Student Representation & Participation

Western Sydney University's new Student Union!

We’re proud to announce the upcoming launch of Western Sydney University Student Union; a bold new, student-led organisation created to give students a stronger voice and greater control over the services that shape their university experience.

What does this mean, and why does this need to happen? 💬

Endorsed by both the University Board and the Student Representative Council (SRC), the Western Student Union is being established in line with legislated changes introduced in the 2024 University Accords, which requires that at least 40% of SSAF funds be allocated to an independent student-led organisation. The university is now required to establish an independent student led organisation as the previous student representative structure was internalised and supported directly by the university.

Built by Students, for Students 👩‍🎓

Since the announcement of the Accords, planning has been underway to design an organisation that reflects student top priorities. The Student Union will operate as a controlled entity of the University, governed by its own Board of Directors. The Student Union Board will be comprised of elected students, University appointed staff, and key external members.

Here’s what you need to know about the Western Sydney University Student Union:

  • It will operate as a charitable controlled entity of the University.
  • Students will hold the majority of seats on its Board of Directors, ensuring services are shaped by those who use them.
  • It starts operations in early 2026.
  • It will eventually deliver many of the student-facing services you already know and love - lead by students at the heart of decision making.

What's Changing? ♻

The Student Union will gradually take on delivery of certain student-facing programs, services and initiatives currently managed by the university. The specific services are still being finalised, and students will be kept up to date about what student services will be provided. Information about the Student Union will be available via this webpage, across various electronic communications between now and next year, via the Student Union's very own website when it is launched, and across the Student Life Instagram via @wsustudentlife (opens in a new window). Be sure to check back for updates!

Got Questions? Come to a Forum 🧭

The SRC is your go-to for info and support during the change.
They’ll be hosting forums to chat about the new Student Union with students who have concerns, feedback or just would like to learn more about what is happening and how it all works.
Details of the forums can be found below, check the Western Life event pages for more info:

📍 Parramatta South Campus, Building EA
🗓️ Wed Aug 6, Week 3
🕐 4:00 PM

📍 Penrith (Kingswood) Campus, Building P
🗓️ Thu Aug 21, Week 5
🕐 11:00 AM

Can’t attend in person? Forums will be live-streamed! Keep an eye on the event page (opens in a new page) (student login required) for details.
Can't attend at all? Send the SRC an email via their email address: src@westernsydney.edu.au

Want to be more involved? 🗳️

Elections for WSUSU Board members as well as student representative positions will begin soon, and all students will have the opportunity to get involved, either by running for a position or voting for their peers. Get involved by nominating yourself and make sure to vote in the elections when the online ballots are released!

More information about the elections is available at the Student Elections (opens in a new tab) webpage.

Thank you for being part of a vibrant and forward-thinking student community. We can't wait to see what we build together!

How will the Board of the Student Union work? ⚙

In the 2025 student elections six Student Director positions on the Board of Western's Student Union will be 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:

  • The three candidates who get the most votes will serve the full two-year term. 🥇
  • The next three elected students will serve a one-year term, just for this first cycle. 🥈

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.

What do I need to know if I want to nominate myself for a Board Director position? 🧠

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.

A general idea of what is expected from Board Directors can be explored with resources from organisations such as the Australian Institute of Company Directors (opens in a new window) and the Governance Institute of Australia (opens in a new window), amongst others. It is highly recommended that all students who are interested in the role fully understand the requirements, eligibility criteria and ask questions if in doubt.

Got any FAQs? ❓

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Does the University have final authority over WSUSU’s decisions?

No. Once our Board directors are appointed, every vote happens within WSUSU. The University can appoint up to three directors, but it cannot veto or override any operational decisions made by our Board.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. How are student directors chosen?

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

7. How often does the Board meet and how are meetings organised?

Our Constitution says the Board must meet within 28 days after student elections and at least once every two months after that.

8. 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.

How will the Student Representation structure work in the Student Union?

A new student representation structure will be introduced soon. We will keep this page up to date regularly with announcements.

Until more announcements are made the current Student Representative functions are still in place, at least until the end of the 2025.

The current SRC is still functioning, more information can be found out by visiting the SRC's Western Life group, following events, and looking out for SRC monthly meetings. Information can also be found at www.westernsrc.org (opens in a new window).

Student Editors are still producing the Student Publications W'SUP. More information about the Student Publications Committee structure, Student Editor roles and how to get invovled and read up on the student publications will be available on this page, on the www.wsup.news (opens in a new window) website, as well as the Student Union website when it is launched.

For more information about these roles and how to apply visit Why Become a Student Representative.

More information about the Student Representation model being established under the Western Sydney University Student Representation policy and underlying Procedures will be made available here.

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:

  • Food outlets and prices
  • Parking and transport
  • Academic teaching quality
  • Student services and facilities
  • Clubs, societies and campus life
  • Social action and campaigns
  • Education action
  • Campus ideas and activities
  • Disability access
  • Campus safety

If you have an issue or idea which you wish to seek support for, or you'd just like more information about the SRC, please visit the SRC website (opens in a new window), send them an email directly via src@westernsydney.edu.au (opens in a new window), or visit one of the office locations below.

Student Representative Council office locations

Campus Office location
Bankstown BK-1.3.33
Parramatta South PS-EF.G.12
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

Queries about your Student Reps?

What can you do if you believe one of your student representatives is not behaving appropriately in their role?

As per the Student Representation and Participation Procedures all complaints relating to a student rep, student editors or a student elected as a delegate to the NUS National Conference, under these procedures should be directed in the first instance to the SRC executive members. For more details on contacting the executive members directly please visit the SRC Website (opens in a new window).

LifeSavers Shield

Western Sydney University are proud to be part of Lifeblood Teams, the social responsibility program of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. Life depends on blood and plasma, so we are running Western's LifeSavers Shield blood drive to help save over 400 lives! The blood drive runs from 1 August to 31 October every year, and we need your help!
Donate blood during the challenge and register to your respective WSU Campus Lifeblood Team to make your donation count. Simply download the ‘Donate Blood app’ to your mobile device and update your ‘preferences’ to your team. For more information on the Blood Drive visit: https://my.donateblood.com.au/app/challenge/details/challenge_id/36.