Written by Nick Garling
Hi, I’m Nick Garling, your new President of the Online Student Representative Committee (SRC) at Charles Sturt University.
So, what is the Online SRC?
We exist to build connection and community among the thousands of online students at Charles Sturt University. Our aim is to reduce the isolation that can come with online study while making sure online students have a strong voice in university decisions.
If you study online, you’re likely balancing work, family, finances, health and everything else life brings. You might be studying at the kitchen table, in the lounge room, at your local library or anywhere you can find a quiet moment. Online study can feel lonely. I know it did for me.
I’m nearing the end of my Law degree at Charles Sturt, and I didn’t even know the Online SRC existed until my third year. Whether you’re studying via Starlink in Dirranbandi, on fibre in Batemans Bay, from Hay, overseas in Dubai, Hong Kong or Brussels, or even living on one of Charles Sturt’s campuses while studying online, we’re here to help make your university experience feel more connected.
So, here’s a quick look at what we do, how it can help, and why I’ve loved being part of this team.
1. What the Online SRC does
Think of the Online SRC as the voice of online students and a builder of community.
We:
- represent online students’ needs and concerns to Charles Sturt leadership, the Student Senate and university committees
- create initiatives that help online students feel part of something bigger
- advocate so online students aren’t an afterthought when decisions are made about teaching, services and student life.
In practice, that means:
- meeting fortnightly via Zoom to discuss student feedback and plan new initiatives
- working with existing student communities, including Discord, clubs and interest groups
- creating opportunities for online students to connect and find their people
- advocating for better visibility of the Online SRC through the Student Portal, Brightspace and other online spaces.
Ever caught yourself thinking, “Someone should really fix this for online students”?
That “someone” could be us… or even you. We’d love to hear from you!
2. Current initiatives
Charles Sturt Uni provides the Online SRC with funding to support projects that build belonging and improve the online student experience.
Some of the ideas we’re working on include:
1. Monthly micro-grants
Small grants ($100-$300) to support student-led projects such as local meet-ups, creative projects, study groups, competitions or wellness activities. Participants can then share their experiences with the wider student community.
2. Prize draws for participation
Rewards for completing simple but valuable activities like student polls, updating your details, attending online events or voting on student priorities.
3. Care packages
Surprise deliveries of coffee vouchers, snacks, stationery or Charles Sturt merchandise to active students involved in clubs, Discord or Online SRC events. Just a small way of saying, “We’re glad you’re here.”
4. Asynchronous community challenges
Activities like sharing your study setup, favourite budget meal, revision tips, ADHD study strategies, mature-age student advice or first-in-family experiences.
5. Tackling online isolation
At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to make online study feel less isolating.
Charles Sturt Uni surveys consistently show that online students often feel disconnected while balancing work, family and study. When you’re already stretched for time, getting involved can seem like just another thing on the to-do list.
That’s exactly the challenge we’re trying to change.
We’re creating simple, low-pressure ways for online students to connect, feel supported and realise they’re part of a much bigger community. Whether it’s joining a discussion, attending an event or simply following along online, every interaction helps build a stronger online student community.
If you’ve ever found yourself studying alone at 10:30pm wondering if anyone else is doing the same, the answer is yes… and we’d love to help you meet those people.
Keep an eye out for the Online SRC on social media and the Student Portal, and don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We look forward to getting to know you.
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