Student Representation & Participation

Western Sydney University’s Student Union

The Western Sydney University Student Union (WSUSU) is here to give students a stronger voice and greater control over services that shape your university experience.

Built by Students, for Students

The Student Union operates as a charitable controlled entity of the University and is governed by its own Board of Directors. This board is comprised of six (6) elected students, three (3) University appointed staff, and up to two (2) key external members.

What We Do

Student Representation

The Student Representative Committee (SRC) raises the profile of students’ diverse needs and interests to the university as well as the Student Union’s board. The Student Publication W’SUP is also supported by the Student Union to be an autonomous voice for the students of Western. If you have a student-based issue you wish to seek the Student Representative Committee’s support, please email src@westernsydney.edu.au directly.

Student Engagement

WesternLife is delivered to you by the Student Union, and it is the best place for you to stay up to date on what’s happening on campus. The Student Union’s Student Life team are always delivering something fun, or why not check out the student led events from student led clubs & societies?

Student Support

The Student Union support students through programs such as the Western Pantry and Community Lunches & Dinners. WSUSU also oversees the Student Advocacy Service for students who are in need of assistance navigating complex issues that may or may not relate to resolving a misconduct matter, appealing a university process, or even experiencing issues with discrimination or violence.

Want to Get Involved?

Getting involved with the student union is easier than ever.

Student leadership roles offer diverse skill building and professional development regardless of your field of study. Some leadership roles are appointed via the annual election toward the end of the year. To learn more about the election process click here.

Volunteering is available with a variety of programs such as the Western Pantry, Community Lunches & Dinners, Student Advocacy, or student event support. Volunteering opportunities occur throughout the year, if you are interested, please submit an expression of interest here.

W’SUPNews is always keen to publish student stories no matter what you are studying. If you are interested in contributing a piece of work or becoming a regular reporter, click here or email wsup@wsternsydney.edu.au.

How does the Board of the Student Union work?

In the 2025 student elections six Student Director positions on the Board of Western's Student Union were elected. Each year, three of these positions are up for election, so there’s always a mix of new and continuing Directors. This helps keep fresh ideas flowing while also keeping some continuity in leadership.

To kick things off in the first election for these positions, we’ll need to set up the rotation. So, here’s how it works:

In the 2026 student elections three Student Directors will be elected to begin their terms in 2027; from then on, all Student Directors will serve two-year terms.

WSUSU Board Elections

Elections for WSUSU Board members occur on an annual basis. This gives all students the opportunity to get involved, either by running for a position and/or voting for your peers. All WSUSU Board members will be required to participate in director induction and training, this will ensure each Director is aware of their legal responsibilities.

If you are interested in nominating for this position or any other information relating to elections for student union student leadership, click here to learn more.

FAQs

Why was this model chosen?
We wanted a setup that puts students firmly in charge while giving the union the stability and expertise it needs. As a controlled entity of Western Sydney University, we benefit from the University’s resources, networks, infrastructure and expertise. However, every day, your elected student-majority Board makes all decisions. University and external directors add specialist skills, but they never outnumber students. Staggered terms and clear rules on conflicts and removals mean we stay fresh, fair and focused on you.
What does it mean that WSUSU is a "controlled entity of the University"?
It simply means that WSU is our legal member, akin to our “owner” on paper. In practice, however, your Board acts independently and oversees all aspects, including budgets, events, policies and services. The University cannot dictate how we manage day-to-day activities.
Does the University have final authority over WSUSU’s decisions?
No, the University can appoint up to three directors, but it cannot veto or override any operational decisions made by our Board. The Board is held by a majority of student representatives as outlined in the WSUSU Constitution.
Who are the non-elected or non-student directors on the Board?
  • University directors (up to three), appointed by WSU to provide institutional insights.
  • External directors (up to two), chosen for their finance, legal or governance expertise.
  • Non-student directors cannot outnumber the student-elected directors.
Why is a "majority" of student-elected directors sufficient to ensure student control?
Our Board can have up to eleven members: six students + three University directors + two externals. With six seats, students always hold more than 50% of the vote. That means every decision reflects the majority of student voices.
How are student directors chosen?

You directly elect all six in our annual student election. Each year, three positions become available for two-year terms, allowing us to balance fresh ideas with ongoing experience.

All positions in the elections require nominees to be currently enrolled students, though student-directors, depending on the circumstance, may not always be enrolled throughout their term to maintain their eligibility.

How often does the Board meet and how are meetings organised?
Our Constitution states the Board must meet within 28 days after student elections and at least once every two months after that.
How are conflicts of interest managed on the Board?
Every director must declare any potential conflicts of interest before participating in discussions. They then step aside from voting (and sometimes from the room) on that issue. If things become complicated, the Chair can appoint an independent adviser to ensure that decisions remain fair and unbiased.

What can representatives help me with?

Student representatives aim to invigorate the student body at the University. Each representative is a student from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and areas of study. Student reps on your campus will be able to listen and assist on matters relating, but not limited, to:

Student Union Offices

Please note that offices are not always occupied and are utilised for student and staff work or pre-arranged meetings across university campuses. If you would like to meet with a student leader or student union staff member, please enquire here.

Campus Office location
Bankstown BK-1.3.33
Parramatta South PS-EF.G.06
Penrith KW-N.G.25
Campbelltown CA-4.G.10A
Hawkesbury HW-K4.G.82
Parramatta City PC-1.1.39
Liverpool City LP-3.1.16

Need to Share a Concern with Us?

If you feel you need to share a concern about a student leader, please get in touch with us to address the concern via the below email address.

wsusu@westernsydney.edu.au[[link]]

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