Co-Option

Who are we?

Co-Options  

Hi everyone! UMSU International is happy to announce that the 2026 September Co-Option is happening In Week 7 and 8! 

What is the Co-Options? 

Co-Option is one way for students to join the UMSU International family as a member of the committee. Applicants will be interviewed and selected by the current committee, who will evaluate each applicant based on their relevant skills and experiences. So, it is highly recommended for you to apply for a position you feel you can excel in!  

 

What positions are open?  

  • Education Co-Opted Officers x2 
  • Welfare Co-Opted Officers x2 
  • Cultural and Social Co-Opted Officers x4
  • Media and Marketing Co-opted Officers x1
  • Partnership and Sponsorship Co-Opted Officers x1

 

Role Description for Co-Opted Officer 

Education Department 

The UMSU International Co-Opted Education Officers shall:  

  1. Be members of the UMSU International Education sub-committee; UMSU International Regulations;  

  1. Assist the UMSU International Vice-President (Education and Welfare) and UMSU International Education Director on issues and activities related to the education and rights of Members; 

  1. Assist in handling all general affairs of UMSU International;  

  1. Take up special assignments when so entrusted by the UMSU International Central Committee; and  

  1. Represent UMSU International in all places as advised by the UMSU International President and/or UMSU International Executive Committee. 

*Recommended Skills: 

  1. Candidates should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, so as to communicate with team members and events’ participants 

  1. Able to identify and solve problems, sometimes on the spot 

  1. Able to work well within a team environment, and open to listening to many different opinions 

  1. Being responsive, and responding to group discussions online quickly 

  1. Able to commit 6-8 hours per week to UMSU INTL-related work, including attending weekly department meetings  

  1. Candidates will ideally be someone friendly, enthusiastic and are able to display customer service skills in a student-facing role 

 

 

Welfare Department 

UMSU International Co-Opted Welfare Officers shall:  

  1. Be members of the UMSU International Welfare sub-committee;  

  1. Assist the UMSU International Vice-President (Education and Welfare) and UMSU International Welfare Director on issues and activities related to the welfare, wellbeing, and rights of Members;  

  1. Assist in handling all general affairs of UMSU International;  

  1. Take up special assignments when so entrusted by the UMSU International Central Committee; and  

  1. Represent UMSU International in all places as advised by the UMSU International President and/or UMSU International Executive Committee. 

*Recommended Skills: 

  1. Candidates should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, so as to communicate with team members and event ’participants 

  1. Able to identify and solve problems, sometimes on the spot 

  1. Able to work well within a team environment, and open to listening to many different opinions 

  1. Being responsive, and responding to group discussions online quickly 

  1. Able to commit 6-8 hours per week to UMSU INTL-related work, including attending weekly department meetings  

  1. Candidates will ideally be someone friendly, enthusiastic and are able to display customer service skills in a student-facing role 

 

 

Cultural & Social Department 

The UMSU International Cultural and Social Officers shall:  

  1. Be members of the UMSU International Cultural and Social subcommittee;  

  1. Assist the UMSU International Vice-President (Cultural and Social) and UMSU International Cultural and Social Director on issues and activities related to the cultural and social well-being of Members in the University;  

  1. Assist in handling all general affairs of UMSU International; and  

  1. Take up special assignments when so entrusted by the UMSU International Central Committee. 

*Recommended Skills: 

  1. Work well in a team and communicate effectively  

  1. Can commit 10-12 hours per week and are able to follow through with responsibilities  

  1. Show creativity and initiative, especially in event planning  

  1. Can adapt to fast-paced or unexpected changes during events  

  1. Keen to learn about cultural diversity and student engagement 

 

 

Media & Marketing Department 

The UMSU International Media and Marketing Officer shall: 

  1. Be members of the UMSU International Media and Marketing subcommittee;  

  1. Assist the UMSU International Vice-President (Media and Marketing) and UMSU International Media and Marketing Director on issues and activities related to publicity of UMSU International;  

  1. Assist in handling all general affairs of UMSU International; and  

  1. Take up special assignments when so entrusted by the UMSU International Regulations. 

*Recommended Skills: 

  1. Proficient in graphic design and creating illustrations using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. (Design portfolio/ Past experiences required) 

  1. Proficient in video editing 

  1. Able to commit an average of 8-10 hours per week to complete tasks includes creating designs for events or merchandises 

  1. Excellent communication and teamwork skills 

  1. Sharp sensitivity to emerging trends on social media (i.e. Instagram, TikTok) 

  1. Preference: have Adobe Creative Cloud or editing software (i.e. photoshop, illustrator, procreate) 

 

 

Partnership & Sponsorship Department 

The UMSU International Partnership and Sponsorship Officers shall:  

  1. Be members of the UMSU International Partnership and Sponsorship sub-committee;  

  1. Assist the UMSU International Partnership and Sponsorship Director in issues and activities related to liaison with both internal and external organisations relative to the University;  

  1. Assist in handling all general affairs of UMSU International; and  

  1. Take up special assignments when so entrusted by the UMSU International Central Committee. 

*Recommended Skills: 

  1. Be fluent in English 

  1. Commit a minimum of 5 hours per week 

  1. Proactively seek new sponsors (via email, calls, or in-person approaches) to secure sponsors and provide opportunities that benefit international students 

  1. Excellent organizational and management skills to keep track of sponsors, commitments, and deadlines 

  1. Having a background in managing events, to handle the logistical needs for the events our department hosts 

 

 

*Recommended Skills are not compulsory, however, could be helpful for a smooth transition and sustainability for the role. 

 

Application Link 

Applications are open from Wednesday 9th September, 2026 (9am) – Wednesday, 16th September, 2026 (5pm), so please take note of these dates! To apply, click the button below: 

Apply Here 

Good luck to all applicants, we hope to see you all soon!! 

Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability. 

 

More questions? 

Contact UMSU International’s General Secretary, Rhea Fan, at secretary.umsuintl@union.unimelb.edu.au to help answer your questions. 

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