What are the Big Elections?
These elections are when UWS students choose who will represent them in the following academic year. Students can nominate themselves for two types of position: either a full time paid role as a sabbatical officer, or a part time volunteer role conducted alongside your studies.
What positions are being elected?
Sabbatical Officers
There are four sabbatical officers at UWS and all of these positions are full time paid jobs with a salary TBC. These roles require you to take a break from your studies - that's why they're called Sabbatical officers. You can also apply at the end of your studies and you would begin the role as you graduated.
President
The president leads the Students’ Union, and the team of sabbatical officers. The president, alongside the board of trustees, is responsible for the actions of the students’ union, and will represent all student at UWS through attending meetings such as the University Court and Senate, and working in partnership with students, staff, and the wider student movement.
Vice-President Education
The VP Education works to improve the learning experience at UWS. They work particularly closely with student reps, focussing on education of course! The VP education works to improve learning resources, curriculum, and teaching methods among other things.
Vice-President Student Development
The VP Student Development works to improve student lives at UWS outside of the classroom. They work with clubs and societies, and work to develop opportunities for students. This can include volunteering and skills training.
Vice-President Welfare and Wellbeing
The VP Welfare and Wellbeing works to improve student welfare and wellbeing at UWS. This includes helping to create a better environment for student mental health, and working towards solutions for student poverty.
Volunteer Roles
These are all roles you can do alongside your studies which will involve around four meetings a year and communicating with other students in representative roles to improve life for students at UWS. Broadly speaking the School Officer and Union Chair roles will require attending four meeting a year, ensuring that you communicate with students both befo
School Officers
School Officers will bridge the gap between course level reps, and the Sabbatical Officers. School Officers gather information from reps, sit on School Boards, and keep students informed, and work with the Students' Union to improve life for UWS students within their schools.
Union Chair
The Union Chairs role is to hold the Sabbatical Officers to account. Sabbatical Officers are elected by students and for students and as such can only be held accountable by students – led by the Union Chair. The Union Chair can ask questions of the sabbatical officers and sit in on meetings at the Students’ Union. The Union Chair also chairs student council which sets policy for the Students’ Union.
NUS Scotland and NUS UK Conference Delegates
NUS Conferences are meetings of students from all of the different Scottish Universities who gather together to share ideas and debate and vote on policies to guide the work of NUS Scotland. These are usually held over two days and delegates have all expenses paid to attend, but must be able to go to both full days.
PGR Positions
Doctoral College Board Members
There are two positions for Doctoral Students on the Doctoral College Board. The Doctoral College is responsible for addressing issues related to the doctoral student experience including registration, research studies, progression, and assessment of doctoral students. They also review and monitor the conditions of doctoral candidates.
PGR Senate Rep
The PGR Senate Representative will be the PGR voice on the Senate. The Senate is responsible for overall planning, co-ordination, development and supervision of the academic work of the University and the elected student officers sit on Sentate too. This is an excellent opportunity to sit on one of the highest university committees with senior management; to see how the university works, and to make sure that PGR students are represented at all levels at UWS.
Research and Enterprise Advisory Committee
There are two places for doctoral students on the Research and Enterprise Advisory Committee. This committee is responsible for the development of research and enterprise at UWS, and makes recommendations to Senate - one of the highest committees in the University.
Why should I stand in the Elections?
Any of these positions are an excellent opportunity to:
- Make a Difference – improve UWS for your fellow students by making sure that students are heard!
- Develop Skills – you’ll get an opportunity to attend meetings, work in partnership with university staff, and develop your skills for the workplace.
- Get training and support – Whatever role you stand for your Students’ Union will support you to campaign, and if you’re elected your Students’ Union is here to support you in your role.
- Join a Community - Be a part of a community of student representatives at all levels working to improve things at UWS.
- Learn more about the university - Being a rep means that you get to be a part of decision making at UWS, and see how it all works!
Why should I care about the Elections?
We believe that students should be at the heart of everything that happens at UWS – these elections are where all of the students at UWS get to choose the students who will represent them at all levels, right up to the University Court and Senate.
How do I nominate myself?
Nominations are not currently open so check back soon!
Can I nominate someone else?
No you can’t, but if you think someone would be great for a position then please encourage them to stand!
How do I vote?
Voting is not open yet so check back for more information!