| Election of | a student director |
| Term | one year: 7 October 2026 to 6 October 2027 |
| 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
Amelia Grace Wilson-Williams (F)
Candidates’ statements
Ernest Dubiwa (M)
Approaching the latter stages of my undergraduate degree, it has become apparent to me. I haven’t got to where I am today alone.
Whether it’s noticed or not, our university experiences, opportunities and memories are shaped by people who choose to give their time, knowledge and support to others. Some of these contributions are visible, but many go unnoticed. I’ve been fortunate to benefit from the efforts of people who have invested in their community. Their actions have had a positive impact on my university experience and my life. I want to give back to the UTS community and be a part of the positive cycle. I want to contribute to an environment that supports students in their education, thrives in their opportunities, and inspires others to give back. I aim to contribute to the community where students are supported to pursue their goals and encouraged to positively impact others.
Glauco Paganotti Santos (M)
My name is Glauco Paganotti Santos, a Master of Screen Arts and Production student at UTS.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, my passion for visual storytelling evolved into a 24-year television career as a camera operator, lighting specialist, and director of photography for major broadcast networks like Seven, Nine, and Fox Sports, working on shows such as Australian Idol and The Voice.
My Journalism degree taught me that every story has multiple perspectives, and that integrity and fairness must guide every decision. Despite an established career, I moved to Australia to embrace lifelong learning. UTS offers a chance to grow creatively alongside diverse peers, deepening my deep appreciation for inclusion and empathy.
My experiences as a journalist, mentor, and student have instilled respect, curiosity, and an open mind. I would bring these qualities to the Student Director role, along with a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to the UTS community.
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.
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.
Okpale Gift-Oheji (F)
I am Okpale Ahiowawa Gift-Oheji, a postgraduate student studying Engineering Management and Business Administration.
Moving to Australia and starting at UTS has given me a greater appreciation for the importance of feeling connected and included in a community. This encouraged me to get involved in the UTS community through ActivateUTS as a Wellbeing Representative and through UTS SOUL by volunteering at university and community events. These experiences have allowed me to meet people from diverse backgrounds and better understand the different ways students experience university life.
I’m naturally curious, open to different perspectives and enjoy finding ways to contribute. I see the ActivateUTS Board as an opportunity to bring my experiences as a student into conversations about the UTS community, while learning from others and contributing thoughtfully.
For me, being on the Board would be an opportunity to learn, contribute and help foster a connected and inclusive UTS community.
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.
Amelia Grace Wilson-Williams (F)
Since October 2025, I have been privileged to serve as an ActivateUTS Student Board Director, advocating for stronger student representation and initiatives that improve student experiences at UTS.
During my term, I have focused on three key areas:
1. Strengthening gender-based violence prevention and mental health training for club executives;
2. Building stronger partnerships between UTS faculties and student clubs to improve collaboration and engagement; and
3. Advocating for greater recognition of students’ extracurricular contributions beyond what is formally captured on the AHEGS.
Alongside my experience on the ActivateUTS Board, I have held several student governance and representative roles across UTS, giving me experience advocating for students and working constructively with senior university stakeholders.
I am seeking re-election to continue progressing these initiatives, provide continuity on the Board, and ensure this work delivers meaningful outcomes. I will continue advocating for students to feel supported, recognised and connected to university life.
Uttam Nadgouda (M)
Hi, I’m Uttam, a UTSMaxxer. I’ve spent much of my university experience getting involved beyond the classroom through ActivateUTS, volunteering and student-facing roles.
My experiences include serving as an ActivateUTS Wellbeing Representative, Hiking Club and Run Club Event Director, UTS Peer Networker, UTS HELPS volunteer, Student Ambassador and UTS Careers Peer Career Advisor. You can learn more about me and these experiences through my UTSMaxxing LinkedIn series.
I want to contribute to university life by helping make the experience outside the classroom more social, accessible and engaging for every student.
In my mother tongue, my name means 'The Best'. And that's precisely what you'll get if you vote for me. Vote for Uttam, vote for the best!
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.
Helma Hirmiz (F)
"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.
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 special election has information about the election rules, Returning Officer and ActivateUTS Board.
See Voting for information about votes, confidentiality, appointing a scrutineer and results.