Connect with your community
The Student Academy of Excellence (SAE) brings together talented, driven students from across Griffith who are committed to learning, growing and making an impact.
Through SAE events, workshops and experiences, you’ll build meaningful connections that can enrich your uni journey and set you up for success after graduation.
Make the most of your experience
The best part of SAE is the people you’ll meet along the way! Throughout the year, you’ll have opportunities to connect with fellow members through exclusive events, workshops, networking opportunities and social activities.
These experiences are designed to help you collaborate, explore your interests and get the most out of your membership.
To maintain your membership, you’ll participate in at least two SAE membership events and at least one SAE activity of your choice.
For me, SAE is more than just an academic program—it is a community that encourages students to grow, challenge themselves, and pursue opportunities they may never have imagined for themselves. If you are willing to put yourself out there and make things happen, SAE will support you every step of the way.
—Rishel Reyes, Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Featured events
Commencing students
Welcome and induction
Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 February (in person)
Feel a part of the community from day one. Start your uni journey by meeting fellow SAE members, learning about the upcoming opportunities available to you and building connections with students who share your curiosity and ambition.
Annual symposium: 'Stories that Shape Us'
Tuesday 11 August (in person)
The theme of this year’s symposium is storytelling. Every person has a story. The stories we tell ourselves and others shape how we see the world, understand our experiences and imagine our future. Join us as we explore the power of storytelling through research, reflection and inspiring alumni conversations. Discover why stories matter, how they influence identity and connection and how to uncover and share your own story with purpose and impact.
Other SAE activities
A variety of activities and workshops will be offered throughout the year, both in person and online. Members are required to participate in at least one activity of their choice. All upcoming opportunities will be advertised on the SAE Hub.
Current students
Welcome and induction
(for new current members only, in person or online)
Meet other new members, start building your network and discover how to make the most of your SAE experience.
You’re required to attend one of these sessions:
- Gold Coast session | Tuesday 24 February
- Brisbane South (Nathan) session | Wednesday 25 February
- Online session | Wednesday 25 February
O-Week event
Friday 27 February (in person)
Connect with fellow SAE members and get energised for the start of your academic year. You'll find out about upcoming opportunities and have the chance to meet fellow members who share your curiosity, ambition and enthusiasm for learning.
Annual symposium: 'Stories that Shape Us'
Tuesday 11 August (in person)
The theme of this year’s symposium is storytelling. Every person has a story. The stories we tell ourselves and others shape how we see the world, understand our experiences and imagine our future.
Join us as we explore the power of storytelling through research, reflection and inspiring alumni conversations. Discover why stories matter, how they influence identity and connection and how to uncover and share your own story with purpose and impact.
Other SAE activities
Stay connected by taking part in a variety of activities and workshops offered throughout the year, both in person and online. You’re required to participate in at least one activity of your choice. All upcoming opportunities will be advertised on the SAE Hub.
Stay informed with the SAE Hub
The Student Academy of Excellence Hub is your central place to find key dates on events and activities, important information and links to resources. After accepting your offer, the SAE team will invite you to join.
Current members are also invited to join our dedicated Microsoft Teams group.
Get inspired by our community
Caitlene Hillman
The chance to apply the knowledge gained in lectures has led Bachelor of Commerce student Caitlene to both national and international competitions. After being the Team Captain of the National Runner Up team of the 2017 CFA Institute Research Challenge, Caitlene formed the winning team for Hult Prize@Griffith and progressed through to the Regional Final in San Francisco earlier this year. The Hult Prize is an annual, year-long competition that brings together the brightest college and university students from around the globe after challenging them to solve a pressing social issue. “My experiences with the SAE have empowered me to deviate from traditional paths," she says. "For instance, my participation in the Hult Prize led me to co-found a scalable, social enterprise which leveraged biogas technologies, and subsequently pitch in front of venture capitalists and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley.”
Matthew Sharp
Former infantry soldier Matthew Sharp has thrived at university and wants to ensure other Australian Defence Force personnel have the same opportunities. The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice student is the founder of the Australian Student Veterans Association, a registered charity which serves as a support, advocacy and mentoring body for ex-service personnel undertaking higher education throughout Australia. Awarded a New Colombo Plan Scholarship, Matthew studied Law at the University of Hong Kong before completing a clerkship with top tier law firm King and Wood Mallesons. Following his clerkship, Matt relocated to Indonesia for six months to work for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Due to graduate soon, Matthew has been offered a graduate position at top-tier law firm Herbert Smith Freehills.
Katharina Gutjahr-Holland
When Katharina Gutjahr-Holland graduated high school, she tried her hand at university, TAFE, living abroad, and an apprenticeship. Five years later, she enrolled in Griffith's Bachelor of Health Science, citing the Honours College as a major draw card to the University. “It took some reflection on what I truly wanted, but at that point I knew I wanted a health focus for that solid, scientific foundation, but I also wanted as much flexibility as possible,” Katharina says. “I was also drawn to the awesome, familiar atmosphere on campus and the Student Academy of Excellence as I was seeking a university with a strong extracurricular program. I also joined ENACTUS, a student club for social impact and entrepreneurial action.” Katharina majors in Environmental Health and is enjoying her placements, gaining more hands-on experience for her future career.
Conor Gould
Starting a Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Government and International Relations double degree program straight from high school, like many students, Conor was unsure if he had chosen the right degree. After a successful semester, he took some time off to travel and try different things before returning to study finding his passion in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship. Conor is the President of the Griffith University Start-Up Entrepreneurs and was recently sponsored to participate in the Venturer Program an initiative by the Qld Office of the Chief Entrepreneur that seeks to develop resilience within the Queensland start-up and innovation ecosystem. “It was inspiring getting to know the other participants and learning their stories," he says. "The group was a mix of entrepreneurs, community leaders, developers and students. Everyone had a unique and compelling reason to be passionate about innovation and it was great to share that enthusiasm.”
