All students who actively participate in any of the VU leadership programs or activities receive a certificate of participation. Under the Student Leadership Model and the Student Leadership Training and Development Program, you can also earn official recognition by gaining a commendation line on your academic transcript as well as having the opportunity to obtain qualifications such as a Diploma in Management or a Certificate IV in Frontline Management.

Active participation in any of the leadership groups opportunities listed below may be used as evidence in the portfolio required to achieve the above mentioned recognition. Ongoing support, training and guidance is provided to all participating students. 

There are numerous leadership groups and opportunities, catering for a diverse range of interests, and having various time commitments. There is bound to be one to compliment your course of study or interests. 

Leadership groups

Biz Ambassador

Help make a real difference - apply to join the Biz Ambassador team and develop valuable skills in communication, leadership and time management. You will get your own 'Biz Ambassador' t-shirt and be awarded a certificate of participation. Please note that only current students enrolled in the Faculty of Business and Law are eligible to apply.

Find out more about becoming a Biz Ambassador, or email bizhelp@vu.edu.au to register.

D2E

D2E is a student group which utilises workshops and forums to develop and assist members with a disability reach their goals. Working in partnership with VU, students, communities and charitable organisations, it provides an holistic approach to empowering people disabled by their medical circumstance, cultural or linguistic background. For more information, please contact d2e@vu.edu.au

Golden Key

The Golden Key International Honour Society is a non-profit organisation founded in 1977. It recognises academic achievement among college and university students worldwide in all disciplines. Membership is by invitation only, and based solely on the criteria of academic achievements.

Visit the Golden Key Victoria University Chapter on Facebook.

International and local orientation hosts

This program employs the services of current students to guide new international and local students through the orientation process. As a host, you will help refer other students to university services and facilities and assist with basic issues such as navigating the university.

Email: orientationhosts@vu.edu.au
Phone: Sue Oulton or Michael Agrotis on +61 3 9919 5514 or +61 3 9919 2654.

International Student Association (ISA)

This operates within the Victoria University Student Union (VUSU) to represent and advocate the specific interests of international students studying at VU.

The ISA Student Lounge is a place for all International students to socialise and relax. The lounge is open from 9am – 5pm during the semester and has internet access, printing facilities, a microwave, a noticeboard for events and notifications and games.

The lounge is located in Building M, 119 Footscray Park Campus.

Email: isa@students.vu.edu.au
Phone: President on +61 3 9919 1164

Housing mentoring program

The Housing Mentor program helps International students find accommodation. To be eligible, you must have experience in finding accommodation for yourself and be interested in assisting new students to find accommodation.

Full details and application form is available on the Housing page.

Peer Career Advisor Program

Peer Career Advisor Program Peer Career Advisors work in the Learning Commons at Footscray Park, St Albans, City Flinders and Footscray Nicholson campuses. They assist students and graduates with job application and resume reviews, and answer general career inquiries during drop-in sessions and online. They also participate in a range of career development activities as part of wider the Student Career Development team.

Email: julie.farthing@vu.edu.au
Phone:  +61 3 9919 4944

Residence Life Team (RLT)

If you live at one of VU’s residences, you can apply for a position on the Residence Life Team (RLT). This dedicated team of residents perform the roles of academic advisers, community advisers, social and sporting coordinators and college activity coordinators.

Email: chris.laing@vu.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 9919 6303  

Sports Team Managers

Sports Team Managers provide a link between athletes and sport services. You have the option to compete with the team you’re managing, but the primary role is to coordinate before, during and at the conclusion of events for your team.

Email: ashlee.marks@vu.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 9919 4434

Student Ambassador Program

The Student Ambassador program provides opportunities to develop communication and networking skills. You have the opportunity to meet with a variety of people and speak on behalf of VU and its student body, providing future opportunities for yourself and VU. 

Email:darcy.keogh@vu.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 9919 9174

Student Assistants

Student Assistants staff the library during extended hours of opening such as late evenings and weekends. You will provide basic support on a range of library and IT matters including:

• connecting patrons to electronic resources
• troubleshooting printing and computer problems
• enabling students study together, share notes and utilise open access collections and facilities

Email: garry.potter@vu.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 9919 5932

Story Writing in Remote Locations (SWIRL)

SWIRL aims to engage remote Aboriginal children in traditional and contemporary activities for the month that the project runs.

You will help young children produce their own books including photos and stories in both their own Indigenous language and in English. The booklets are then laminated, bound and included in the local school library to enhance children’s reading skills.

Email: lawry.mahon@vu.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 9919 4807
Visit the SWIRL website

Student Leadership Training and Development Program

This program runs for six months and requires working on a community based project. One 3 hour workshop per month covers team work, leadership development and presentational skills. To join, please provide approximately 200 words as to why you are interested in undertaking this program and what you would like to achieve.

Email: lead@vu.edu.au

Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)

SIFE operates on VU campuses as well as many university campuses around the world. Students make a difference in their local communities through entrepreneurial education projects. You are encouraged to find ways to positively impact the community by teaching real-world skills.

Email: info@sifevu.com.au
Join the VU SIFE Club group on Facebook.

Victoria University Postgraduate Association (VUPA)

VUPA is a body within the Victoria University Student Union (VUSU) that is designed to address the needs of postgraduate students. You speak to post graduate students about their concerns and issues, represent post graduate students at meetings and organise social events.

Email: vupa@vu.edu.au

The Victoria University Student Union (VUSU)

VUSU is the principle student representation organisation at VU concerned with advocating the interests of all students in all matters at VU. VUSU committee members are involved in speaking to students about their concerns and issues, attending meetings with students, staff or university officials and organising student social events.

Email: VUSU executive officer lambros.tapinos@vu.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 9919 5053

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Leadership opportunities

VU Committees

VU students can participate in a range of committees. These range from senior management Committees such as ERB (Education and Research Board) which oversees and monitors the University's academic activities, to Faculty Committees which focus on Faculty based activities.

Student Leadership Advisory Committee

All the staff representatives of the leadership groups listed above sit on the student leadership advisory committee. They discuss and make decisions regarding student leadership.  Interested students can attend meetings, observe the proceedings and learn more about group or team management.

Students Leadership Council Committee

The Student Leadership Council comprises members of all of the VU programs that involve student leadership. Members meet on a regular basis to discuss their student leadership program and any issues or initiatives undertaken within the program. The goal is to share ideas and initiatives within each individual program for the benefit of all VU student leadership programs.

Student Leadership Council Meeting Dates 2011

For more information about joining the council, please contact lead@vu.edu.au

Volunteer Work- Community

Volunteer work is a great way to give back to the local community and people. There are a variety of short and long term volunteer opportunities available throughout the year with local community organisations

Volunteer Work- VU

Volunteer work is available to volunteer in the Student Leadership office. This will give you invaluable administrative and office experience, event planning and networking opportunities. For more information, please contact liz.mordaunt@vu.edu.au

Workshops

Student Leadership runs six to eight workshops per year. The workshops provide the opportunity to develop your skills in varying fields, which will assist in your future job prospects. Current workshops will be advertised on the events page. Topics include public speaking, presentation skills, committees and boards, conflict resolution, time management and team work.  

Email lead@vu.edu.au for further information on student leadership opportunities.