What are the Bristol SU Elections?
It’s Time to Lead! But what, exactly, does that mean?
Bristol SU is a democracy, meaning you get to decide who leads the SU and who represents you in all areas of student life. Each year, you get to have your say in the Bristol SU Elections, voting for representatives you trust to make change on campus.
This might be your first or last year at Bristol, but your experience as a student is important. When you think back on what has happened so far, is there anything you'd want to improve for yourself and the communities you care about?
Could your course be better? Do you want better well-being support? Could there be cheaper food options for students in university buildings?
This is your chance to say!
- Make sure to vote, so you can choose a representative that you trust to make the positive changes you want to see at UoB.
- Or, if you have a strong vision for change, why not nominate yourself to represent your peers and make these changes a reality? By nominating yourself, you are doing your bit to represent the voices of all students to the university, local community and government - as well as getting excellent experiences to whack on your CV.
It is time for you to lead. Let us explain how...
What Roles are Available?
If you have opinions on how the University of Bristol or Bristol Students’ Union could be improved to make sure they are doing everything possible for students, then become a student representative now. There are over 900 elected representatives at Bristol SU – so you'll able to find the perfect role to create the changes that are important to you.
Roles include:
Full-Time Officers (FTO's)
Your seven FTO's push for large-scale improvements across university life. They are:
- Union Affairs Officer: represents students in terms of how they interact with Bristol SU and leads on ensuring that Bristol SU's communication and services are effective, accessible and relevant for students.
- Student Living Officer: represents students in terms of accommodation, finance, interaction with the local community and their wellbeing.
- Equality, Liberation and Access Officer: ensures that all students’ voices are represented within the Union and University.
- Sport and Student Development Officer: represents students’ interests in terms of sport, exercise and health and leads in ensuring that students have a variety of opportunities to engage in sport.
- Undergraduate Education Officer: represents undergraduate students in terms of their learning and teaching experience and leads in ensuring sufficient academic and welfare-related support is in place for undergraduates.
- Postgraduate Education Officer: represents postgraduate students to the University and Bristol SU concerning postgraduate taught and research academic and welfare matters.
- International Students' Officer: represents all aspects of the international student experience. They champion the inclusion of international Members (EU and non-EU) and campaign against discrimination and barriers.
Other Roles
- Course Rep: as a course rep for your peers you attend Student Staff Liaison Committees and make changes to your course for the better.
- Faculty Rep: you'll help make change across your whole faculty of students, coordinating feedback from course reps and building a team of representatives.
- Student Trustee: bring your student voice and experience to help make decisions in the best interest of current and future students (or 'members').
- Chair of Student Council: be a key SU representative on democracy, ensuring that our democratic processes are fair, transparent and engaging for the student body.
- Network Chair: you recently voted in some changes to your networks, check back on February 12 to see the updated network roles you can run for.
If you are interested in standing for any of these roles and want to know what it's like on a day-to-day basis, feel free to send an email over to bristolsu-elections@bristol.ac.uk.
To see the full job descriptions and how to apply, head here.
Why is it important to run?
This is your chance to make a real change at Bristol SU. By nominating yourself, and running for a role, you are doing your bit to represent the voice of all students to the university, local community and government - not only positively impacting their academic experiences, but university life in general.
Not only this, but you'll also gain leadership, organisation and project management experience at a multi-million-pound organisation that improves student lives - all of which take place look brilliant on a CV.
Just take a look at what your previous FTOs have done for reasons to run. From securing funding for sustainable period products, addressing course costs and costs of societies in alignment with cost-of-living, to creating campaigns such as My Rent, My Rights. All of which lead the way to creating a positive difference in the University experience.
How do I nominate myself?
First things first, you will want to decide which role is right for you. What interests you at the uni and what areas do you wish to make change? Look at the above roles to make your decision.
Next, it will be time to write a manifesto or, in other words, a written explanation of who you are, why you should be elected and what your plans for change are. What do you think other students are looking for? How are you going to help them find it?
Don’t hesitate to reach out for any support in writing your manifesto, or learning how to campaign. SU staff are here to help at:bristolsu-elections@bristol.ac.uk
Finally, get campaigning to be a leader! Campaigning at Bristol SU allows you to work with others to make the lives of students better, this could give voters a chance to see that you have a passion for a particular issue and a drive to make positive change. Chat to students in person and let them know why you deserve their votes!
To run for elections, click here.
What are the Key Election Dates?
- Nomination Period: 5 February-22 February
- Candidate Academy: 26 February-1 March
- Vote Week: 4 March-7 March
- Results Night: 8 March
The clock is ticking, make a change today!
