UPSU Elections – coming soon. You could be a part of it!

You may be wondering what this is all about  – who is being elected to what for whom. That’s fair enough because politics can be a bit confusing to anyone outside the system and that is historically the vast majority. Although part funded by money from the University we are a separate entity with charitable status that exists to help support you time as a student. 

UPSU has a board of trustees who are responsible from our vision, mission and long term direction. A ‘trustee’ is entrusted to look after the organisation on your behalf as its members. The elections are therefore to decide who will be the trustees from July 2007 and, as such, who will champion the rights of students and have input into the direction of a charity with a turnover of £3m. 

Why stand? Well we hope that what you’ve read so has whetted your appetite but here are a few more reasons why you should get involved. 

Student Life The objective of UPSU is to help improve the lives and experiences at The University of Plymouth. They represent nearly 30,000 students and provide the student viewpoint in all the universities decisions. The have access to the highest levels in the university, meeting, persuading, lobbying and campaigning student issues. The future of UPSU Leading a students’ union is about ensuring the students’ union delivers its vision. It is about keeping track on the future developments within education and ensuring UPSU meet or are ready for the challenges of the future. Experience Trustees consider the past, present and future of a organisation that employs around 50 full-time staff and 200 part-time staff; has a turnover of £3m; directly supports about 5,000 students involved with clubs, societies and volunteering; operates one of the biggest nightclubs in Plymouth; shops; bars; advice centre; and a regional network of campuses and partner colleges across the South West. This may sound daunting but Trustees have the support and guidance of experienced staff who will help you acquire thee skills to deal with all these areas. No other employment can give you so much responsibility with (potentially) so little experience and, at a time when competition between graduate recruitment is so intense, this experience will be invaluable to future employers. Fun Although the focus is always on responsibility, being involved with students’ unions is great fun. The environment is relaxed but focused. The staff are dedicated to the welfare of students and the experiences are endless. After all we are about helping to deliver the non-academic side of university of life, fun and enjoyment is also fundamental to the student experience.  

The positions Being a trustee is a serious responsibility and should never be entered into lightly but if you are interested there are a number of different roles available which should suit everyone. 

Officer Positions Available: 

President
Deputy President
VP Sports
VP Education and Welfare
VP Activities and Communication
VP Exeter / Exmouth 

Click on each of the job titles for a brief explanation of their roles. 

Term of office: initially 1 year but you can re-stand for a maximum of two years Remuneration: Full time Officer - APT&C Scale 3 point 11, £ 15,291 plus benefits per annum.

A fantastic opportunity within a busy students’ union exists for a group of individuals to work as a team representing nearly 30,000 University of Plymouth students. We are looking for current University of Plymouth Higher Education students, holders of an NUS card and people who want to enhance their future career by taking a one year sabbatical position. In return we offer you the opportunity to lead your students’ union, develop excellent leadership and management skills, discover and deliver the needs and wants of all students, campaign (both locally and nationally) on issues that affect students, enhance your C.V., have a great time doing a job that you will really enjoy. Full training & support given.

Preferred Qualities:

The list of qualities that make a good trustee are endless but above all you need to have an empathy and desire to represent every single student at the University of Plymouth. Some or all of the qualities will help you become a good Officer.

Commitment
Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
Strategic vision
Good, independent judgement
Creativity
Willingness to speak their mind
Understanding and acceptance of legal duties
Responsibility and liabilities of a trustee
Leadership
Team player
Honesty
Integrity
Objectivity
Accountability
Openess

So you have read all this and are still interested?

If you want to stand:

1.       Find five nominators – these are UoP students who support your candidacy

2.       Complete the nomination form – available from the students’ union reception (Plymouth), Site Managers Office (
Exeter / Exmouth) or via post / email (info@upsu.com) from the 22^nd January 2007

3.       Fill out the form a return the form before 12 noon – 29^th January 2007

4.       Wait for confirmation that your nomination has been accepted

5.       Attend candidates training – dates, times and location to be announced

6.       Submit your campaigning materials

7.       Campaign to WIN from 5th of February midday to 16th of February midday

FAQ’s

UPSU election schedule
22nd January at Midday Nominations open
29th January at Midday Nominations close
29th of January to 2nd February Election campaigning
1st and 2nd of February Candidates training
5th of February Manifesto to be submitted at 10am to go online at noon
5th of February midday to 16th of February Election voting Midday
16th of February Results at night

Want to try a part-time position and dip your toe in the water of student politics?
UPSU also run elections for part-time officers who want to continue their study but have a commitment to represent students. This will be called the Parliament and will give you an insight into the organisation.

Members of (Student) Parliament

For the Exmouth site, the site exec will still exist

Positions to be elected for Member of Parliament

LGBT campaigns chair
Women campaigns chair
Racial and ethnic campaigns chair
Mature student campaigns chair (to be confirmed)
Postgraduate campaigns chair
International campaigns chair
Ethics and environment campaigns chair
Disability campaigns chair
Chair of parliament

What / who is the Returning officer?

The returning officer is an independent person and is usually from NUS.If anybody has a complaint during the election, this will be dealt and investigated by the Returning officer and not by UPSU.When is Nominations and voting?
The nominations form will not be online. They are on paper and will be available from the UPSU when nominations open.No nominations will be accepted after the 29th of January at Midday. Voting will be online.

What are the rules to the Election?
The election rules are currently being updated but in addition to these we provide training to candidates on all the election rules and regulations. They will go out only after the returning officer has updated and/or approved the new version and  will be issued as soon as possible. The UPSU election is run by a team of current Officers, staff and NUS representatives. The names and contact details of all those involved in running the election will be announced at the required time that is during the nomination week.

What happens if I break the rules?
This depends, but ultimately you could be withdrawn from the election. Like anything if you play hard but fair there shouldn’t be any problems. All cases in relation to the rules are investigated and dealt on an individual basis by the Returning Officer