University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC)
Purpose
The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) engaged CPR Group to deliver the 2025 Student Guild Governance and Strategy Project, a comprehensive program to strengthen governance, clarify roles and responsibilities and establish a clear strategic direction for the UniSC Student Guild.
The project responded to national reforms to student governance and Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) requirements and aimed to position the Guild as a modern, independent and professionally governed student-led organisation. It focused on defining a shared future state for the Guild and its partnership with the University, while providing a practical roadmap to achieve compliance, strengthen representation and support sustainable growth through to 2027.
Approach
CPR Group worked closely with UniSC and the Student Guild to deliver a collaborative, evidence-based process across two streams, governance reform and strategic planning. Key aspects of the project included:
- Reviewing governance structures, policies and constitutional arrangements against HESA and SSARA requirements
- Benchmarking the Guild against best-practice student governance models
- Delivering a structured consultation program involving students, Guild leaders and University stakeholders
- Facilitating workshops and interviews to explore governance, representation and partnership models
- Developing a recommended student representation framework, including a Student Representative Council
- Supporting the development of a revised Constitution and governance roadmap
- Facilitating strategic planning workshops to define vision, mission, values and future service delivery
- Preparing a staged growth plan and implementation roadmap through to 2027
Throughout the project, CPR Group provided agile support, built strong stakeholder relationships and tailored its approach to UniSC’s context and student needs.
Outcomes
The project delivered a clear and practical framework to guide the future development of the UniSC Student Guild. Key outcomes included:
- A defined future identity for the Guild as an independent, student-led and professionally governed organisation
- Clear vision, mission, values and strategic direction
- A recommended governance and representation model, including a unified Student Representative Council
- A staged Strategy and Growth Plan
- A practical implementation roadmap supporting legislative compliance and capability building
- Clear articulation of roles and responsibilities between the Guild and the University
The project positions the UniSC Student Guild to transition confidently from compliance reform to strategic growth, strengthening student voice, governance capability and partnership with the University while enhancing the overall student experience.
Hear directly from UniSC’s Academic Registrar and Director of Student Services, Liz Moon, about the impact of the project and the value of the partnership in the below short video:
