You Run Us
Elections - FAQs
- WHO CAN STAND FOR ELECTION?
- WHY STAND FOR ELECTION?
- HOW MUCH TIME DO THE ROLES TAKE?
- CAN I STAND AS A TEAM WITH MY FRIENDS?
- HOW CAN I STAND IF I HAVE CHILDREN TO LOOK AFTER?
- DO I NEED TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN YUSU BEFORE?
- CAN I STAND TO BE A FULL TIME OFFICER IF I AM NOT IN MY FINAL YEAR?
- WHAT PERSONAL QUALITIES DO I NEED TO STAND AS AN OFFICER?
- WHAT VOTING SYSTEM DOES YUSU USE?
- HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
WHO CAN STAND FOR ELECTION?
Any student at the University of York. The elections are open to anyone enrolled at the University, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time students. Some positions have additional eligibility criteria (e.g. to stand for Women’s Officer you must self-define as a woman) which are outlined in the descriptions of each position.
WHY STAND FOR ELECTION?
There are as many reasons to run for election as there are positions - probably more! The main reasons that people stand in elections usually boil down to one or more of the following:
- Something you care about: In some cases there is a particular role that you feel would suit you, for instance, as someone who cares about green issues you might stand for Environment & Ethics Officer, or if you love your College, maybe you'll stand as Chair of your Junior Common Room Committee. There are loads of opportunities for students to get involved in the things that matter to them, so check out the full range of positions available in the Union and JCRCs.
- Personal development: We all like a challenge, and employers like students who have challenged themselves. Standing in an election whilst at University shows that you're an active, engaged person who is willing to put themselves forward for things. Not only will this reflect well on you, you're likely to find that it helps you to discover new skills and greater confidence. Plus, if you win the election you will be working as part of a team to deliver certain goals, giving you a wealth of experience to drawn upon in interviews.
- Getting to know new people: Whether you are elected as a Union officer, a committee member or an NUS delegate, a large part of the role is about working with others, often in small groups and with a real sense of shared purpose. Committees often have social events in addition to their usual meetings and many students find that they make lasting friendships by meeting like-minded others after being elected. Running a campaign is also a good excuse to get out there and talk to people you might not otherwise come across.
So, whether you think your CV is a little light, or you're looking to widen your social circle, standing in an election is the first step to a range of personal, professional and social benefits.
HOW MUCH TIME DO THE ROLES TAKE?
The time commitments of the roles vary. Full Time Officer roles are carried out as paid employment on a full-time basis, while all other roles are voluntary and held alongside your studies. Check role description for each position under Positions We Elect for more information.
CAN I STAND AS A TEAM WITH MY FRIENDS?
Only for some positions. Part Time Officer positions can be held by up to two people standing as a joint candidate as long as they fulfil any additional requirements for self-identification (see the Opportunity Profiles for each role). Full Time Officer positions, Union Chair, Senate Reps and Student Trustee can only be held by an individual. If a position can be held by a team of two or more, it will clearly state this (e.g. up to 2/3/4 people).
HOW CAN I STAND IF I HAVE CHILDREN TO LOOK AFTER?
We want everyone to feel able to get involved in the Union and childcare commitments should not in themselves be an obstacle to standing or being elected. As such, we can offer subsidies to cover the costs of childcare incurred while standing in elections, as well as to enable you to perform the role if elected. For more information about the support available visit the Advice & Support Centre in the Student Centre, James College or call 01904 32 3485.
DO I NEED TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN YUSU BEFORE?
Not at all. Although it will be useful if you know something about the area you are standing for, this does not mean you have to have held any other positions within the Union first. The important thing is that you are motivated to represent students and you’re willing to learn. It might be a good idea to talk to a member of staff or the person who currently holds the position to get a fuller idea of what’s involved.
CAN I STAND TO BE A FULL TIME OFFICER IF I AM NOT IN MY FINAL YEAR?
Yes. There are no formal requirements about which year you must be in for any of the positions. If you are not in your final year, you can carry out the Full Time Officer role as a ‘sabbatical’, taking a year out of your studies and resuming them once your time in office is over. If you are in your final year, you will begin the role immediately after the end of your degree.
WHAT PERSONAL QUALITIES DO I NEED TO STAND AS AN OFFICER?
Every officer is different and there is no fixed ‘type’. Some important traits, though, are a willingness to find out the issues that your fellow students care about, good time management, an approachable manner and the ability to take the lead on campaigns and projects.
WHAT VOTING SYSTEM DOES YUSU USE?
YUSU elections are conducted according to regulations for the Single Transferable Vote approved by the Electoral Reform Society and votes are processed with Open STV software.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
If you have a question that hasn’t been answered here, you should contact the Representation & Democracy Coordinator, Marc Kidson. Email democracy@yusu.org, phone 01904 32 3485 or pop into the YUSU Student Centre during office hours for a chat.
