Our Student Executive Advisory Committee
VicSRC's Student Executive Advisory Committee (also known as the Executive Committee) is made up of 15 secondary school students from across Victoria elected by our Student Community.
The Executive Committee help make sure VicSRC is always student-led. They are part of the governance along with the Board and advise on strategic direction and advocacy. They also represent Victorian students to the Department of Education and other stakeholders in education.
Arian
he/him
New Executive Committee Member
Ayson
he/him
Returning Executive Committee Member
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Crystal
she/her
Hi, I'm Crystal! I care deeply about the things that bring us together. This includes music, culture, and of course, advocacy. I am committed to amplifying the voices of students who are frequently overlooked, including those facing mental health challenges, disability, or unstable home environments. I'm passionate about inclusive, equitable education and wellbeing supports that meet students where they are, and I look forward to working with students across Victoria to ensure lived experience shapes decision-making!
Daniel
he/him
I'm passionate about student voice and creating an education system that is fair and flexible for all. My experience spans leadership programs across Victoria, nationally and internationally, as well as community volunteering. I am most interested in equity and inclusion, ensuring every student is heard. Having studied in public, independent, homeschooling, online, roadschooling and worldschooling, I see the biggest issue as making education more flexible, supportive and fair.
Edward
he/him
I'm a year 9 student from rural Victoria. I'm passionate about improving educational equality for students in rural areas, and ensuring young people have access to the same opportunities, support, and pathways. With a strong interest in education and student voice, I am committed to strengthening transitions into senior secondary and better supporting students to succeed. I am a dedicated youth advocate who enjoys contributing to my community and is excited to work alongside other young people to help shape a fairer and more inclusive education system for all Victorian students.
Elisha
she/her
Hi, I'm Elisha - a Year 9 returning Exec member from metro Melbourne! I love leadership, networking, and extracurriculars, but most importantly advocating for positive and beneficial change in our education system through the use of student voice. I'm passionate about ensuring education works for every student, and that an inclusive education system is adequately supported statewide. I can't wait to work with different perspectives and opinions across Victoria to help shape the system into one that works for everyone, rather than a one size fits all model!
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Eva
she/her
I'm a student from rural Victoria with a strong passion for advocating for gender equality in education and the wider community, particularly within rural schools and communities where this remains an important issue. Growing up in a rural area has shaped my commitment to ensuring students outside major cities have equal opportunities to learn, lead, and have their voices heard in a safe environment where they are viewed as equals. In my free time, I enjoy expressing myself creatively. I play the guitar, sew, and crochet.
Imogen
she/they
I'm a year 12 regional VCE VM student, passionate about ensuring students are adequately equipped for their senior secondary school years, no matter which pathway they are undertaking. As a Returning Executive Committee member, I hope to use my skills and knowledge to continue representing Victorian students through my work with VicSRC. I'm a queer young person and am committed to ending LGBTQIA+ discrimination in schools, so every student can feel safe. I am so excited to work with my fellow Exec members to help improve our education system!
James
he/him
Hello, my name is James, and I am a Year 8 student from Melbourne. I am passionate about student voice and representation. I believe school needs to be constantly evolving to keep up with the world and it needs to develop systems based off of what students actually want and need, this is only achievable through student voice. In my free time I enjoy playing guitar, camping, reading and diving deep into politics. I am very excited to be working on VicSRC in the Executive Committee and to be collaborating with the community.
Lawrence
he/him
Hi, I'm Lawrence and I'm in Year 8. In my free time, I enjoy reading and learning about technology and music. I'm enthusiastic about expanding student voice. I am particularly interested about students' mental health and student support in the education system by making sure every perspective is truly represented. This allows students to identify additional items that decision makers might need to consider. I believe that when students and teachers work together to shape their education, it enhances the learning experiences and outcomes in schools. I hope to contribute to a fairer, more inclusive and beneficial education system to all Victorian students!
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Mavis
she/her
Hi, I'm Mavis. I enjoy oil-painting and playing the flute, and I'm involved in rowing as a cox. I am extremely interested in advocating for mental health awareness and supporting effective changes within schools to improve wellbeing and accessibility for all students.
Nethara
she/her
As a member of the VicSRC Executive Committee, I am really passionate about connection and inclusion in the student community. I really enjoy being involved in different activities that help bring students together. I believe that a strong student community benefits everyone and brings out certain essential qualities such as courage and teamwork, whilst also building new friendships. I'm always happy to help anybody and I hope this year on the Executive Committee will be one of the best yet, filled with positive impacts for students.
Sarah
she/her
I am a passionate student leader who is deeply interested in advocacy, collaboration, and creating positive change within education. I value student voice and believe all young people deserve to feel supported, represented, and empowered at school. I am actively involved in extra-curricular activities including student leadership and advocacy groups, debating and public speaking, drama and music, as well as community volunteering and fundraising initiatives. As a member of the Executive Committee, I am excited to represent students, engage with diverse perspectives, and work alongside motivated peers to help improve educational experiences for students across Victoria.
Taha
they/she
Hi! I'm Taha and I am a Year 10 student from Melbourne. As an autistic person, I know very well about the barriers embedded within the education system which have, and continue to, hinder students from diverse backgrounds from feeling included and accepted at school. I am committed to making education, student agency and leadership accessible and inclusive to students of all abilities and aspirations. I hope to be part of an education system predicated upon the embedding of the voices and perspectives of all students within decision making, enabling us all to have a say in what matters most. Ultimately, it is an exciting privilege to represent the entire student body. I hope that through my advocacy I can contribute to building a more equitable education system for us all!
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Tara
she/her
New Executive Committee Member
Our 2027 Student Executive Advisory Committee nominees
Meet the students who have stepped forward to lead in 2027. Each nominee brings their own ideas, experience and passion for making our student community stronger. They want to represent your voice, organise the events and initiatives that shape student life, and work with staff to make positive change.
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Take a moment to read their bios below and learn what each candidate hopes to achieve. Voting opens on the 27th of October, so get to know your nominees and have your say in who leads us next year.
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Elisha
she/her
I love leadership, and I love learning, but not always in our education system – and that’s why I want the chance to change it. I’m passionate about ensuring education works for every student, and that an inclusive education system gets adequately supported statewide. With experience in student voice and advocacy, I’ll build my prior knowledge to work towards a system that challenges the ‘one size fits all’ approach, and help shape an education system that truly serves us all.
Students deserve an education system that listens and works for them, and reflects the diversity of their experiences, so I will further support turning student voice into meaningful change across Victoria!
— Elisha
Diverse perspectives create strong leaders because they encourage us to challenge others and ourselves and, by extension, address issues at their core.
— Penny
Penny
she/they
What makes me excited to be a part of the Student Executive Advisory Committee is that I thrive in spaces with different ideas. They force me to re-evaluate my initial views and how I came to them. For me, one significant issue in education is the funding disparity between schools, particularly between public and private schools and in marginalised communities, which I believe contributes to students’ growing apathy, teacher burnout, and, ultimately, cyclical disparities in educational outcomes.
Haadi
he/him
What excites me about Exec is the chance to place student voice where it belongs: at the heart of decisions, not at the edge of them. I believe one of the biggest issues in education is access to opportunity. Students should have more chances to lead, enter real industries, learn from mentors and truly discover what they are capable of. Education should not simply be an arrow towards the future, it should be the door that lets students into it.
If you put me on the table, I'll make sure your voice is sitting there too
— Haadi
"Vote for me and I'll make sure every student's voice is heard, because when we listen to each other and work together, we can create real change in our schools and communities."
— Bradley
Bradley
he/him
I’m excited to meet students from across Victoria & help turn student ideas into meaningful change, so every student feels heard & included. Through student leadership, fundraising & community volunteering, I’ve learnt listening & collaboration can make a real difference. I believe student wellbeing & belonging, mental health & student voice are vital, because students thrive when they feel supported, connected & heard. I’d bring energy, reliability & a genuine commitment to student voice.
Emily
she/her
Being on the Student Executive Advisory Committee excites me because it gives me a chance to express issues and concerns all regional students have as well as being a completely new experience that I know will teach me a lot. Currently in our education system regional and rural students, schools and teachers are underrepresented and face unique issues that are often overlooked, I hope to help be apart of addressing these issues.
Every student faces struggles no matter who they are, where they are from, and what they enjoy, it’s important every struggle is acknowledged and addressed because every young person deserves a chance.
— Emily
"When will we ever use this?" You've all asked it, and no one's answered. I'm done waiting. Vote for me, Abdurrahman Salman, to represent YOU in 2027, and I'll make sure someone finally does.
— Abdurrahman
Abdurrahman
he/him
You're not voting for me - you're voting for you. I’m Abdurrahman Salman, and I'm done watching our schools prioritise cramming content for a test over teaching us real skills. As a Cadet, Debate Captain, and SRC member, I’m running to fight for hands-on, practical learning focused on real-world application and critical thinking. Your ideas belong where the decisions get made. Vote for me, and I'll make sure they can't be ignored.
Beau
they/them
As a young person passionate about volunteering and advocacy, with lived experience as a queer, trans student, I am committed to empowering marginalised students and ensuring that schools are willing and able to cater to a wide range of needs. Currently, I believe that the disparities between public and private schools, alongside the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ students, are major issues in education, and the idea of tackling these by uplifting student voice is incredibly important to me.
I believe adamantly that because their existence revolves around supporting young people, schools must rely on student voice to guide them in enacting reform where it is most vital.
— Beau
I am like the students I’m here to represent, and I understand the challenges we face because I experience them too. I’ll listen to your ideas, speak up for your concerns and do my best to make sure your voice is heard.
— Yashika
Yashika
she/her
I am excited to join the Student Executive Advisory Committee because I love advocating for students and ensuring their voices are heard. Through my experience in student leadership, youth advocacy and journalism, I have developed a genuine passion for creating change. I want to bring student concerns directly to the Department of Education, particularly around AI in education. AI must be integrated into the curriculum so students can use it responsibly while developing critical thinking skills.
Joshua
he/him
I am excited to join the Student Executive advisory Committee. I meet other students and help make a good difference in education. I think that student mental health and wellbeing is one of the most important issues in education/schools now. I would like to make schools safer, reduce bullying and make it feel like students are being heard and supported.
I want to make sure students feel like they are being heard and supported. Vote for me to help improve student wellbeing, reduce bullying and give students a stronger voice.
— Joshua
It’s time for our generation to join the debate. We will no longer just observe the adults making decisions over our future
— Scarlette
Scarlette
she/her
I’m excited to be part of the Student Executive Advisory Committee because I’d get to act on real issues I see my peers dealing with. I’d also meet other passionate students who want to create positive change. I believe a major issue in Victorian education and even nationally is focusing on the ‘what’ instead of the ‘why’. We need to understand the causes behind issues like mental health and social media use, not restrict or cover them up.
Rayan
he/him
I'm excited to join the Executive because it lets students speak directly to the people who make decisions about our education, and we can actually make changes on the issues that affect us the most. I think the most important issue is student workload and wellbeing, especially for students balancing study with sport, extracurriculars, work and life outside school. I know the pressure students face, and I'd listen first and follow through.
Why have abs when you can have kebabs
— Rayan
Let’s make school not about numbers, but the real learning that happens in you
— Tim
Tim
he/him
1. What really excites me about being a part of the student executive advisory committee is the chance to work in a real world environment where mine and other young people’s voice is genuinely hard and important
2. In my opinion one of the most troubling issues in education is the lack of alternative education for young people in regional areas as a student in a regional area I have many friends who are unable to access alternative education when they truly need it
Amanda
she/her
I’m excited to join the Student Executive Advisory Committee to amplify student voices in decisions that shape our education and to work with peers across Victoria to turn ideas into real change. I believe the most important issue in education right now is ensuring equitable access to support, resources and opportunities so every student,regardless of background, location or circumstances,can thrive academically, socially and mentally.
In order to be able to make a difference, I will activate my Ambition, be Adventurous, and have the Audacity to make the greatest difference in the world.
— Amanda
Less talk, more action - I'll make sure your voice is heard and acted upon.
— Aarav
Aarav
he/him
Hi, I'm Aarav.
I'm running for the VicSRC Student Executive Advisory Committee because I want to help advocate for the many issues facing Victorian students and teachers today.
An important issue we must address immediately is how we manage and integrate AI in education, both with learning and teaching.
VicSRC has the ability to help bring real change on this issue, and with your vote, I will make sure our voices direct that future.
Priya
he/they/she
The thing that excites me about being part of the Student Executive Advisory Committee is being able to advocate for awareness and solutions to the issues schools face in supporting students with mental health issues, disabilities, diverse backgrounds and identities. It is important to me that school is safe and that education is accessible and inclusive for everyone, no matter where they are from or who they are.
Opportunities are for everyone, no matter what. They shouldn’t be hidden away and restricted
— Priya
Performative isn’t wired earphones and matcha, it's the leadership roles and student forums that lead to no true youth influence on decision-making. Vote for me to promote real student voice for everyone.
— Lela
Lela
she/her
Having experienced public, selective-entry, online, and home schooling, the same pattern has emerged: decisions about students are made without students. Student agency is too often either performative or nonexistent, with no real influence over decisions that shape our learning. I am excited about Exec because it is a chance to work alongside a diverse group of peers, learn from their perspectives, and advocate for my fellow students so that youth are recognised as capable and genuinely heard.
Senuli
she/her
I am excited to join the Student Executive Advisory Committee to be a voice for those who feel unheard, overlooked or underestimated. I believe education should not be about giving everyone what they want, but ensuring everyone has what they need to thrive. I want to help create an education system where no student is left behind, where differences are understood, and where every young person feels they have a place and a voice.
I want people to have what they truly need, not simply what we assume they need. Light in a cave is useless, if you want to see the stars.
— Senuli
I believe if someone has a strong will for change, they’ll find a way to a reality
— Charlie
Charlie
he/him
I find the most exciting part of being in the Student Executive Advisory Committee is being able to actually make change, change that impacts students on an individual level, I hope by joining this organisation I have the chance to contribute to making positive changes to students all across Victoria. I believe the biggest issue facing education right now is the prevalence of bullying, it prevents students from asking questions, talking to new people, it ruins childhoods, the list goes on
Nick
he/him
The most important issue in contemporary education is the lack of direction and the lack of passion for learning faced by many students. The Executive Advisory Committee is an excellent opportunity for any student to be able to have a voice within the sector of education and enables such students to have an impact by listening to the voices of others - hence allowing them to deal with such issues.
I believe that societies advance not in the shadow of ignorance, but in the light of education. It is our duty to work towards such a goal.
— Nick
Going to a large school with 2000 other students, I know what it feels like to think you are lost in the system. I'm here to remind you, that you matter.
— Misha
Misha
she/her
Hi I'm Misha! I live in Metro east and attend a government school. What excites me about being a part of the Executive committee is the chance to remind students they matter. The most important issue in education is the rigid ideals that the system encourages, such as pushing traditional pathways and failing to destigmatise other options. Going to a large school with 2000 other students, I know what it feels like to think you are lost in the system. My goal is to remind you, that you are not.
Maria
she/her
Hey I’m Maria!! I’m super excited to join Exec to challenge barriers for students and create opportunities for young people. I’d bring passion for youth mental health and creating space for honest conversations about issues young people are often discouraged from raising. I think a major issue is the pressure to constantly achieve which can leave students' wellbeing and lived experiences overlooked. I want to work with students across Victoria to help make education more supportive and inclusive
I care about listening to people properly and finding ways to make things better. I’m passionate, creative and reliable, and I want to help change the narrative about young people’s role in education so our ideas are taken seriously and can shape decisions.
— Maria
Andy
he/him
“A possibility is a chance at success.” 🌻
I’m excited to work alongside students across Victoria and turn possibilities into opportunities for student voice. Through youth-led projects, I’ve seen how one student idea can grow into something shared by many. I believe every student deserves that chance. Education should not only teach students; it should listen to them. I want to help make sure every student feels heard, every perspective has room to grow, and their voices shape what comes next.
Being part of student leadership has taught me that some of the most meaningful ideas begin with simply listening. I hope to bring that same openness to students across Victoria, creating opportunities for voices to be heard, ideas to grow and possibilities to become something we shape together. Because sometimes, a possibility is all it takes to begin.
— Andy
I can’t promise to change everything, but I can promise to give it my all. I’ll listen to your ideas, stand up for your voice and do my best to make a real difference for students.
— Pathiniyan
Pathiniyan
he/him
I am excited to be part of the Student Executive Advisory Committee because I want to represent students, share their ideas and help make a positive difference. As an SRC member and Arts and Clubs Captain, I enjoy working with students and being involved in school activities. I think an important issue in education is students spending too much time on devices, using laptops at school and again at home late at night. A healthy balance is important for student wellbeing.
Executive committee election
The VicSRC Student Executive Advisory Committee (the Executive Committee) is made up of 15 secondary school students from across Victoria.
Executive Committee members are elected by Victorian students each year. Their role is to help govern VicSRC and lead the organisation's work, acting on the priorities identified by students at the annual VicSRC Congress. They work alongside the VicSRC Board and represent the voices and experiences of Victorian students to government and education stakeholders.
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You don't need previous leadership experience to be on the Executive Committee, just enthusiasm, curiosity, and a commitment to making education better for all Victorian students. Each year, students from across the state can nominate and vote for who they want to represent them.
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If you're interested in getting involved, you can learn more about the election process, past election results, and how to stay connected with the work of the Executive Committee and VicSRC below.
You can book a time to chat with our Executive Committee Coordinator, ask questions and learn more about the experience before deciding whether to nominate.
Thinking about joining Executive Committee but not sure if it’s right for you?
Interested in nominating for the 2027 Executive Committee?
Interested in nominating for the 2027 Executive Committee?
All students interested in nominating must attend an online information session. You’ll learn more about what being on Exec involves, the commitment required, and how the election and nomination process works.
You don’t need previous leadership experience, just an interest in student voice and making education better for all Victorian students. Students who attend will receive the forms and instructions needed to nominate.
Being a part of the Exec has enabled me grow as a person and express my voice with others. ...I've absolutely loved representing students across Victoria
— Sonany
Being on the Exec has opened my eyes to worldly issues that are prevalent within the education system. Working with like-minded people has taught me the power students have as a collective to make a change. VicSRC and the Executive committee has given me opportunities that I would have never dreamed of doing.
— JP
Being on the Exec has been life-changing... I could never have imagined what opportunities this would bring. I have met some amazing people and been part of some incredible change.
— Bri
So what does the executive committee actually do?
In a typical year as an Executive Committee member, you might do one or more of the following:
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Attend meetings with the Minister for Education.
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Speak on panels to teachers and educators.
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Advise the Department of Education on how to design programs or initiatives to best support students.
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Attend Board meetings with the adult Board of Trustees.
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Advise the VicSRC staff and Board on the strategic direction of the organisation and which priorities to focus on.
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Be involved in a variety of VicSRC's advocacy activities
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Sit on committees made up of different stakeholders in the education system.
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And lots more!
To learn more about the exciting things our Executive Committee members do have a read through our position description.
FAQs
Absolutely! Any Victorian school-aged student in Y7-11 or equivalent, who is also a part of the VicSRC Student Community is eligible to nominate for the VicSRC Executive Committee. You will be given a comprehensive induction to help you understand everything about VicSRC.
Unfortunately, if you are due to complete Year 12 in 2024 you are not eligible to nominate for the 2025 Executive Committee. All students who sit on the VicSRC Executive must be current students within the Victorian education system. If you want to be involved with VicSRC you should come to Congress 2024 and sign up to the Student Community, so you stay informed about any other opportunities!
No! You don't have to be on your SRC or Student Voice Body to nominate. We’re just looking for students who are passionate and committed. You don’t need to have any previous experience!
Yes, we want our Exec to represent all Victorian students, so we do have caps and quotas in place. Our quotas are gender, location and school type based. Our caps are age and school based.
For example, we aim for at least five students on exec who are schooled outside Metro Melbourne, and at least four students who identify as female.
We cap at three students' currently in year 11, and no more than two students from the same school at time of nomination can sit on exec.
We recommend all students from all schools to apply! If you have any questions about caps and quotas, reach out to elections@vicsrc.org.au
We really need an Executive team who are available for our major events. If you are super keen to nominate but know that you’re unavailable for something, send us an email at election@vicsrc.org.au and we will get back to you. If you want to be involved with VicSRC in a different way, you can attend Congress 2024 or apply to become an Ambassador next year.
Oh no! Unfortunately, our deadlines are strict, and we cannot accept late nominations. Hopefully we’ll see you next year!
You sure do! We will send you information about voting via email.
There will be more information sent to your emails closer to the "Campaigning period". The best way to get votes is to get your friends to join our Student Community!
Do you have a question that hasn't been answered here? Feel free to get in touch via election@vicsrc.org.au.
2025 Executive Committee Election
VicSRC thanks all the students who nominated for and voted in the election for their 2026 Student Executive Advisory Committee.
On this page you will find some statistics about the election and an overview of the results.
269
Actual votes
1,425
Eligible voters (members of the VicSRC student community)
Results
The Executive Committee election is coordinated by a staff member and two returning officers every year, who are current members of the Executive Committee.
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VicSRC’s constitution has several quotas for the Executive Committee. This is to make sure that the Executive Committee is representative of as many students as possible. These quotas are regularly reviewed.
This is how the 2026 Executive Committee shaped up:
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Region quotas
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3 of 5 required regional students (quota not met)
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10 of 5 required metro students
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Gender quotas
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6 of 4 required male students
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7 of 4 required female students
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2 of 4 required non cis-gender students (quota not met)
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School sector quotas
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2 of 2 required Catholic school students
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6 of 2 required independent school students
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7 of 2 required government school students
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Age quotas
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3 of 3 required junior students (years 7-8)​
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8 of 3 required middle students (years 9-10)
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4 of 3 required senior students (years 11-12)
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The 2026 Executive Committee consists of three (3) continuing members of the 2025 committee, and 12 new members who have been elected by their peers.
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Vote counting for the Executive Committee election uses the Borda count method.
THE VICSRC STUDENT EXECUTIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY...
