Get involved in the 2022 University elections: student nominations for the University Council open soon!
Each year, Deakin holds elections for student positions on the University Council, Academic Board and Faculty Boards.
Here’s your chance to get involved in the upcoming 2022 nominations for the student position on the University Council, a role which lends a student perspective to some vital decision-making and policy work at Deakin. It’s an amazing opportunity to advocate on behalf of your fellow students and stand out to future employers!
Nominations open at 9am AEST, Monday 11 July (Week 1, Trimester 2). The current incumbent is Guleid Abdullahi, who is also serving as your Student Association President in 2022.
Find out more below about how you can nominate yourself and/or cast a vote for the 2023 University Council role, and make sure you also stay tuned to Deakin Life as we’ll bring you more information about the Academic and Faculty Board nominations process which begins in August.
What is the University Council?
The Council is the governing body of the University. It’s important to note that this is not a Student Council. It has a role to oversee the management of the University, similar to the board of a company.
There is one position on the Council for a student member. Other members include the Vice-Chancellor, the Chair of the Academic Board and senior figures from business and the community.
Am I eligible to stand?
If you’re interested in standing for election in the University Council student role, you need to check the eligibility criteria and carefully consider the time and responsibility involved. It’s a serious commitment!
You need to be an enrolled Deakin student as at Monday 27 June 2022 and be enrolled for the full term of office, which runs for one year from 1 January to 31 December 2023. So if you’re close to graduating, you won’t be able to serve the full term and shouldn’t nominate.
You also can’t be a full-time Deakin employee or have a potential conflict of interest, such as being employed at another university.
See the University elections webpage for all the requirements or see ‘Where can I get more information’ below.
What do I have to do to nominate for the Student Council role?
You’ll need to lodge a completed nomination form that is supported by three eligible voters. Nominations open at 9am AEST, Monday 11 July (Week 1, Trimester 2) and close at 5pm AEST, Friday 22 July (Week 2, T2).
We can’t accept any late or incomplete nominations.
You’ll also need to provide a candidate statement that outlines why you’re standing and how you’ll contribute if elected.
How does the process work?
Please see the key dates for the 2022 Student Council elections below.
| University Council election stages | Date |
| Notice of election | Monday 11 July |
| Nominations open | Monday 11 July, 9am |
| Nominations close | Friday 22 July, 5pm |
| Declaration of nominations and notice of poll | Wednesday 27 July |
| Voting opens | Monday 1 August |
| Voting closes | Friday 5 August, 5pm |
| Counting of votes | Monday 8 August |
| Declaration of poll | Wednesday 10 August |
Voting will open in Trimester 2
Can I vote in the election?
Yes, you can vote. We encourage all students to have their say! You don’t need to register as a voter. As long as you’re enrolled for the current academic year, you can cast your vote when the poll opens on Monday 1 August 2022. All eligible voters will receive an email about the election with information about how and when to vote, which will be done online.
How do I choose my candidate?
After nominations close, the list of candidates will be published on our election website. All candidate statements will also be published there, so that you can read them and decide who to vote for. After votes are counted, you’ll be able to read the name of the elected candidate on the election website. All eligible voters will also receive an email outlining the result.
What if I don’t want to vote?
If you’re an eligible voter, you’ll receive an email inviting you to vote. But if you don’t want to vote, of course that’s no problem. Voting is entirely voluntary, and the University won’t know whether or not you vote.
Where can I get more information?
- Learn more about the University election process by watching our helpful video.
- Visit our election website, which has a handy fact sheet about the election.
- Email the Returning Officer, Dr Glenn Nicholls, at [email protected] with any questions or feedback.