Congrong Zhu
Faculty/Degree Held
Master of Commerce
Year of Studying/Conferring
II
USU Positions
President, Sydney University Chinese Students' Association 2026
Secretary, Sydney University Chinese Students' Association 2025
Member, Sydney University Chinese Students' Association 2025
Other Interests
Outside of uni, I'm usually the one organising plans and bringing people together, whether it's exploring new places around Sydney, planning short trips, or just getting friends out of the house. I enjoy travelling and experiencing different cultures, and I also love swimming as a way to relax and recharge. Through my involvement in student organisations, I've found that I genuinely enjoy connecting people and creating a sense of community. I'm always keen to meet new faces, hear different perspectives, and make uni feel a little more welcoming for everyone.
Candidate Policy Statement
MOVE UP WITH MONICA!!!
MOVE UP for INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
a. Create an International Student Jobs and Opportunities Hub
b. Launch an International Student Enquiry Portal
c. Continue Advocate for fairer transport support for international students
d. Support more cultural exchange and student showcase initiatives
MOVE UP for STUDENT LIFE
a. Expand affordable and diverse food options on campus
b. Expand USU Happy Hour with off-peak meal discounts
c. Increase food availabilities during finals near key study spaces
d. Extend café hours during peak and exam periods
MOVE UP for STUDENT WELL-BEING
a. Improve shuttle bus accessibility and live tracking
b. Create more quiet and student-friendly rest spaces
c. Deliver more wellness pop-ups during high-stress periods
d. Introduce birthday perks for USU members
MOVE UP for CLUBS & SOCIETIES
a. Create clearer support channel and escalation pathways for clubs
b. Push for more accessible and timely C&S funding
c. Expand training opportunities for club executives
d. Strengthen communication between USU, clubs, and the University
Get to know Congrong
Describe the key roles and responsibilities of a USU Board Director.
A USU Board Director represents student voices and ensures that the Union continues to deliver programs, services, and experiences that genuinely benefit the student community. This involves actively listening to student concerns, engaging with diverse groups, and bringing informed perspectives into board discussions. In addition, Directors are responsible for governance, strategic planning, and making decisions that shape campus life in the long term. The role requires accountability, transparency, and collaboration with the wider USU team to ensure the organisation remains inclusive, responsive, and continuously improving.
How will you ensure that you can commit the time required to be an effective Board Director?
I've built strong time management skills through balancing study with leading student organisations, where I've had to manage both my own responsibilities and team commitments. If elected, I would make my role as a Board Director a clear priority and plan my schedule to ensure I can consistently show up and contribute. I understand the responsibility that this role carries, and I'm prepared to commit the time and energy needed. I take this seriously and would stay actively involved, making sure I'm present, reliable, and able to contribute meaningfully throughout the term.
How will you represent the best interests of the student community, while also representing the best interests of the USU?
I believe what benefits students ultimately benefits the USU, so the key is staying closely connected to both sides. I would actively engage with students, listen to their feedback, and make sure their perspectives are clearly represented in decision-making. At the same time, I would consider long-term sustainability and work collaboratively with the USU team. By being open and transparent about decisions, I can help build trust and ensure outcomes are both student-focused and realistic for the USU.
Identify an area of the USU where you would like to see improvement and explain how this will be of benefit to the organisation and/or students.
I'd like to see improvements in how USU supports and promotes student clubs, especially for international students. Many societies offer great opportunities, but students often miss out due to limited visibility or unclear communication. I would focus on making information more accessible and improving outreach to students, while also improving communication between USU and the University, particularly around club management and processes. This would help clubs run more smoothly, increase student engagement, maximise the impact of what USU offers and build a more connected campus community.