Introduction to UPSU Student Elections

Written by: UPSU

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If you are interested in nominating yourself for the 2023 elections but are not entirely sure what the elections are, here is a brief introduction to the #upsuelections

1. Every student at the University of Plymouth has the right to nominate themselves

Each year, every University of Plymouth (UoP) student is given the opportunity to put themselves forward in the elections; it does not matter whether you are a undergraduate or a postgraduate, what course you are studying, whether you are an international student or what age you are: you can nominate yourself.

These elections decide which four students represent the voices of 18,000+ students at the University of Plymouth, campaign for change and ultimately work to improve the University of Plymouth student experience as a member of the Sabbatical Officer team.

2. There are four full-time student Sabbatical roles

The four student Sabbatical roles are President, VP Education, VP Activities and VP Wellbeing & Diversity. Sabbatical Officers have a direct say in how the Students' Union is run. They work on developing the strategic direction of UPSU and sit on the Trustee Board of a multi-million pound charity organisation.

There are also part-time School Representative roles. As a School Rep, you are at the centre of the academic representation system within your school. You support the Course Reps and assist in progressing feedback from programme to school level.

School Reps meet with their Faculty Lead and the current VP Education at UPSU to progress any feedback from students to the Faculty or University through the appropriate channels.

Click here to learn more about the role of School Reps.

3. You don’t need to know it all when you nominate yourself

If you think you need to know everything before you put yourself forward for a Sabbatical role, you are wrong! You will be supported every step of the way by UPSU staff who want to help you succeed during the elections process and if you are successful in being elected with you chosen role. You will also have access to incredible training opportunities during your post.

4. Nominations are open on Friday 20th January

The nomination period is open from Friday 20th January, 2023 (midday) until Monday 6th February, 2023 (midday). This is your chance to nominate yourself for a role.

Unlike previous years, candidates will no longer be asked to write a full manifesto outlining what they propose to achieve if elected. Instead, this written piece will be in a Q&A format whereby candidates will be required to provide answers to seven questions that will enable voters to decide who will fit each role the best.