, including the opportunity to enhance your career prospects by developing important graduate skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. It also enables you to make new connections with professional and academic staff members at the university.
We provide exclusive opportunities to recognise your volunteer work, including:
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Access to ,
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Recognition and rewards e.g., Graduate Excellence Award points,
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Eligibility to apply for the Student Awards,
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Exclusive professional development workshops and conferences e.g., Leadership Excellence Academy,
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Exclusive opportunities to attend funded networking events and conferences.
To be eligible as a Student Representative, it is essential that you are currently in good academic standing and have not breached any ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø policies and procedures within the past two years.
As a Student Representative, you have the flexibility to contribute to the role while you study. The amount of time you'll need to dedicate to the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Student Senate differs per role, but it falls between 10 to 20 hours per semester.
Typical time commitments to keep in mind are:
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Attendance at a minimum of four meetings within a 12-month period. Meetings can vary from 1-3 hours in length.
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Attendance at a minimum of four student representative events within a 12-month period. These events can vary from 1-2 hours each.
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Members are appointed or elected for a 12-month term.
Student Senate is ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's highest student governed body, participating in university decision-making around learning and teaching, campus facilities, and other important student matters in the form of opinions, concerns, or recommendations, and they present these matters to the Dean (Students).
Student Representative Committee (SRC)
The Student Representative Committee (SRC) collaborates with academic and professional staff to enhance learning and teaching by using feedback from their School-based Student Societies (SbSS). Any unresolved or incomplete issues, ideas, or initiatives are escalated to the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Student Senate, where appropriate action is taken to address them.
School-based Student Societies (SbSS)
School-based Student Societies (SbSS) serve as a sense of community by connecting you with others who share your interests and academic goals. To enhance learning and teaching, the SbSS may be asked to submit feedback to the SRC.
Academic Student Representative (ASR)
An Academic Student Representative (ASR) is appointed or elected to a specific Academic or Governance University Committee to make valuable contributions to the development of academic policies, provide important feedback on academic services, and collaborate on the design and review of courses. Academic Student Representatives also partner with staff on the continuous improvement of the learning environment, pedagogy and the student experience.
We're here to help if you have any questions, recommendations, or concerns you'd like us to address. We value your participation in shaping our university community. Let’s work together to make a positive impact.