STUDENT ELECTIONS

The Tasmanian University Student Association (TUSA), founded in 1899, is one of Australia’s oldest student unions. TUSA represents all UTAS students and works to make sure your voice is heard. We support student representation, clubs and societies, and offer services like Student Advocacy, Student Legal Service, and the TUSA Food Hub to meet your needs. Learn more about what we do on our About the TUSA page.  

Becoming a TUSA Student Rep gives you the chance to represent your fellow students, influence university decisions, and make a real impact on campus life. You’ll gain valuable leadership and governance experience, build your resume, and have a direct say in the events and programs that shape the UTAS student experience. Plus, it’s a paid role! 

To become a TUSA Student Rep:

1. Check Eligibility: Make sure you’re a currently enrolled UTAS student in good standing.
2. Nominate Yourself: Fill out and submit the nomination form on the TUSA website during the nomination period.
3. Get Confirmation: If your nomination is accepted, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
4. Campaign: Follow the campaign guidelines, create approved materials, and engage with students.
5. Participate in the Election: Encourage students to vote online during the voting period.

By completing these steps, you can run for a position and represent your peers at UTAS!

• State President
• General Secretary
• Equity President
• Education President – Undergraduate
• Education President – Postgraduate
• Southern Campus President
• Northern Campus President
• Cradle Coast Campus President
• Rozelle Campus President

To run for a position, you must be a student as defined by Clause 18.1 of the UTAS Student Participation and Attainment Ordinance, and outlined in the TUSA Election Policy. There are specific requirements for some positions, so be sure to check the relevant position description (e.g. Southern Campus President should attend the Southern Campuses or be an online student located in the South of Tasmania).  

You don’t need to have any other qualifications to run – but we do make a few recommendations that will make your term a smooth one! 

• Experience working with TUSA e.g. in State Council or other representative roles, TUSA casual roles, or in running TUSA Clubs & Societies. Experience in other leadership roles within the University would also assist you in your role.  
• Experience working in a diverse team environment.  

Student Reps have several key responsibilities:

• Representation: Act as the voice of UTAS students, bringing their concerns and ideas to university committees and meetings. You will also update them on State Council initiatives and concerns.
• Attendance: Attend at least 75% of all relevant meetings, including TUSA, UTAS, and other related forums.
• Engagement: Building and maintaining strong connections with students, university staff, and external stakeholders to ensure effective representation.
• Advocacy: Advocating for student rights and welfare, ensuring that the university addresses key student issues. This may include conducting surveys to identify and address key student needs.
• Reporting: Providing regular updates to students on the work being done, including any progress on important issues.
• Compliance: Adhere to TUSA Governance Instruments, including the TUSA Constitution and policies.

The time commitment varies depending on the position, but you can expect to attend regular meetings, participate in events, and engage with students throughout your term. See all position descriptions above for an indication of time commitment requirements. The roles vary in time commitment from roughly 1 to 3 days a week.  

Yes! All State Council elected representatives will be paid an honorarium. See all position descriptions above for an indication of pay rates.  

Yes, elected Student Reps will receive training and support from TUSA, including guidance from the TUSA Board of Management and TUSA Executive to help you succeed in your role. 

Participating in the elections, whether as a candidate or a voter, is your chance to influence the decisions that shape your university experience and ensure that student voices are heard. 

Voting is conducted via a unique online ballot sent to your student email, making it easy and accessible for all students. You’ll receive instructions on how to cast your vote once the voting period begins.