Elections

Nominations for the SU Full-Time Officer elections are now officially open!

To run in these elections you must be a current Goldsmiths student. You'll need to upload your details, a photo and a 600-word manifesto via the link below by the closing date - Wednesday 26th February at 10pm.

Spring Elections 2020

The Students' Union elections for the positions of President, Education Officer, Campaigns and Activities Officer, Welfare and Liberation Officer and National Union of Students Conference Delegates (x2). All current students are eligible to vote.

5 posts are up for election.

Nominations close at 22:00 on Wednesday 26 February 2020 (in 3 days and 20 hours)

The polls open at 09:59 on Wednesday 11 March 2020 (in 17 days)

Please log in to see more details.

Key Dates

 

You can find the full list of dates here.

 

The roles

The roles available are:

PRESIDENT

EDUCATION OFFICER

WELFARE & LIBERATION OFFICER

CAMPAIGNS & ACTIVITIES OFFICER

 

NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS CONFERENCE DELEGATE (x2)

Check out the job description for this role here. 

 

 

Why are the elections so important?

 

The Students’ Union is a democratic organisation led by four elected leaders, working full-time. The Full-Time Officers represent the student body on various issues, from welfare concerns to academic issues and much more. We’re a democratic organisation, so we run elections annually to elect the Full-Time Officers who will represent you on these issues.

To nominate someone else who you think would be perfect for the role, or if you’re interested yourself and would like us to tell you a little more information, fill in this form and one of our team will be in touch. If you have any questions or queries email democracy@goldsmithssu.org.

Thinking about running? Have a read of our election rules right here.

 

Elections glossary

 

Not sure what all the terminology associated with the elections means? Don’t worry, you’re probably not alone! Have a read of our glossary below for all the lingo you need to know if you’re thinking about putting yourself forward for a role, or you’re voting for a candidate…

  • Nomination/Nominating yourself
     

    The process of putting yourself forward for a role within the Students’ Union. This year we have four Full-Time Officer roles available – President, Welfare and Liberation Officer, Education Officer and Campaigns and Activities Officer and also two NUS Conference Delegate places.

  • Candidate
     

    A student who nominates themselves for one of the advertised positions (e.g. 'there are four candidates for SU President').

  • Preferential Voting
     

    A system where voters indicate their first, second and lower choices of several candidates for a single position.

  • Manifesto
     

    This is a text-based document which details why you’re the best candidate for the role you’re going for and should include your ideas for what you’d prioritise if you were elected into the role (e.g. 'I will campaign for cheaper accommodation for Goldsmiths students'). To ensure every candidate is treated fairly there is a word limit for every role. If you’re a candidate, this is your chance to sell yourself to potential voters.

  • Campaign video
     

    As a candidate in the election, you will be expected to take part in a 20 second campaign video with the Students’ Union where you will tell potential voters why you are the best person for the role.

  • Candidate Question Time
     

    An event held just before voting is about to happen, Candidate Question Time is the perfect opportunity to find out who the nominated candidates are and what they stand for. They will be looking to earn the student vote so pop along if you want to hear about the policies, plans or proposals they want to act on if they were to be elected into the role.

  • R.O.N. (Re-open nominations)
     

    R.O.N. is a candidate you can always vote for if you don’t feel any of the candidates are suitable for the position. R.O.N. appears in every election and if they win it will mean that the election is reopened.

  • Students’ Forum
     

    The space where Goldsmiths students can suggest and influence key policies that shape the Union and our work. Read more via goldsmithssu.org/studentsforum

  • Quorum
     

    The minimum number of members of students required to make a vote valid. For an idea to become Students’ Union policy, for example, 100 students at least must vote online.

  • Deputy Returning Officer
     

    They are the designated person to go to if a candidate has a complaint about the process or thinks a rule has been broken. They will make an initial ruling and judgement according to the election rules.

  • Returning Officer
     

    This is someone external to the elections process and the organisation. They investigate any appeals made after an outcome of a complaint decided by the Deputy Returning Officer.

 

Elections Events and Training
SU Elections - Drop in with the Officer team
24th February noon - 1pm
Goldsmiths SU downstairs social space
Mandatory election briefing session
27th February 4pm - 5pm
MRB 10 Screen 2
Mandatory Elections Briefing Session
28th February 4pm - 5pm
MRB 10 Screen 2
‘Election Campaign 101’ workshop
2nd March 2pm - 3pm
RHB 355
SU Elections workshop - banners
2nd March 3pm - 4pm
RHB 355
‘Election Campaign 101’ workshop
4th March 1pm - 2pm
Goldsmiths Students' Union location TBC
SU Elections workshop
4th March 2pm - 3pm
location TBC
‘Election Campaign 101’ workshop
6th March noon - 1pm
RHB 138
SU Elections Workshop
6th March 1pm - 2pm
RHB 138
‘Election Campaign 101’ workshop
9th March 2pm - 3pm
RHB 355
SU Elections Workshop
9th March 3pm - 4pm
RHB 355