Authored by Megan Wong and Sophie Indraputri
The Students as Partners (SAP) program is back again for another year. Last year, 12 student groups successfully delivered projects under the guidance of each of their staff partners. This year, we’re looking for more staff partners to help students address a key change that could improve the UTS experience. Become a staff partner today!
About the program
The Students as Partners program began in 2024 and is led by UTS Library to offer UTS students the opportunity to drive meaningful change in their learning experience. With support from Students Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF) funding, students lead a project to tackle key challenges with a staff partner as their advisor. Past projects have ranged from enhancing AI literacy to improving student services, showcasing the depth of student potential, motivation and talent at UTS. SAP provides students with real world experience implementing a project, setting them up for success in industry upon graduation.
For academics and professional staff, this program provides a rewarding chance to work alongside students, gain fresh perspectives, and contribute to impactful initiatives.
How to get involved
If you’re interested in becoming a staff partner, fill out this EOI form to let students know that you are interested in working with a student or student group on a specific topic area.
The SAP program is more than just a grant – it’s a chance to be part of a transformative initiative that enhances learning, fosters student engagement, and strengthens staff-student partnerships.
The SAP program is open to any UTS staff member interested in partnering with students on a project in 2026. Projects run for 6 months (June to December) and are selected based on their potential impact, feasibility, sustainability, and collaboration model. Individual projects receive up to $5,000 in funding, while group projects (2–3 students) receive up to $10,000, which are allocated directly to students and project resources.
Why become a staff partner?
The SAP program is built on the idea of true collaboration – where staff and students work together as equal partners – and gives students the potential to succeed in real world scenarios. For academics and professional staff, this presents a unique professional development opportunity that goes beyond traditional teaching and supervision roles. Here’s why you should consider applying to be a staff partner in 2026:
1. Collaborate on projects that have a real impact
The projects developed through the SAP program are designed to create meaningful change at UTS. Whether it’s enhancing AI literacy, making creative production more inclusive, or streamlining student services, the work done in these projects has lasting effects beyond the grant period. Learn more about the successful projects from 2025 and their evolving impact at UTS.
The SAP grant program is a fantastic opportunity to put the experts in student experience in the driver’s seat—our students. The program doesn’t just give seed funding for student-designed initiatives, it also develops participants as innovation practitioners. Embedding that kind of grassroots innovation can be transformative for an organisation, and it represents the kind of agile, forward-thinking community UTS strives to be.
Dr. Sarah Kinkel Miller, staff partner in How to Present and Represent project (2025)
2. Support and empower student leadership
Being a staff partner means empowering students to take ownership of their learning and institutional change. It fosters leadership skills in students while providing them with structured guidance and support. The SAP program aligns with UTS’s commitment to student-centred learning, where students are active participants rather than passive recipients of education.
In my opinion, this program has been one of the most valuable experiences I could have wished for. Not only did I have the opportunity to work in my field, but I also had complete freedom in how I approached my tasks, which allowed me to learn from challenges, reflect on my progress, and adapt to various situations. This experience has provided me with invaluable knowledge and practical experience in professional settings, which is often difficult to acquire during undergraduate studies.
Ayush, student partner, RUSE: Student Centre Chatbot project (2025)
It was truly an experience I would do all over again, now with the skills I have picked up from the program, I feel more assured when talking about a previous work experience in my future interview, I think I can talk about what problems I faced, how I adapted to it, how I was able to work in a team and more.
Phan, student partner, Communications in the Workplace Canvas Modular Expansion project (2025)
My overall experience with the SAP program has been incredibly valuable. It gave me hands-on exposure to industry tools, strengthened my confidence in applying practical skills, and offered ongoing support from both staff and peers.
Eloise, student partner, AI Agents: Industry Powered Simulations project (2025)
3. Gain a stronger relationship with students and a fresh perspective on teaching and learning
Student partners bring firsthand experience of current challenges and opportunities within UTS. Their insights help staff gain a deeper understanding of student needs, leading to more effective and innovative teaching practices.
It was a rewarding experience working with students on something that will benefit them directly.
Simon Au, staff partner, Communications in the Workplace Canvas Modular Expansion project (2025)
4. Expand your professional network and skills
Staff who participate in the program benefit from working alongside students and colleagues from different faculties and disciplines. Student projects have often aligned with the interest areas of staff partners, providing a meaningful avenue to address issues you’ve identified in your work. These collaborations can lead to further research opportunities, cross-disciplinary projects, and professional growth in areas such as mentorship, co-design, and student engagement.
Learn more about the initiative
Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and make a lasting impact at UTS.
For more information on the 2026 Students as Partners Program:
- make sure to fill out an EOI form to get involved
- get in touch with the SAP team directly
- visit frequently asked questions.
