Introduced in 2024, the Students as Partners (SAP) program at UTS offers a unique opportunity for students to drive meaningful change in their learning experience. With support from Students Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF) funding, students collaborate with staff partners to tackle key challenges, from enhancing AI literacy to improving student services.
For academics, this program provides a rewarding chance to work alongside students, gain fresh perspectives, and contribute to impactful initiatives.
How to get involved
If you’re interested in becoming a staff partner, fill out the EOI form here to let students know that you are interested in working with a student on a specific topic area.
The SAP program is more than just a grant – it’s a chance to be part of a transformative initiative that enhances learning, fosters student engagement, and strengthens staff-student partnerships.
The SAP program is open to any UTS staff member interested in partnering with students on a project in 2025. Projects run for 6 months and are selected based on their potential impact, feasibility, sustainability, and collaboration model. Individual projects receive up to $5,000 in funding, while group projects (2–3 students) receive up to $10,000.
Why become a staff partner?
The SAP program is built on the idea of true collaboration – where staff and students work together as equal partners. For academics, this presents a unique professional development opportunity that goes beyond traditional teaching roles. Here’s why you should consider applying to be a staff partner in 2025:
1. Gain a fresh perspective on teaching and learning
Student partners bring firsthand experience of current challenges and opportunities within UTS. Their insights help staff gain a deeper understanding of student needs, leading to more effective and innovative teaching practices.
Dr. Liz Giuffre, a staff partner in the Inclusive Instructions in Creative Productions project (2024 program) reflected on her experience:
I really enjoyed the program—it was such a joy to work with Seana and Jasmin. As a postgrad and undergrad team, they came with different perspectives and really complemented each other, and it was a real honour to learn from them.
2. Collaborate on projects that have a real impact
The projects developed through the SAP program are designed to create meaningful change at UTS. Whether it’s enhancing AI literacy, making creative production more inclusive, or streamlining student services, the work done in these projects has lasting effects beyond the grant period. Learn more about the successful projects from 2024 and their evolving impact at UTS.
Dr. Antonette Shibani, a staff partner in 2024, GenAI Across Disciplines project shared:
It has been a great experience collaborating with highly proactive students, who were keen to turn what we imagined (an AI literacy short course) into reality. Their levels of enthusiasm, curiosity, and skill were commendable and captured the essence of successful staff-student partnerships at university.
3. Support student leadership
Being a staff partner means empowering students to take ownership of their learning and institutional change. It fosters leadership skills in students while providing them with structured guidance and support. The SAP program aligns with UTS’s commitment to student-centred learning, where students are active participants rather than passive recipients of education.
Catherine Nguyen, student partner in 2024, Hands-on Innovative Professional Prep Orientated Students (HIPPOS) project:
I strongly encourage all students to take risks and give your ideas a try with the support of the Students as Partners program – I have learned so many professional skills that can be utilised in my future career (Stakeholder management, program development, etc). To me Student Partners program is like my mini startup project during my time in the university 😊
4. Expand your professional network and skills
Academics who participate in the program benefit from working alongside students and colleagues from different faculties and disciplines. These collaborations can lead to further research opportunities, cross-disciplinary projects, and professional growth in areas such as mentorship, co-design, and student engagement.
Learn more about the initiative
Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and make a lasting impact at UTS.
For more information on the 2025 Students as Partners Program:
- make sure to fill out an EOI form to get involved
- get in touch with the SAP team directly
- see program key dates and application information
- visit frequently asked questions.
