Student representative honoured for service on USQ Council

In 2007, Education student Linda Stanley said she was privileged to be elected by fellow students as the first Springfield student representative to sit on the USQ Council.

Four years later Ms Stanley was honoured at her final Council meeting which took place at Springfield campus, having served two terms while simultaneously graduating with Honours in Education and beginning her PhD.

As the Student Representative, she spent her four years serving on the Council representing the University and community interests and contributing to the overall governance of USQ by helping to set strategic directions and develop University policy alongside 13 other members of Council.

Ms Stanley said the opportunity to serve on the Council had been an incredible professional development experience.

'Before this I had been involved with my children’s school P & C and community associations for some time but had not had any experience speaking publicly in such a forum,' she said.

'I have been able to hone my presentation skills and had input into the student experience for all students at the University.

'Having a hand in the future development of the Springfield campus and helping to shape the way forward for the University has been rewarding.'

Ms Stanley said she first stepped up to nominate as the Student Representative as she and other Springfield campus students thought the campus should be involved in the governance of the University.

'Four years ago, when I attended my first USQ Council meeting, Springfield was a new campus and was still being nurtured by the main Toowoomba campus.

'Since then I have seen Springfield campus mature to consolidate its position as a valuable asset both to USQ, and to the Greater Springfield community.'

USQ Chancellor, Mrs Bobbie Brazil said Ms Stanley had always been a dedicated and enthusiastic representative of the student voice to the Council during her two terms of service.

'The wellbeing of students is an important issue to the USQ Council and Ms Stanley was an excellent Student Representative who has made a valuable contribution to the future of the University. I am sure she will continue to excel in her doctoral studies and whatever path she chooses to take in the future.'

Voting for a new Student Representative to serve on the 8th USQ Council for a term from 7 October 2011 up to and including 6 October 2013 closed last Friday. Results will be announced later this week.

Contact Details:
Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0438 309 096