Frequently Asked Questions
Know the FAQs:
2027 UNSA SRC Elections
General Information
Questions should be sent directly to returningofficer@studentexperiencenetwork.com.au and will be answered by the Returning Officer, Paul Clayton.
The Returning Officer is an independent, thirdparty official who oversees the SRC election process to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with all election rules. Voted by the Board of Directors.
Students can find all the necessary information at https://unsavote.org.au/ including nomination forms, position descriptions, election timelines, and prospective candidates.
Candidates must abide by the Election Rule and Election Etiquette & Campaigning Guidelines including any printing restrictions and language. Refer to these documents for more detailed information.
Campaigning and Candidate Expectations
Yes, candidates are allowed to campaign on campus but must follow the Election Rule and Election Etiquette & Campaigning Guidelines, which are provided to nominees and available on the UNSA and UNSA Vote websites. Campaigning must also align with the university’s broader policies, including the Campus Access Policy and Student Conduct Rule.
Yes. All nominees must attend a mandatory Candidate Information Session held by the Returning Officer. If you do not attend, your nomination will be invalid. Dates for this are listed on the UNSA Vote website.
Yes. You can withdraw your nomination by notifying the Returning Officer in writing before the close of nominations.
No. Your candidate statement must be written by you and reflect your own words, views, and intentions. However, students who use assistive technology or require reasonable support to complete their statement (e.g. due to a disability or language barrier) are encouraged to reach out to the Returning Officer. Support will be provided to ensure you can complete your nomination independently and fairly. Submitting a statement that has been authored by another person without approved support may result in your nomination being deemed invalid.
Nominations & Role Eligibility
Yes, you can nominate for multiple positions (i.e. Vice President Education & Newcastle Campuses Convenor). Students are encouraged to nominate for all positions they are eligible for and interested in.
No. Students currently employed by UNSA, including casual roles, are not eligible to nominate for a representative position, as this would create a conflict of interest.
Yes. Students employed by the University on a casual or part-time basis are eligible to nominate, provided they are not employed fulltime. Any University employment must be declared during the nomination process and as part of your Declaration of Interests (DOI), which is required during onboarding. If your circumstances change during your term, you must submit an updated DOI.
No. Unfortunately students enrolled in an enabling program are not eligible to nominate for any representative position. This is because successful completion of an enabling program does not result in ‘an award’ in the context of the University of Newcastle Act 1989 and is therefore not a valid program of study for election purposes.
Eligibility Checks & Verification
Once you submit your nomination, the Returning Officer will verify your enrolment status, program length, and any potential conflicts of interest. This may include confirming your student status with the University and cross-checking UNSA employment records. You will be notified if any issues are identified. However, eligibility isn’t just checked once—it’s tracked on an ongoing basis. All eligibility outcomes are recorded in an Eligibility Register, which ensures compliance with its constitution and by-laws.
If you are found to be ineligible, your nomination will be withdrawn and you will not appear on the ballot. If ineligibility is discovered after voting has taken place and within 59 days, the Returning Officer may disqualify your election result in accordance with the Election Rule.
Election Outcomes
After nominations close, the Returning Officer will assess all submissions. You will be notified by email whether your nomination has been accepted, or if further clarification is required.
If you are the only eligible candidate for a position after nominations close, the Returning Officer will declare you elected unopposed, and no voting will take place for that role.