Elections

A notice of election is posted on the Swinburne website whenever an election is to be held. When the number of nominations for a vacancy exceeds the number of positions to be filled, elections will be conducted online. 

Nominations open: 9am Monday 21 September 2026

Nominations close: 5pm Monday 5 October 2026 

At the end of the nomination period, the Returning Officer will notify candidates via their Swinburne email accounts if an election is required. 

The notice of election will be updated to include a list of candidates. Where the number of nominations does not exceed the number of positions to be filled, the Returning Officer will declare the candidate or candidates elected. 

Where the number of nominations for a vacancy exceeds the number of positions to be filled, elections will be conducted online. The University electoral company (BigPulse) will email a unique link to an online voting form to all members of the electorate eligible to vote. 

Electoral rolls list the members eligible to participate in elections. The eligibility requirements are outlined in the Swinburne University of Technology Act 2010[PDF 362KB] and the Election Regulations (Part 3. S10. Entitlement to be nominated for elections).

If you are not included on the electoral roll for an election and believe you are entitled to be, please email the Returning Officer. 

The University uses BigPulse to administer its election processes. At the start of each election period, eligible voters will receive an email from BigPulse containing a unique link to the election portal. This portal includes information about available positions, nomination and voting dates, and access to the online nomination form. Nominations must be submitted through BigPulse in accordance with the instructions provided and must be supported by a Fit and Proper Person Declaration Form.

Understand the roles, responsibilities and time commitments expected of all staff and students considering a position within one of the bodies here at Swinburne University of Technology.

• Board Member Commitments

To nominate as a candidate for an elected position, complete the online nomination submission form. The form can be accessed via the unique link in the email from the University electoral company (BigPulse). 

As part of your nomination, you are required to submit a candidate statement. This is your chance to show the electorate who you are and why you would make a valuable member of the University Council/Academic Senate. This statement is published for voters and helps them understand your background, values and potential contribution.

Your statement must include the following three parts:

• Tell the electorate about yourself and your interest in serving on a university governance body (150 words)
• Outline your commitment to, and appreciation of, the University’s vision and values (100 words)
• Provide a summary statement about how you would contribute to the effective working of the governance body (100 words).

Nominations will not be accepted after the close of the nomination period. 

A nominee may withdraw their nomination at any time via elections@swinburne.edu.au.

Voting opens: 9am, Tuesday 13 October 2026

Voting closes: 5pm, Tuesday 27 October 2026

Electoral rolls list the members eligible to participate in elections. The eligibility requirements are outlined in the Swinburne University of Technology Act 2010[PDF 362KB] and the Election Regulations (Part 3. S10. Entitlement to vote).

If you are not included on the electoral roll for an election and believe you are entitled to be, please email elections@swinburne.edu.au. 

Submit your vote online according to the guidelines sent by email. 

An email from the University electoral company (BigPulse) is sent to all eligible voters at the beginning of the voting period. Eligible staff and students vote via a unique link to individual ballot papers online provided in this email. Eligible voters can access ballot papers at any time throughout the voting period.

Votes are de-identified, so it is not possible for any person to determine how an elector voted. 

Vote counting starts when the election period closes. Election results are determined using plurality voting, known as ‘first past the post’.

Swinburne elections must be conducted professionally, fairly and respectfully. Campaigning and electioneering must remain within responsible and reasonable limits, with collegiality and fairness maintained throughout the election. 

The following includes prohibited conduct and prohibits publicity for the purposes of the elections: 

• Dishonest, misleading or deceptive conduct, including using another person’s personalised voting link, voting or attempting to vote on another person’s behalf, or providing false information or interfering with material submitted to the Returning Officer. 
• Pressuring or influencing voters improperly, including threats, intimidation, harassment, bullying, vilification, discrimination or other conduct intended to pressure, entice or improperly influence how a person votes. 
• Facilitating voting in another election participant’s presence, including providing a phone, tablet, laptop or other electronic device for the purpose of soliciting a vote. 
• Offering inducements, including gifts, services, facilities, receptions or other benefits that could reasonably be seen as encouraging a person to vote or vote for a particular candidate. 
• Paying another person to campaign on behalf of a candidate. 
• Maligning another election participant or unfairly interfering with another candidate’s campaign or publicity. 
• Campaigning in learning or work environments, whether physical or virtual, including classrooms, libraries, offices and online classes. 
• Using University collaboration or interaction platforms for campaigning, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Canvas or tools within the Google suite. 
• Using restricted contact information for campaigning. Staff candidates must not use staff contact information that is not available to all staff, and student candidates must not use student contact information that is not available to all students. 
• For staff candidates, campaigning during time ordinarily used to perform academic or professional duties. 
• Disrupting University activities or property, including through excessive noise, disruptive behaviour, physical obstruction, damage or defacement. 
• Disrupting or impeding the election process, including publicity or campaigning contrary to the orderly conduct of the election, or failing to comply with a direction of the Returning Officer.
   

Candidates are responsible for campaigning undertaken on their behalf. Campaign material or conduct by another person in support of a candidate may be attributed to that candidate where the candidate knew, or reasonably ought to have known, about it and did not take all reasonable steps to disclaim it.

Only eligible voters may campaign. Campaigning by a person who is not eligible to vote in the relevant election is prohibited.

Election process 

Is the elected student role on Academic Senate paid? 

Yes. The elected student members on Academic Senate will receive a direct financial remuneration with a direct connection to engagement in their role. An amount of up to $4,000 per year, at the discretion of the Chair, and subject to the following conditions: 

i. Completion of induction prior to first meeting, as provided through Senate leadership. 

ii. Attendance at the pre-Senate student meeting held before each Senate meeting. 

iii. Attendance in-person (unless pre-agreed though the Chair) at the Senate meeting. 

Where can I find information about nomination eligibility criteria? 

Eligibility criteria for student and staff positions are outlined in the Election Regulations (Part 3. S10. Entitlement to be nominated for elections).

Can I nominate for a position in a category that I don’t currently belong to? 

You can only nominate for a position in a category that you currently belong to. For example, if you are currently an undergraduate student and will be a postgraduate student next year, you can only nominate in the category you currently belong to. 

How do I nominate as a candidate and where can I find more information? 

Nominations can be submitted via the unique link provided in the BigPulse emails. Find further information on ‘How to nominate’.

How do I vote in the elections and where can I find more information? 

Voting can be submitted via the unique link provided in the BigPulse emails. Find further information on ‘How to Vote’.

What should I do if I can’t find the BigPulse emails? 

Look for the BigPulse emails in your Swinburne email Inbox and Junk Inbox. If you can’t locate them, try searching ‘bigpulse’ or ‘swinburne elections’. If you still can’t find them, email the Returning Officer.

Where can I find the names of the election candidates? 

Candidate names are published in the Notice of Election.

Where can I find the election results? 

The election results are published in the Notice of Election.

What happens if there are insufficient candidates for positions? 

The Elections Regulations (Part 4. S13. Insufficient candidates) apply to all vacancies if no candidates are nominated for election to a body in a particular category or all candidates nominated for election to a vacancy withdraw before being elected. 

Why should I get involved in elections?

Getting involved is your chance to have a real impact at Swinburne. As a member of Council or Academic Senate, you’ll:

• Have a voice and influence: represent student perspectives and shape decisions that affect the student experience.
• Develop professional skills: gain experience in leadership, governance, policy, strategy and compliance, which is invaluable as you progress through your career.
• Stand out in your career: show initiative and leadership, with a compelling addition to your CV.
• Make powerful connections: build networks with senior academics, the Vice-Chancellor, university leaders and industry heavyweights.
   

Each role offers unique opportunities:

• Academic Senate: influence the future of teaching and courses and contribute to academic decision-making at the highest level.
• Council: help guide university-wide strategy, working alongside senior leaders, industry captains and award-winning professionals. The Council is the governing body of the university, similar to a board of directors.
   

Do I need to complete any declarations?

Yes. Candidates are required to complete a Fit and Proper Person Declaration as part of their nomination and in line with University’s governance requirements.

I am a Higher Degree by Research student at Swinburne enrolled in a Masters by Research course. Can I nominate in the Higher Degree by Research AQF Level 10 category?

No. Masters by Research courses are classified at AQF Level 9. The Higher Degree by Research AQF Level 10 category is for students enrolled in doctoral-level courses, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Masters by Research students should nominate in the AQF Levels 7–9 category.

Can I use AI to help prepare my candidate statement? 

Yes. Candidates may use AI tools to assist with drafting, editing or improving the presentation of their candidate statement. 

However, the candidate remains fully responsible for the content submitted as part of their nomination. The statement should genuinely reflect the candidate’s own experience, views, qualifications and intended contribution to the University governance body. 

Candidates should: 

• carefully review and verify any content produced or suggested by an AI tool before submitting it
• ensure that all claims about their experience, qualifications, achievements or circumstances are accurate
• not use AI to create false, misleading or fabricated information
• ensure that the final statement represents their own views and intentions
• not enter confidential, sensitive or personal information about other people into an AI tool
• comply with the prescribed word limits and all other nomination and election requirements.

Use of AI does not change a candidate’s responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of their nomination. Candidate statements containing false or misleading information may be addressed by the Returning Officer in accordance with the University’s election requirements. 

Why are students no longer being elected to School Academic Committees (SAC)?

In recent years, student membership on School Academic Committees (SAC) has not delivered the consistent, coordinated input needed to influence decision-making effectively. As SACs are primarily internal academic administrative bodies, students will no longer be elected to these committees from 2026.

To strengthen student representation, Swinburne is increasing support for Staff Student Consultative Committees (SSCC), which have been more active and effective in gathering student feedback. New SSCCs will be established for Vocational Education (VE) and Swinburne Online (SOL) and each school will regularly present SSCC feedback to SAC.

Additionally, the Swinburne Student Association has launched a twice-yearly Education Forum. This forum brings together students from SSCCs, clubs, leadership groups and the wider student community to discuss key education and wellbeing issues. Feedback from these forums will be formally shared with university leaders.

These changes aim to provide a more consistent and coordinated approach to student representation, to improve the student experience for all students.

Campaign Material Rules

Can I email campaign material to voters? 

Yes. Campaign emails must be sent personally by the candidate. Any mailing list used must be created by the candidate using sources equally available to all candidates. 

Can I use University mailing lists or bulk email systems? 

No. Candidates must not use University bulk emailing systems, University-managed distribution lists, or email addresses collected through automated means. 

Can I campaign on social media? 

Yes. Candidates and others involved in the election may use social media for campaigning, provided the content complies with the election rules and the University’s Social Media Guidelines in effect when the election is called.

Can candidates run as part of a ticket or group? 

No. Tickets are not permitted in Swinburne statutory elections. Candidates must nominate and campaign as individuals. 

Candidates must not campaign as part of a coordinated ticket, slate, team or group of candidates or produce campaign material that presents multiple candidates as a collective ticket. Campaign material should relate to the individual candidate and their own candidacy. 

What can’t I include in campaign material? 

Campaign material must not: 

• contain offensive, derogatory or discriminatory content
• be false, misleading, defamatory or deceptive
• use University branding, logos or design elements in a way that suggests official University endorsement
• imitate the branding of another organisation, including government departments or electoral authorities.
   

Can I use Swinburne branding in my campaign? 

No, where its use could suggest that your campaign or candidacy is officially endorsed by the University. 

Can I use another organisation’s branding or make my material look official? 

No. Campaign material must not imitate the branding of external organisations, including government departments or electoral authorities. 

Can I offer giveaways, food or entertainment as part of my campaign? 

No. Campaign activities and materials must relate directly to the policies being promoted and must not involve inducements or entertainment. Prohibited examples include: 

• stickers
• balloons
• live music or performances
• food, drinks or other giveaway consumables.

Activities that could damage University property or digital infrastructure are also prohibited.

Definitions 

What is a ballot period? 

The period during which persons may vote at an election. 

Who is BigPulse and what is their role in the University elections? 

BigPulse is an electoral company specialising in high security online elections and nominations. The University engages BigPulse for the purpose of conducting secure online elections. 

What does ‘first past the post’ mean? 

Election results are determined using plurality voting known as ‘first past the post’, i.e. the person with the most votes is duly elected. 

What is an electorate? 

An electorate is all the people in a relevant category entitled to vote in an election. 

What are regulatory probity requirements? 

Regulatory probity requirements are evidenced by agreeing to the following if you are a successful candidate, i.e. that you will: 

• Comply with the Victorian Public Sector Commission’s Directors’ Code of Conduct, University legislation and the University’s Governance Framework including the Council Charter; 
• Undertake the role for the benefit of the University, rather than as a representative of a stakeholder group; 
• Comply with all duties and rules including confidentiality obligations; and 
• Provide any declarations required. 

What is the role of the Returning Officer? 

The Returning Officer is the official who conducts an election and announces the results. 

What are statutory elections at the University? 

Statutory elections are an election which the Vice-Chancellor or University Secretary has determined is an election to which the Election Regulation 2012 applies.

Contacts 

Where should I direct general election enquiries?

General election enquiries can be addressed to the Returning Officer at elections@swinburne.edu.au.

Where should I direct specific enquiries relating to the University Council and Academic Senate?

Specific enquiries relating to these bodies can be addressed to the contacts listed on the Board Member Commitments page.

2025 elected candidates and the distribution of votes are published in the notice of election.

Where vacancies arise due to insufficient candidates the Elections Regulations (Part 4. S13. Insufficient candidates) apply.

The following are the results of the 2024 Swinburne statutory elections held for 2025 office-bearers. A ballot was conducted online for the contested electorates, which concluded at 5pm on Monday 14 October 2024.

Where the number of valid nominations did not exceed the number of vacancies, candidates were elected unopposed. This is indicated by an asterisk (*) alongside the candidate’s name.

Where vacancies exist due to insufficient candidates, the Elections Regulations (Part 4. S13. Insufficient candidates) apply.

Staff positions

Academic Senate

UniSuper

**who are UniSuper members

Student positions

University Council

Vote count

Following are the results of the Swinburne statutory elections held in 2022 for 2023 office bearers.

For the contested electorates, a ballot was conducted online, concluding at 12pm on Monday 17 October 2022.

Where the number of valid nominations did not exceed the number of vacancies, candidates were elected unopposed. This is indicated by an asterisk (*) alongside the candidate’s name.

Where vacancies exist due to insufficient candidates, the Elections Regulation (Part 4. S13. Insufficient candidates) applies.

Note that while the Student Experience Framework project team explored and co-designed the Swinburne Student Voice model with students (August to October 2022), the Vocational and School Student Consultative Committee positions were not included in the 2022 election process.

Staff positions

Academic Senate

Following are the results of Swinburne statutory elections held in 2021 for 2022 office bearers. 

For the contested electorates, a ballot was conducted online which concluded at 12pm on Monday 11 October 2021. 

Where the number of valid nominations did not exceed the number of vacancies, candidates were elected unopposed (indicated below by *). 

Where vacancies exist due to insufficient candidates the Elections Regulations (Part 4. S13. Insufficient candidates) applies.

Following are the results of Swinburne statutory elections held in 2020 for 2021 office bearers. 

For the contested electorates, a ballot was conducted online which concluded at 12pm on Monday 12 October 2020. 

Where the number of valid nominations did not exceed the number of vacancies, candidates were elected unopposed (indicated below by *). 

Where vacancies exist due to insufficient candidates the Elections Regulations (Part 4. S13. Insufficient candidates) applies.