Students as Partners
Students as Partners (SaP), is authentic student engagement, relating to what students and staff do together to further common educational goals, in partnership.
Previous frameworks across universities are used to support the TUSA SaP model. These models recognise the input of students, as equals in education, in the development and leadership of university direction and academic output at the University and Faculty level.
There are evidenced benefits to SaP. By collaborating with students in the development of systems and structures, there were benefits to students, academic staff as well as teaching quality. Some of these include increased student engagement & motivation, a stronger understanding of students’ own learning, enhanced student-teacher relationships, development of better teaching or curriculum materials as well as increased perception on the quality of their university experience. These are supported by Mercer-Mapstone et al. (2017), as well as the International Journal of Students as Partners.
TUSA is passionate about recognising students as valued partners at our University.
Aim of Students as Partners
By collaborating with students in directing the university’s development, SaP aims to:
- Mutually shape the direction of our University.
- Increase students’ motivation and engagement with curriculum materials.
- Enhance student-teacher communication.
- Deepen the understanding of students’ own learning, research and experience, and their perception of the teaching quality.
- Develop better materials, including for teaching and curriculum, research and development, and policy, strategy and governance.
On the right is the TUSA Students as Partners Framework (based on Deakin University’s model)
What does “Students as Partners” at UTAS look like?
In the past, TUSA has implemented a SaP at UTAS through our TUSA Experience Leaders (TELs). TELs from each of their colleges are employed to collaborate with the students and staff to enhance the student experience at UTAS.
In 2025, the University committed to a systemic redevelopment of Students as Partners. You can read about the most up-to-date work here. This redevelopment has been co-designed by TUSA and the Student Council and will be co-delivered and co-owned by both UTAS and TUSA. This will help ensure accountability and the best possible outcome for students.
An Executive Oversight Group, made up of staff and students, will oversee the re-development and delivery of this new Students as Partners model. It includes TUSA Student Council members, as well as local Clubs & Societies student leaders. Their vision is for students to be involved in every decision at the University as co-designers, decision-makers, or as influential voices. The EOG will develop standards and principles for the new SaP model in 2026.