Notre Dame Scholarships Selection Committee

The NDSSC is a group of diverse and broadly skilled staff elected to undertake a fair, equitable, transparent, and objective assessment of scholarship applications in the pursuit of selecting scholarship recipients.

The Committee plays a vital role in helping the University deliver scholarships that recognise academic excellence, community contribution, and financial need - supporting students to succeed and thrive at Notre Dame in line with the Student Scholarships Policy and Procedure.

The NDSSC is an opportunity for staff to engage directly with the University’s mission and commitment to equity, inclusion, and access. Members contribute their expertise and perspectives to ensure that scholarship selection outcomes reflect Notre Dame’s diverse student body and uphold the principles of fairness and accountability.

Nominations are open to all University staff including:

  • Academic and professional staff of all levels
  • Continuing and fixed term staff, but not temporary or casual staff
  • Full time or part time staff.

Committee members receive access to professional development opportunities through formal NDSSC induction and training.

REGISTER YOUR EOI FOR 2027

  • Purpose and scope

    The NDSSC aims to diversify representation in scholarship selection that aligns with Notre Dame’s current student body and its pursuits to widen participation and increase educational access for students. This model promotes consistent, transparent, and equitable outcomes for scholarship selection through evidence-based benefit of diversifying selection panels.

    The purpose of the NDSSC is to:

    • Ensure compliance with the Student Scholarships Policy and Procedure
    • Promote consistent and transparent decision-making
    • Reflect the diversity of the University community
    • Build capability and shared understanding among staff involved in student support
    Why is this important?

    Staff elected to the NDSSC are experienced in managing student affairs in a tertiary setting, meaning this Committee is built to be well versed in the nuances and needs of students at our University.

    By participating in the NDSSC, staff gain:

    • Deeper insight into the student experience - particularly for those facing financial hardship or equity barriers
    • Enhanced understanding of scholarship administration, selection principles, and equity frameworks
    • Opportunities for cross-campus collaboration and professional growth

  • Governance

    The NDSSC is a 12-month standing Committee established under the Scholarships Office in accordance with the Student Scholarships Policy and Procedure, the area responsible for the administration and disbursement of University student scholarships.

    The Committee acts in an advisory capacity, reviewing scholarship applications and providing recommendations of nominated recipients.

    Its composition aims to represent:

    • All Campuses of the University.
    • All Faculties of the University.
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
    • The relevant discipline or area of each scholarship.
    • A balance of academic and professional staff.
    • A balance of gender.
    • The diverse backgrounds of the Notre Dame student cohort.

    Please read the Terms of Reference for the full outline of this Committee's authority, membership, and operating principles.

  • Training and professional development

    All NDSSC members complete induction and training designed to ensure confidence and capability in scholarship assessment.

    Training is delivered online in an interactive group environment, fostering collaboration and shared understanding across staff at all levels.

    Topics covered in the training include:

      • Scholarship governance and terms of reference
      • Policy and procedural compliance
      • Privacy, confidentiality, and conflict of interest
      • Unconscious bias and equitable decision-making
      • Principles of diversity and inclusion
      • Scholarship assessment rubrics and decision matrices
      • File management, recordkeeping, and document control
      • Moderation and consensus-building processes

    Participating staff can include the NDSSC in their service engagement pursuits as an opportunity to engage in different work outside of our employed positions. This training supports professional development and an increased understanding of equity principles, enriching our knowledge and capability as tertiary education professionals particularly around student support practices.

  • How to get involved

    Expressions of interest must include line-manager approval to support workload planning and management.

    An overview of the anticipated workload and the selection timeframe is provided ahead of each Committee term, in order for staff to assess interest and capacity to serve the Committee’s function prior to the selection period.

    The EOI form includes optional demographic and equity questions that help ensure diverse and inclusive representation.

    Whilst these questions are not compulsory, they assist in ensuring the NDSSC represents the diversity of our student cohort, and also helps frame any additional considerations in the training and induction.

    Committee members are appointed by the Scholarships Office for a 12-month term, covering both Semester 1 and Semester 2 scholarship rounds.

Expressions of interest

To get involved in the 2027 NDSSC, please complete an Expression of Interest form below.

REGISTER YOUR EOI FOR 2027

For members of the 2026 NDSSC, EOIs are not required as you will be given an opportunity to register your interest for the 2027 term.

Read the Terms of Reference