AUBSU By-Election Guide 2017/18

ELECTION

[ih-lek-shuh-n] noun The selection of a person or persons for office

AUB is all about art and creativity. And so is the SU. Every year we run creative events, campaigns and projects for AUB students to get involved with. And don’t even mention clubs and societies, we’ve got those covered too!

Has life drawing ever saved your ass just before hand-in?

Have you de-stressed this year on the ping pong tables?

Have you planted a tree, visited an exhibition on the AUBSU Bus or spent an evening perusing student art in the BUMF Gallery over a classy glass of Aldi’s finest red wine?

Well, that’s all us.

Nominating, campaigning, voting. It sounds like scary stuff. But, really, it’s just the way to get what YOU want.

It’s time for every single AUB student to put their opinion across and mould their future.

WHAT IS THE STUDENTS’ UNION? The Student Union is made up of 2 elected Sabbatical Officers (full-time, paid positions!) and 20 elected Executive Officers (part-time volunteer positions).

It is also made up of all three and a half thousand students at AUB (that’s you!).

CONTENTS What is the Students’ Union?

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Key Dates + Info

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Executive Committee Positions

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That’s a powerful force. And one that can be used to make your time at AUB a little more exciting.

All of AUBSU’s initiatives come from the students. Each year the officers listen to your feedback through surveys, and chatting with you around campus, and try to make these ideas a reality.

Candidate Briefing 24 Voting 25 FAQ 26 Contacts 28

So, what’s in it for you?

Aside from getting involved with all the great stuff the SU already does, you can implement your very own ideas and campaigns.

There’s a whole team of students and staff in AUBSU to work with you on projects – you can work with the BUMF Gallery team to put on exhibitions to communicate issues you care about, and work with our events coordinators to help you organise awareness events, fundraisers, and activities.

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AUBSU ELECTIONS

Take an issue that you care about and get involved! Real changes can be made if you care enough to try.

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BUMF:Media - student-led specialist arts magazine and website that showcases AUB student work.

BUMF:Gallery - student-led professional exhibition space where students can showcase work and gain curation experience

AUBSU Bus - provides students with cheap transport to major exhibitions across the country

Open Lectures - inviting established and emerging artists, writers and researchers to speak to students about their work and industry experience

AUBSU ELECTIONS 6

Tree Planting - AUBSU has planted 3,000 trees over the last three years - one for each new student at AUB and it’s the only initiative of its kind in the country.

The SU also provides sports clubs, societies and awareness events for LGBT (Pride) and campaigns such as Black History Month.

KEY DATES 25th SEPTEMBER - 2nd OCTOBER Nominations (aubsu.co.uk) 10th OCTOBER + 13th OCTOBER Candidate Briefings 12:30pm 16th OCTOBER Speeches - 12pm Arts Bar Voting opens - 2pm 16th OCTOBER - 20th OCTOBER Campaigning and voting 20th OCTOBER Voting closes 2pm Results - 4pm Arts Bar

KEY DATES

What has AUBSU achieved up until now?

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SABBATICAL POSITIONS

AUBSU is run by students, for students. One of the biggest ways we make sure that students’ interests are at the heart of all that we do is through the Executive Committee: a team of elected students, each with a specific role, who work together to make change happen.

Many of the roles were filled in the March elections last academic year, but fear not! There are plenty of roles up for grabs during this by-election.

VACANT POSITIONS (you can nominate yourself for these) Part time, voluntary roles: Community Officer Gender Equalities Officer International Officer PrepHE Officer

Race Equalities Officer Sports Officer Volunteering Officer Events Officer Halls Officer Societies Officer

FILLED POSITIONS (someone is already doing this role) SABBATICAL OFFICER POSITIONS 8

Full time, paid roles:

Part time, voluntary roles:

President Vice President

LGBT+ Officer Communications Officer Green Officer RAG (raising and giving) Officer Students with Disabilities Officer Mature Students and Postgrads Officer

SABBATICAL OFFICERS (Full-time, paid positions) Although there are some differences between the two Sabbatical positions, they share many aspects in their roles.

In short, Sabbatical Officers…

• Work with university staff to make improvements in the interest of AUB students • Attend university meetings and voice student views • Seek to involve as many students as possible in SU events and activities • Launch projects and campaigns • Exchange ideas and build partnerships with other SUs in the country • Attend exhibitions, shows, and events in any way related to AUB or its students • Work with students to make their ideas a reality • Act as representatives of AUB and the SU • Ensure the SU positively impacts on every AUB student • Represent the student body to the Vice-Chancellor’s Office of AUB

SABBATICAL OFFICER POSITIONS

EXEC COMMITTEE

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STUDENTS’ UNION PRESIDENT • Lead AUBSU – act as the primary representative and contact of the SU • Supervise SU finances, staffing, and budget • Devise the strategic plan for the SU • Represent the interests of students, and lobby for change • Act as a student representative on AUB Board of Governors

VICE-PRESIDENT OF EDUCATION AND WELFARE • Support the President in leading the SU • Represent students on every course • Oversee the course rep system, and host course rep drop-in sessions • Lobbying to improve academic areas of the University including library, teaching and resources • Develop campaigns that address issues such as the development of further education, graduate employability, accommodation, welfare, and equality

SABBATICAL OFFICER POSITIONS 10

SABBATICAL OFFICER POSITIONS

• Developing and celebrating diversity, equality, green policies, and student welfare within the university

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

COMMUNITY OFFICER (1 position available)

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (Part-time, voluntary positions)

• Promote greater links between AUB students and the local community • Work to identify areas for green and volunteering opportunities

“The aspect of being part of AUBSU that I enjoyed the most was being able to meet and interact with so many different people. I believe that this has improved my networking skills as well as helping me grow as a person.”

• Liase with AUB and SUBU Community Wardens and Student Services to identify issues or concerns that might affect student welfare

Chloe Harty, Former International Officer

“Being Green Officer has been an amazing opportunity to increase student engagement in environmental issues. We have formulated a very active Green Team where everyone can successfully volunteer whilst also getting on with their studies. With such a dedicated group of caring students, it has inspired me to take green issues into my future career aspirations.”

Davina Gilbert, Former Green Officer

The Executive Officers work together in support of and on behalf of AUBSU. Each member will work closely with the Sabbatical Officers and other Executive members to ensure that AUBSU acts on behalf of the student body they were elected to represent. On the following pages are the roles up for election this term that you can nominate yourself for.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS 12

What, exactly, do the Executive Officers do?

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS 14

GENDER EQUALITIES OFFICER (1 position available)

• Work with Sabbatical Officers, SU Staff and other Execs to produce high quality events for students

• Ensure that staff and students of all genders are represented and treated equally at AUB

• Help organise and develop annual events held by AUBSU, such as Freshers and Grad Ball

• Run gender equality awareness events and campaigns

• Organise brand new events – anything from club nights to hosting pop-up events on campus – that will appeal to students

• Attend the AUB Equalities Committee as a Student Representative, speaking on behalf of students to ensure any issues regarding gender equality are being addressed

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

EVENTS OFFICER (1 position available)

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INTERNATIONAL OFFICER (1 position available)

HALLS OFFICER (2 positions available) • Ensure that students living in halls are represented to AUBSU

• Represent the interests of AUB’s growing population of international students

• Liase with Student Services and accomodation management to resolve issues with halls

• Liaise with the International Department at AUB

• Run events and campaigns for students in halls to foster a sense of community

• Hold events and socials to help international students adjust to life in the UK

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

• Must be living in halls

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SOCIETIES OFFICER (1 position available)

RACE EQUALITIES OFFICER (1 position available)

• Develop existing and new societies

• Ensure that students of all backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities are represented and treated equally during their time at AUB

• Work to ensure all societies are following SU guidelines • Promote societies across AUB and BU

• Run campaigns and awareness events around race equality • Attend the AUB Equalities Committee as a Student Representative, addressing any issues of concern regarding race equality

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS 18

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VOLUNTEERING OFFICER (1 position available)

SPORTS OFFICER (1 position available) • Work with Sabbatical Officers, Execs, and the SU’s Sports Assistant to develop new and existing sports clubs

• Promote volunteering opportunities within AUB, the local area, and further afield

• Work with the getting more AUB sports teams and clubs in BUCS

• Identify issues or areas which students can dedicate their time to in order to make a difference

• Encourage participation and engagement of students in sport

• Work closely with the RAG Officer

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

• Encourage cross-collaboration between clubs and help in organising socials and events

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PrepHE OFFICER (1 position available) • Represent all students on PrepHE courses at AUB • Liase with course leaders and course reps to resolve issues • Run events and campaigns relevant to PrepHE students

NON-EXEC ROLES UP FOR ELECTION STUDENT TRUSTEE (3 positions available)

“As a Student Trustee I have gained the opportunity to see strategic planning in practice, see the ‘behind the scenes’ of Student Union decisions, as well as put my ideas and views as a student across to the board for discussion to positively increase the student experience for all. A really interesting and rewarding role.”

Jaillin Bates, Student Trustee AUBSU is a registered charity and it is our legal responsibility to be overseen by a Trustee Board. Our board is made up of three Student Trustees, four External Trustees, and two Sabbatical Trustees. Our Trustee Board ensures that we have the necessary financial and structural stability to carry out our aims.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS 22

STUDENT TRUSTEES

There are currently

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CANDIDATE BRIEFING

VOTING

Elections means more than just a shot at a leading your favourite SU. It’s an exciting time for the entire university, and a chance for you to really get involved with how things are run.

Even if you’re not planning to run in the AUBSU Elections, you can still help shape the future of your university by casting your vote.

Though we hate to spoil the fun, there are a few rules that everyone campaigning must follow. We’ll fill you in on all of these (and give you some top campaigning tips) when you come along to the Candidate Briefing at 12:30pm on October 10th, or October 13th.

We work hard to ensure that the right people hear your voice, and your ideas have helped to make AUB what it is today. Don’t lose your voice!

Just a few tips on.... Nominations

Voting is the opportunity for you to have your say and be valued.

• All nominations must be made via the AUBSU website (aubsu.co.uk) • All nominations must have 2 proposers. Proposers must also be AUB students.

500 words for Sabbatical positions 250 words for Executive Officer Positions

CANDIDATE BRIEFING 24

Mould your future.

Cast your vote.

VOTING

• All nominees must upload a manifesto to the AUBSU website by the nominations deadline:

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FAQ

TOP TIPS

Who can run for Sabbatical / Executive Committee positions?

Any current AUB student can run for any of the available positions.

Who can run for Student Trustee?

Again, any current AUB student.

Where can I find out more about the roles?

Come to the Student Union and we can answer your questions.

Be honest and realistic about your aims and ambitions.

Speak to as many people as possible. Listen to their opinions and recognise their value.

If elected, do I need to do anything before I start?

Before starting your role, we will ask you to attend just one training session to help you get the most out of your role.

What are the time commitments?

The two Sabbatical positions are full-time (paid), 37 hours a week.

Be committed to the cause/ group you are campaigning for.

Promote who you are and what you’re about. Think about how students will relate to what you are passionate about.

FAQ 26

Occasionally the SU will ask for your support at events or to attend meetings, but we always expect your studies to come first!

TOP TIPS

The Executive Committee positions are part-time and highly flexible to fit around your studies. On average most Exec Officers give no more than 5 hours a week to their position, however we won’t complain if you decide you want to do more!

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CONTACTS Beth Rubery Students’ Union President brubery@aub.ac.uk Ezra Evans Students’ Union Vice President Education and Welfare iblack@aub.ac.uk Bethan Dovey Democracy Coordinator bdovey@aub.ac.uk