Why should I become a student representative?

Becoming a student representative enables students to develop and strengthen leadership skills, connect with various internal and external agencies, assist fellow students with having their voice heard and share experiences and participate in nation-wide events for student leaders.

Why should I become a student representative?

Becoming a student representative will allow you to:

• Become part of a group of active students that network with professionals at Western Sydney University
• Contribute to decision making at Western Sydney University
• Have a greater understanding of Western Sydney University processes and systems
• Undertake professional development and enhance your skills, especially in terms of communication, liaison, working with others, being a committee member and influencing the decision making processes
• Improve your graduate employability skills
• Support your student group
• Have your voice heard
• Influence important decisions, including about various programmes of study
• Gain a better understanding of how the university works
• Act as a conduit between students and Western Sydney University administrators
• Serve as liaison in bringing any issues/suggestions/feedback to Western Sydney University administration at meetings
• Relay key messages from Western Sydney University administration to the student body
• Suggest, develop and implement solutions related to creating a more vibrant campus life
• Collaborate with students to coordinate events to enhance the student campus experience
• Let students contact you about issues they want to raise

Will there be any help or support?

Members of the Student Community team staff will always be on hand to help you out. We run orientation and training sessions which will guide you through how student representation works at Western Sydney University and what part you may play as a representative.

Do student representatives and student committee members get paid for their time and contributions?

Yes! Student representatives receive a nominal sitting fee, called an honorarium, which is paid quarterly. This fee is based on your participation, including attendance and level of engagement during meetings of the SRC or committee you sit on. It's a great way to be compensated while also making a positive impact on the student community. This payment reflects your contribution, attendance, and engagement in committee meetings.It's a unique way to develop leadership skills, make a difference, and earn a little something in return for your time and effort.

How are honoraria remunerations for student representatives and student committee members assessed?

Honoraria are assessed on a quarterly basis, depending on your attendance at committee meetings and how actively you participate. The more engaged and involved you are in discussions and decision-making, the more you stand to benefit, both financially and in terms of your experience.

Where else can I find out information?

Along with this webpage, there is a Western Now knowledge article (opens in a new window) that speaks more to the process of payments.

What will I be able to achieve?

You can bring real change and make life at Western Sydney University better for your fellow students and yourself. During 2013 for example, a student successfully made it possible for students who are parents at Western Sydney University to access occasional day care when needed, allowing students more flexibility with their study pattern, saving them money, and having more control over life/work balance.

What's in it for me?

As well as playing a crucial role in the student experience there are benefits to you personally.  Some of the skills and experience you will gain from your experience as a student representative include:

• Communication skills
• Negotiation skills
• Team-working skills
• Committee experience
• Leadership experience
• Problem solving skills
• Motivation experience
• Organisational skills
• Team working skills
• Lobbying experience
• Presentation skills
• Help improve your course
• Make a positive contribution for your fellow students
• Improve your skills and employability
• Get specialized training and support
• Help develop the learning partnership between staff in your school and students in your cohort
• Be part of a team

How do I get involved?

Students can get involved in the Student Representative model, or with University committees as voting or non-voting members. Additionally, students can simply volunteer and assist Student Representatives with various projects or campus events and activities.

Non-Voting Positions & Volunteering

SRC members are always looking for energetic students to assist them with projects or events on campus. For non-voting positions and volunteering opportunities, either pop into your campus student rep office for a chat or get in contact through the SRCs WesternLife page (opens in a new window).

Voting Positions

Student elections are usually held during March/April of each year for positions starting on 1 July. Additionally, expressions of interest are run as needed to fill any casual vacancies throughout the year, the EOI form can be found on the SRCs WesternLife page (opens in a new window). For information about positions and annual election times please refer to the Student Elections webpage.