Despite the best of intentions, a possible new structure for the Otago University Students Association (OUSA) executive will not be finalised before next year's student leaders are elected.
Current president Edwin Darlow announced the governance review about four months ago and had hoped it would be completed before elections next month.
He said last week he had been confident the earlier timetable was achievable, but with consultation on the review not yet complete, meeting it had become impossible.
The deadline for general submissions on the review had been extended by a week, until Friday this week, and consultation was also still taking place with relevant groups such as life members, management staff, the Te Roopu Maori student organisation and OUSA clubs and societies leaders.
A student referendum would be held once consultation was finished, he said.
The OUSA executive has 17 members representing the university's nearly 20,000 students, a number which has been steadily increasing in recent years.
In April, Mr Darlow called the structure "convoluted".
However, no specific restructuring options have been promoted in the review.
Mr Darlow said the aim of the review was not about adding or removing executive positions but was about finding the best governance model "to serve, represent and advocate for all of our members.
"From consultation will come a proposal," Mr Darlow said.
