SU Officer Election

HSU Officer Election 2024!!

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Interested in making a real difference at Hartpury, meeting new students and developing new skills – AND earning money and reaping lots of other rewards whilst doing so!? Then read on…

This guide sets out in detail what the elections are, why we have them and how they work – and what you’re letting yourself in for. 

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What are the SU Elections?

Hartpury Students’ Union (the SU) is a student-led organisation which is separate from Hartpury. Each year, Hartpury students vote to decide who should take on one of our three part-time paid positions (elected officers) and one of the four elected liberation representatives.

Together, the officers lead the work of the SU to benefit all Hartpury University and College students. Each role has different duties (which you can read about below) but the purpose is the same – to represent student needs and make student life at Hartpury the best it can be!

 

Why is the election important?

Our elections offer every student the chance to vote for the candidates that they feel will best represent their views and will be committed to delivering real results for the students at Hartpury. It’s also an amazing opportunity to put themselves forward to take on one of these valuable roles. Each candidate will produce a manifesto, outlining what they aim to achieve, if elected.

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Thinking of running?

Great! Here’s an overview of who can apply (and why you should!) and which positions are available. You can read the full elections guide here. 

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Who can apply?

A current Hartpury student, on any level of course who will be still be on a Hartpury course during the 2024/2025 academic year. You should be passionate about the Hartpury community, proud to belong and wanting make a difference. 

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What positions are available?

Full Job descriptions can be found in the elections guide. All roles will start mid August 2024 until May 2025...

 

- Representation Officer (paid, 12hrs per week) £5217 salary, 9 month contract (August to May) 

- Guidance Officer (paid, 12hrs per week) £5217 salary, 9 month contract (August to May) 

- Clubs and Societies Officer (paid, 12hrs per week) £5217 salary, 9 month contract (August to May) 

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What will the role involve?

Student officers have their own specific roles and projects but some of the duties of office apply to all positions. They make up the Union Executive Committee and are members of the Student Council. As Officers of the Union, it is expected that they:

 

• Attend Students’ Union meetings regularly

• Represent the views of students

• Collaborate with the officers on a range of campaigns

 

The Executive Committee make some decisions on the day-to-day running of the Union and how the Union will handle certain issues. An important part of the role is ensuring that we communicate decisions clearly to students and Hartpury.

 

What are the benefits of becoming an Officer?

Hartpury Students’ Union is growing and developing all the time. It is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of a robust, dynamic and exciting union representing around 4,500 students and leave a legacy at Hartpury. You can make real changes to improve the lives of your fellow students, by attending meetings at the highest level of Hartpury and driving forward policy. You’ll get support on running campaigns that matter most to you.

 

As an officer, you receive training and support from experienced staff members as well as NUS (National Union of Students). As part of the national student movement, you will get the opportunity to develop network connections that will see you through to your future career. You’ll also get the opportunity to go on an all-expenses paid trip to the NUS National Conference and other events throughout the year.

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While in office you will develop skills in many areas:

 

• Communication

• Planning

• Problem solving

• Teamwork

• Time-management

• Campaigning

• Leadership

• Events planning

 

… to name just a few! And all of these look amazing on your CV or applications. You’ll also receive a personalised HSU hoodie, free ticket to summer ball and TOTUM student discount card! Paid Officer roles will also receive a salary!

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When can I put myself forward?

Students can put themselves forward during the nominations period which runs from Monday 6th May 9am to Friday 17th May 3pm. 

 

How do I apply?

You must first nominate yourself to run for a position. You can do this via this submission form (the link will only work during the nomination period). You will be required to upload your manifesto as part of your submission (more info below!). Once your nomination has been submitted and you have been briefed on the election’s rules, you will then be entered into the elections.

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What is a manifesto?

A manifesto is a declaration of your goals for the year, should you be elected. Use our manifesto writing guide to  get started. You can also contact a member of the team: studentsunion@hartpury.ac.uk 

 

How does campaigning work?

Over the course of the campaigning and voting period, you will need to win the votes of students. How you may go about doing this will be one of the things covered in the Candidate Briefing, which every student standing for election is required to attend. Be sure to follow the election rules – available on request and will be provided during your candidate briefing.

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Link to full elections guide here. 

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Ask us a question!

Thank you for reading this guide! If you have any questions, email:  studentsunion@hartpury.ac.uk  

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How can I vote?

You can vote for your preferred officers via this link during the voting period of the elections.

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KEY DATES

 

Nominations open – Monday 6th May 9am

Nominations close – Friday 17th May 3pm

Campaigning begins – Monday 20th May 10am

Voting opens – Monday 27th May 9am

Voting closes – Friday 31st May 3pm

Results announced – Monday 3rd June 10am