| Election of |
4 student directors Note: Of the 4 student director positions elected in even-numbered years, no more than 2 may be held by directors of the same gender (ActivateUTS Constitution 2025, clause 15.3(b)). |
| Term | 2 years: 7 October 2026 to 6 October 2028 |
| Electorate |
Students enrolled in any award course at the university (minimum one year full-time or equivalent duration) can vote in this election (Rule G3-22(1)(d); ActivateUTS Constitution 2025, clause 1.2 and 16.1 (PDF)). Restrictions Students (undergraduate, postgraduate coursework and postgraduate research students) who are also members of academic or professional staff of the university (continuing or fixed-term) are not entitled to vote in this election (Rule G3-22(2)). Important information Successful candidates must obtain a director ID before commencing their term of office on 7 October 2026. Further information is available at ASIC New ID requirement for directors. |
| Ballot | opens Thursday 10 September 2026 closes at 3pm Thursday 17 September 2026 |
| Voting | vote now or see how to vote |
Candidates in ballot paper order
Candidates’ statements
Abdul Rahman Kaleem (M)
You know what, our attention spans are cooked, so I'll start with a fun fact about me: I actually modelled for the UTS Store! (Yup, check the website).
Now for the quick intro: I’m Kaleem, an international student from Saudi Arabia with Indian roots, currently surviving my second year of engineering.
We all know what UTS sounds like on advertisements, but reality is different. I’m running for the ActivateUTS board to close the gap between what we pay for and what we actually get.
I’m not trying to be some polished campus politician. I just want to fix the annoying everyday stuff. Tired of dropping $5 on coffee between classes? Let's get a proper campus caffeine bar. Sick of high schoolers packing out the library? We need more strict student-only study zones.
I represent Arab and Desi backgrounds, international students, engineers, and honestly, all of us.
Count on me.
Thomas Snow (M)
Hi, my name is Thomas and I'm a second-year Journalism student running for Student Director on the ActivateUTS Board. I’m standing because student life matters, and ActivateUTS plays a major role in shaping the campus culture that makes UTS more than just lectures and assessments.
Through my involvement with clubs and societies on campus I’ve seen how important it is that student organisations remain active, accessible and accountable to students. If elected, I would focus on supporting our clubs and society executives, improving communication with students, protecting affordable and inclusive student services, and ensuring that ActivateUTS remains responsive to students balancing study, work, and cost-of-living pressures.
I want to bring a practical, engaged and student-focused voice to the Board, a voice that will listen to student, ask questions and work constructively to improve campus life for all UTS students.
Mona Pourmanaf (F)
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.
Liya Nagawkar (F)
Hey UTS student body! I’m Liya, a 3rd-year Biomedical Engineering and Medical Science student running for Student Director on the ActivateUTS Board. Campus culture is what connects us outside the classroom, and I’m amped to bring fresh energy and ideas to our sports, events, and club spaces. Having been heavily involved in student societies like EngSoc and Engineers Without Borders (EWB), I’ve seen how clubs operate behind the scenes firsthand. Balancing a heavy STEM degree has also shown me just how crucial social connections, well-being, and accessible spaces are to our uni experience. I’m keen to take that insight to the next level as a direct, approachable voice for all of us. I'll push to back student-led initiatives, score better resources for clubs, and make sure ActivateUTS actually delivers the vibrant campus life we want to see. Vote Liya for ActivateUTS!
Rishi Singhal (M)
Hey, I’m Rishi, a second year Bachelor of Computing Science student at UTS.
I’m running for Student Director to bring student perspectives from across campus into Board discussions. I’ll bring practical experience, an understanding of governance and a strong connection to campus life, helping ActivateUTS stay useful, welcoming and connected to its students.
I currently serve as Vice President of GDG UTS, a UTS College Student Ambassador and President of the UTS College Student Representative Group. Through the SRG, I serve on the Learning and Teaching Committee, gaining firsthand experience in student representation and governance. Beyond my representative work, I’m part of the UTS Red Bull Gaming Hub team, Creative Director for UTS EngSoc and Marketing Director for UTS RoboSoc.
Between all of that and studying full time, I’m at uni five days a week and arguably spend more time on campus than I do at home haha.
Lauren Hugo (F)
I believe that every student should have the opportunity to fully participate in university life and feel represented in the decisions that shape their experience. It is this belief that motivates my interest in serving on the ActivateUTS Board. As a student representative, I would seek to ensure that student voices are meaningfully reflected in discussions and decisions affecting campus life and student wellbeing. I am passionate about contributing to a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive university community where students can make the most of their time at UTS.
I deeply appreciate the opportunities that have enabled me to pursue higher education. This experience has reinforced the importance of creating pathways for others and ensuring that all students feel empowered to participate in university life. If elected, I hope to help ensure that those same opportunities remain available to others.
Brianna Dann (F)
Too embarrassed to fight for your dreams? Don't know how? Or maybe you don't have the time. Either way, I'll fight for you!!
Whether it's a ski lift to Central Station, fashion runway, food trucks, or more parties, no dream is too big or too small. And just imagine what we could achieve with our 40,000+ dreams!!
Building a better UTS at this scale requires someone who values every idea and will fight for each one as if they were their own. There's only one who can: Brianna Dann.
Martin Lee (M)
Hey! I'm Martin, a first-year student studying a Juris Doctor Master of Intellectual Property. Outside of uni I work as a musician, dancer and lighting designer.
Why do I want to be your ActivateUTS Student Board Director? Simply put, I love UTS, student life and want to make the student experience here even better! In my short time here so far, I've already gotten as involved as possible, joining multiple clubs/activities (KUTS, UTSHHS Choreo Crew, LSS mooting competitions, etc), the BUILD/SOUL/Brennan programs and HELPS/ActivateUTS volunteering. Previously I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics at Princeton University where I was also heavily involved in student life, serving on the boards of multiple student organisations.
I have SO many ideas, but one thing I want to advocate for in particular is greater access to practice and performance spaces for UTS' creative and performing arts clubs/societies/teams.
Arshia Farshchi Sharif (M)
UTS should be more than somewhere you just come to class. It should be where you meet people, get involved, try something new and actually feel part of a community.
I’m a Civil Engineering student, startup founder and Founding President of UTS Padel. We took the club from an idea to a 200+ member community in a matter of weeks. I’ve also been heavily involved in UTS Startups and helped build new student and industry communities across campus.
I’m running for the ActivateUTS Board because I know how much better uni can be when students are backed to make things happen. I want stronger clubs, more accessible sport and events, better support for student leaders, and more real opportunities beyond the classroom.
I’m not here just to have a seat. I’ll bring energy, ideas and the drive to actually get things done.
Thank you.
Vincent Jiang (M)
Hi, I'm Vincent, a first-year Bachelor of Information Technology Co-op student at UTS.
I'm passionate about creating a student community where everyone has opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Since starting at UTS, I've actively become involved in student life through the UTS Cyber Security Society General Committee and the Project Society subcommittee, where I've contributed to society initiatives and community engagement.
If elected, I will focus on listening to students, encouraging greater participation in clubs and events, and helping strengthen connections between students, societies, and industry. I believe effective leadership is built on communication, reliability, and collaboration, and I'm committed to representing students with integrity while ensuring their voices are heard.
I would be grateful for your support and the opportunity to contribute to making the UTS student experience even better.
Quoc Gia Binh Nguyen (M)
Hi, I'm Binh, a computer science student and an active member of ActivateUTS's volunteering program. Through working on different ActivateUTS programs, like being a Wellbeing Rep with Lenny's Mates, I've seen firsthand how ActivateUTS shapes student life at UTS, and how much more it could do in the future.
As Student Director, I want to make it easier for every student to take part, whether that's expanding activities for part-time, online, international students, or making sure clubs and events reach beyond just one campus or one crowd. No one should have to know the right people just to feel like they belong here.
I'm running because I want every student at UTS to feel like this place is genuinely theirs, not just something they pass through. If that's the kind of UTS you want too, I'd really appreciate your vote.
Mario Gallo (M)
My name is Mario Gallo, and I'm running for Student Director of the ActivateUTS Board. I'm a Juris Doctor student and grew up in Sydney's inner west. Before study, I spent many years in business. I currently serve as Postgraduate Representative for the UTS Law Students' Society. ActivateUTS exists to enrich student life. Through clubs, events, spaces, and the graduate attributes that come with them. As Student Director, my three priorities are stronger links between programs and the employability outcomes students need after graduation; wider club funding and support so more student-run activities get off the ground; and genuinely accessible spaces and events, including for postgraduate and part-time students. Outside study, you'll find me at the gym, watching tennis, or walking my British bulldog. Twenty years in business has taught me how to get things done for people. I'd bring that same practical approach to the board.
Connie (Xiuhui) Lim (F)
I am running for Student Director because I believe clubs and societies are at the heart of the UTS student experience. They create friendships, build confidence, and provide opportunities for students to develop personally and professionally. I want to ensure student communities have the support and resources they need to thrive, while creating more opportunities for students to connect across different interests and backgrounds. My experience as former Co-Chair of my high school's Student Representative Council and current member of SOUL's Leadership Committee has taught me how to listen, advocate, and turn ideas into action. I am approachable, passionate about community building, and committed to making UTS a more engaging and inclusive place for all students.
Anan Ahmed Mustaqim (M)
My journey with AIESEC taught me that community thrives when every voice is seen and every effort is valued. That belief drives my run for Student Board Director. I've walked the walk—coordinating teams, challenges, and learning that real leadership is about lifting others.
My vision is simple: a student life where no society feels invisible. I will fight for more accessible grants so that smaller clubs have the same opportunities as larger ones. I will push for faster event approvals and club responses so you can focus on creating experiences, not chasing paperwork.
Most importantly, I will advocate for every society event to be reposted on Activate's channels, because your hard work deserves a spotlight. Every workshop, every cultural celebration matters.
I'm not just asking for your vote; I'm asking for your trust to build a more inclusive, responsive, and vibrant UTS. Together, let's make every student feel they belong.
Akhil Ratna Chettri (M)
As an international student from India with Nepali heritage, I bring a uniquely multicultural perspective to our university’s student board. Navigating higher education far from home has taught me that true representation requires active listening, cultural empathy, and an unwavering commitment to every student's voice.
My background allows me to bridge diverse communities and understand the specific challenges faced by international and minority students; from adjusting to campus life to navigating cultural transitions. I am dedicated to creating an inclusive, transparent platform where your concerns are heard, valued, and translated into action.
If elected, I will advocate for enhanced support systems, stronger community-building initiatives, and equitable resources that ensure every student, regardless of their origin, thrives academically and socially. Together, we can build a campus environment where diversity is celebrated, and every background enriches our collective experience. I ask for your vote to make our university a welcoming home for all.
Arshdeep Sembhi (M)
I am nominating for Student Director of ActivateUTS because I believe university should be more than attending classes it should be a place where students build friendships, communities and memorable experiences.
Through my involvement in student societies, including serving as Vice-President of the UTS Punjabi Society and as a General Committee member of the UTS Indian Society, I have gained experience in student engagement, events, teamwork and creating opportunities for students to connect.
If elected, I want to be an approachable and active Student Director who genuinely listens to students. I will advocate for stronger support for clubs and societies, engaging campus events, more opportunities for students to connect and initiatives that make all students feel welcome.
I will bring energy, fresh ideas and a willingness to take action. My aim is to help create a more connected, inclusive and enjoyable student experience at UTS.
How to vote in an online ballot
- Note your candidate choices and preference order
- Log in to UTS: Elections Online Polling Booth
- Choose the election you wish to vote in
- Select the candidates you wish to vote for
- Check your vote
- 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 ActivateUTS Board.
See Voting for information about votes, confidentiality, appointing a scrutineer and results.