La Trobe University Student Council

The La Trobe University Student Council is an important student led representation and advisory body comprising elected and appointed student members from across the breadth of our student body, ensuring diversity in student voice.

Led by students, and supported by La Trobe’s Student Voice and Partnership team, the Student Council has been established as an internal structure within the University to expand opportunities for student engagement in academic governance, strategy development and major projects to ensure student voice is part of decision-making.

Its role is to advise La Trobe and consult with, represent and advocate on behalf of all students. Its purpose is to initiate and validate new ideas and innovations that improve student life and student experience at La Trobe.

Establishing the Student Council was recommended by our Students as Partners Network; and is an outcome of student consultation undertaken to develop La Trobe’s Students as Partners Framework.

The Student Council is funded by the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Your Student Council members

Chaitanya Dhawan

I'm Chaitanya Dhawan, a Master of International Business student who believes uni life should be about more than just surviving Melbourne's unpredictable weather and Turnitin deadlines! Originally from overseas, I’m still juggling study, social life, and figuring out Melbourne’s tram system.

What I love most is building bridges between communities and making sure every student feels seen, heard, and included. I joined the Student Council to amplify student voices, foster genuine connections, and show that university can be both academically fulfilling and genuinely fun. My mission? To help make La Trobe feel like home — no matter where you’re from.

Humaira Binta Hafiz Moon

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Science with a major in Artificial Intelligence. As an international student with a strong foundation in leadership and community engagement, I have actively contributed to student clubs and initiatives. I previously served as a delegate at the International Model United Nations, which strengthened my leadership and diplomacy skills. I also work part-time as a barista, which has strengthened my communication and teamwork skills. I joined the Student Council to represent diverse voices and foster a supportive student environment.

Akshayaa Prakash (she/her)

Hi, I’m Akshayaa, a Bachelor of Business Analytics student majoring in Cybersecurity at La Trobe University. I currently work part-time as a service team member at Coles while balancing my academic journey. I’m proud to be the first in my family to step out of my comfort zone and study abroad as an international student. I enjoy connecting with people, bringing positive energy to those around me, and embracing new experiences. I joined the Student Council to represent diverse voices and contribute to building a vibrant, inclusive student community.

Akshad Shelar (Treasurer)

An IT undergrad majoring in Data Science and Co-President @Enactus LTU.

Aryendu Singh (Co-Chair)

True leadership is not about noise or position; it is about understanding the system and moving with purpose when it matters most. I stand at the intersection of challenge and opportunity, bringing a business mindset to student governance—because efficiency, strategic thinking, and accountability drive real progress. This council is more than a platform; it is a responsibility to build bridges, break barriers, and leave an impact that endures for decades to come. I am committed to be a leader who is ready to listen, stand with, and fight for every genuine student issue.

Shanmukha Sreekar Reddy Sudireddy

I am a second-semester Bachelor of Computer Science student. As an international student, I deeply value Australia's multicultural environment and am committed to amplifying the student voice, particularly regarding education policies. My experiences navigating diverse educational systems have equipped me with unique perspectives, driving my desire to ensure all students feel heard and supported. I am eager to join the Student Council to advocate for inclusive and effective change.

Monty Merchant (he/him)

I am studying Sport Management and I own my own restaurant back in Mumbai. He has worked as a Senior Leader and helped bring the La Trobe Leadership Conference 2025 to life. During my role as the Lead Student Storyteller for MyLaTrobe I loved connecting with students and bringing their stories to life.

Joining the Student Council is my way of giving back, to help every student feel empowered, involved, and proud to call La Trobe home.

Nosa Enoch Ogiemwanre

Coming soon.

Nancy Patel (she/her) (Executive Officer)

Hey La Trobe fam! I’m Nancy, a Master of Marketing student who’s passionate about connecting with people and creating meaningful change. I’ve represented India at the World UCMAS Competition in Malaysia (2011) and received the C. Subrahmanium Award for Excellence in Character (2017). I’m all about good vibes, big dreams, and making real change on campus. Joining the Student Council is my way of turning ideas into action—let’s make uni life not just better, but unforgettable!

Shama Mohamed Rizwan

A first-year Biomedicine student.

Harsh Umrania (Co-Chair)

I am a Master of Cybersecurity student and currently work part time at Woolworths while balancing my academic and leadership commitments. I have a background in IT support and networking and am passionate about cybersecurity, technology, and problem-solving. As President of the La Trobe Hindu Society and a Co-chair of the Student Council, I am committed to building a welcoming and inclusive student experience. I joined the Council to represent student interests, support meaningful initiatives, and help create positive change across the university community. In my spare time, I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, and spending time at the beach.

Established in 2025, the inaugural La Trobe Student Council is an internal student representation and advisory body that consults with La Trobe students and seeks to be inclusive of all students, including those studying online. The Student Council advocates for student ideas, promotes opportunities for student participation in University decision-making, governance, and co-design of services and programs.

The Student Council operates with a high degree of autonomy under their own Terms of Reference, while being supported by the Student Voice and Partnerships team, when needed.

The Student Council provide advice on the allocation of Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF) that the University is directly responsible for, alongside other student-led and partner organisations, to ensure funding allocations are guided by student consultation and feedback.

The Student Council operates as a student-led representative body that listens, identifies priority issues, and advocates for practical improvements to student experience. Our approach is consultative, evidence-based and action-oriented.

Our focus is to:

be visible and accessible to students across campuses and study modes
regularly listen to student experiences, needs and priorities
identify recurring issues and convert them into clear advocacy priorities
work constructively with University decision-makers to pursue practical responses
report back to students on what we heard, what we raised, and what happened next

How we plan do this:

regular face-to-face engagement with students on campus
online feedback collection and digital engagement
targeted listening to student cohorts that are less likely to be heard through standard channels
a prioritisation process so the Council focuses on a manageable number of issues at a time
ongoing communication that closes the loop and builds trust

What we want to learn

what parts of academic life are causing the most unnecessary stress
where students are facing poor communication, inconsistency or lack of clarity
what barriers affect access to support, services, facilities and opportunities
which issues affect specific cohorts more heavily than others
where relatively small institutional changes could produce a large student benefit

If you have ideas, suggestions, or would like to learn more about the Council, its role and how to get involved, email studentcouncil@latrobe.edu.au.

Email the Student Council

Would you like to join the Student Council?

Joining the La Trobe Student Council is a fantastic opportunity to amplify your student voice, shape university decisions, and make a real impact on student life.

Being part of the Council is also a great way to hone new skills, meet new people and access unique training and mentoring opportunities:

Governance, advocacy and representative leadership training
Direct engagement and support from La Trobe staff
Membership of a supportive, diverse and engaged peer group
Mentoring from a member the Senior Executive Group
Opportunities to meet and engage with students across La Trobe’s regional campus network and online

Information about opportunities to join the Student Council, including the application process, will be available in early 2027.

Elections were held in March and April 2025 and candidates were notified of the results on Thursday 22 May, with the successful candidates announced on Tuesday 3 June.

Following the elections in 2025, the Student Council ran an expression of interest process in June 2026, to expand the membership and continue to explore innovative ways to engage and support student voice across our University.

The next expression of interest process will be held in 2027.

To be eligible, to join the Student Council, students must meet the following criteria as outlined in the draft Terms of Reference [PDF 241KB].

Members must be willing to sign the Volunteer Agreement and meet the following eligibility criteria*:

a. have not been found to have breached or be in breach of the Student Charter, Student Behaviours Policy or Student Academic Misconduct Policy;

b. must have at least twelve (12) months remaining to complete their course of study;

c. have satisfactory Academic Standing;

d. not a full-time employee of the University or any of its controlled entities;

e. never declared bankrupt;

f. not been found guilty of committing a crime;

g. no criminal charges (charged or pending);

h. are not currently, and have not been in the past two (2) years, an office bearer, elected representative, councillor, director, executive member and/or committee/subcommittee member of another student organisation;

i. have attended an information session prior to nominating for election.

*The current eligibility criteria will undergo review in Semester 2, 2026.

More information

For more information, contact studentcouncil@latrobe.edu.au.