Current Students Student Life Student Membership and Representation Opportunities

Student Membership and Representation Opportunities

JCU recognises that students have a significant contribution to make in the development of the University. There are opportunities for students to get involved through membership of the following bodies and forums. In addition, students will be informed when other representation opportunities arise with disciplines, divisions or other university units.

JCU Council is the governing body of the University and recognises the importance of student perspectives in decision-making. Accordingly, the JCU Council includes one student member (either undergraduate or postgraduate), elected every two years. The student member may also serve on selected Council Committees.

The Academic Board, which is a Committee of Council and is skills-based, has one undergraduate and one postgraduate student appointed to the Board by the Academic Board Executive following an expression of interest process.

Student members serve in an individual capacity and are not a representative of the student body. They are drawn from a particular constituency but are not to act as delegates speaking for and reporting back to that constituency. However the Council and its Committees welcome the student perspective in decision-making processes.

Find out more about JCU Council.

The JCUSA Student Council is a formal body of elected student representatives and others. As a student representative you can actively promote student issues and concerns to the University as well as to local and federal governments. Becoming a student representative in an area of interest can add a stimulating dimension to your time at university. Student Council meets monthly and positions include:

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Equity & Diversity Officer
  • Townsville Campus Officer
  • Cairns Campus Officer
  • International Students Officer
  • Remote & External Officer

The Student Council membership also includes the Vice-Chancellor, Student Association staff members and a community specialist. Find out more at Student Council. Another way to get involved is to join a Student Council campus committee. Membership is voluntary; find out more from the JCUSA at Getting Involved.

The JCU Brisbane Student Council seeks voluntary student members to participate in student advocacy and Student Council initiated events and social activities, especially during the registration and orientations in March, July and November of each academic year.1 Find out more at JCUB Student Council.


1 James Cook University partners with Russo Higher Education Pty Ltd to deliver the programs available at our Brisbane campus.

This group seeks voluntary student members to participate in campus events and to find new ways to make campus life as enriching as possible. Find out more at JCU Singapore Student Council.