IT STARTS WITH YOU

This is how students shape student life

If you’re new to University, you might be wondering what “Student Elections” even are — or why they matter to you. You’re not alone.

Student Elections are simply how students choose other students to represent them and help improve student life at HWU. That could be things like teaching and assessment, wellbeing support, campus facilities, societies and volunteering, or making sure student voices are heard when decisions are made.

You don’t need to know anything about elections to take part — and you don’t need to be “into politics”. This is about students, everyday experiences, and making things better together.

What are Student Elections?

Once a year, students vote to elect representatives for the Student Union.

These representatives are students just like you. They:

Listen to what students care about

Raise issues on behalf of students

Work with the University to make improvements

Help shape what the Students’ Union focuses on

They’re there to speak up for students — including those who don’t usually feel confident speaking up themselves.

Why should I care?

Even if you never plan to run for a role, Student Elections affect your experience at university.

The students elected:

  • influence decisions that impact your studies and wellbeing

  • help improve services and support on campus

  • represent student views when changes are being discussed

Voting is a simple way to have a say in what student life looks like — without needing to attend meetings or get heavily involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you probably have a whole list of questions about the elections, things like...

  • How do I apply to be part of the elections?
  • What posts are you electing?
  • What would I have to do?
  • What is the election process?
  • How does voting work?

Check out our FAQ page by clicking the link and hopefully we'll answer them all for you!

Key Dates

The key milestones during our election process can be seen here. These key dates and deadlines will help you follow along with each step of the elections - and when you can get involved!

  • Register Your Interest!
    Thinking of applying?Click here to let us know and we'll get in touch with more information.
    Know someone you think should apply? Click here to let us know and we'll get in touch with more information.
  • Applications Open
    Now is your opportunity to apply for any of the positions.
  • Applications Close
    Sorry! You're too late to apply. If you have applied, make sure you attend the Candidates Briefing xx at xx.
  • Voting Opens
    Here...We...Go! Voting opens at xx for you to select who you would like representing you.
  • Voting Closes
    And... we're finished! Voting has now closed for the elections. Stay tuned to find out who our winners are.
  • Watch out for the results!

Introducing our elected roles

President

Vice President Academic

Vice President Student Communities

Contact Us

Got a question about the elections or the election process?

Deputy Returning Officer

The Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the elections within the Student Union and Sports Union. There are rules set out in Section 5 of our Bye Laws which you can read here.

Genna Nesbitt

Student Engagement Manager & Deputy Returning Officer

Email Genna

Complaints

To make a complaint about the way in which the elections are being managed or about the conduct of one or more candidates please complete the Complaint Form and return to the Deputy Returning Officer.

The National Union of Students is overseeing the conduct of the elections. The Deputy Returning Officer will refer all serious matters that could result in expulsion of a Candidate to NUS.

Download Complaint Form