Strengthening university governance: UNSW hosts national forum to boost partnerships with students

A first-of-its-kind symposium explored how institutions can better partner with students to shape strong and inclusive university governance.

A national forum held at UNSW Sydney examined how increased collaboration between students and universities can improve decision making, accountability and inclusion throughout Australia’s higher education sector.

The first Universities Australia (UA) Student Governance Symposium brought together student leaders, university staff and sector experts from across the country to explore how student voices can contribute to strong university governance and foster vibrant, inclusive communities.

Universities operate under a governance model that involves students directly in decision making processes. Many institutions, including UNSW, have successfully implemented active Students as Partners (SaP) frameworks that build collaborative relationships between students and staff to improve teaching and learning experiences.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said students played a vital role in ensuring effective university governance by being active collaborators.

“At UNSW, students are co-owners of our culture that strives to be inclusive, principled and responsive,” Prof. Brungs said. “Their voices shouldn’t just be valued and heard – but actively shape the policies, systems and direction of the University in its mission to advance progress for all.

“This symposium encourages the sector to explore how we can further develop cultures where active and broad-based student partnership is embedded at all levels, shaping the future of our universities, particularly at this time when the nature of higher education is being transformed.

“This is a critical way we can ensure universities best serve the public good.”

UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education & Student Experience) Professor Sarah Maddison, who opened the event, said the symposium was an opportunity to advance discussions on the critical value of student voices for improved governance.

“UNSW is really privileged to have a strong student voice,” Prof. Maddison said. “We're always looking for ways to strengthen these relationships and engage meaningfully with the breadth of our diverse student cohorts, and that's really what today is all about.

“This symposium is a chance to talk about how we can share best practice, to highlight gaps and issues, and to build a culture of genuine partnership in university governance.”

Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said the symposium would foster a stronger, more connected governance approach across the sector.

“Good governance relies on diverse voices, and students bring fresh insight, experience and a deep stake in the decisions that shape their education,” Mr Sheehy said. “Universities are here for students, and it makes sense they play an active role in shaping the communities they’re part of.

“When students are genuinely part of the conversation, universities become more connected, more responsive and ultimately stronger.”

Students shaping good governance

Speakers and panellists at the Symposium, including student representatives from various universities, shared best practices in student partnership across the sector.

Ashlyn Horton, National President of the National Union of Students, said the symposium showed what can be achieved when students and university leaders unite with a shared goal.

“Students aren’t just the reason universities exist – we’re also vital to their success,” Ms Horton said. “When student voices are part of the decision making process, universities become more inclusive, more accountable and ultimately stronger.

“This symposium shows how collaboration and respect can lead to real, lasting change.”

The symposium emphasised the importance of formalising meaningful student involvement by ensuring they are represented at all levels of decision making. In addition, they argued that students need to take on a consultative role as ‘knowledge holders’ rather than just a source of data. They also called for universities to invest more in training and support elected students to maximise their contributions.

Speakers also highlighted the importance of taking a genuine interest in students’ views and a genuine commitment to open communication. The forum heard that universities also need to be more proactive in engaging diverse student groups, including international students and students with disability, in more accessible and culturally responsive ways.