Academic Board — election of a student from Faculty of Design and Society

Candidates in ballot paper order

Mona Pourmanaf

Helma Hirmiz

Cameron Craig

Camila Perez Marin

Maria Moshi

Candidates’ statements

Mona Pourmanaf

I believe the strongest universities are built not only through academic excellence, but through the people who choose to invest in their community. 
 
As a 2nd year Bachelor of Property Economics student, I have actively sought opportunities to contribute to UTS beyond the classroom. Through the UTS Peer Network, Bluebird Pantry and Night Owl, and The Big Lift, I have connected with students from diverse backgrounds and gained a deeper understanding of our university community.

I have completed my UTS SOUL Award hours and continue to volunteer in service of UTS and the wider community. These experiences have taught me that meaningful leadership begins with listening, but requires the confidence to act.

I would bring to the Board initiative, a broad student network, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine commitment to turning student perspectives into meaningful action. 
If leadership is earned through action, I hope I’ve earned your vote. 

Helma Hirmiz

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." – Simon Sinek

My name is Helma Hirmiz, a second-year Bachelor of Design in Architecture and Diploma in Innovation student. I am writing to express my strong interest in serving as the Undergraduate Student Representative on the ActivateUTS Board and Faculty Academic Board for 2027.

As a 2026 TD School Board Representative, School of Architecture Representative, and President of the Neo-Aramaic Society, I bring direct experience with formal board governance, meeting agendas, analyzing policy papers, and voting procedures. Combined with three years of community service with St Vincent de Paul and the Josephites Action Group, I offer proven advocacy, critical thinking, and collaborative leadership.

I am eager to champion the student voice, support the Board’s strategic goals, and meaningfully enrich campus life at UTS. 

Cameron Craig

I’m a postgraduate Strategic Communication student standing to represent the Faculty of Design and Society on Academic Board.

After a career working in communications across Australia, Asia and the United States, I came to university for the first time to undertake my postgraduate degree. That combination of professional experience and being new to university has given me a strong interest in how teaching, assessment and curriculum connect with the rapidly changing world beyond campus.

If elected, I will advocate for a strong student voice in academic decision-making, practical connections between learning and industry, thoughtful use of AI in education, and assessment that develops skills students can genuinely use.

I also work across the Asia-Pacific region connecting communication students, educators and industry. On Academic Board, I would bring that perspective while listening closely to students across our Faculty and representing their interests constructively, independently and respectfully. 

Camila Perez Marin

I’m a fourth-year student studying Communications (Social and Political Sciences and Media Business), Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation, and Diploma of Languages (Spanish). I’m running for Academic Board because students deserve a meaningful voice in the academic decisions that shape their university experience. 
I’ve represented and worked with students across UTS as Assistant General Secretary of the UTS Students’ Association, Secretary of TD Connect in 2026, Events Executive of TD Connect in 2025, BCII Third Year Student Representative in 2025.

These roles have taught me to listen to students, advocate for their concerns, and turn feedback into action. On Academic Board, I’ll advocate for fair and transparent academic policies, stronger communication between students and the University, and an academic environment that reflects the diverse needs of UTS students.

I’ll be an approachable, accountable representative who listens, asks difficult questions, and ensures student voices are heard where decisions are made. 

Maria Moshi

I am writing to express my strong interest in serving as a student representative on the 'Faculty Board in Design and Society' and the 'Academic Board'. As an undergraduate Architecture student at UTS, I am deeply invested in our faculty's academic environment, studio culture, and ongoing curriculum evolution.

Serving as an executive of the UTS Neo-Aramaic Society, student representative for my cohort, and Studio 2 mentor has equipped me with a deep understanding of student needs. Crucially, these roles give me practical insight into professional committee proceedings, agenda management, and formal governance.

My dedication to community building extends beyond campus through consistent volunteer work. I firmly believe that true leadership is not about status, but rather, the active responsibility to serve others and uplift a community.

With my practical committee experience and dedication to student advocacy, I am confident I would be an effective voice on the Board. 

How to vote in an online ballot

1. Note your candidate choices and preference order
2. Log in to UTS: Elections Online Polling Booth
3. Choose the election you wish to vote in
4. Select the candidates you wish to vote for
5. Check your vote
6. When you are ready, choose 'submit' to record your vote.

Conduct

Participants in elections (candidates, their representatives and voters) are expected to follow the same high standard of conduct and behaviour during the campaign process as is expected on campus generally. The behaviour of election candidates and their representatives should meet expected standards of conduct. See Code of Conduct for UTS Elections.

Concerns about security due to election-related conduct should be reported to UTS Security and Emergency Management. Phone 02 9514 1192 or dial ‘6’ on any UTS phone.

Further information

The schedule for this election has information about the election rules, Returning Officer and Academic Board.

See Voting for information about votes, confidentiality, appointing a scrutineer and results.