FAQs
These are the most common questions we receive, but please get in contact with us at info@studentexperienenetwork.com.au if you have any other questions.
- Questions about SEN
- SEN Awards
- SENCON
What does SEN stand for?
SEN stands for 'Student Experience Network'. The organisation has seen a huge amount of evolution over the past several years and, as such, in 2021 it went through a rebrand including the adoption of the name ‘Student Experience Network’. The new name was determined by a working group made up of the organisation’s members, to better represent the current objective, which is to support members to make student life better.
When and how was SEN formed?
1999 – Tertiary Access Group (TAG) formed out of the Australasian Campus Union Managers’ Association (ACUMA).
At the time it was identified that ACUMA members were all buying from the same suppliers, and by forming a single buying group (TAG) they could deliver a better service more effectively. The abolition of compulsory student union fees in 2006 threatened some student associations with financial ruin, and TAG ably fulfilled its purpose. The introduction of voluntary union membership drove the organisation and membership numbers exploded.
ACUMA then focused on representation and professional development for tertiary service providers, while bulk-buying activities were handled by TAG. In parallel with its rapid growth, TAG refined its activities to ensure that its nationwide membership shared equally in the advantages of a co-operative structure.
The tertiary education sector was expanding fast, and TAG matched it by extending its benefits to tenanted service providers on campuses; our “benefit partners”.
As the tertiary services sector continued to be challenged by funding changes and the fee deregulation debate, the question grew as to why multiple representative groups for campus services providers existed, when one – TAG – would be able to cover all bases most effectively, eliminating duplication of effort and costs.
2014 – After a few years of careful consideration, members resolved to allow more than the one constitutionally allowed member organisation per campus to join TAG. Sports associations and other campus organisations began to apply for membership.
2015 – Following the new resolution around membership, ACUMA closed its doors and integrated wholly into TAG and the Australian Association of Campus Activities (AACA) followed suit.
2016 – Following the adoption of ACUMA and AACA, TAG positioned itself to represent the needs of its members across a wide and diverse spectrum, all aimed at supporting and enhancing the student experience on Australian campuses nationally.
2021 – The organisation underwent a name change and rebrand exercise, driven by the current membership. Members resolved to change the name of the organisation to the ‘Student Experience Network’ to better represent the current objective which is to support members to make student life better.
Where are you based?
The SEN office is in Brisbane, Queensland.
Is there a cost for membership?
Yes, to maintain a current financial membership, Members will pay:
- One-off Purchase of Shares. This will be payable at the time of membership approval and the amount is dependant on the number of students enrolled at your tertiary institution (EFTSL).
- Annual Service Fee. This is payable at the start of each calendar year and the amount is dependent on the number of students enrolled at your tertiary institution (EFTSL) as well as the financial benefit from your previous year’s membership
For more details around the cost of shares and annual fees, please visit our Become A Member page.
How do I access the members-only section?
To access the members-only section, click 'Login/Sign-Up'. Fill in the form, and a member of SEN staff will review for approval.
Am I eligible to submit an Entry into the Awards?
An Organisation must be a current financial member or a supplier/contract holder of Student Experience Network (SEN) to participate in these awards. If unsure, check with your Organisation's Head or contact info@studentexperiencenetwork.com.au.
What is the Timeframe for the Awards?
Key Dates
Award Entries Open – Wednesday 5th March 2025
Award Entries Close – Friday 4th July 2025
Judging Commences – Monday 21st July 2025
Judging Completed – Friday 22nd August 2025
Finalists Announced – Monday 1st September 2025
Awards Gala Dinner – Thursday 27th November 2025
When does my Entry need to be submitted by?
Entry submission will close at midnight on Friday 4th July 2025.
Late entries will not be accepted.
When will the Finalists and Winners be announced?
Finalists will be announced on Monday 1st September 2025.
Winners will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner at SENCON on Thursday 27th November 2025 in Brisbane.
Has anything changed in the Awards since last year?
The only change to the 2025 SEN Awards is that each Organisation can submit only 1 entry per Award Category.
More information is available in the 2025 Awards Information Session Recording and the Entry Guidelines.
How do I submit an Entry?
Visit How to Enter for details.
Can I edit my submission before and after I submit it?
Entry submissions will be made via a Jotform form – https://form.jotform.com/Student_Experience/2025-sen-awards
You will be able to leave and go back and edit your entry at any stage prior to submitting it by selecting “Save and Continue Later” at the bottom of the page.
You will then receive an email with a link to go back to your entry when you are ready. If you do not receive this email, please check you Junk/Spam folder.
You will also have the option to Get a Link to your Entry Draft. Please copy and save this somewhere you will be able to access when you need.
Once you have submitted your entry, you will not be able to edit it. Please ensure that you have gathered all information prior to writing your entry submission, and that you check all sections before pressing Submit.
Should you wish to resubmit your entry for any reason, please contact info@studentexperiencenetwork.com.au
Can I enter more than 1 initiative in an Award category? Can I enter an initiative into more than 1 category?
Organisations may only submit 1 Initiative in each Award category. Please selest your best initiative to enter.
You cannot submit the same initiative into multiple categories. You need to decide which category your initiative fits into best and only enter it into that category.
Is there a file size limit for uploading supporting documents to an entry submission?
Yes, you may upload up to 3 files to support your entry.
The max. file size for each 19.5MB.
Supporting documentation can be in any format you prefer, ie. powerpoint, video, images, data, links etc.
If any of your files are larger than 19.5MB, please email us at info@studentexperiencenetwork.com.au
Why should our Organisation submit an entry into the Awards?
Submitting to the SEN Awards can provide great benefits to organisations as well as individuals.
- Industry recognition – be seen as leaders in the student services sector
- Increase Marketability – add winner logos to email signatures, websites, employment ads, social media, tender applications etc
- Positive Engagement – with staff, students, customers, and suppliers
- Individual Recognition – nominate colleagues, staff, or suppliers for an individual award
- Inspire and Collaborate – showcase your initiatives to inspire and motivate others in the sector, or to collaborate on future projects
- Professional Development – nominate yourself or a colleague for the Joe Curtis Professional Development scholarship (*conditions apply).
- Networking – celebrate the amazing achievements of everyone within our sector at the SEN Awards Gala Dinner
How are the Winners decided?
Judging Panels are made up of sector experts and independent industry professionals with expertise relevant to the awards they are reviewing. Judges are given two weeks to independently review all entries in their allocated category. Judges use the following Criteria when scoring each Entry – Judging Criteria
Each award is allocated to a handpicked Judging Panel, based on their skills, knowledge, and experience.
The entry in each category with the highest overall score is awarded the Winner, with the 2nd highest score awarded an Award of Distinction.
Individual Awards and the Strategic Partner of the Year Award are judged by the SEN Board. Board members will individually assess each entry, and will then meet to decide on the overall winner in each category.
Who can I contact if I have any questions?
You can contact us via email: info@studentexperiencenetwork.com.au
When/where does SENCON take place?
SENCON alternates locations each year, hosted on campus by one of our member organisations.
SENCON 2025 is being held Monday 24th November - Thursday 27th November at University of Queensland, Brisbane. Special thanks to the UQ Union team for hosting!
Do I need to be a SEN member to attend?
No you don't. We encourage those who are non-members to attend, however the member ticket prices are heavily discounted.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact us at info@studentexperiencenetwork.com.au
Can I come for only one/two days?
Yes you can. We have individual day rates available for those who do not want to attend the full conference.
I'm interested in presenting, how do I apply?
Have an initiative or idea that you would like to share?
We are looking for program contributors to share their knowledge and insights to INSPIRE our delegates. If you’d like to get involved, please complete the 2025 SENCON Program Contributor EOI
Do you offer an early-bird discount?
Yes we do! Book your tickets for SENCON 2025 before 12th September to secure your early-bird discount.