ANNUAL 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 an elected TUSA Student Representative 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 honorarium role (NUS Delegates receive travel expense assistance rather than an honorarium, see below).

To become an elected TUSA Student Representative:

1. Check Eligibility: Make sure you’re a currently enrolled UTAS student in good standing, enrolled in at least 12.5 credit points (1 unit) or a Higher Degree by Research program.
2. Nominate Yourself: Fill out and submit the Nomination Form during the nomination period (Monday 10 August – Friday 21 August 2026).
3. Get Confirmation: If your nomination is accepted, you’ll receive a confirmation email by Friday 28 August 2026.
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 (Friday 4 September, 4:00PM to Thursday 10 September 2026, 11:59PM).

By completing these steps, you can run for a position and represent your peers at UTAS! For full details, please review the 2026 TUSA Elections Handbook, TUSA Election Policy, and TUSA Election Procedure before nominating or campaigning.

• President
• General Secretary
• Equity President
• Education President – Undergraduate
• Education President – Postgraduate
• Education President – Online
• Southern Campus President
• Northern Campus President
• Cradle Coast Campus President
• Rozelle Campus President
• NUS Delegates (6 Positions Available)

That’s 10 Student Council positions plus 6 NUS Delegate positions, 16 in total.

To run for a position, you must be a currently enrolled UTAS student as defined by Clause 18.1 of the UTAS Student Participation and Attainment Ordinance, enrolled in at least 12.5 credit points (1 unit) or a Higher Degree by Research program, as 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 Student 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, bring their concerns and ideas to university committees and meetings, and update them on Student Council initiatives and concerns.
• Attendance: Attend at least 75% of all relevant meetings, including TUSA, UTAS, and other related forums.
• Engagement: Build and maintain strong connections with students, university staff, and external stakeholders to ensure effective representation.
• Advocacy: Advocate for student rights and welfare, and ensure the university addresses key student issues. This may include conducting surveys to identify and address key student needs.
• Reporting: Provide regular updates to students on the work being done, including progress on important issues.
• Compliance: Adhere to TUSA Governance Instruments, including the TUSA Constitution and policies.

Time commitment varies by position, ranging from around 6.5 hours a week (Cradle Coast and Rozelle Campus Presidents) up to 27 hours a week (President). See all position descriptions above for the exact time commitment for each role.

Yes! All Student Council elected representatives receive an honorarium, ranging from $8,380 to $34,570 plus superannuation depending on the role. NUS Delegates receive assistance with travel expenses rather than an honorarium. See all position descriptions above for the exact pay rate for each role.

Yes, elected student representatives 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.

All successful candidates are required to attend the Student Council Onboarding Workshop on 26 and 27 October 2026, the Student Leaders Conference on 28 and 29 October 2026, and the Student Council Onboarding on 2 February 2027.

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 on Friday 4 September 2026.