About UniSQ Student Guild
Providing vibrancy to your Student Journey
Services
Our Team
Our Board
Governance
The UniSQ Student Guild is a not-for-profit organisation that supports students of the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ).
The primary purpose of the Student Guild is to advance and promote the views and interests of all UniSQ students to the University and other stakeholders both within and external to the University. Included in this charter, is the management and provision of cultural, sporting, recreational and social activities, amenities and services to all students regardless of mode of study or location. To this end, gym facilities are provided by the Student Guild for students and staff on all three campuses, with virtual classes and other enrichment opportunities available to support and enrich student’s learning experiences.
The Guild also provides independent advocacy advice to students in their dealings with the University with a physical presence on the Springfield and Toowoomba Campus and a virtual presence on the Ipswich campus.
Our History
The UniSQ Student Guild was first incorporated in early 1970 under the Education Act as the Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education (DDIAE) Union.
Under the University of Southern Queensland Act, 1989, the DDIAE Union became the USQ Student Association before being rebranded as the USQ Student Guild under the University of Southern Queensland Act, 1998.
With a rebrand of USQ in 2023 to UniSQ, The Guild also changed its name to UniSQ Student Guild.
We offer a wide variety of services and activities to add value to your Student Life.
Students Helped
Events
Free Student Advocacy
Community Gym (SG Fit)
Social & Sporting Events
Every Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 2:00 PM we here at The Guild run social sporting events for students. Each day is tailored to a specific sport and is co-run with affiliated UniSQ clubs as an introduction to health, friendship, and community. Pop in and have some fun. We’ll see you here!
Venues & Sport Courts for Hire
Our Team
Andrew Johnson
General Manager
As the General Manager here at the UniSQ Student Guild, my mission is simple: to help my team make uni life as vibrant, supportive, and fun as possible. My team and I are all about student engagement—whether it’s helping clubs thrive, organising events and sport, or supporting students through our advocacy programs. So, think of me as your go-to person for all things Guild-related. If you see me around, don’t be shy— I love chatting with students and staff about how we can make uni life better.
Merlinda James
Business Manager
My position as Business Manager comprises the management of administration, finance, human resources, policy and procedures, compliance and general business activities. A portion of my role includes communicating with board members and stakeholders as required, preparation of material for board meetings, attendance and drafting of minutes. I attend to end of month accounting processes and liaise with external stakeholders for the purpose of financial reporting to the Board. I enjoy the varied tasks of my role and delight in providing a positive and productive workplace.
Danyell Freeman
Guild Services Officer
Coming from a Personal Training background I love running classes & making fitness a fun & social activity. But don’t underestimate me, I will push you to sweat.
Recently I’ve transitioned into more of a reception role, & I love that it allows me to be able to connect with every single person that walks through our doors. I make it hard for you to miss me with my ever changing bright hair colours.
Kim Spencer
Advocacy Manager
I have been with the Guild, working as an Advocacy Office since 2017. During my time, I have gained a deep understanding of the challenges students face whilst studying, which has allowed me to provide a high level of support, guidance and advice, as I assist students through issues they encounter whilst completing their studies.
Marita Tomlinson
Senior Advocacy Officer
Having worked at the Guild as an Advocacy Officer since 2012, I have developed a profound understanding of various strategies to address the challenges that students may encounter. My role involves providing guidance, support, and advice on navigating the University’s policies and procedures.
Anna Van Bekkum
Accounts & HR Team Leader
Nicole Franz
Food Pantry Coordinator
Alexander Lourey
Advocacy Officer
Our Board
The UniSQ Student Guild operated independently from the university and is governed by a volunteer board of 8 people with a separate constitution. The board chair is appointed by the Vice Chancellor and the directors are comprised of 4 student directors and 2 external directors and one director appointed by the UniSQ council, all of whom operate in a voluntary capacity.
Terms of office range from 2 to 3 years. The Guild is funded by the university under a services agreement which is negotiated annually.
The current board chair is Emeritus Professor Jane Summers. Council appointed director is Ms Helen Nolan. Current external board members are: Ms Bonny Bouke, Ms Monique Tudman. Current Student directors are: Hayden Williams, Anna Barmasheva, Peter Giess, and Imogen Kleidon.
Jane Summers
Emeritus Professor Jane Summers was appointed as Chair of the UniSQ Student Guild Board in 2023. Prior to her retirement from UniSQ in 2022, Jane was the MBA director and Professor of Marketing. Jane has had extensive board experience in not-for-profit organisations including 7 years as Chair of the local regional tourism organisation.
Monique Tudman
Non-student Director
As a non-student Director, Monique brings 20 years of state and federal public sector experience to the role, predominantly in the fields of governance, accountability, risk and compliance. Currently the Director of International Operations for TAFE Queensland International Education, Monique has Bachelor of Laws degree, a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and is continuing her Masters of Business Administration throughout 2024.
Anna Barmasheva
Student Director
As a student Director, Anna brings diverse professional experience in tertiary education, business, research, and healthcare to the Guild. Her multicultural background supports a better understanding of the challenges faced by students from various backgrounds. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at USQ, Anna already holds a PhD in Medical Science (Dentistry) and an MBA/MHRM that she leverages to advocate for enhanced student well-being and success.
Hayden Williams
Student Director and Student Senate Representative
Imogen Kleidon
Student Director, Deputy Chair and Student Academic Board Representative
Peter Giess
Student Director
Helen Nolan
Council Appointed Director
Bonny Burke
Non-Student Director
Governance & Policies
Download Governance and Policy documents here