This is YOUR chance to make a difference! Are you a student leader? Can you represent RGU students at some of the University's highest committees? Could you motivate our sports teams to a Granite City Challenge victory over Aberdeen? Maybe you could organise regular quality student events? Or do you want to stand up for minority student groups? The Union's yearly student elections give you the opportunity to really make a difference to how things are run at the Union and the University, and to be a voice for every student at RGU! We have a number of Full-Time and Part-Time roles available; all with a different focus, but all working towards the same aim - to represent the students of Robert Gordon University. Read through this guide to find out more about each of the positions up for grabs, and if you have any further questions, come and talk to us! We'll be more than happy to help.
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Welcome From The President Full-Time Paid Roles Part-Time Voluntary Roles University Roles Duties Rules & Regulations FAQs
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welcome It's that time of year again, in the coming weeks expect to see t-shirts, flyers, sweets and people begging for votes as Election fever kicks in. It seems like just yesterday that I was on campus with my campaign team trying to convince everyone of the merits of my manifesto and begging them for votes. Looking back over my last two years in office I can honestly say that I am glad I forgot my fears, took the plunge and ran for election. I have had a varied, exciting, interesting and overall incredible two years as President of the Union. I have had experiences I never dreamed I could have, met a huge variety of different people and gained a huge understanding of how the University works. I have achieved all of the aims and goals I set myself upon entering office and so much more. The privileged position I have had the honour of holding for two years has changed my life and I am a better person for it, and though I am sad that my time is coming to a close, I am delighted to recommend it to any student of the University as a hugely worthwhile job. Over the last two years I have been asked numerous times why I ran for my position, and the short answer is that I thought I could make a difference. I am proud to say that I kept that aim and I feel like I am leaving the Union in a stronger position that it has ever been. We have written a new 5 year strategic plan, drafted a new constitution, participated actively in the University plans for the new campus at Garthdee, and we have exciting plans afoot for the Union's move to the new campus. We are more focussed on enhancing the lives of RGU students than ever before and I am humbled to have been a part of the change. The experiences a student can gain by participating in their Union through elections are unique and unrivalled. Whether you decide to go for a President or Vice-President position, I guarantee you will not regret it. Nowhere else in life do you get the opportunities afforded to you by being a member of the Executive Board of the Union. Being elected by your fellow students is an honour and a privilege, but more importantly, it looks great on your CV! The Union is a fantastic organisation to be involved in, you will meet many different people, develop as a person and gain a huge sense of enjoyment should you be fortunate enough to be elected. I hope every student at RGU considers running and makes this year the best yet for elections. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me and, if you do decide to run, Good Luck!
Ryan Maclean President (Communications & Democracy) 2011/12
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president
(communications & democracy) The President (Communications & Democracy) is the primary spokesperson for the Union. They are responsible for ensuring the Union is acting in the best interests of its membership. The President (Communications & Democracy) is the primary link between the Executive Committee and the membership.
Remit The President (Communications & Democracy) shall: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi.
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Co-ordinate the work of the officers ensuring that they fulfil the duties expected of an elected representative. Ensure that the officers prepare team and individual objectives for approval and periodic review by the Executive Committee. Oversee the representation of student views and interests to the University on relevant University Committees. Oversee communications between the Union and its membership, taking editorial responsibility for publications under the Union title. Liaise with the Union senior management to ensure effective planning of Union services and activities. Oversee the Unions relations with the local community, attending appropriate meetings and reporting outcomes to the Executive Committee. Oversee the Union’s relations with the media, locally and nationally. Promote the democratic structure of the Union and oversee the organisation of the elections as set out within the Election Regulations Oversee the Union’s activities within the National Union of Students Be the primary co-ordinator of campaigns which aim to make change for students at the university, both locally and nationally Be responsible for overseeing the implementation of decisions of the Executive Committee and the Annual General Meeting.
president
(education & welfare) The President (Education & Welfare) is primarily responsible for safeguarding the academic interests and personal welfare of students. They are responsible for ensuring that the Union is acting in a way which promotes the academic interests and welfare of students to the University.
Remit The President (Education & Welfare) shall: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x.
Represent student views and interests on Education and Welfare matters in the University, locally and nationally. Be responsible for overseeing activities in relation to student funding, hardship and employment issues. Be responsible for overseeing activities and representation on matters in relation to student accommodation within the University and student housing within the community. Be responsible for leading and promoting student-run welfare support services. Organise awareness campaigns and activities including mental health, sexual health, and personal safety, whilst supporting relevant student-led campaigns and activities. Oversee the Unions welfare and advice services, reporting on these activities to the Executive Committee. Oversee the representation of student views and interests on Education and Welfare, including but not limited to, academic development and reform, student advice, counselling and personal finance matters, disability, sexuality and related matters, to the University on relevant University Committees. Liaise with Union senior management on the provision of advice and support services to students Be responsible for developing student support services in line with changing student needs. Be responsible for engaging with Student Representatives and Faculty Officers and reporting matters of concern to the executive board.
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president
(sports & physical activity) The President (Sports & Physical Activity) is responsible for encouraging student participation in sporting and physical activity. They are responsible for overseeing and developing the sports teams and encouraging the growth and development of new teams. They should encourage all students to participate in all forms of physical activity, sporting or otherwise.
Remit The President (Sports & Physical Activity) shall: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi. xii. xiii. xiiii.
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Promote and encourage physical activity to the student body and develop policies accordingly. Act as a representative for students with any sport related concerns by liaising with the appropriate University bodies. Chair the Sports Forum. Prepare and oversee the budgets for sports clubs in consultation with the Sports Forum and the Director of Sport. Actively promote equal opportunities for participation in both competitive and non-competitive sports and sporting activities. Support and assist clubs with club development, fundraising and their competitive and training programme. Represent Robert Gordon University at a regional and national level including Scottish Student Sport, SSS and British University and College Sport, BUCS. Promote general physical activity in the University and report all student views to the Director and staff of RGU: SPORT. Liaise with the Director of Sport to discussion the strategic direction of the sports clubs and RGU: SPORT. Work in partnership with RGU: SPORT to select and support the Scholars athletes. Ensure that Sports Club Committees receive the correct support and training to run their club, including an annual induction programme. Coordinate the work of the Sport and Physical Activity Team, SPAT. Attend relevant committee meetings including the Annual General Meeting. Input into Union and University work associated with Mental Health and chair the Mental Health Committee.
vice president (academic)
The Vice President (Academic) is required to represent the student body on University level committees specifically regarding the academic part of student life. This is done in consultation with the Faculty Officers, class representatives and the President (Education & Welfare).
Remit The Vice President (Academic) shall: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii.
Attend and represent students on University level committees as required, specifically including Academic Council. Be responsible for recruiting student membership for those University Committees that require student involvement. Be responsible for engaging with class representatives and Faculty Officers through the rep forums on Moodle and to feed these matters into the Executive Board. Ensure that awareness of campaigns and relevant topics relating to Academic issues are of a high priority and promoted throughout the Students Association. Be responsible for arranging and organising the Student Affairs Committee and, in the absence of the President (Education & Welfare), is responsible for chairing the committee. Liaise with Student Services in the promotion of the National Student Survey. Undertake any other duties as mandated or required by the Executive Committee.
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vice president
(entertainment & events) The Vice President (Entertainments & Events)
Remit The Vice President (Entertainment & Events) shall: i. ii. iii. iv. v.
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Work alongside the Commercial Services Manager to ensure appropriate use of the Entertainments budget and report back to the Executive Board on these matters. To work alongside the President (Communications & Democracy, Commercial Services Manager and Graphics and Marketing Co-ordinator to organise Freshers and Re-Freshers weeks. Responsible for arranging and chairing the Entertainments Committee. To liaise with Officers, Student Clubs and Societies as well as non-involved students to ensure there is a wide variety of appropriate entertainments and events for students. Undertake any other duties as mandated or required by the Executive Committee.
election nomination form rgu:
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Complete all 3 pages before submitting
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rgu:
Before submitting this form, ensure that you have read the role descriptor for your desired position, our FAQ's (pg22-26), and that you fully understand what Your Duties will entail (pg27) should you be elected.
NAME
COURSE
MATRICULATION NUMBER SIGNATURE
TELEPHONE NUMBER
We, the undersigned, nominate the person named above to the position of: Please note
- 3O signatures are required for all posts - No member may sign the nomination form of more than one candidate for any particular post.
Your completed nomination form should be returned to the SA Office (RGU:Union 3rd Floor) along with a passport sized photograph. You must also also include a campaign manifesto (min 25O words). If you are running for a fulltime Sabbatical (President) role, you must also include a letter from your head of school confirming that you are a student in your specified course. Failure to include this item will invalidate your nomination.
Your campaign slogan (in 1O words or less) Are you on a placement at any point during your next year of study? yes
NAME (Print)
COURSE
no
When do you graduate?
MATRIC NO.
/
month
SIGNATURE
year
NAME (Print)
COURSE
MATRIC NO.
SIGNATURE
OFFICE USE ONLY Nomination Received: Names Checked
Date
/
/
Manifesto Rec'd
Signature
Time Photograph Date
/
/
Slogan
rgu:
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OFFICER DECLARATION Robert Gordon University Students' Association is a Charity (SCO 16639) with exempt status. There is a substantial body of government legislation and case law concerned with our activities and with the conduct of the Executive Board, who are our trustees. It is a criminal offence for anyone to be involved in the management or control of a Scottish charity who: 1. 2. 3. 4.
has been convicted of an offence including dishonesty; is an undischarged bankrupt; has been removed by a court under the provisions of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 from being concerned in the management or control of any body; or is subject to a disqualification order or disqualification undertaking under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. A conviction for dishonesty may be spent in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Any such person acting in contravention of the law is liable to prosecution and upon conviction to a maximum of imprisonment for two years. Scottish Ministers may grant a waiver of disqualification, but waivers will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. If you are in doubt about your eligibility to act as an officer you should seek your own legal advice or contact the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. By signing this form, you not only accept that you are eligible to become an officer in the event of being elected, but you also confirm that as an officer you will always act in the best interests of the Robert Gordon University Students' Association while acting in accordance with the Constitution and Regulations (these can be found at www.rguunion.co.uk/constitution). All assets of the Association must also be used in accordance with the above stipulations. I have read and understood the criteria (above) for being an officer and confirm that I am eligible to become an officer in the event that I am elected. If in any event I become ineligible during my term in office, I will inform the Executive Board and vacate my post NAME:
DATE OF BIRTH:
ADDRESS:
POSITION STANDING FOR: SIGNATURE:
DATE:
vice president
(environmental & ethics) The Vice President (Environment & Ethics) is required to ensure that the Student Association is at all times acting in an environmentally friendly and ethical manner.
Remit The Vice President (Environment & Ethics) shall: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.
Be responsible for presenting the views of students with regards to environmental and ethical issues to the University, the Executive Board and appropriate external bodies Liaise with the NUS Scotland and NUS UK with regards to updating and implementation of RGU SA Policy. Liaise with CUSP (Centre for Understanding Sustainable Practice) and ESWG (Environmental Sustainability Working Group) to ensure the University and Student Union Environmental &Ethical aims are corresponding. Ensure that awareness of campaigns and relevant topics relating to Environmental and Ethical issues are of a high priority and promoted throughout the Students Association. Organise and support students with an interest in Environmental and Ethical issues to discuss Environmental &Ethical issues and feeds back discussions to the Executive Board. Encourage students interested in Environmental and Ethical issues to establish common interest societies to allow these students to engage with one another and build a community within RGU.
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vice president
(equality & diversity) The Vice-President (Equality & Diversity) is required to ensure that minority group students are represented within the Association and externally.
Remit The Vice President (Equality & Diversity) shall: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix.
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Responsible for presenting the views of minority student groups to the University, the Executive Board and appropriate external bodies To be a visible representative of the RGU Students' Association and to always act in accordance with the organisation's Constitution and Regulations as well as the best interests of the organisation. Liaises with the NUS Scotland Equalities and Diversity Officers with regards to updating and implementation of RGU SA Policy. Ensures that awareness of campaigns and relevant topics affecting minority student groups is of a high priority and promoted throughout the Students Association. Organises and supports minority group students to discuss issues affecting these student groups and feeds back discussions to the Executive Board. Encourages minority group students to establish common interest societies to allow minority group students to engage with one another and build a community within RGU. Encourages participation in the Students' Association by minority group students and promotes a positive image of the Students' Association to minority group students. To ensure appropriate hand over and training information is passed on to the incoming Vice-President (Equality and Diversity). Undertake any other duties as mandated or required by the Executive Committee.
vice president (international) The Vice President (International) is
Remit The Vice President (International) shall: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii.
Be responsible for presenting the views of international students to the Executive Board, the University and appropriate external bodies. Liaise with the NUS International Students’ Officer with regards to updating and implementing the Robert Gordon University Students’ Union policies. Liaise with the International Office and other appropriate members of University staff regarding issues affecting International students Ensure that any campaigns or topics affecting International Students at the University are well promoted and supported Liaise with the International Student Societies affiliated to the Union to help promote their events and activities Encourage international students to participate in the Union and Union activities and help promote a positive image of the Union to International Students Convene and chair the international student sub-committee
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vice president (societies)
The Vice President (Societies) is the primary Executive Board contact for Societies and is responsible for ensuring Societies are engage in the workings of the Union and the University.
Remit The Vice President (Societies) shall: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii.
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Work alongside the General Manager and the Student Association administrative staff to ensure that the Societies are run in accordance with the Constitution and appropriate regulations. Help promote and develop societies, acting as the representative aiming to encourage a high level of quality participation. Act as a point of communication and information for Societies referring them to the appropriate member of staff. Report to the Executive Board on Societies related matters. Be a member of the Student Achievement Awards Committee in accordance with the regulations. Participate in all relevant Union Forums. Undertake any other duties as mandated or required by the Executive Committee.
vice president (sports) Remit The Vice President (Sports) shall: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii.
Work alongside the President (Sport and Physical Activity) and the Director of Sport to assist the management of clubs and their development. Assist the President (Sport and Physical Activity) to appoint the Sport and Physical Activity Team, SPAT. Coordinate the work of SPAT to support them in fulfilling their roles. Appoint the Sports Awards Ball Committee. Work with the President (Sport and Physical Activity) and SPAT to organise events including competitive, physical activity and fundraising. Vice Chair of the Sports Forum. Undertake any other duties as mandated or required by the Executive Board.
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RAG CHAIR The RAG Chair is primarily responsible for coordinating all fundraising activities on behalf of the Union.
Remit The Vice President (Societies) shall: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi. xii. xiii.
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Work alongside the Student Association Administrator and the Student Development and volunteer co-ordinator to ensure the appropriate use of the RAG Budget and report back to the Executive Board on these matters. Act as a primary point of communication for charities, students who wish to fundraise and all fundraising activities and report to the Executive Board on these matters. Liaise with the National Student Fundraising Association (NaSFA) to ensure good communication with other RAGs. Co-ordinate all fundraising activities of the Student Association, including the organisation of events and collections for a variety of charities. Work alongside the Student development and volunteer co-ordinator to promote volunteering activities, Give Time Not Money!. Chair weekly/fortnightly meetings for RAG. Appoint RAG Team and co-ordinate the work of the RAG Team to ensure their roles are fulfilled throughout the year. Work alongside the Student Association Finance Office to ensure all monies are gathered, counted, verified and cheques are sent to appropriate charities. Ensure appropriate publication of all RAG Activities, within the Student Association, University and the press. Liaise with Aberdeen Universities Student Charities Campaign on a monthly basis. Work alongside Presidents, Vice Presidents, Commercial services manager, Graphics and Marketing co-ordinator and Student Development and Volunteer Co-ordinator to organise Fresher's Week, Refresher's Week and RAG Week. Ensure appropriate handover and training information is passed on to the incoming RAG Chair. Undertake any other duties as mandated or required by the Executive Board.
university roles
postgraduate governor undergraduate governor Become a member of the University Board of Governors! First of all, it should be made clear that although this is an elected position, it is an unpaid University position and not a role within the Union, although you are expected to work alongside the Union in your capacity as a Student Governor. This is an exceptional position which is NOT available in the majority of Universities throughout the UK! The position a student can run for as a member of the Board of Governors depends on whether they study an Undergraduate or Postgraduate course. The Board of Governors is the governing body of the University and is comprised of a maximum of 22 Governors, which includes the Principal, members of staff and 2 student members. It is in overall control of both the strategic direction and management of the University and is supported in this role by a number of committees. The role of student members of the Board of Governors is to bring the full range of their knowledge and expertise. However, it is important to note that Student Governors are not in any formal sense student representatives. The qualities required by Student Governors are those which are required of any Governor, namely: - - - - - - - -
commitment to the University and to its objectives a general understanding of universities and an appreciation of broad social and economic trends as they affect universities the ability to discuss without being adversarial or losing respect and goodwill acceptance of collective responsibility for Board decisions common sense and an acknowledgement of the art of the possible the capacity to question information and explanations supplied by officers of the University honesty and integrity respect for confidentiality.
In terms of the level of commitment required, the Board meets at least 3 times per year and Student Governors will be expected to attend these meetings. In addition, there are likely to be other meetings which you may be invited to attend.
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election rules & regulations Candidates must not campaign in any way before they receive confirmation from the Returning Officer or the Returning Officers Nominee that his/her nomination form has been accepted. This is usually shortly after the close of nominations (15th March). The Returning Officer or their nominee will take appropriate action against any candidate found to be doing this. Candidates are allocated a set amount of campaign funds by the Executive Board which is allowed for campaigning materials to help your campaign. However, Candidates are also allowed to use up to an additional ÂŁ20 of their own money on additional campaign resources. Expenses should be approved by the Returning Officer or Returning Officer's Nominee before being spent. Candidates are free to distribute publicity on notice boards and other reasonable locations within the Students' Association Building and University Buildings. Any publicity deemed to be in an inappropriate place shall be removed. You may set up a social networking site e.g. Facebook, Twitter etc, but candidates must adhere to the University IT regulations i.e. you cannot send student all emails. You must send the Returning Officer or Returning Officer Nominee a link to any social networking site created or used for the purpose of your campaign. No current elected member can use their office or Association resources (except those allocated for candidate campaigning purposes) for any campaigning purposes. Candidates will be held responsible for the actions of their campaign/team and as such should do everything to ensure that none of their supporters break any of the election rules.
Candidates Meeting
A Meeting off all candidates will be called by the Returning Officer or their nominee to disseminate information and answer any questions. This meeting will be held in the Training Room, top floor of the Student Union, 6-8pm, 15th March. ALL CANDIDATES MUST ATTEND, THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.
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Question Time
A Question Time event held in the second floor bar, Student Union. Each candidate will be given a chance to make a short campaign speech. The student audience will then be given the chance to ask questions of the candidates. This event will be chaired by the Returning Officer or nominee. If you fail to turn up to Question Time without submitting apologies you shall be deemed to have withdrawn your nomination. Apologies must be submitted to the Returning Officer or their Nominee by 2pm on the day of Question Time. The date & time of the event will be announced shortly.
Voting System
On-line voting will open at 12am on 21st March until 4pm on 23rd March. All voting is through a secure online system where you will need to type in your University matriculation number and password. You will have the option to vote for opposing candidates in order of whom you prefer. There will be the option of 'RON' (Re-Open Nominations) in all the elections. If 'RON' receives the most votes in any given election then none of the candidates for that position are elected and nominations are re-opened.
Election Count
The election count will take place in private in the RGU:Union. Candidates may nominate a person to witness the count on their behalf. The results of the elections will be announced as soon as possible by the Returning Officer. Full Election Regulations can be found at www.rguunion.co.uk
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faq AM I ELIGIBLE TO STAND FOR ELECTION?
As long as you are a fully enrolled and registered student of Robert Gordon University and an Ordinary Member of the Union (you are automatically made an Ordinary Member when you matriculate, and remain so unless you opt out) then you are eligible to stand for election. Please note though, that for some Executive Board positions (e.g. the Vice President (International) & Vice President (Equality & Diversity) positions), you must self define into that category.
AM I ELIGIBLE TO VOTE?
As long as you are a fully enrolled and registered student of Robert Gordon University and an Ordinary Member of the Unoin then you are eligible to vote in the elections.
IF I GET ELECTED, WHEN DOES THE ROLE BEGIN? The successfully elected candidates to any role in the Elections will take office from the 1st August 2012.
HOW DO I NOMINATE MYSELF?
All RGU:Union election nominations are done through the nomination forms included in this pack. The form requires you to submit your own personal information and the information of the thirty RGU students supporting your nomination. You must also submit a campaign manifesto (min 250 words) which will be published on our website.
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IF I GET ELECTED, WILL I RECEIVE ANY TRAINING?
A comprehensive handover and training programme will take place in July 2012 with newly elected Sabbatical Officers. All elected student representatives will receive indepth training in May/June 2012 to help them get acclimatised with their role and the responsibilities of office. All Elected officers are welcome to attend the Union and shadow current sabbatical officers to gain a greater understanding of their roles. Throughout the year, there will be further opportunity for student representatives to meet relevant University staff, attend external (NUS) and in-house training programmes and ensure they develop the knowledge needed to perform the role to the best of their ability.
I’M NOT ALREADY INVOLVED IN ANY UNION SERVICE, SOCIETY OR SPORTS TEAM - IS THIS A PROBLEM? Not at all, for many of our election candidates their nomination is the first time they have got involved with RGU:Union. We work to ensure that all students of RGU have the opportunity to be involved, shape and decide on the future of their Union.
Our advice to any student who is interested in standing for a position is to come and talk to us or to attend a shadowing session to get a feel for the role and what support and guidance we offer to all students who are interested.
MORE QUESTIONS OVER
THE PAGE >>>
If you still have unanswered questions, e-mail elections@ rguunion.co.uk
Nominations Open: 8TH MARCH Nominations Close: 15TH MARCH (2pm) Voting Opens: 21ST MARCH (12am) Voting Closes: 23RD MARCH (4pm) RESULTS ANNOUNCED: 23RD MARCH (6PM)
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FAQ (CONT) WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY MANIFESTO?
You should include your objectives for the role and explain to potential voters how you intend to carry out these objectives. We recommend that you pick 3-5 SMART (Specific, Measured, Achievable, Realistic, Timed) objectives.
WHAT COMMITMENTS ARE INVOLVED?
The Presidents are elected into a full-time paid role and work 39 hours a week. The Vice Presidents are part-time voluntary roles, though it is expected that they will attend the Union and carry out at least 3 hours of work a week. Elected students are expected to attend every Executive Board meeting. If three meetings are missed without appropriate apologies, their position will be reconsidered by the rest of the Board and the Chair. Elected students who have membership of University Committees are expected to attend these committees and report back to the Union on the work of the committee. All elected students are expected to attend Union Forums and be active participants
CAN I RUN FOR MORE THAN ONE POSITION?
You may be nominated for more than one position, though you may only occupy one position (though you may occupy both a Union role and a University Governor role). It is recommended that you find the position you think suits you most and focus your attention on getting elected for that role.
WHO RUNS THE ELECTIONS?
RGU:Union elections are overseen by the Returning Officer who is responsible for ensuring that every election is free, fair and open. The Returning Officer is the NUS Director of Nations, Mike Day. Day-to-day operational responsibility for the elections is delegated to the Deputy Returning Officer, Michele Collie (Union General Manager). The Deputy Returning Officer is the first point of contact for complaints surrounding behaviour of candidates or the election itself. Any election based question or concern should be sent to elections@rguunion.co.uk
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I AM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT, CAN I STAND?
Yes! Just to confirm, ANY student enrolled at Robert Gordon University, on ANY course, can stand.
WHAT DOES CAMPAIGNING INVOLVE?
Campaigning can mean anything to get your message across and someone to vote for you. This of course has to be within the rules and must not harm anyone else's campaign. Students who have won elections in the past have tended to rely on a campaign team of their friends who actively go around the RGU campus during the week of campaigning. Posters and flyers are typical but don't limit yourself to this. The key thing to remember is that campaigning can't begin until Thursday 15th March, after we have officially announced who the candidates are. This isn't done to stifle campaigning, but to ensure that no candidate has an unfair advantage and candidates don't tire themselves out
WHAT ARE THE CAMPAIGN REGULATIONS?
We aim to operate fun and fair elections which look to engage the maximum number of candidates and students. The RGU:Union Election Regulations govern how we run elections but do include some rules for candidates. The campaigning rules and regulations cover day to day rules that all candidates need to be aware of. At the candidates meeting we will ask all candidates to agree their own code of conduct for the elections and any candidate who fails to comply with this could be subject to the RGU:Union disciplinary procedure as decided by the returning officer and may be removed from the election. As RGU:Union operates within the rules of Robert Gordon University the usual regulations apply (e.g. acceptable use of e-mail, bullying and harassment, equal opportunities).
how do i vote?
Voting takes place online at www.rguunion.co.uk and will be open 24 hours a day from 12am on Wednesday 21st March till 4pm on Friday 23rd March 2012. There are no paper ballots.
who is r.o.n?
The concept of Re-Open Nominations was introduced to allow voters the opportunity to call for a specific nomination to be re-opened. This might be because they aren't happy with the choice of candidates or would like to see wider range of candidates. Voters can vote for RON during the election just as they would for any other candidate. All candidates have to beat RON to get elected. If this does not happen, a by-election is held for any unfilled vacancies.
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FAQ (CONT) what voting system is used?
For all elections we use a system where the voter is able to choose any number of candidates, and rate them in order of preference. They can choose just the one or vote for RON if they choose to. If no candidate scores a decisive victory through first preferences, the candidate with the lowest number of votes is eliminated and their second preference votes are distributed according to the other candidates. This process is repeated until a candidate has a decisive majority. With the positions which elect multiple positions to fill, the process is repeated until the number of positions is filled. Using these voting systems mean that it is in candidates' interests to campaign broadly and to try to get a message across to voters even if the candidate believes that specific voters are committed to another candidate as a first preference. An important thing to remember is that it usually takes a number of rounds of analysis of the ballot papers (looking at the candidates rated by each voter as '1', then as '2', then as '3' and so on) before someone wins. It's therefore vital to campaign broadly, and attach considerable value to those second and third preferences when talking to potential voters
you haven’t answered my question! who do i ask?
RGU:Union Staff are available for discussions before and throughout the election process and can be contacted through elections@rguunion.co.uk, by contacting reception on 01224 262 263 or by popping into the Union.
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your duties Elected Sabbaticals President (Communications & Democracy), President (Education & Welfare) and President (Sports & Physical Activity)) will become office bearers of RGU:Union from 1st August of the year of election for a period of 12 months and will be expected to carry out no less than 39 hours of work per week
All elected individuals will: - - - - - - - - - -
Automatically become a Trustee of RGU:Union from 1st August for a period of 12 Months. Become top level representatives of RGU:Union and are to act at all times in accordance with the Union Constitution and Regulations, ensuring at all times they are acting in the best interests of the membership and the Union. Attend the monthly Executive Committee meetings. Represent the interests, opinions and views of the student body to the University, the NUS and the local community. Attend organised induction and training events to ensure familiarity with the rules and regulations of the Union and the Executive Committee. Report any student issues or relevant information to the Executive Committee. Carry out their duties in accordance with Union policy, procedures and the remit of their respective positions. Ensure adherence to the Education Act 2004 and current charity law. Ensure the Union is open to all, adhering to Equal Opportunities legislation. Ensure that the Union Financial Regulations are at all times being complied with and that Union funds are used for the purpose for which they were intended.
? d r a o B e iv t u c e x E e h t is t a h W
ent and control of all the affairs and em nag ma day to day the for le sib ers as it The Executive Board is respon of the Union and may exercise pow tee mit com ing ern gov t hes hig the is property of the Union. It ion's Constitution and Regulations. Un the h wit e anc ord acc in are y the thinks fit, provided asurer and the s, all Vice Presidents, the Honorary Tre ent sid Pre 3 the of: s sist con rd Boa c The Exe hip) General Manager (ex-officio members
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