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CONTENTS About your Students’ Union
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Why should you stand?
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Elections Jargon Buster
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What do the Full-Time positions involve?
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What do the part-time positions involve?
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Key dates
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How to vote
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Mythbusters
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Rules and Regulations
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Campaigning
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Writing a Manifesto
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Printing
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hertfordshire.su/elections
ABOUT YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION Hertfordshire Students’ Union is a non-profit organisation led by students for students! We put students first and we’re proud to be led by your Elected Officers and student leaders. Our annual elections are fundamental in making sure students’ voices are heard. So this is your opportunity to represent, act, and speak up for students! It is your chance to do something amazing. You could be the next leader, innovator or pioneer!
We also provide an impartial, confidential and free Advice and Support Service including academic, housing and money advice. Our aim is to make your student life incredible and that is why we run Hertfordshire’s top nightclub, The Forum Hertfordshire, to bring you the best in live music and events. Plus, we give you access to societies, volunteering, RAG and events! In this handbook you will find everything you need to guide you through standing in the elections. If you have any questions about being a candidate, feel free to drop in to the SU office to talk to us!
As a Students’ Union, we represent you academically by listening to your opinions and ensuring that your voice is heard by decision makers in the University, community and government.
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WHY SHOULD
STAND?
DO YOU WANT TO… • Lead the Students’ Union? • Represent students within the Union, University, and wider community • Campaign for positive change? • Deliver services for students? • Be responsible for the strategic direction of the Union? • Gain fantastic employability skills? • Work with Senior University Staff across the University of Hertfordshire Then a Full-Time Officer, Campaign Officer or Student Trustee role could be for you! All Full-Time Elected Officers are trustees and directors of the Students’ Union. This means you will sit on the Board of Trustees and oversee the strategic direction, finances and governance of the Union. You will represent students on various committees and boards within the University and we guarantee that each day will be different! Full-Time Elected Officers will be held accountable by fellow students at Student Council – the most important gathering of students at the University of Hertfordshire. Elected Officers can serve a maximum of two terms and if serving between levels – you are only able to pause your studies for one year.
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The Campaign officer and Student Trustee roles run alongside your studies and are a fantastic opportunity to changes things for the better. They give you invaluable experience in campaigning, project management and a host of other skills. Campaign Officers are paid on a part time basis, working around 4 hours a week. Both these roles are flexible, to fit around your study schedule. All students running in the election will be subject to an eligibility check to be sure you are in good academic and financial standing with the University.
WHAT ROLES CAN YOU STAND FOR? FULL-TIME POSITIONS
PART-TIME POSITIONS
President
Student Trustees x 3
VP Education
Campaign Officers x 5:
VP Activities
BAME Officer
VP Community
Commuters Officer
(VP = Vice President)
Equality Diversity and Inclusivity Officer International Officer Postgraduate Officer
hertfordshire.su/elections
ELECTION CANDIDATE QUESTION TIME (HUSTINGS)
CAMPAIGNING
An event where candidates in an election address potential voters (debates, speeches, rap battle etc).
A series of activities used to gain votes and raise the candidate’s profile with potential voters.
MANIFESTO
CAMPAIGN TEAM
A public declaration of intentions, motives and actions.
A team of people helping the candidate with campaign activities (5 people in this case).
NOMINATION
BALLOT
Formally entering as a candidate for election.
A system of voting anonymously.
RESULTS
BY-ELECTION
The outcome of an election.
An election that is held when vacancies become available during the lifetime of an already elected office.
SINGLE TRANSFERABLE VOTING A voting process which lets you rank candidates in order of preference, allowing for voters to say who they would like to win if their first choice (or second, third...) is eliminated from the count.
CANVASSING Going out to the doors of potential voters and engaging with them in an attempt to gain their support and vote.
CANDIDATE BRIEFING
LANDSLIDE
A meeting where candidates are given information and instructions about the election.
A victory in which one candidate receives an overwhelming amount of votes (supermajority).
CANDIDATE
TRUSTEE
A person running in the election.
An individual person or member of a board given powers of administration and decision making under legal obligation for the purpose of the union.
POLLING STATION Where voting can take place during the election.
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WHAT DO THE FULL-TIME POSITIONS INVOLVE? PRESIDENT COULD YOU LEAD THE ELECTED OFFICER TEAM AND BE THE VOICE OF STUDENTS? The President leads the work of the Officer team and represents students in the University and wider community. In this role you will meet regularly with senior University management and community leaders, being the lead officer for democratic and governance structures as well as for campaigns and change. You will also oversee the work of the Officer team, Chair the Trustee Board and sit on the University’s governing board.
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VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION COULD YOU REPRESENT STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC VIEWS AND ENHANCE THEIR LEARNING EXPERIENCE? The Vice President Education lobbies for a great academic experience at the University. In this role, you will work to improve and continually develop the academic life of the University through working with Student Reps and others to ensure that students are partners in their education. You will support employability throughout the University to ensure students leave with a great degree and are employable. Additionally, you will champion a culture where students’ feedback is engaged with and used to continually develop the University.
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VICE PRESIDENT ACTIVITIES LOVE SOCIETIES, SPORTS OR VOLUNTEERING? HELP STUDENTS ORGANISE EXCITING EVENTS!
VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNITY PASSIONATE ABOUT STUDENT WELFARE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY?
The Vice President Activities oversees student opportunities for fun and development, making sure you get the most out of your time at University.
The Vice President Community works with on and off-campus partners with the goal of developing a community of students at the University.
In this role you will head up our recreational and development activities such as societies, volunteering, RAG and media. You will be the lead officer in development of sport and social activity on campus and the champion of student groups and extra-curricular activity.
In this role, you will be the lead officer for welfare, working with organisations on and off campus to ensure that students are able to access the support and guidance that they need. You will be a champion for citizenship and social responsibly amongst our students, and ensure students’ interests are represented off-campus as well as on.
Full-Time Elected Officers will officially take up office on 3rd June 2019 and finish their term in office on 1st June 2020. There will be a week of handover between 2018/19 and 2019/20 Elected Officers between 27th May – 31st May 2019.
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WHAT DO THE PART-TIME POSITIONS INVOLVE? To run for a part-time position (either Trustee or Campaigns Officer) you must have plans to study at the University of Hertfordshire for the coming year.
STUDENT TRUSTEES X 3 There will be 3 Student Trustees elected in this election cycle. Our Trustee Board oversees the strategic direction, finances and governance of the Students’ Union, ensuring that we act within the law and are secure and stable for the future. Student Trustees play a vital role in ensuring that everything that the Union undertakes is in the best interests of students.
CAMPAIGN OFFICERS X 5 The Campaign Officers will address challenges faced by their representative group and work closely with the Full-Time Elected Officers to develop campaigns to address these issues across the academic year.
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THE CAMPAIGN OFFICER ROLES ARE... BLACK, ASIAN AND MINORITY ETHNIC OFFICER With such a high population of Black, Asian and Minority (BAME) students at Herts; the BAME Officer will run campaigns related to that particular demographic such as the black attainment gap.
COMMUTING STUDENTS’ OFFICER The Commuting Students' Officer will address the challenges and needs of commuting students and provide a platform for them to network and campaign about issues affecting them.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY OFFICER This officer will represent minority student groups such as disability students, LGBT+ students, women and multi-faith groups.
INTERNATIONAL OFFICER This role will help international students settle in at the University of Hertfordshire and provide a support network to ensure they get the best out of theirtime in the UK.
POSTGRADUATE OFFICER The Postgraduate Officer will look to represent and campaign in relation to the Postgraduate student experience which significantly differs from undergraduate experience.
hertfordshire.su/elections
Key Dates 18th Feb
1st Mar
1st Mar
Nominations open: Monday 18th February, 9am
Nominations close: Friday 1st March, 12pm
Compulsory Candidate Briefing: Friday 1st March, 4pm N003 De Havilland
8th Mar
11th Mar
15th Mar
Candidate Question Time: Friday 8th March, 5-7pm Elehouse
Voting opens: Monday 11th March, 8am-8pm
Voting closes: Friday 15th March, 8am-12pm
15th Mar
15th Mar
15th Mar
Compulsory Debrief and Expenses Deadline: Friday 15th March, 1pm Hutton Hall
Expenses Deadline: Friday 15th March, 12pm Hutton Hall
Elections Result Night: Friday 15th March, 6.30pm Elehouse
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HOW 1. We use the transferable voting system, which allows students to list candidates in order of preference. This means that they not only vote for their favourite candidate, but also for their second and third favourites. Students place a ‘1’ by their preferred candidate, a ‘2’ by their second, and so on. 2. For every position we always include ‘Re-open Nominations’, or ‘RON’. This gives students the chance to vote to re-open the nominations should they believe that no candidate on the ballot sheet fits the role. 3. Therefore when voting online, your ballot may look like this:
Candidate A
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Candidate B Candidate C
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RON
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Complaints Sometimes Elections don’t always run smoothly. If you believe that rules have been broken and you wish to make a complaint, please email elections@hertfordshire.su or visit the office to speak to a staff member.
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hertfordshire.su/elections
Mythbusters MYTH
MYTH
I’ve never been involved in the SU so I shouldn’t stand.
Elections are a popularity contest and students won’t vote for me.
TRUTH
TRUTH
Any student can stand. Being an Officer is your chance to have an impact not just on the SU but on the University and wider community too.
Students vote for who they think they can trust. If you don’t know everybody (and nobody does!) then you can convince them through your campaigning and policies.
MYTH
MYTH
I want a real job, so I can’t stand.
I’m graduating next year, so I can’t stand.
TRUTH
TRUTH
Full-Time Elected Officer positions are paid for the year. Your responsibilities include being a Director and Executive Trustee of the Union, managing a portfolio, and a number of career-related experiences that will look great on your CV.
All students currently registered at the University of Hertfordshire can stand. You will either take a year out of your studies, or take on the role after graduation if you are in your final year.
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Regulations To make sure the Elections are fair, we have several rules in place. Please make sure that you and your team are well aware of these before campaigning starts. The full list and advice on rules can be found at hertfordshire.su/elections BEHAVIOUR AND SOCIAL MEDIA 1. Candidates must respect voters and their choice. This means that candidates must ensure they are respecting the students’ personal space and areas (which includes NOT forcing entry into ANY student accommodation). 2. Voters must cast their ballot freely without interruption or communication from the candidates and/or their supporters. 3. Candidates must also respect other candidates and their supporters. 4. There should be no attacks on other candidate’s manifestos, or defacing another candidate’s campaign verbally, online or written. Discrimination or personal attacks on other candidates will be dealt with in accordance to the disciplinary procedures.
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CAMPAIGNING ACTIVITY 1. Candidates and their campaign team are NOT permitted to assist or physically handle the voter’s technological device, including a tablet, laptop or mobile phone. 2. Candidates are not allowed to use their own devices as a platform acquire votes. 3. Candidates must act appropriately around Polling Stations (located De-Hav Atrium and The Forum). 4. Harassment, bullying and intimidation will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in relation to the Students Union's Disciplinary Procedures. 5. Sub-committees of the Students’ Union e.g. societies, SU student groups or Athletic Union clubs are not permitted to endorse candidates using any official website, social media page, mailing list, or members meetings. 6. Candidates are responsible for the behaviour of their Campaign Team and must ensure they also comply with ALL the rules set (see SU Website). 7. Candidates must not campaign in the LRCs, Restaurants, The Key and/or trespass on private property.
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8. Campaigning must only begin and end within the dates provided on Hertfordshire Students’ Union website. 9. Candidates can only print materials from the University’s Document Services Department and can only be displayed in designated spaces.
11. Candidates must NOT spend any more money than the budget that is set. 12. Candidates must NOT accept any sponsorship, donations and/or gifts which would increase their budget for their campaign.
10. Campaign posters and material cannot be altered, moved or removed by anybody except the candidates themselves.
Please note: this is only an outline of the full Student Union Elections Rules and Guidance please find the full document at Hertfordshire.su/elections/rules If you wish to report a breach to the Elections Rules or have any concerns please contact elections@hertfordshire.su
BUDGETS As a candidate, you will be reimbursed for legitimate campaign expenses. Budgets for each role will be announced at the Candidate Briefing Session. Be careful not to exceed your budget! Please note that you will not receive additional budget if you choose to stand for multiple positions.
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CAMPAIGNING The key to a successful election is a strong campaign. Here are our top tips for campaigning: 1. Think outside the box! Every candidate will have printed posters and leaflets, but what else could you create to stand out from the crowd? Go big and bold and voters won’t miss you. 2. Talk to students. Voters want to know who you are and what you stand for. Don’t sound like a robot when you’re discussing your policies – take the time to have a proper chat.
Voting will take place online at www.hertfordshire.su/vote
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3. Plan your time well in advance. Campaigning shouldn’t take over your life and definitely shouldn’t stop you attending lectures! Ask your team or friends to help if you can’t make an event. 4. Check that students know how to vote. Don’t forget that you’re asking students to vote for you as their first preference, or if not, then their second preference. 5. Creative Campaign Sessions with free resources e.g. paint, cardboard and glue will be held on Friday the 8th of March and Monday the 11th March between 11-4pm in Hutton Hall.
hertfordshire.su/elections
Jot down your ideas here:
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Your manifesto is your vision for the Union and your pledges. No matter what position you are running for you should have a manifesto. From this, students can see whether what you are promising will be right for them, and why they should vote for you. Your manifesto will be listed on our website for students to read before voting, so make sure it looks exciting! Keep your points clear and make students want to read it. For information come to our Manifesto Training on Monday the 4th of March 5-6pm in B154. You MUST upload your manifesto on our elections hub at hertfordshire.su/elections. The deadline is Wednesday the 6th of March at Midday.
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1. Think about the issues that you’d like to change in the University, your School, or the wider community. Have a chat with your friends or course mates. What are big issues on campus?
2. Pick three or four issues that strike a chord with other students and are most achievable. What would you do to resolve these issues? These are your policies.
3. Who are you? Why should students trust you as their representative? Tell voters about yourself!
Still have questions? Come along to one of our Candidate Information Sessions for more information (see attached leaflet)!
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Printing All printing for this year’s elections must be done through the University’s Document Services team. They are able to print a full range of sizes and finishes giving candidates the opportunity to be creative with their printing choices.
The Document Services aim to provide a while you wait service, however at peak times this may not be possible and it’s important to factor this in when planning your time.
To access this, you must visit Document Services with any items you want printed on a memory drive in pdf format. You can check out the candidate hub on hertfordshire.su/ elections for information on print sizes.
You must not use any other printing service for any elections materials – this includes personal printers, LRC, SU Print Services and PrintApp Free Printers.
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To make things easier for candidates, you will not have to pay up front for printing however you must still include this on your expenses form as it must be factored into your budget.
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NOTES
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HAVE A QUESTION? Drop into our office in the Hutton Hub, email elections@hertfordshire.su or visit hertfordshire.su/elections
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