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.
Got a Question?
Find out the facts about the Elections in our handy, FAQ's!
Interested in Applying?
Let us know, and a member of the team will contact you with more info!
Know someone who'd be brilliant?
Let us know, and get in touch with them to let them know!
Apply
Apply to stand in the election for one of our vacancies
Recommend Someone!
Know someone who'd be great? Recommend them!
Candidates
View the candidates and their manifestos
VOTE NOW
Make Your Voice Heard - and place your votes now by clicking here!
Results
Click here to view the results of the Student Elections!
Rules & Guidance
Everything you need to know about standing in the elections!
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
-
Register Your Interest!
Thinking of applying? Know someone you think should apply? Click here to let us know and we'll get in touch with more information.
-
Applications Open at
Now is your opportunity to apply for any of the positions.
-
Applications Close at
Sorry! You're too late to apply. If you have applied, make sure you attend the Candidate Briefing...
-
Candidate Briefing at
If you have applied, make sure you attend the Candidates Briefing.
-
Voting Opens at
Here...We...Go! Voting opens at 9am for you to select who you would like representing you.
-
Voting Closes at
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!
The Positions
Full Time Officers
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