Student representatives are the face of the student body, and advocate for student interests on and off campus
Representatives can belong to an elected body, be on a committee, or be a part of an advisory group. They have a direct say in how UQ functions, and work with staff to enhance the student experience.
Three ways to become a Student Representative
These representative positions are available to all students. We encourage you to check the specific eligibility requirements for each position.
1. Run for election to the Senate or Academic Board
The Senate and the Academic Board
These boards are the main decision-making bodies at UQ.
- The Senate is the highest governing body, and defines all structures, policies and governance processes that run the University.
- The Academic Board is the principle advisory body to the Senate, and formulates policy on all academic matters, including new programs, teaching, learning and assessment, and research.
Both the Senate and the Academic Board hold regular elections for their student representatives, which are advertised via email.
2. Become a member of UQ Committee
Committees
Committees are formal governing bodies that develop policy and consult on a particular area of interest (e.g. a specific program, teaching and learning at a faculty).
Committees are mainly staff-led but have student representative as members.
There are four types of Committees at different levels of governance.
1. Sub-Committees to the Academic Board
Sub-committees to the Academic Board are central committees that make decisions that affect all of UQ (e.g. the Committee for Academic Programs Policy, the Student Experience Committee). They report directly to the Academic Board.
2. Faculty Committees
Faculty committees belong to a specific faculty, and govern its research, teaching and learning, and student experience decisions. These committees report to the Executive Dean of the faculty.
3. School and Program Committees
Schools and Programs within a faculty may sometimes have committees that make academic decisions for that particular school or program. These committees report to their respective faculty committees.
4. Independent committees
Steering committees, working parties and project boards are independent bodies responsible for specific UQ projects (e.g. the UQ Mental Health Strategy). Such committees report either to the Academic Board, to the Student Experience Committee, or directly to an Executive staff member.
3. Become a UQ Union representative
The UQ Union is an independent student body that represents the interests of students.
Union representatives sit on all important university committees and work with other elected representatives to advocate for student interests at all levels of governance at UQ.
Become a Student Representative
Watch for new student rep positions in your email and on your school or faculty’s social media. You can also browse current openings on StudentHub below.
Prepare for your role as a Student Representative by completing the Student Representative Training Module. It will share further information about representation at UQ, what your role entails, and the supports available to you.
Student Representation - Resources for Staff
Staff Guidlines: Effective Student Representation