SESSION OVERVIEW
A student’s sense of belonging is strengthened when students are not only consulted, but meaningfully engaged in shaping the decisions, experiences and communities that affect them. Moving beyond feedback collection requires structures, relationships and practices that enable genuine student influence, shared leadership and partnership.
In this interactive student-staff facilitated workshop, participants will explore how student voice contributes to belonging through agency, inclusion, authenticity, evidence-informed practice and shared leadership. Drawing on Student Voice Australasia’s Values and Principles, delegates will use the BELONG model as a practical reflection tool to examine their own student engagement initiatives and identify opportunities to move from consultation towards partnership and co-design.
Through facilitated discussion, peer learning and practical application, participants will consider how student experience and lived expertise can be meaningfully incorporated into decision-making, while identifying barriers and enablers to authentic participation. Participants will leave with a practical framework and actionable strategies to strengthen student voice and foster a greater sense of belonging within their own institutional contexts.
Session Outcomes:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Apply the BELONG framework to evaluate student engagement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen student agency, inclusion and shared decision-making.
- Recognise the value of student experience and lived expertise alongside otherforms of evidence.
- Develop practical actions to move from consultation towards partnership and co-design.
PRESENTERS
Belinda Brear is the Coordinator of Student Voice Australasia (SVA), where she leads strategy, governance, partnerships and sector-wide initiatives that strengthen student voice across tertiary education. With more than 13 years’ experience across UniSQ, UniSC and UQ, she works with students and staff to advance meaningful engagement, partnership practice and opportunities for students to influence the decisions that shape their learning and university experience.
Francesca Harrison is a student partner with Student Voice Australasia and a third-year undergraduate student studying Communication (Social and Political Sciences) and Creative Intelligence and Innovation at the University of Sydney. She is passionate about student advocacy, equity and engagement, and creating inclusive learning environments where students feel empowered to contribute to institutional decision-making and positive change.
About Student Voice Australasia (SVA)
Student Voice Australasia (SVA) is a sector network hosted by UniSQ dedicated to strengthening student voice across tertiary education in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. SVA connects students, staff and institutions through research, professional learning, events and communities of practice that support meaningful, inclusive and evidence-informed student voice practice.