Student Union elections Now Open

by Penny Jerrum

The student union is once again on the look out for students to run the union, represent other students and make a difference to student lives. 

Voting takes place from the March 11-17, all students are encouraged to vote! The results are announced at the results night party, Create Late: The Political Party on March 17 from 7pm onwards; where there will be exhibitions, workshops, DJs, cocktails and much more.

There are several opportunities on offer which vary from full-time paid roles to the odd voluntary meeting once or twice a term. There are opportunities to suit everyone. 

The positions available:

Sabbatical officers

These are full-time positions which require taking a year out from your studies to work for the union or going straight to work for the union after you graduate.  They are all paid £21,600.

• President – This is the leader of student union.   The President amongst many other things fronts campaigns, makes decisions on the direction of policy and campaigns and chairs executive meetings. 
• Education Officer – The Education Officer is the champion of all things education and is responsible for the Course Rep scheme, the quality of education and student engagement.
• Culture and Diversity Officer – The Culture and Diversity officer is involved in equality and liberation for all students and the integration of students from across the whole university.
• Activities and Volunteering Officer - The Activities and Volunteering Officer is responsible for the organisation and development of sports, societies and volunteer projects. 

 Part-Time positions

These positions take place alongside your studies and are voluntary although all reasonable expenses will be paid. 

• College Vice President – There is one VP for each college who is the lead representative for each college.  They sit on the executive with the full time sabbatical officers and make decisions on campaigning and union policy. 
• Student Trustee – There are 3 positions available as Student Trustees.  They are responsible for the financial and legal running of SUARTS. 

• Democracy Scrutiny Committee – There are 8 positions available.  This is a group of students who are consulted on a variety of issues from the language that the student union uses to whether the Executive are performing. 
  
  
• NUS Delegate – There are 7 positions available.  They attend the NUS Conference and represent UAL Students. The conference determines what the National Union of Students do about things like tuition fees, teaching and learning quality, student exemptions (e.g. council tax), and wider issues like the environment, war, poverty and global injustice.
  

All positions will offer you opportunities to widen your CV, learn new skills and meet lots of new people. 

The candidate that receives the most votes from other students will be elected and will then be appointed to that position from July to July. 

For any questions please email the Democracy Coordinator Penny Jerrum on p.jerrum@su.arts.ac.uk or call on 020 7514 6270 or drop in to the Student Union office on High Holborn.  To nominate yourself go to www.suarts.org/elections