SESSION OVERVIEW
This interactive workshop brings together Student Advocates from two universities to explore how advocacy services can be intentionally designed to foster student belonging.
Using the BELONG conference theme as a foundation, the presenters will examine their respective advocacy models from Charles Sturt University and the University of Newcastle, highlighting how principles of connection, clarity, inclusion, and listening are embedded in service design and delivery.
Participants will compare approaches to communication, process design, and student engagement, and reflect on how advocacy can move beyond problem solving to actively promote connection and trust.
Connection will be discussed beyond just working with students when Rachel and Cath discuss how cross team and stakeholder connection is often the driver behind positive student outcomes and a greater sense of staff belonging.
Through guided discussion and shared examples, attendees will be invited to consider how belonging is created—or unintentionally undermined—through advocacy practices, and how services can be strengthened to better support diverse student experiences.
Session Outcomes
- Gain practical examples of advocacy approaches that strengthen student connection and trust.
- Understand the importance of team trust, belonging and connection in complex working environments.
- Identify at least one idea they can apply to enhance belonging within their own advocacy or student support services.
- Strengthen cross sector understanding through shared learning and comparison of practice.
PRESENTERS
Rachel Stewart-Allan
Rachel Stewart Allan is a Student Advocate working within the Division of Student Experience (DSX), supporting students to navigate complex university processes and advocate for fair, informed outcomes.
Rachel works closely with students experiencing academic, personal, and systemic challenges, with a strong focus on inclusion, connection, and accessible communication. Her work centres on improving student understanding of processes, strengthening cross team collaboration, and ensuring services are designed to be clear and student centred.
Cath Nichols
Cath is the Student Advocacy Manager at the University of Newcastle. Cath is passionate about proactive, early-intervention student support that promotes student engagement, retention, wellbeing, and successful educational outcomes. Her work focuses on helping students navigate complex university policies, appeals, academic progress matters, misconduct processes, and other institutional procedures through trauma informed, safe and respectful advocacy services.
Cath brings extensive experience in student-centred problem solving, policy interpretation, case management, and is passionate about equitable access to higher education. She is committed to empowering students to understand their
rights, build self-advocacy skills, and successfully navigate their university journey.