Elections 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 society 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.

CONTENTS What is the Students’ Union?

5

Key Dates 7 Sabbatical Positions 8 Executive Committee Positions

12

Candidate Briefing 28 Voting 29 FAQ 30 Election Tips 31 Contacts 32

4

WHAT IS THE STUDENTS’ UNION? The Students’ 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!).

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.

So, what’s in it for you?

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

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.

WHAT IS THE STUDENTS’ UNION?

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

5

What has AUBSU achieved up until now?

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 WHAT IS THE STUDENTS’ UNION? 6

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

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

KEY DATES 20 FEBRUARY - 3 MARCH Nominations (aubsu.co.uk) RD

TH

3 MARCH Nominations Close 12pm Candidate Briefing 12:30pm RD

4 MARCH - 10 MARCH Campaign Days TH

TH

6 MARCH Speeches - 12pm Arts Bar Voting opens - 2pm TH

10 MARCH Voting closes 2pm Results - 4pm Arts Bar KEY DATES

TH

7

SABBATICAL POSITIONS SABBATICAL OFFICERS (Full-time, paid positions)

“The best thing about being President of the SU is the diversity of the job. Every single day is different, and you learn so much so quickly. It is a great opportunity to devise new ways of improving the experience of AUB students through exciting and creative initiatives both on campus and in the wider community. The job is what you make of it!

You also ensure the University remains focused on students and ensure the quality of academic courses from a student perspective.”

Lauren Housego, President

SABBATICAL OFFICER POSITIONS 8

“My role involves engaging with students and getting their opinions on issues affecting them. We have to think of creative solutions to these issues, which this year has included the AUBSU Open Lecture programme and the AUBSU Bus, opening up opportunities for cross-course interactions and providing students with cheap transport to exhibitions to help them access inspiring research for their projects.”

Ismini Black, Vice-President of Education and Welfare

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

• Ensure the SU positively impacts on every AUB student • Represent the student body to the Vice-Chancellor’s Office of AUB

SABBATICAL OFFICER POSITIONS

• Act as representatives of AUB and the SU

9

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

SABBATICAL OFFICER POSITIONS 10

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

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

11

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (Part-time, paid positions)

“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.”

Chloe Harty, 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, Green Officer EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS 12

What, exactly, do the Executive Officers do?

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.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER (2 positions available) • Work closely with the Sabbatical Officers to manage all content and deadlines of BUMF:Media, and recruit a team for BUMF • Recruit a team for BUMF:Gallery and promote all exhibitions through BUMF:Media • Create a sense of community through communication and coverage of student work and events through the BUMF platform

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

• Assist the SU in the promotion and communication of SU events

13

COMMUNITY OFFICER (1 position available) • Promote greater links between AUB students and the local community • Work to identify areas for green and volunteering opportunities • Liase with AUB and SUBU Community Wardens and Student Services to identify issues or concerns that might affect student welfare

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS 14

DISABILITIES OFFICER (1 position available) • Ensure all students with both physical and non-physical disabilities are represented within AUB • Be aware of support provided by AUB to disabled students, and promote opportunities.

• Liase with Disabilities Coordinator at AUB • Attend AUB Equalities Committee as a Student Representative

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

• Must define as currently or previously suffering with a disability

15

EVENTS OFFICER (2 positions available) • Work with Sabbatical Officers, SU Staff and other Execs to produce high quality events for students • Help organise and develop annual events held by AUBSU, such as Freshers and Grad Ball • Organise brand new events – anything from club nights to hosting pop-up events on campus – that will appeal to students

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS 16

GENDER EQUALITIES OFFICER (1 position available) • Ensure that staff and students of all genders are represented and treated equally at AUB • Run gender equality awareness events and campaigns

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

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

17

GREEN OFFICER (1 position available) • Lead the SU Green Team to develop green campaigns and encourage students to become involved with environmental issues • Run awareness events and campaigns • Attend the AUB Environmental Committee as a Student Representative, ensuring student views regarding AUB’s ecological footprint are represented

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS 18

INTERNATIONAL OFFICER (1 position available) • Represent the interests of AUB’s growing population of international students • Liaise with the International Department at AUB

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

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

19

LGBT+ OFFICER (2 positions available) • Ensure that members of AUB’s LGBT+ community are represented and supported during their time at university • Liase with the LGBT+ Society at BU • Run awareness campaigns and events • Attend the AUB Equalities Committee as a Student Representative, speaking on behalf of LGBT+ students and addressing any issues

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS 20

MATURE + POSTGRADUATE OFFICER (1 position available) • Ensure that mature and postgraduate students are well represented within the University • Liase with Mature Students to organise appropriate events eg. Coffee Mornings • Attend the AUB Equalities Committee as a Student Representative, ensuring that mature and postgraduate students are represented

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

• Must be over 23 years old

21

RACE EQUALITIES OFFICER (1 position available) • Ensure that students of all backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities are represented and treated equally during their time at AUB • 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 22

RAISING AND GIVING (RAG) OFFICER (1 position available) • Carry out a vote within the Exec Committee to nominate one or more charities for the SU to support • Raise awareness of fundraising opportunities

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

• Implement fundraising initiatives – from skydiving to print sales – to support the the chosen charities of the year

23

SOCIETIES OFFICER (1 position available) • Develop existing and new societies • Work to ensure all societies are following SU guidelines • Promote societies across AUB and BU

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS 24

SPORTS OFFICER (2 positions available) • Work with Sabbatical Officers, Execs, and the SU’s Sports Assistant to develop new and existing sports clubs • Work with the getting more AUB sports teams and clubs in BUCS • Encourage participation and engagement of students in sport

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS

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

25

VOLUNTEERING OFFICER (1 position available) • Promote volunteering opportunities within AUB, the local area, and further afield • Identify issues or areas which students can dedicate their time to in order to make a difference • Work closely with the RAG Officer

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS 26

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

STUDENT TRUSTEES

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.

27

CANDIDATE BRIEFING Elections means more than just a shot at a brilliant full-time job with 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.

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 March 3rd.

Most importantly, DO NOT start your campaign until AFTER this date. It’s against the Elections Regulations, and could result in your disqualification from the race!

Just a few tips on.... Nominations • All nominations must be made via the AUBSU website (aubsu.co.uk) • All nominations must have 2 proposers. Proposers must also be AUB students.

CANDIDATE BRIEFING 28

• All nominees must upload a manifesto to the AUBSU website by the nominations deadline: 500 words for Sabbatical positions 250 words for Executive Officer Positions

VOTING 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.

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!

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

VOTING

Mould your future.

Cast your vote.

29

FAQ 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.

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

If you’re elected into any of the positions you won’t start your role until 1st July. Before that time 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.

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!

FAQ 30

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

ELECTION TIPS

Be honest and realistic about your aims and ambitions.

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

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

TOP TIPS

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

31

CONTACTS Lauren Housego Students’ Union President lhousego@aub.ac.uk Ismini Black Students’ Union Vice President Education and Welfare iblack@aub.ac.uk Karina Young Communications and Events Administrator kyoung@aub.ac.uk