USASA Student Board 2017
The USASA Board, made up of 14 elected UniSA students, is the peak decision making committee at USASA. The student board is passionate about representing the students of UniSA.
The Board has an overarching responsibility to manage the conduct of USASA's business and affairs. It is also responsible for the management and control of USASA’s funds and property.
Meet Your Reps
Click on a student rep’s image to view their contact details and profile to learn more.
National Union of Students
NUS works to protect the rights of all students and is the national VOICE on all student related issues. Comprising of more than 600,000 students, NUS represents almost every student organization in Australia.
Our NUS Representatives:
Kayla Dickeson
Louise Kyriaki
Jordan Mumford
Diana Wong
Melak Khaleel
Natansh Modi
Timothy Pham
Student Representative Blog
To find out what our student reps have been up to, visit the student rep blog at usasaboard.wordpress.com
Student Representative Profiles
What are you studying?
A double degree of Journalism and International Relations
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
When I first became Magill Representative in 2015, my school and degree had been through a lot of cuts and restructures, without any say from the student cohort in what was happening. Rather than being consulted about the changes, we were simply told that they were happening. I wanted to improve the level of student consultation and representation at the university.
What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2017? I want to see the university engaging students more in what happens at the university about their education; with a clear process for real consultation, not just tick-box student consultation, where the student voice is heard and has a tangible influence at the university.
What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Be critical of the world around you, always be ready to question and critique. Strength and leadership isn’t always about being fearless, sometimes it’s about persevering even though it’s terrifying. Learn how to trust your own voice.
Where does the best coffee in Adelaide?
The Flying Fig on Jeffcott Street does some pretty sweet coffee and has rad vibes.
View Kayla’s board blog posts here.
What are you studying?
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cognitive Neuroscience
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I’m passionate about helping students to have a great experience when they’re at university, and I love being engaged with my university. My aim is to make UniSA a better place to be!
What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2017?
There are so many things that I hope to do in 2017! Two of the main goals are: To improve the range of food on campus (vegan, gluten free, Halal, and more), including healthier and cheaper food options. I also want to work with the university to create safe spaces on campus.
What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Take advantage of everything that UniSA and USASA offer. There are so many services you can access for free, and so many events that you can attend! HAVE FUN and enjoy your time at uni while you’re here!
What have you been watching or listening to recently?
I’ve been watching Rupaul’s Drag Race, and listening to alt-J, Tame Impala, Glass Animals, and Radiohead.
View Louise's board blog posts here
What are you studying? I am in my final year of Bachelor of Aviation.
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I want to actively listen to students and help make the experience at UniSA a memorable one for all students.
What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2017?
I want to give more support to international students, in particular, to provide students adequate understanding and knowledge to live and study in Australia.
What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
- Stay out of your comfort zone because life is short
- Embrace failures
- Don’t give yourself too much freedom, reasonably structured life will be able to set you free
- Believe in yourself that you can make a positive change
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
It’s lame but my friends named me “Nemo” because when I start thinking about something interesting, I forget about everything around me. When I hang out with my friends, I sometimes accidentally get lost from the group and they have to look for me. They even name the group chat “Finding Nemo”. Lucky enough, I haven’t been hit by a car.
View Luke's board blog posts here.
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Medical Science
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I wanted to become the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Representative because I am passionate about student growth and self-worth. I felt that I could improve the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander persons experiences for the better within the university.
What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
If students are ever feeling upset there should go onto Facebook and like student problems, the content is so relatable and funny; it will brighten any student’s day.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
I was born in Darwin and then moved to Melbourne for a year but I grew up in Gawler, Adelaide.
At age 9 I learnt that I’m indigenous, my mother’s mother was stolen as a baby and was put into foster care, at age 18 my grandmother found her mother and met the rest of her family. I belong to the Coorong which is referred to as Ngarrindjeri.
From the age of 9 to 16 I was a competitive swimmer; competing at state level and was trying to get on the national team. Throughout my time as a competitive swimmer I would say a “prayer” in my head which is a famous quote from Winston Churchill ‘success is not fail, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts’, I still use it today in university.
View Jordan-Leigh's board blog posts here.
What are you studying?
Medical Radiation
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I want to make a difference in the uni, raise awareness about USASA and make student life easier
What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2017?
Focus on improving student wellbeing
What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Get involved - the best years of your lives are passing by!
What's your favourite thing about Adelaide?
Garden of Unearthly Delights - best reason to visit Adelaide
View Han’s board blog posts here.
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Pharmacy (honours) & Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science double degree
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I’ve always wanted to do more for our UniSA community, and becoming a student representative enables me to be a key player in bringing change for the benefit of the community.
What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2017?
Any issues put forth by the students will be dealt effectively and efficiently. Remember that, I am your voice.
Where would you go on your dream holiday?
Kremlin
If you had to run a vegetable farm, what would you grow?
Beets
View Natansh’s board blog posts here.
What are you studying?
A Bachelor of Business (Economics, Finance and Trade), a Bachelor of International Relations & a Diploma of Languages (French)
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
Since starting at UniSA in 2014, I have been able to see the really positive environment that we have here at UniSA. I wanted to be given an opportunity to build upon what the University already offers. Being elected to the Student Board does just that.
What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2017?
My focus will be on three areas. First, reducing smoking rates among students and encouraging more cycling in and around campus. Second, building a positive and safe environment for all, especially for new students. And finally, by engaging with all students at City West to ensure USASA can help to create the best student experience.
What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Take advantage of every opportunity the University offers you. Apply for scholarships, go on exchange or a study tour, join a club or seek out volunteering opportunities.
What have you been watching or listening to recently?
I’m a big fan of House of Cards. I’ve only started watching in the last six months so I had to binge watch all four seasons to catch up. I do not recommend binge watching. At all.
View Ryan's board blog posts here.
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (International Relations)
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
To be a voice for the students and to be a student rep that reflects different groups in UniSA (e.g. Asians, Afghans, Muslim girls etc). Besides being part of the committee that supports the students and seeks to improve their uni life, I wanted to be an example for other students to apply for these roles, to go out of their comfort zones, to seek to improve their skills which will in the long run help them to help others and most importantly to not be afraid of failure and instead see such opportunities as experiences. I have previously been on a USASA club board and wanted to take a more active role in UniSA by being a voice for the students at City West.
What can you achieve for UniSA students in 2017?
Engaging with the students and providing them opportunities to provide feedback and concerns/issues which I will take to USASA meetings to find ways to act upon that feedback in order to improve university experience for students and address their issues/concerns.
What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Dream big but don’t be afraid to seek help when trying to turn your dreams into a reality. In doing so, find out about all the services that UniSA and USASA offer (student advocacy) and events you can attend (UniTopia).
If you had to run a vegetable farm, what would you grow?
‘Black-eyed peas’ jokes
HERBS! Fresh herbs smell amazing.
View Zahra's board blog posts here.
What are you studying?
I’m currently in my third year, studying a Bachelor of Aviation, and an Advanced Diploma of Aviation.
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
Having spent the last two years as a university student, I felt that I had a good understanding of the changes that ordinary students want to see, and could make a valuable contribution as a Student Representative.
What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2017?
In 2017 I hope to be able to work with the other members of the board to help provide more support for students, better-funded clubs, and a more vibrant campus culture.
What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Sometimes it’s easy to think of university as just study, but it’s so much more than that! Come along to events, join a club, and make the most out of your university experience.
Who would win a fight between Spiderman and Batman?
Batman obviously.
View Jordan’s board blog posts here.
What are you studying?
I am currently in my third and final year of a Bachelor of Aviation degree.
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
Being in University for the past 2 years, I noticed that more could be done to positively impact the students. I believe that as your representative, I can make a positive and valuable contribution to the University, bringing positive changes that you, as the student would welcome.
What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2017?
This year hope to be able to provide better support for students. In addition, I want there to be more events for students, especially in Mawson Lakes.
What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Join a club! Socialize and make new friends. Do not be afraid to take risks, but most of all, give 101% in whatever/everything you do.
What are your favorite shows?
The Simpsons and Prison Break!
Dogs or Cats?
I love all animals but i’d have to say DOGS!!!
View Jivan's board blog posts here.
What are you studying?
Double degree of Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing, and Bachelor of Arts (International Relations)
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I wanted to make a positive contribution to the University while also being a student. I feel being a Student Representative is the best way I can do this.
What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2017?
I have two main focuses that relate to all UniSA students. My first is to support student well-being, in particular when it comes to health and morale on campus. My second is to ensure that all UniSA campuses have a vibrant and fun atmosphere.
What's your best piece of advice for fellow students?
Join a USASA social club or a UniSA Sport's club. It's a great way to make new friends and a to relieve the stresses of study.
If you had to run a vegetable farm, what would you grow?
Speaking from experience, potatoes. They're really fun to pull out of the ground.
View Ryan’s board blog posts here.
What are you studying?
International Relations
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I wanted to make a positive contribution to the University while also being a student. I feel being a Student Representative is the best way I can do this.
What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2017?
I hope to help create a more inclusive culture and empower students, as well as help make being at UniSA the best experience it can be.
What's your best piece of advice for fellow students?
You’re not alone in this. There is always somebody who can help you and it’s never too late. Talk to USASA and talk to Campus Central – they will guide you in the direction you need.
What's the best thing about Adelaide?
It’s hip, cultural and progressive without being pretentious about it.
View Carey’s board blog posts here.
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Social Work
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I have previously done volunteer roles such as epal, ASR & PASS Leadership. I feel this was an opportunity to expand on theseand work with the student body as a whole.
What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2017?
Support the wellbeing of students through activities. Grow student engagement (student to student, program to program, with USASA and uni as a whole)
What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek help
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I'm secretly a skydiver
View Julie’s board blog posts here.
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Education.
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
My second term and loving it. I want to make the most of my uni experience and enjoy making the uni experience enjoyable for others.
What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2017?
Ears and engagement, the two e’s.
What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Smash the work so you can reward yourself however you like without feeling guilty.
Where's your favourite secret location on campus?
The new look student lounge at Whyalla looks great with new furniture and colour scheme.
Where does the best coffee?
Best coffee is at my mums, short black bosnian coffee.
View Kemal’s board blog posts here.
2016 Student Board
Post Graduate Representative - Nick Li
International Representative - Valérie Baya
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Representative - Sophie Murray
City East Representatives - Luke Rogers & Thomas Browne
City West Representatives - Jue Wang, Mark Meegan (January - March) Joshua Schneider (June - December)
Magill Representatives - Christopher Ghan & Kayla Dickeson
Mawson Lakes Representatives - Izik Nehow & Lisa Bennetts
Mount Gambier Representative - Tammy Masters
Whyalla Representative - Kemal Brkic
