Program

The ANZSSA 2026 program brings together thought leadership, practical insights, and meaningful connection across the student services sector over three days.

The program will feature keynote presentations, plenary sessions, concurrent streams, panels, and interactive workshops, highlighting innovative practice, research informed approaches, and real world case studies from across Australia and New Zealand.

Program as of 29.09

Download PDF program
8:00 am REGISTRATION | Ballroom Foyer
WORKSHOPS
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
ROOM
9:00 am – 10:30 am WORKSHOP 1 WORKSHOP 2
Behavioural design for student services and success
Dr Zac Fitz-Walter		 From Prompts to Practice: AI for Student Service Professionals
Daniel Aycock, Data 3#
10:30 am – 11:00 am MORNING TEA | Ballroom Foyer
11:00 am – 12:00 pm WORKSHOP 1 cont. WORKSHOP 2 cont.
Behavioural design for student services and success
Dr Zac Fitz-Walter		 From Prompts to Practice: AI for Student Service Professionals
Daniel Aycock, Data 3#
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm LUNCH | Ballroom Foyer
WORKSHOPS
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
ROOM
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm WORKSHOP 3 (repeat) WORKSHOP 4 (repeat)
Behavioural design for student services and success
Dr Zac Fitz-Walter		 From Prompts to Practice: AI for Student Service Professionals
Daniel Aycock, Data 3#
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm AFTERNOON TEA | Ballroom Foyer
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm WORKSHOP 3 cont. WORKSHOP 4 cont.
Behavioural design for student services and success
Dr Zac Fitz-Walter		 From Prompts to Practice: AI for Student Service Professionals
Daniel Aycock, Data 3#

 

SESSION 1 | OPENING PLENARY
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
ROOM:  Grand Ballroom
4:30 pm – 4:45 pm Official opening
4:45 pm – 5:00 pm Welcome to Country
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Grounding the audience to theme and place
Tiriki Onus- Pro Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) The University of Melbourne
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm WELCOME RECEPTION | Ballroom Foyer
7:30 pm DOSSANZ DINNER (Invite only)
8:00 am REGISTRATION | Ballroom Foyer
SESSION 2 | PLENARY
9:00 am – 10:30 am
ROOM: Grand Ballroom
9:00 am – 9:05 am Conference MC Welcome
9:05 am – 9:15 am WTC
9:15 am – 9:30 am President’s Welcome
9:30 am – 10:30 am AI, innovation, and neuroinclusion
Jim Hogan, Activist, Innovator, & Neuroinclusion Pioneer
10:30 am – 11:00 am MORNING TEA | Ballroom Foyer
SESSION 3 | BREAKOUTS
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
CHAIR/S:
ROOM
Student welfare and wellbeing Inclusive and accessible student success Orientation, transition and belonging Ethical use of digital tools Student welfare and wellbeing Student safety, respectful relationships / gender-based violence prevention and response, and social cohesion
11:00 am – 11:15 am Embedding a Whole of Health Continuum – Deakin Student Health and Wellbeing Framework Supporting Students While Assuring Learning: A Collaborative Approach to Complex Student Circumstances Chisholm Elevate Program: Embedding Student Success in Course Delivery through Strengths-Based Model Co-designing an ethical digital tool to support university students’ learning and wellbeing Sharper Minds online: Effects of self-paced mental health modules on university students’ mental health literacy, peer support, and self-care behaviours Technology for Scale, Dialogue for Change: The Rights, Relationships and Respect Suite
Sue Riches, Deakin University Rui Webb, University of Tasmania Kerry Dent, Chisholm Institute Dr Radhika Tanksale, University of Queensland Dr Rong Han, The University of Queensland Dr Friederike Gadow, Australian National University
11:15 am – 11:20 am Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A
11:30 am – 11:45 am More Talk, More Walk: A Whole-of-University Approach to Student and Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Building ACU Cares: A Proactive, Data-Driven Care Ecosystem for Student Success and Belonging Technology Where It Helps, Belonging Where It Matters: Personalising the Student Arrival Experience at Scale From Disclosure to Support: Piloting AI-Assisted Student Risk Assessment Trigger, Emotion, Need: Piloting an Evidence-Based Emotion Regulation App for Universities Enhancing Impact in Prevention Communication: A Student-Informed Evolution of the Safe and Respected Campaign
Anna Farmer, CQUniversity Dr Belinda Scerri, ACU Jordan Brushfield, Deakin Residential Services Fiona Brady, University of Southern Queensland  Camille Semmel, Ahfy  Sahana Sai Narain, La Trobe University
11:45 am – 11:50 am Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A
12:00 pm – 12:15 pm From feedback to flourishing: utilising data to create a targeted, collaborative, and uni-wide approach to student wellbeing Rethinking Coaching – an Indigenous reframing Beyond orientation: Scaling belonging through strengths-based onboarding From burnout to breakthrough: reinventing our counselling intake model to protect our people Prevention communications meet experiential activation at the ‘Consent Check-In’: a unique collaboration between Australia’s largest independent student-led organisation and gender based violence prevention at the University of Sydney.
Sarah Boomer, Murdoch University Jamie Hooper Dr Alice Betteridge, Adelaide University Jessica McCallum, University of Tasmania Elizabeth Kuo-Gollan, University of Sydney
12:15 pm – 12:20 pm Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm LUNCH | Ballroom Foyer
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm ANZSSA AGM | Delacombe Room
SESSION 4 | PLENARY
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
ROOM: GRAND BALLROOM
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Dr Stephen Duckett AM, Health Economist, Policy Advisor and Commissioner, Australian Tertiary Education Commission
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm AFTERNOON TEA | Foyer
SESSION 5 | BREAKOUTS
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
CHAIR/S:
ROOM
Student welfare and wellbeing Inclusive and accessible student success Orientation, transition and belonging Ethical use of digital tools Orientation, transition and belonging Student safety, respectful relationships / gender-based violence prevention and response, and social cohesion
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm Building capability: A whole university approach to supporting student mental health and wellbeing From Accommodation to Inclusion: Reimagining Disability Support Through a University-Wide Review of Academic Adjustments International Student Connect: Designing belonging through a tailored international student journey Creating Capacity for Care: Reflections on the Ethical Adoption of AI Scribing in a University Counselling Service Future-Proofing Orientation: What Comes Next for Transition and Belonging A co-designed approach to preventing online harm and addressing the effects of the ‘manosphere’
Emma Boyne, University of Western Australia Dr Gabriela Di Perna, PhD, The University of Western Australia Fiona Greig, Deakin University Laura Mulherin, RMIT University Bianca Ciavarella
3:15 pm – 3:20 pm Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A
3:30 pm – 3:45 pm Providing Accessible Primary Care to University Students. An Organisational Ethnography. Enabling Inclusive and Accessible Student Success through a Wraparound Coaching Model From digital engagement to building belonging: Connecting international students through Discover Adelaide and Global Mates Keeping Humans at the Centre: Lessons from Piloting an AI Case Note Assistant Leading with Compassion: A Guide to Disclosures for Students, Leaders & Staff
Iris Q Gu, Monash University Shreejana Niraula, Western Sydney University The College Hannah Bijl, Adelaide University Jeremy Weinstock, La Trobe University  Annika Clayton
3:45 pm – 3:50 pm Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A
4:00 pm – 4:15 pm Expanding Access to Student Health Care: A Scalable Nurse Practitioner Model in University Settings Literally turning the tables: A Human Centred Reverse Career Fair for Students with Disability and Equity Backgrounds Understanding Student Safety Through Lived Experience: An International Student’s Fieldwork Perspective
Sue Riches, Deakin University Cameron Yorke, RMIT University Liz Cavalli, University of Queensland Laura Rouhan, Federation University
4:15 pm – 4:20 pm Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A
6:30 pm – 10:30 pm CONFERENCE DINNER | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Olympic Room
8:00 am REGISTRATION | Ballroom Foyer
SESSION 6 | PLENARY
8:45 am – 10:00 am
ROOM: Grand Ballroom
8:45 am – 9:00 am Welcome
9:00 am – 10:00 am Student panel
Peiqi (Kevin) Shi and local students
JANZSSA presentation
Caroline Rueckert
10:00 am – 10:30 am MORNING TEA | Ballroom Foyer
SESSION 7 | BREAKOUTS
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
CHAIR/S:
ROOM
Student welfare and wellbeing Inclusive and accessible student success Orientation, transition and belonging Ethical use of digital tools/ Student welfare and wellbeing Student leadership, partnership and voice Student welfare and wellbeing
10:30 am – 10:45 am SPARKS Session: Bringing Wellbeing Support Closer: Improving Access for Students at our City North campus Through a Targeted Wellbeing Hub Creating Belonging for Neurodivergent Students Through Group-Based Peer Connection Connection Doesn’t Just Happen: Designing Belonging in an Online School DASH to Success: Combining Learning Analytics and Proactive Advising to Support Whole of University Student Success From Feedback to Partnership: Co-designing a University-Wide Student Voice Framework to Strengthen Student Success The Living Room: A Relational, Low-Barrier Model for Student Wellbeing and Belonging
Megan McCabe, RMIT University Dr Patrick McLaren, Monash University Amrita Moss, FisherONE Online Education Natalie Oostergo, University of Southern Queensland Colin Hewat, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Dr Kylie Austin, Edith Cowan University
10:45 am – 10:50 am Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A
11:00 am – 11:15 am Strengthening Belonging as a Protective Factor for Student Wellbeing Focus Hive: Building Belonging, Accountability and Academic Success Through Structured Study Communities Belonging in their pocket: Using social media to extend the Wellbeing Hub beyond its four physical walls Navigating ADHD Together – Key learnings and insights supporting ADHD students. Beyond consultation: embedding student voice in digital transformation A Recipe for Student Success – Campus Canteens as a large-scale model for addressing student food insecurity
Chelsea Deckert, Adelaide University Rachel Fegan, Swinburne University of Technology Grace Johnstone, University of Waikato Dr Bridget Moller, The University of Melbourne Jess Reed, The University of Sydney Tim Brabazon, The University of Melbourne
11:15 am – 11:20 am Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A
11:30 am – 11:45 am What do we do with our Chaplains – Awkward add on, or underutilised resource – a case study Breaking Barriers, Building Connections: Partnership and Outreach Strategies that Support Student Retention at Unitec’s School of Trades and Services Finding friends, building confidence and belonging: insights from three years of the Narrm Scholars Pre-Orientation Camp Development and discussion of the Navigating Autistic Student Life group Technology extends, creativity connects: Co-creating the campus experience with students. The Social Dinner – Student Connection & Belonging through food and student led participation
Tom Schmidt, Griffith University Helena Finau-Hakalo, Unitec Institute of Technology Matt Elsum, The University of Melbourne Dr Bridget Moller, The University of Melbourne Dr Lynda Roberts, RMIT University Shari Blanck
11:45 am – 11:50 am Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm LUNCH | Ballroom Foyer
SESSION 8 | BREAKOUTS
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
CHAIR/S:
ROOM
Student welfare and wellbeing Inclusive and accessible student success Orientation, transition and belonging Student welfare and wellbeing Student leadership, partnership and voice Student safety, respectful relationships / gender-based violence prevention and response, and social cohesion
1:00 pm – 1:15 pm Group EMDR for university students: early findings and opportunities for enhancing access and reach. Connecting the Student Journey: A Relationship-Centred Model for Equity Student Success Investing in Identity: Gagana Samoa, English and Belonging Across Educational Education Pathways for New Zealand-Born Samoans Bridging silos: a collaborative model between professional services, academics, and students to address vaping use among tertiary students. Redesign through codesign – a lived experience approach to ADHD support When Support meets Student Conduct: Governance Tensions in Responding to Gender-based Violence
Alison (Ally) Hughes, The University of Melbourne Dr Rena Bokosmaty, University of Sydney Fe’ofa’aki Hafoka-Te’evale, MIT & Unitec trading as Unitec Susan Kotwas, Monash University Hayley Keane, Deakin University Ela Partoredjo, Griffith University
1:15 pm – 1:20 pm Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A
1:30 pm – 1:45 pm From Uncertainty to Action: Developing an Evidence-Informed Framework for Academic Responses to Student Distress Australian Health Promoting Universities Network: Embedding Health Promotion Across Higher Education From Diploma to PhD: What students say about support at university Online mental health training: providing accessible mental health support for self and others Designing for Impact: The Evolution of the Kitea Impact Programme Behind Closed Doors: Responding to Gender Based Violence in Student Accommodation.
Paula Diab, Western Sydney University Chelsea Deckert, Adelaide University Dr Cameron Lydster, Bond University Dr Bridget Moller, The University of Melbourne Andrew Tui, Victoria University of Wellington Matthew Marshall, University of Tasmania
1:45 pm – 1:50 pm Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm AFTERNOON TEA | Ballroom Foyer
SESSION 9 | CLOSING PLENARY
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
ROOM: Grand Ballroom
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm Integration – reflection, forward focus
KPMG – personalisation of student support and service transformation
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Conference close