
Layla Wang
Faculty/Degree Held
Arts
Year of Studying/Conferring
II
USU Positions
President of the Sydney Arts Students' Society - 2024 - 2025
First Year Representative for the Sydney Arts Students' Society - 2023 - 2024
Volunteer - USU VTeam - 2024 - 2025
Member - Sydney University United Nations Society - 2023 - 2025
Member - Sydney University Diplomats Society - 2023 - 2025
Member - Chopsticks - 2023, 2025
Member - WASABI - 2023, 2025
Member - The University of Sydney Network of Women - 2025
Member - The Sydney University Poetry Society - 2025
USYD Positions
Student Partner for the Discipline of International Relations - 2025
Hobbies and Interests
Hey everyone!! I'm Layla and I'm a second year (second sem) Arts student originally from good old Kangaroo Valley! In my spare time, you'll catch me making kimchi, yelling at the SASS team, (re)organising my Sonny Angels collection, and volunteering as the UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador for NSW! As an equity student from the regions, I understand the hardships that come with balancing studies, extracurriculars and work in order to stay academically, financially and socially afloat; all of which have informed my policies. I’m also on the hunt for the best matcha in Sydney, so send me your recs!
Get to know Layla
Candidate Policy Statement
LEAD with LAYLA
LEAD with INCLUSIVITY
a. Include mandatory equity tickets for major ticketed events
b. Implement regular food trucks at satellite campuses
c. Enforce mandatory cultural competency training for C&S executives
d. Collaborate with Safer Communities to reform the Consent Matters Module and consultation processes regarding SASH
LEAD with COST OF LIVING SUPPORT
a. Expand FoodHub product variety by getting more sponsors + introduce evening periods
b. Give free USU rewards to VTeam volunteers + expand the points system
c. Collaborate with the SRC and Accommodation Operations to introduce a ‘Low Cost Accommodation List’ containing rentals under $350
d. Collaborate with the SRC to streamline Emergency Accommodation and Loan services
LEAD with STUDENT LIFE
a. More affordable food on campus + extend happy hours
b. Advocate to increase CAPS sessions limits
c. Increase C&S semester grants with quicker processing
d. Collaborate with fine arts C&S to create more paid opportunities on campus
LEAD with EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION
a. Replace online-only SASH training with in person workshops for C&S executives
b. Create a more direct consultation process to address systemic issues and maintenance of safe spaces
c. Streamline C&S event approval and allow more autonomy over grant usage
Describe the key roles and responsibilities of a USU Board Director.
USU Board Directors must continuously show up and advocate for students and staff through attending monthly meetings, consulting with marginalised groups and individuals in specific portfolios, and act as a liaison between students and the board. This role oversees student governance, finances and is the nexus of student life and experience. Board Directors must remain ethical in holding the USU accountable and be uncompromising in their commitment to student welfare by always putting the interests and wellbeing of students first to ensure that USU leadership remains in the right direction.
How will you ensure that you can commit the time required to be an effective Board Director?
Whilst I have committed to several roles on top of my studies, I have been successfully able to coordinate and manage my time whilst staying active socially. If elected, I would prioritise the responsibilities of Board Director by structuring my schedule around meeting dates and allocating specific time slots to consult students, particularly those in any elected portfolio. If things do become overwhelming, I am also prepared to study part time and reduce my extracurriculars in order to fulfil the responsibilities of this role if needed. I understand the workload that comes with this role and will prioritise it accordingly.
How will you represent the best interests of the student community, while also representing the best interests of the USU?
The best interest of the student community should always coincide with the best interests of the USU - which is to improve ALL students’ experiences during their studies. To best represent our diverse community, I would aim for greater transparency of USU decisions and how they affect students. I would also act as a voice for those less fortunate and provide a nuanced perspective amidst key decision making processes. I believe my role as a Faculty Society President will aid in my representation of students by also remaining grounded in realistic expectations and goals 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 am particularly passionate about providing support for equity/MySydney students, especially those from regional/rural Australia who have had to relocate and make USYD their home. There are significant barriers regarding accessibility to ticketed events in Clubs and Societies (such as camps and annual balls) due to financial risks, something which I have personally faced. I would like to see stronger USU support for Clubs and Societies to efficiently alleviate ticket costs for financially struggling students in order to maximise engagement and be inclusive to all.
Nominator 1
Ksenia Suturina
Arts and Social Sciences, III
Nominator 2
Justin Wang
Law/business, III