2026 Debates Committee

IS THIS FOR ME?
The USU is seeking a group of dedicated and enthusiastic people who want to make a difference for their fellow USU Members.

The Debates Committee is made up of 12 students who govern the debating program. Committee members review the Debates regulations and take responsibility for organising the debating program, through portfolios that committee members are elected to. The Debates Committee supports the work of the Director of Debates. Committee members have a stimulating and challenging role and have a chance to make a real difference to USU Policy and the provision of USU services.

If you want to contribute to our coveted Debates program, then this is your chance

This role will require commitment from the Committee members of (approximately) 12 months, beginning in November 2025.

It is strongly recommended that no holidays be planned to coincide with the appointment period. Any potential holidays or exchange programs should be discussed with the Programs Event Coordinator before you commit to them.
Indigenous applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for this and all USU roles. Applications are open to all currently enrolled students with a current USU Membership.

The regulations that govern this committee state that: Wom*n shall comprise no less than half the membership of a committee. In the case of a committee with an uneven number of members wom*n shall comprise not fewer than the number of members produced by dividing the number of committee members by two and subtracting one half.

Description Of The Role
Please review the full Role Description for this role here for further details of the scope and requirements of this role.

INTERVIEW PROCESS
Short-listed applicants must be available for an interview of approximately 15 minutes on Tuesday, 7th October between the hours of 9am-4pm or Thursday, 9th October between the hours of 9am-4pm.

The recommendation of the selection panel will be taken to the board for ratification. Successful applicant will receive notification of the panel's decision as soon as possible after that date.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
Successful applicants will be required to be available for the compulsory USU induction and from November 2025 onwards for the development and coordination of the Debates Committee.

Ongoing mentoring and training will continue throughout the year.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential Availability Criteria

• Current University of Sydney Student
• An active USU Membership or willingness to obtain. Membership is free - sign up here
• Able to commit to meeting several times a semester, generally from 5pm on weekdays
• Available for an interview of approximately 15 minutes duration
• Attend the compulsory USU induction

Essential Competency Criteria

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated involvement in the USU Debating Society
• Demonstrated knowledge of USU and its activities
• Demonstrated knowledge of the University
• Demonstrated participation in events supporting the University Community
• Ability to work as a member of a team or autonomously
• Willingness to work within Work health & Safety and Equal Employment Opportunity principles

Desirable Competency Criteria

• Demonstrated involvement in the USU and its activities
• Demonstrated involvement in USU Clubs and Societies
• Demonstrated involvement in extracurricular community activities
• Participation in at least one Intervarsity Debating Tournament

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: MONDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT 9:00AM
How To Apply
Indigenous applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for this and all USU roles. Applications are open to all currently enrolled students with a current USU Membership.

Out of consideration to other applicants, we cannot guarantee that applications received after the closing time will be considered, so we strongly suggest you give yourself ample time to submit your application electronically.

Applicants are strongly advised to make an appointment with the Programs Event Coordinator, Madeline Maronese, by emailing

prior to the application closing date to go over any issues, ideas or questions and ensure your application is as good as you can make it.

• Scroll down to complete the application form
• Attach a Cover Letter (maximum of 2 pages, in MS Word or PDF format only) addressing the selection criteria, referring to the Role Description, detailing why you wish to be on the Debates Committee and what you can offer the role
• Attach your resume (maximum 2 pages, in MS Word or PDF format only)
• Optional supporting material which provides an outline of your ideas for the Debates Committee in 2026 (maximum of 2 pages, in MS Word or PDF format only)

You are advised to complete your application with the awareness that the Events take place on and in venues that have significant environmental and heritage considerations in place.

Your application material will be kept on file and not returned to you. If we have your material on file we may refer to it and/or consider you for other roles. Please indicate if you would prefer that we not keep your material on file. Please supply no original material.
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