This year, Australian citizens will vote in a federal election to elect members of the 48th Parliament of Australia. 

To help you prepare for the election on Saturday 3 May, we've released a series of articles, answering the most common questions you might have.

From how to vote to in the federal election to educational resources to help you decide who to vote for, we're committed to making sure you're confident voting – whether it's your first time or your fifth. 

This article is the third and final in our series, exploring the role that universities play in elections, from equipping you with critical thinking skills to providing a safe environment for you to freely express your views and engage in respectful debate. 

We're empowering you to think critically

At University, your teachers give you the tools and frameworks you need to be 'critical' in your thinking, reading and writing. Critical thinking is the act of 'questioning' or 'challenging' existing knowledge, and is an important skill to use both inside and out of the classroom. 

Your critical thinking skills allow you to:

• identify strengths and weaknesses in arguments
• consider the efficacy of evidence used
• identify an agenda or point of view 
• develop your own argument or position.

In the context of the upcoming federal election, your critical thinking skills allow you to: 

• better engage with and understand political communications 
• form your own views and positions using the evidence available to you 
• make informed decisions about who to vote for.

Check out the Learning Hub (Academic Language and Learning) for workshops, face-to-face consultations and resources to support your learning, including honing your critical thinking skills. 

We're empowering you to express yourself freely 

Self-expression, or having your say, is an important aspect of elections and a key part of the democratic process. Like critical thinking, you're supported to express yourself freely at university and beyond. 

Universities in Australia and around the world have been at the forefront of political and social change as a result of freedom of expression, demonstrated through civil debate, activism and protest. 

This opportunity to challenge ways of thinking and bring about positive change is supported by the unique nature of campuses – safe spaces for students to have new experiences, share and develop their ideas, hear different perspectives, and engage in respectful debates. 

As a University of Sydney student, you're encouraged to exercise your right to express yourself freely on campus – whether that be joining a club or society to debate and express your political and social viewpoints or engaging in activism and protest within the guardrails of our Campus Access Policy. 

Leadership for good starts here

There are many opportunities to develop your leadership and advocacy skills at Sydney. For example, you can: 

• engage in student advocacy through the Student Representative Council (SRC) or Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA)
• hold executive positions in our clubs and societies
• create impactful community projects with the Student Life Grants program

These opportunities are not only a great way to get involved in student life and make a positive impact on your community, but also lay the foundation for becoming a great leader beyond university.