Student Elections Information Pack 2013

elections2013

information pack

rgu: ion

student

5th-8th march

Are you a student leader?Can you represent RGU students at some of the University's highest committees?Could you motivate our sports teams to a Granite City Challenge victory over Aberdeen?Maybe you could organise regular quality student events?Or do you want to stand up for minority student groups?

The Union's yearly student elections give you the opportunity to really make a difference to how things are run at the Union and the University, and to be a voice for every student at RGU!

We have a number of Full-Time and Part-Time roles available; all with a different focus, but all working towards the same aim - to represent the students of Robert Gordon University.

Read through this guide to find out more about each of the positions up for grabs, and if you have any further questions, come and talk to us! We'll be more than happy to help.

your chancedifference!to make a

this is

contents3. welcome from the president 4. election facts, hints & tips 7. your duties 8. president roles 11. vice president roles 19. university governor roles

60 Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1JQ t: 01224 262 263 | f: 01224 262 268

e: [email protected] www.rguunion.co.uk

fb.com/rguuniontwitter.com/rguunion

RGUSA is a registered Scottish

charity no SC0 16639

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Student Elections are here again! It is an exciting period for students, as it gives us a time to reflect on the impact the Students Union has had in our University life.

We need to make decisions on how we shape the future of our Union. The time to make that decision is now, especially since we are moving to become a one campus University in September 2013. So let’s make a difference! The student Elections gives every student an opportunity to be part of the change; if you are passionate about making a difference in the student experience at RGU then standing for a role in the Students’ Union Elections could be among the greatest decision you will ever make. I have had a great experience studying at RGU, my involvement in the Union has further enhanced my skills as it has presented me with the opportunity to make a difference, and in return the Union made a huge difference in my personal life and career development. Reflecting on my manifesto aims and what we have achieved in the last six months, I believe we have inspired so many students to want to be part of the change and that is why we want to see more students running and voting in this years’ election. Don’t be onlookers; shape the future of your Union. Be the change you want to see at RGU. So get up and running, cast your vote for change.If you have any queries do not hesitate to contact me as always we operate an open door policy.

Best Wishes Francisca Chiedu President (Communications & Democracy) 2013/13 [email protected] twitter.com/rgu_prescd

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facts,election

hints& tips

As long as you are a fully enrolled and registered student of Robert Gordon University and an Ordinary Member of the Union then you are eligible to vote in the elections.

Who is eligible to stand for election? As long as you are a fully enrolled and registered student of Robert Gordon Universityand an Ordinary Member of the Union (you are automatically made an Ordinary Member when you matriculate, and remain so unless you opt out) then you are eligible to stand for election.

Am I eligible to vote?

All RGU:Union election nominations are done through the nomination forms included in this pack. The form requires you to submit your own personal information and the information of the thirty RGU students supporting your nomination. All candidates are encouraged to submit a campaign manifesto which will be printed, distributed around campus and also published on the Union website.

How do I nominate myself?

Who runs the elections?RGU:Union elections are overseen by the Returning Officer who is responsible for ensuring that every election is free, fair and open. This year’s Returning Officer is Al Powell, a Regional Consultant from the National Union of Students. Day-to-day operational responsibility for the elections is delegated to the Deputy Returning Officer, Michele Collie (Union General Manager). Any election based question or concern should be sent to [email protected]

All full time and

part time elected

positions begin

on 1st August

2013, and will run

through until 31st

July 2014

Completed nomination forms should be returned to the 3rd floor of the Students’ Union building on Schoolhill before 2pm on 28th February

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Not at all! For many of our election candidates their nomination is the first time they have got involved with RGU:Union. We work to ensure that all students of RGU have the opportunity to be involved, shape and decide on the future of their Union.

Our advice to any student who is interested in standing for a position is to come and talk to us or to attend a shadowing session to get a feel for the role and what support and guidance we offer to all students who are interested.

I’m interested in running for a position, but I’m not already involved with any Union service, sports team or society. Is this a problem?

If I get elected, will I receive any training for the role?Of course! We want you to be as prepared for these roles as possible, and therefore we organise a comprehensive handover and training programme to take place in July 2013 for newly elected Sabbatical Officers. All elected student representatives will receive in-depth training in May/June 2013 to help them get acclimatised with their role and the responsibilities of office. All Elected officers are welcome to attend the Union and shadow current sabbatical officers to gain a greater understanding of their roles. Throughout the year, there will be further opportunity for student representatives to meet relevant University staff, attend external (NUS) and in-house training programmes and ensure they develop the knowledge needed to perform the role to the best of their ability.

What voting system is used?For all elections we use a system where the voter is able to choose any number of candidates, and rate them in order of preference. They can choose just the one or vote for RON (Re-Open Nominations) if they choose to. If no candidate scores a decisive victory through first preferences, the candidate with the lowest number of votes is eliminated and their second preference votes are distributed accordingly to the other candidates. This process is repeated until a candidate has a decisive majority. With the positions which elect multiple positions to fill, the process is repeated until the number of positions is filled.

Using this voting system mean that it is in candidates’ interests to campaign broadly and to try to get a message across to voters even if the candidate believes that specific voters are committed to another candidate as a first preference. An important thing to remember is that it usually takes a number of rounds of analysis of the ballot papers (looking at the candidates rated by each voter as ‘1’, then as ‘2’, then as ‘3’ and so on) before someone wins. It’s therefore vital to campaign broadly, and attach considerable value to those second and third preferences when talking to potential voters.

If you would like to speak to one of our Presidents face-to-face about their experience of the election process, or need more

information from one of our staff members, come along

to our Election Drop-In Session for a chat on 21st February in the Students’ Union, where we will be happy to answer any questions you have.

dates to remember

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nominations open: 14th feb election drop-in session: 21st feb nominations close: 28th feb @ 2pmcandidate meeting (in the Union): 28th feb @ 5:30pm question time (at ABS, Garthdee): 5th mar @ 5:30pm voting opens: 5th mar @ 9pm voting closes: 8th mar @ 12pm results announced (in the Union): 8th mar @ 6pm

If you still have unanswered questions, email [email protected]

What should I include in my manifesto?You should include your objectives for the role and explain to potential voters how you intend to carry out these objectives. Think about what you would like to achieve in the year ahead. We recommend that you pick 3-5 SMART (Specific, Measured, Achievable, Realistic, Timed) objectives.

Candidates will each be allocated a budget, which can be used for materials to help promote your campaign. Each budget is dependant on whether you are running for a President or Vice President role, and will be assigned during the candidate’s meeting on 28th February. You may also spend an additional £20 of your own money over and above this allocated budget. Expenses should be approved by the Returning Officer or a nominee of the Returning Officer before being spent.

Do I get a budget?

All of the positions talk about the Union’s Exec Board, what’s that?The Executive Board is responsible for the day to day management and control of all the affairs and property of the Union. It is the highest governing committee of the Union and may exercise powers as it thinks fit, provided they are in accordance with the Union’s Constitution and Regulations.

The Exec Board consists of: the 3 Presidents, all Vice Presidents, the Honorary Treasurer and the General Manager (ex-officio membership)

If you are graduating in December 2013, please

note that you may run for a VP role, but the position will be reopened during

our November By-election. The newly elected officer

will begin their tenure after these November elections take place and you will

vacate the position.

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The Presidents are elected into a full-time paid role and work 39 hours a week. The Vice Presidents are part-time voluntary roles, though it is expected that they will attend the Union and carry out at least 3 hours of work a week.

Elected students are expected to attend every Executive Board meeting. If three meetings are missed without appropriate apologies, their position will be reconsidered by the rest of the Board and the Chair. Elected students who have membership of University Committees are expected to attend these committees and report back to the Union on the work of the committee.All elected students are expected to attend Union Forums and be active participants Alongside the roles and remit of each specific position, all elected individuals will carry out the following duties also: - uphold the aims and objects of the Union;- act as trustees of the Union;- be responsible for the implementation of the Union’s strategy;- represent students both collectively and individually to the university, wider community and national organisations;- be responsible for upholding policy and for the development of new policy around relevant issues;- act as the primary spokesperson on matters affecting their remits;- facilitate student co-curricula activity and advising individuals or groups of students on such activity;- seek student opinion recognising the different student groups within the university on relevant matters;- be active participants in the partnership that exists between the Union and the university in enhancing the student experience;- deliver, where appropriate, through the Union activities that will enhance the student experience;- inform students of the Union’s activities;- effectively include different groups of students within the Union’s activities and decision making processes; and- behave in accordance with any Code of Conduct for Student Officers that the Board may from time to time approve and publish.

commitments & duties

All full time and part time elected positions begin on 1st August 2013, and will run through until 31st

July 2014. You must be a matriculated student during this entire period.


president communications & democracy

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The President (Communications & Democracy) is the primary spokesperson for the Union. They are responsible for ensuring the Union is acting in the best interests of its membership. The President (Communications & Democracy) is the primary link between the Executive Committee and the student membership. The President (Communications & Democracy) shall:

i. Co-ordinate the work of the officers ensuring that they fulfil the duties expected of an elected representative. ii. Ensure that the officers prepare team and individual objectives for approval and periodic review by the Executive Committee.iii. Oversee the representation of student views and interests to the University on relevant University Committees.iv. Oversee communications between the Union and its membership, taking editorial responsibility for publications under the Union title.v. Liaise with the Union senior management to ensure effective planning of Union services and activities.vi. Oversee the Unions relations with the local community, attending appropriate meetings and reporting outcomes to the Executive Committee.vii. Oversee the Union’s relations with the media, locally and nationally.viii. Promote the democratic structure of the Union.ix. Oversee the Union’s activities within the National Union of Studentsx. Be the primary co-ordinator of campaigns which aim to make change for students at the university, both locally and nationallyxi. Be responsible for overseeing the implementation of decisions of the Executive Committee and the Annual General Meeting.

full time paid role(39hrs per week) attends all union executive board meetings

must be a fully matriculated student willing to take a year out of their studies or a student graduating in July ‘14

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president education & welfare

The President (Education & Welfare) is primarily responsible for safeguarding the academic interests and personal welfare of students. They are responsible for ensuring that the Union is acting in a way which promotes the academic interests and welfare of students to the University. The President (Education & Welfare) shall:

i. Represent student views and interests on Education and Welfare matters in the University, locally and nationally.ii. Be responsible for overseeing activities in relation to student funding, hardship and employment issues.iii. Be responsible for overseeing activities and representation on matters in relation to student accommodation within the University and student housing within the community.iv. Be responsible for leading and promoting student-run welfare support services.v. Organise awareness campaigns and activities including mental health, sexual health, and personal safety, whilst supporting relevant student-led campaigns and activities.vi. Oversee the Unions welfare and advice services, reporting on these activities to the Executive Committee.vii. Oversee the representation of student views and interests on Education and Welfare, including but not limited to, academic development and reform, student advice, personal finance matters, disability, sexuality and related matters, to the University on relevant University Committees.viii. Liaise with Union senior management on the provision of advice and support services to studentsix. Be responsible for developing student support services in line with changing student needs.x. Be responsible for engaging with Student Representatives and Faculty Officers and reporting matters of concern to the executive board.

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president sports & physicalactivity

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The President (Sports & Physical Activity) is responsible for encouraging student participation in sporting and physical activity. They are responsible for overseeing and developing the sports teams and encouraging the growth and development of new teams. They should encourage all students to participate in all forms of physical activity, sporting or otherwise. The President (Sports & Physical Activity) shall:

i. Promote and encourage physical activity to the student body and develop policies accordingly.ii. Act as a representative for students with any sport related concerns by liaising with the appropriate University bodies.iii. Chair the Sports Forum.iv. Prepare and oversee the budgets for sports clubs in consultation with the Sports Forum and the Director of Sport.v. Actively promote equal opportunities for participation in both competitive and non-competitive sports and sporting activities.vi. Support and assist clubs with club development, fundraising and their competitive and training programme.vii. Represent Robert Gordon University at a regional and national level including Scottish Student Sport, SSS and British University and College Sport, BUCS.viii. Promote general physical activity in the University and report all student views to the Director and staff of RGU: SPORT.ix. Liaise with the Director of Sport to discussion the strategic direction of the sports clubs and RGU: SPORT.x. Work in partnership with RGU: SPORT to select and support the Scholars athletes.xi. Ensure that Sports Club Committees receive the correct support and training to run their club, including an annual induction programme.xii. Co-ordinate the work of the Sport and Physical Activity Team, SPAT.xiii. Attend relevant committee meetings including the Annual General Meeting. xiiii. Input into Union and University work associated with Mental Health and chair the Mental Health Committee.



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elections2013

information pack

rgu: ion

student

5th-8th march

nomination form

Before submitting this form, please complete this checklist:

You have 30 nominations from current RGU students. You will be a matriculated RGU students between 1st August ‘13 and 31st July ‘14. You have submitted a campaign slogan. You have submitted a manifesto. You will be available to attend the candidate’s meeting on 28th February at 4pm in the Union.

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FIRST NAME ___________________________________________ SURNAME ___________________________________________ COURSE ___________________________________________ MATRICULATION NUMBER _______________________________ SIGNATURE ___________________________________________ TELEPHONE NUMBER _____________________________________ Please note - 30 signatures are required for all posts - No member may sign the monination form of more than one candidate for any particular post Your completed nomination form should be returned to the Students’ Union 3rd Floor along with your campaign manifesto (min 250 words). You must also include a letter from your head of school confirming that you are a student in your specified course at the time of the election, and also confirming the end date of your course. Failure to include this item will invalidate your nomination.

Are you on a placement at any point during the 2013/14 session? Yes No If ‘Yes’, when? ______________________ Where? (If known) _________________________ When do you graduate? _______ / _______ When does your course end? _______ / _______

We, the undersigned, nominate the person named above to the position of:

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Your campaign slogan (in 10 words or less):

_______________________________________________________________________________________

month year month year

Before submitting this form, ensure that you have read and understand the role descriptor for your desired position, and that you fully understand the duties and expectations should you be elected. If you are unsure of anything, please contact us before submitting your nomination.

NAME (Please print clearly) COURSE MATRIC NO. SIGNATURE

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Nomination received: Date: _______ / _______ / _______ Time: _________ Names checked Manifesto Slogan Letter from head of school Course end date Graduation date

Signature: ___________________ Date: _______ / _______ / _______

NAME COURSE MATRIC NO. SIGNATUREO

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OFFICER DECLARATIONRobert Gordon University Students' Association is a Charity (SCO 16639) with exempt status. There is a substantial body of government legislation and case law concerned with our activities and with the conduct of the Executive Board, who are our trustees. It is a criminal offence for anyone to be involved in the management or control of a Scottish charity who: 1. has been convicted of an offence including dishonesty; 2. is an undischarged bankrupt; 3. has been removed by a court under the provisions of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 from being concerned in the management or control of any body; or 4. is subject to a disqualification order or disqualification undertaking under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. A conviction for dishonesty may be spent in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Any such person acting in contravention of the law is liable to prosecution and upon conviction to a maximum of imprisonment for two years. Scottish Ministers may grant a waiver of disqualification, but waivers will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

If you are in doubt about your eligibility to act as an officer you should seek your own legal advice or contact the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. By signing this form, you not only accept that you are eligible to become an officer in the event of being elected, but you also confirm that as an officer you will always act in the best interests of the Robert Gordon University Students' Association while acting in accordance with the Constitution and Regulations (these can be found at www.rguunion.co.uk/constitution). All assets of the Association must also be used in accordance with the above stipulations. I have read and understood the criteria (above) for being an officer and confirm that I am eligible to become an officer in the event that I am elected. If in any event I become ineligibleduring my term in office, I will inform the Executive Board and vacate my post

NAME: DATE OF BIRTH: ADDRESS:

POSITION STANDING FOR:

SIGNATURE: DATE:

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vice president academic

The Vice President (Academic) is required to represent the student body on University level committees specifically regarding the academic part of student life. This is done in consultation with the Faculty Officers, class representatives and the President (Education & Welfare). The Vice President (Academic) shall:

i. Attend and represent students on University level committees as required, specifically including Academic Council.ii. Be responsible for recruiting student membership for those University Committees that require student involvement.iii. Be responsible for engaging with class representatives and Faculty Officers through the rep forums on Moodle and to feed these matters into the Executive Board.iv. Ensure that awareness of campaigns and relevant topics relating to Academic issues are of a high priority and promoted throughout the Student Association. v. Be responsible for arranging and organising the Student Affairs Committee and, in the absence of the President (Education & Welfare), is responsible for chairing the committee.vi. Liaise with Student Services in the promotion of the National Student Survey.vii. Undertake any other duties as mandated or required by the Executive Committee.

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part time unpaid voluntary role (at least 3hrs per week) attends all union executive board meetings

must be a fully matriculated studentbetween 1st August ‘13 and 31st July ‘14.

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OFFICER DECLARATIONRobert Gordon University Students' Association is a Charity (SCO 16639) with exempt status. There is a substantial body of government legislation and case law concerned with our activities and with the conduct of the Executive Board, who are our trustees. It is a criminal offence for anyone to be involved in the management or control of a Scottish charity who: 1. has been convicted of an offence including dishonesty; 2. is an undischarged bankrupt; 3. has been removed by a court under the provisions of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 from being concerned in the management or control of any body; or 4. is subject to a disqualification order or disqualification undertaking under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. A conviction for dishonesty may be spent in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Any such person acting in contravention of the law is liable to prosecution and upon conviction to a maximum of imprisonment for two years. Scottish Ministers may grant a waiver of disqualification, but waivers will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

If you are in doubt about your eligibility to act as an officer you should seek your own legal advice or contact the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. By signing this form, you not only accept that you are eligible to become an officer in the event of being elected, but you also confirm that as an officer you will always act in the best interests of the Robert Gordon University Students' Association while acting in accordance with the Constitution and Regulations (these can be found at www.rguunion.co.uk/constitution). All assets of the Association must also be used in accordance with the above stipulations. I have read and understood the criteria (above) for being an officer and confirm that I am eligible to become an officer in the event that I am elected. If in any event I become ineligibleduring my term in office, I will inform the Executive Board and vacate my post

NAME: DATE OF BIRTH: ADDRESS:

POSITION STANDING FOR:

SIGNATURE: DATE:

vice president entertainment & events

The Vice President (Entertainments & Events) is responsible for assisting Students’ who wish to arrange events within the Union and the University

The Vice President (Entertainment & Events) shall:

i. Work alongside the Commercial Services Manager to ensure appropriate use of the Entertainments budget and report back to the Executive Board on these matters.ii. To work alongside the President (Communications & Democracy, Commercial Services Manager and Graphics and Marketing Co-ordinator to organise Freshers and Re-Freshers weeks.iii. Responsible for arranging and chairing the Entertainments Committee.iv. To liaise with Officers, Student Clubs and Societies as well as non-involved students to ensure there is a wide variety of appropriate entertainments and events for students.v. Undertake any other duties as mandated or required by the Executive Committee.

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vice president environmental & ethics

The Vice President (Environment & Ethics) is required to ensure that the Student Association is at all times acting in an environmentally friendly and ethical manner. The Vice President (Environment & Ethics) shall:

i. Be responsible for presenting the views of students with regards to environmental and ethical issues to the University, the Executive Board and appropriate external bodiesii. Liaise with the NUS Scotland and NUS UK with regards to updating and implementation of RGU SA Policy. iii. Liaise with CUSP (Centre for Understanding Sustainable Practice) and ESWG (Environmental Sustainability Working Group) to ensure the University and Student Union Environmental &Ethical aims are corresponding. iv. Ensure that awareness of campaigns and relevant topics relating to Environmental and Ethical issues are of a high priority and promoted throughout the Students Association. v. Organise and support students with an interest in Environmental and Ethical issues to discuss Environmental & Ethical issues and feeds back discussions to the Executive Board. vi. Encourage students interested in Environmental and Ethical issues to establish common interest societies to allow these students to engage with one another and build a community within RGU.

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vice president equality & diversity

The Vice-President (Equality & Diversity) is required to ensure that minority group students are represented within the Association and externally. The Vice President (Equality & Diversity) shall:

i. Responsible for presenting the views of minority student groups to the University, the Executive Board and appropriate external bodiesii. To be a visible representative of the RGU Students’ Association and to always act in accordance with the organisation’s Constitution and Regulations as well as the best interests of the organisation. iii. Liaise with the NUS Scotland Equalities and Diversity Officers with regards to the updating and implementation of RGU SA Policy. iv. Ensure that awareness of campaigns and relevant topics affecting minority student groups is of a high priority and promoted throughout the Students Association. v. Organise and support minority group students to discuss issues affecting these student groups and feeds back discussions to the Executive Board. vi. Encourage minority group students to establish common interest societies to allow minority group students to engage with one another and build a community within RGU. vii. Encourages participation in the Students’ Association by minority group students and promotes a positive image of the Students’ Association to minority group students. viii. To ensure appropriate hand over and training information is passed on to the incoming Vice-President (Equality and Diversity).ix. Undertake any other duties as mandated or required by the Executive Committee.

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vice president international

The Vice President (International) is the primary representative voice for all international students at RGU (EU and non-EU) The Vice President (International) shall:

i. Be responsible for presenting the views of international students to the Executive Board, the University and appropriate external bodies.ii. Liaise with the NUS International Students’ Officer with regards to updating and implementing the Robert Gordon University Students’ Union policies.iii. Liaise with the International Office and other appropriate members of University staff regarding issues affecting International studentsiv. Ensure that any campaigns or topics affecting International Students at the University are well promoted and supportedv. Liaise with the International Student Societies affiliated to the Union to help promote their events and activitiesvi. Encourage international students to participate in the Union and Union activities and help promote a positive image of the Union to International Studentsvii. Convene and chair the international student sub-committee

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vice president societies

The Vice President (Societies) is the primary Executive Board contact for Societies and is responsible for ensuring Societies are engaged in the workings of the Union and the University. The Vice President (Societies) shall:

i. Work alongside the General Manager and the Student Association administrative staff to ensure that the Societies are run in accordance with the Constitution and appropriate regulations.ii. Help promote and develop societies, acting as the representative aiming to encourage a high level of quality participation.iii. Act as a point of communication and information for Societies referring them to the appropriate member of staff.iv. Report to the Executive Board on Societies related matters.v. Be a member of the Student Achievement Awards Committee in accordance with the regulations.vi. Participate in all relevant Union Forums.vii. Undertake any other duties as mandated or required by the Executive Committee.

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vice president sports

The VIce President (Sport) is the primary Sports & Physical Activity Team representative for the Union Executive Board. The Vice President (Sports) shall:

i. Work alongside the President (Sport and Physical Activity) and the Director of Sport to assist the management of clubs and their development.ii. Assist the President (Sport and Physical Activity) to appoint the Sport and Physical Activity Team, SPAT.iii. Coordinate the work of SPAT to support them in fulfilling their roles.iv. Appoint the Sports Awards Ball Committee.v. Work with the President (Sport and Physical Activity) and SPAT to organise events including competitive, physical activity and fundraising.vi. Vice Chair of the Sports Forum.vii. Undertake any other duties as mandated or required by the Executive Board.

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rag (raising & giving) chair

The RAG Chair is primarily responsible for coordinating all fundraising activities on behalf of the Union. The RAG Chair shall:

i. Work alongside the Student Association Administrator and the Student Development and volunteer co-ordinator to ensure the appropriate use of the RAG Budget and report back to the Executive Board on these matters.ii. Act as a primary point of communication for charities, students who wish to fundraise and all fundraising activities and report to the Executive Board on these matters.iii. Liaise with the National Student Fundraising Association (NaSFA) to ensure good communication with other RAGs.iv. Co-ordinate all fundraising activities of the Student Association, including the organisation of events and collections for a variety of charities.v. Work alongside the Student development and volunteer co-ordinator to promote volunteering activities, Give Time Not Money!.vi. Chair weekly/fortnightly meetings for RAG.vii. Appoint RAG Team and co-ordinate the work of the RAG Team to ensure their roles are fulfilled throughout the year.viii. Work alongside the Student Association Finance Officer to ensure all monies are gathered, counted, verified and cheques are sent to appropriate charities. ix. Ensure appropriate publication of all RAG Activities, within the Student Association, University and the press. x. Liaise with Aberdeen Universities Student Charities Campaign on a monthly basis. xi. Work alongside Presidents, Vice Presidents, Commercial Services Manager, Graphics and Marketing Co-ordinator and Student Development and Volunteer Co-ordinator to organise Fresher’s Week, Refresher’s Week and RAG Week. xii. Ensure appropriate handover and training information is passed on to the incoming RAG Chair.xiii. Undertake any other duties as mandated or required by the Executive Board.

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universityrolesBecome a member of the University Board of Governors!

First of all, it should be made clear that although this is an elected position, it is an unpaid University position and not a role within the Union, although you are expected to work alongside the Union in your capacity as a Student Governor. This is an exceptional position which is NOT available in the majority of Universities throughout the UK!

The position a student can run for as a member of the Board of Governors depends on whether they study an Undergraduate or Postgraduate course.

The Board of Governors is the governing body of the University and is comprised of a maximum of 18 Governors, which includes the Principal, members of staff and 2 student members.

It is in overall control of both the strategic direction and management of the University and is supported in this role by a number of committees.

The role of student members of the Board of Governors is to bring the full range of their knowledge and expertise. However, it is important to note that Student Governors are not in any formal sense student representatives.

The qualities required by Student Governors are those which are required of any Governor, namely:

- commitment to the University and to its objectives - a general understanding of universities and an appreciation of broad social and economic trends as they affect universities - the ability to discuss without being adversarial or losing respect and goodwill - acceptance of collective responsibility for Board decisions - common sense and an acknowledgement of the art of the possible - the capacity to question information and explanations supplied by officers of the University - honesty and integrity - respect for confidentiality.

These positions provide a great opportunity to enhance and promote your employability, and will stand out to employers when added to your CV. In terms of the level of commitment required, the Board meets at least 4 times per year and Student Governors will be expected to attend these meetings. In addition, there are likely to be other meetings which you may be invited to attend.

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university positionpart time voluntary role

attends all board ofgovernor meetingsmust be a fully matriculated studentbetween 1st August ‘13 and 31st July ‘14.

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These elected Governor

roles are held within the

University as opposed to

the Students’ Union. This

means that if interested, you

may stand to be elected as

Undergraduate Governor or

Postgraduate Governor at

the same time as running

for one of the Union’s elected

President or VP positions.

Documents

Student Elections Information Pack 2013