SONA advocates on behalf of students of the built environment to advance the interests of students.
SONA advocates for the interests of students in the built environment, with goals of:
To achieve these goals, SONA:
SONA invites students to share their experiences studying architecture or a related course is aimed at positively impacting the educational experiences of built environment students. By collecting and sharing these reflections, SONA can work towards improving the learning environment and promoting the needs and interests of students.
The purpose of SONA positions is to provide a clear and concise set of evidence-based advocacy standpoints for promoting the interests of students. These positions serve as a framework for SONA representatives to engage in effective advocacy efforts at their university and on national and local Institute councils and committees.
SONA has a strong focus on positively impacting student well-being. SONA aims to promote policies and initiatives that prioritise mental and physical health, safety, and accessibility, creating a more supportive and inclusive educational environment for all students.
SONA representatives work with the Institute to address issues that impact the student community. SONA representatives participate in national and local councils and committees and help to ensure that student voices are heard and considered in discussions and decisions that affect their education and future.
Why are our surveys important?
The data and insights we collect enable us to advocate on behalf of students to organisations, like The Australian Institute of Architects, and universities, guiding conversations and helping us to act on issues that students care about the most.
Recent surveys, conducted in 2020 & 2022, have focused on student health, and well-being, and responses collected have helped to,
SONA presented the survey report and findings at the 2022 National Symposium: Lost Opportunities alongside the Wellbeing of Architects Project.
The session reported on two recent, major research projects addressing mental wellbeing amongst architecture students and practitioners. A collaboration between SONA and researchers at Monash University, the session reported on key findings, discussed implications, and proposed ways forward to address current problems, and avoid the ‘lost opportunity’ of diverse and talented people leaving the profession.
Speakers
Nicole Mesquita Mendes and Leanne Haider (SONA),
Naomi Stead (Monash)
SONA presented at the Wellbeing of Architects symposium. The event launched the Guides to Wellbeing in Practice, a set of research-informed guides that support action toward transformative change.
SONA President Blake Hillebrand was part of a panel discussing how excellence, care, and student wellbeing can be foregrounded in educational frameworks, and through leadership from peak bodies, universities and student organisations. SONA immediate Past President Nicole Mesquita Mendes presented the findings from 2020 & 2022 SONA wellbeing surveys, revealing a complex picture of architectural students struggling with their wellbeing and suggest an urgent need to address this.
Speakers
Nicole Mesquita Mendes (SONA),
The purpose of SONA positions is to provide a clear and concise set of evidence-based advocacy standpoints for promoting the interests of students. These positions will address critical issues such as student well-being, studio culture, sustainability, cultural sensitivity, diversity, graduate expectations, alternative pathways in architecture, and internships.
What is involved?
This year, we are looking to form a group of SONA representatives and SONA members who are passionate about advocating for architecture students. We want to revise the positions to reflect the views of students in 2023. Your involvement will allow you to develop new skills, network with other like-minded individuals, and make a positive impact on the architecture community.
Expressions of Interest
If you want to be part of the change and advocate for your needs as an architecture student, send your expression of interest today.
Email sona@architecture.com.au and let us know why you would like to work on the SONA positions. You must be a SONA member to join the working group
SONA continues to raise awareness and encourage conversation around student mental wellness. Data from previous SONA surveys have enabled us to,
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
