Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

These are the most common questions we receive, but please get in contact with us at info@studentexperienenetwork.com.au if you have any other questions.

Questions about SEN
SEN Awards
SENCON

What does SEN stand for?

SEN stands for 'Student Experience Network'. The organisation has seen a huge amount of evolution over the past several years and, as such, in 2021 it went through a rebrand including the adoption of the name ‘Student Experience Network’. The new name was determined by a working group made up of the organisation’s members, to better represent the current objective, which is to support members to make student life better.

When and how was SEN formed?

1999 – Tertiary Access Group (TAG) formed out of the Australasian Campus Union Managers’ Association (ACUMA).

At the time it was identified that ACUMA members were all buying from the same suppliers, and by forming a single buying group (TAG) they could deliver a better service more effectively. The abolition of compulsory student union fees in 2006 threatened some student associations with financial ruin, and TAG ably fulfilled its purpose. The introduction of voluntary union membership drove the organisation and membership numbers exploded.

ACUMA then focused on representation and professional development for tertiary service providers, while bulk-buying activities were handled by TAG. In parallel with its rapid growth, TAG refined its activities to ensure that its nationwide membership shared equally in the advantages of a co-operative structure.

The tertiary education sector was expanding fast, and TAG matched it by extending its benefits to tenanted service providers on campuses; our “benefit partners”.

As the tertiary services sector continued to be challenged by funding changes and the fee deregulation debate, the question grew as to why multiple representative groups for campus services providers existed, when one – TAG – would be able to cover all bases most effectively, eliminating duplication of effort and costs.

2014 – After a few years of careful consideration, members resolved to allow more than the one constitutionally allowed member organisation per campus to join TAG. Sports associations and other campus organisations began to apply for membership.

2015 – Following the new resolution around membership, ACUMA closed its doors and integrated wholly into TAG and the Australian Association of Campus Activities (AACA) followed suit.

2016 – Following the adoption of ACUMA and AACA, TAG positioned itself to represent the needs of its members across a wide and diverse spectrum, all aimed at supporting and enhancing the student experience on Australian campuses nationally.

2021 – The organisation underwent a name change and rebrand exercise, driven by the current membership. Members resolved to change the name of the organisation to the ‘Student Experience Network’ to better represent the current objective which is to support members to make student life better.

Where are you based?

The SEN office is in Brisbane, Queensland.

Is there a cost for membership?

Yes, to maintain a current financial membership, Members will pay:

One-off Purchase of Shares. This will be payable at the time of membership approval and the amount is dependant on the number of students enrolled at your tertiary institution (EFTSL).
Annual Service Fee. This is payable at the start of each calendar year and the amount is dependent on the number of students enrolled at your tertiary institution (EFTSL) as well as the financial benefit from your previous year’s membership

For more details around the cost of shares and annual fees, please visit our Become A Member page.

How do I access the members-only section?

To access the members-only section, click 'Login/Sign-Up'. Fill in the form, and a member of SEN staff will review for approval.

Am I eligible to submit an Entry into the Awards?

An Organisation must be a current financial member or a supplier/contract holder of Student Experience Network (SEN) to participate in these awards. If unsure, check with your Organisation's Head or contact info@studentexperiencenetwork.com.au.

What is the Timeframe for the Awards?

Initiatives must take place between January 2023 and June 2024. Individual award categories are excluded from this timeframe.

Key Dates:

- Award Entries Open: Monday 4th March 2024
- Award Entries Close: Sunday 30th June 2024
- Judging Commences: Monday 15th July 2024
- Judging Completed: Friday 16th August 2024
- Finalists Announced: Monday 2nd September 2024
- Awards Gala Dinner: Thursday 21st November 2024

When does my Entry need to be submitted by?

Entry submission closes at midnight on Sunday 30th June 2024. Late entries will not be accepted.

When will the Finalists and Winners be announced?

Finalists: Monday 2nd September 2024
Winners: At the Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday 21st November 2024 in Melbourne.

Has anything changed in the Awards since last year?

Yes, there are changes to the structure and format for 2024. More information is available in the 2024 Awards Information Session Recording and the Entry Guidelines.

How do I submit an Entry?

Visit How to Enter for details.

Can I edit my submission before and after I submit it?

You can edit before submission via "Save and Continue Later." Once submitted, edits are not possible. Contact info@studentexperiencenetwork.com.au for resubmissions.

Can I enter more than 1 initiative in an Award category? Can I enter an initiative into more than 1 category?

You can submit multiple initiatives in one category if relevant. However, the same initiative cannot be submitted into multiple categories.

Is there a file size limit for uploading supporting documents to an entry submission?

Yes, up to 3 files, each with a maximum size of 19.5MB. Larger files can be emailed to info@studentexperiencenetwork.com.au.

Why should our Organisation submit an entry into the Awards?

Benefits include industry recognition, increased marketability, positive engagement, individual recognition, inspiring others, professional development, and networking opportunities.