Who runs the Student Elections?

The RGU:Union Student Elections are overseen by a person called the ‘Returning Officer’ who is responsible for ensuring that the process is fair. This year’s Returning Officer is a representative from the National Union of Students. Day-to-day operational responsibility for the election is delegated to a ‘Deputy Returning Officer’, who is usually member of the RGU:Union staff team. Any election-based questions or concerns should be sent to elections@rguunion.co.uk
 

Who is eligible to stand for a role in the Student Elections?

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.

How do I nominate myself?

All RGU:Union election nominations are done through this website. You will be asked to log in with your RGU username and password, and then if you are running for a Student President role you will be asked to submit the names of the thirty RGU students who support your nomination. If you are running for a Vice President role, you will be asked to submit the name of one RGU student who supports your nomination. All candidates are encouraged to submit a campaign manifesto which will be posted on your candidate profile page and distributed to students via our email system.

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 aims. Think about what you would like to realistically achieve if elected. We recommend that you pick around 4 SMART (Specific, Measured, Achievable, Realistic, Timed) aims/objectives.

Do I need to take a year out from my studies?

Our Student President roles are full-time paid positions and these involve taking a year’s "sabbatical" (a year out) from your current studies. Our voluntary Vice President roles are part time. VP positions usually involve a commitment of approx 3 hours a week, and can be completed alongside your studies.

If I get elected, will I receive any training??

Of course! We want you to be as prepared for these roles as possible, and therefore all elected Student Presidents and Vice Presidents will receive an in-depth week of training starting 24th May 2021.

This will help our election winners understand their roles further and the responsibilities involved. It is important that you are available for this training.

All elected Presidents and Vice Presidents are welcome to make arrangements to visit the Union and shadow the current team to gain a greater understanding of their roles.

Throughout the year, there will be further opportunities for elected student representatives to meet relevant University staff, attend training programmes and ensure they develop the knowledge needed to perform the role to the best of their ability.

What is the Question Time event?

Question Time (sometimes also known as Hustings) is an event that takes place during the election process each year. All candidates are invited to attend. Candidates are given the opportunity to outline campaign aims, manifesto pledges, and further explain their reasons and motivations behind running for election. The floor is then opened to questions from the audience.

It is important that you know your manifesto inside out, as students use Question Time to help decide who gets their votes.

Make sure that you encourage as many of your friends and campaign team to join in as audience members, and to show their support for you.

Full details regarding this year's Question Time event will be released soon.

I don't have a campaign team so I don't think I'll win

Campaign teams are helpful, but they are not the be-all-and-end-all of a successful election. The most important (and most successful) campaigning method is to spread your message through word of mouth - speak to students!

Make sure that as many people as possible know that you are running in the election, and why you think you are the best person for the job. There are many different ways to get your name out there, take a look at some of our campaigning tips and tricks on these pages.

I'm interested in running for a position, but I'm not involved with any societies, sports clubs, groups or networks, will this be a problem?

Not at all! We work to ensure that all students at RGU have the opportunity to be involved, shape and decide the future of their Union, but for many of our election candidates their nomination is the first time they have become involved with RGU:Union.

Our advice to students who are interested in standing for a position is to talk to our team, gain an understanding of the roles and find out more about the support and guidance on offer from the team.

Do I get a budget?

Candidates will each be allocated a small budget which can be used to help promote your campaign. Each budget is dependant on whether you are running for a President or Vice President role, and will be assigned during the candidate’s meeting. All expenses should be approved by the Returning Officer or Deputy Returning Officer before being spent.

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 Union (you are automatically made an Ordinary Member when you matriculate, and remain so unless you opt out) then you are eligible to vote in the election! Please note that ICRGU students are not eligibile to vote.