The Teesside University Student Elections have officially opened this week, with many students eager to learn how to navigate the process of becoming a candidate and how to win a position.
This ultimate guide to the student elections provides essential tips and insights for those looking to run for office and key dates to remember.
What are the Student Officer Elections?
They decide the three people who hold the Student Officer positions (President Education, President Wellbeing, and President International) each year.
Who are they for?
Student Officer Elections are open to all eligible TU students. However, we strongly suggest that you do not run until you have been at the university for at least 6 months and are fully familiar with the Students’ Union and the University.
What do they do?
- Represent Teesside University students and ensure their voice is fully heard by the Uni.
- Lead the Students’ Union and oversee how it is run.
- Work full-time and get paid over £25,000 a year.
- Run campaigns and lead big events at the SU.
- Be a key part of the Board of Trustees (makes all big decisions about TUSU)
What kind of person makes a good student officer?
You do not need any particular experience to be a successful Student Officer, but having skills like confidence, good communication, and being a people person will definitely be a big advantage.
What to expect during the elections:
Meet the Candidates:
- The action starts with Meet the Candidates (Thursday 27 February from 11.30am in The Hub, 2nd floor, TUSU building). Candidates will give a speech and answer questions from potential voters.
Vote for Me:
- Candidates will start campaigning for votes all around campus.
Cast Your Votes:
- Candidates are out on the campaign trail until and including Monday 3 March with students able to vote from 10am to 8pm on that day online at tees-su.org.uk/elections.
Polls close at 8pm on Monday 3 March
Results Party:
- The results will be announced from 7pm on Wednesday 5 March in The Hub, 2nd floor, TUSU building.
What if you get elected?
Once you have been through the various stages of a campaign and won those previous student votes, you are now a Student Officer!
You will not take office until the start of July, but TUSU will be in regular contact with you to offer support and further information.
Once you take office there will be inductions and training with TUSU staff, meetings with key figures from the Uni and briefings with NUS. You’ll also start planning what you want to achieve.
From September, the hard work really begins, students return, and the academic year gets under way. You’ll have campaigns, meetings and a range of high-profile events to attend, plus much more!
If you have any questions visit tees-su.org.uk/elections.
