Appointed Student Officers

Appointed Student Officers

Not every area of student life fits neatly within the elected positions on the Student Council.

The JCUSA Constitution allows the Student Council to appoint additional Student Office Bearers to represent particular student interests, support the work of the Association or help with an area that needs more attention.

These positions provide another way for students to become involved in JCUSA without standing in the annual election.

How do appointed positions work?

Appointed Student Officers are non-voting members of the Student Council. They can attend and contribute to meetings, work with elected councillors and provide advice or updates within the area covered by their position.

The Student Council determines the responsibilities and term of each position. An appointment may last for up to two years, although a shorter term may be chosen depending on the purpose of the role.

These are voluntary, student-led positions rather than employment. The workload is intended to remain flexible around study, work, placements and other commitments.

Appointed Student Officers do not ordinarily receive the honorariums provided to elected councillors. However, the roles can offer practical experience, opportunities to contribute to JCUSA and a manageable introduction to student representation.

Current appointed positions

The Student Council has approved the following positions. Both positions are currently vacant.

Social Media Officer
The Social Media Officer helps JCUSA communicate more clearly and consistently with students.

The role may involve:

• Helping plan and publish student-facing social media content;
• Promoting JCUSA events, opportunities, campaigns and consultations;
• Helping students understand the work of the Student Council;
• Supporting councillors and Clubs and Societies with appropriate promotion;
• Helping keep JCUSA’s website and digital information current;
• Redirecting student enquiries to the appropriate representative or service.

The role works primarily with the President and Vice-President, as well as other councillors, JCUSA committees, JCU UniLife and relevant JCU staff where appropriate.

The expected commitment is generally around one to three hours per week, although this may vary during Orientation Week, elections, major events and other busy periods.

Sports and Recreation Officer
The Sports and Recreation Officer helps connect students, the Student Council, sporting clubs and JCU UniLife’s sport and recreation services.

The role may involve:

• Gathering student feedback about sport, recreation, facilities and activities;
• Sharing student perspectives with the Student Council and relevant service teams;
• Promoting inclusive sporting and recreational opportunities;
• Supporting communication with sporting Clubs and Societies;
• Contributing to the Clubs and Societies Committee;
• Helping students find the appropriate service, club or contact; 
• Working with relevant councillors and JCU UniLife on student engagement opportunities.

The role does not manage JCU UniLife Sport and Recreation or replace its staff. Instead, it provides a student representative link between those services, the Student Council and the wider student community.

The expected commitment is generally around one to three hours per week, depending on current activities, events and the student’s availability.

Future appointed positions

The Student Council may establish other appointed positions when an area of student interest is not adequately covered by an existing elected role.

JCUSA is currently considering campus-based appointed representatives who could support portfolio officers in Townsville, Cairns and, where there is sufficient interest, other JCU locations such as Mackay.

Further information will be published if these positions are formally approved.

Students are also welcome to suggest an area where an appointed representative could provide a genuine benefit. Establishing a position would require consideration and approval by the Student Council, as well as a clear purpose, responsibilities and term.

Interested in an appointed position?

You do not need extensive experience in student politics or governance to express interest. These roles may suit students who want to contribute practical skills, represent an area they care about or gain experience without taking on the full responsibilities of an elected position.

If you are interested in the Social Media Officer or Sports and Recreation Officer position, please contact the President, Vice-President or JCUSA through our general contact pathway.

Please include:

• Your name and JCU email address;
• The position you are interested in;
• A short explanation of why the role interests you;
• Any relevant experience, ideas or skills you would bring; 
• Any questions you have about the position.

Expressions of interest will be considered through the appropriate Student Council process. Expressing interest does not guarantee appointment.

If neither current position suits you, you can still contact JCUSA to share an idea, ask about joining a committee or discuss another way to become involved.