Student Experience Sub-Committee
The Student Experience Sub-Committee (SESC) was established in 2023 to bring students and staff together to discuss ideas, share perspectives and help shape the student experience at Griffith.
The committee includes student representatives drawn from across the University, including those involved in other committees and student associations, alongside staff partners. It is co-chaired by a student and a staff member, ensuring student perspectives remain at the centre of the conversation.
Student Co-Chair
| Liam Browne |
A nominated member of each formally constituted student organisation
| Spencer Holzheimer | Board Chair, GU Student Representative Council (GUSRC) |
| Liam Browne | President, GU Gold Coast Student Guild |
| Tracey Meehan | Board Co-Chair, GU Postgraduate Student Association (GUPSA) |
| Hafiza Aasia Malik | Chair, Guid Committee for the Advancement of Postgraduates (GCAP) |
An elected online student member of the Digital Students Collective
Timothy Szoke
The currently serving student members on Academic CommitteeÂ
| Vacant | HDR Candidate Member |
| Patrick Rose | Coursework Postgraduate Student |
| Austan Najmi-Beauchamp | Undergraduate Student, Arts, Education and Law |
| Yeashilkumar Parekh | Undergraduate Student, Griffith Business School |
| Jason Liu | Undergraduate Student, Griffith Health |
| Vacant | Undergraduate Student, Griffith Sciences |
| Jacinta King | First Peoples Student Representative |
The currently serving student members on Learning and Teaching Committee
| Samantha Jarvinen | Coursework Postgraduate Student |
| Hugo Moore | Undergraduate Student |
| Mackenzie Trenerry | First Peoples Student Representative |
The currently serving student members on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
| Gia Martin | Coursework Postgraduate Student |
| Ayaka Dunn | Coursework Undergraduate Student |
| Julia Robertson | HDR Candidate |
One student member of the HDR Candidate Representative Consultative Committee
| Vacant |
In 2025, SESC focused on building a more mature and connected approach to student voice, partnership and governance across the University.
Key discussions
SESC explored a range of topics that impact the student experience, including:
- supporting students at academic risk
- governance of the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
- improving complaints handling and processes
- campus safety and respectful conversations
- strengthening how students contribute to proposals and decision-making in committees
The committee also explored how to better support and recognise student representatives in their roles.
Outcomes and progress
These discussions contributed to several key initiatives and improvements:
- a more student-centred approach to induction, improving how student representatives are supported
- introduction of a structured submission process to support student contributions to SESC
- election of a student representative from the Digital Students Collective to strengthen representation of Digital campus students
- expanded role of SESC in SSAF governance and funding discussions
- continued work to embed student partnerships in policy development and curriculum design
In 2024, SESC focused on strengthening student representation and improving how students are supported to contribute in decision-making spaces.
Key discussions
Throughout the year, SESC explored how students engage in governance and the broader student experience, including:
- student representation on committees and how students are supported in their roles
- work-integrated learning and improving student access to paid opportunities
- student wellbeing programs and how students want to engage with support services
- assessment, artificial intelligence, and academic integrity
- data and insights to better understand and improve the student experience
Outcomes and progress
These discussions led to a number of important developments:
- introduction of a Student Co-Chair on SESC, strengthening shared leadership between students and staff
- improvements identified for the student representative induction process
- contributions to the development of paid work-integrated learning models
- student input into initiatives related to assessment, AI, and academic integrity
- increased focus on using data and student feedback to inform decision-making
2023 marked the first year of SESC, bringing students and staff together to focus on key aspects of the student experience.
Key discussions
In its first year, SESC explored a range of topics raised by students, including:
- cost of living - including food, housing and employment challenges
- student wellbeing, accessibility and mental health
- student communication and how information is shared
- student retention and success
- academic standing, progression and exclusion policies
Outcomes and progress
These discussions contributed to several initiatives and improvements, including:
- the creation of a cost of living support webpage and improved promotion of available supports
- expansion of initiatives such as the Student Pantry and partnerships like Orange Sky
- increased support for students undertaking work-integrated learning
- updates to scholarships, including earlier offers and improved access
- student input into the review and transformation of key academic policies