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How do I become a Student Officer?

Accessibility notice

We are committed to ensuring our elections are accessible for all students. If you have any accessibility needs please email our team on su.elections@durham.ac.uk

Applying to be an SU Officer may seem like a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be! You’ll receive all the information, training and support you need. Here is an outline of how to run for a position. If you have any questions or need more information, just email su.elections@durham.ac.uk.

  1. Express your interest by filling out this form. This doesn’t mean you have nominated yourself; it just informs our team that you are interested and would like to know more. We can answer any questions you may have over email or arrange a meeting.
  2. Nominations for SU Officer Elections open on Monday 8 January 2024. Nominate yourself by filling out this form. As part of your nomination you also have to complete a candidate profile. This is your opportunity to tell voters more about you, your values and your goals. This will be published on the SU website, electoral ballot, and also included in our elections communications. If you have any questions or would like assistance with filling out this section please contact su.elections@durham.ac.uk, or attend an info session on 17 January where more guidance will be provided. Once you have completed your candidate profile, please upload to your nomination form.
  3. Attend our candidate training sessions. Candidate training is an important part of the election process and all candidates must attend. The training will cover election rules and regulations, campaigning and an overview of Durham Students’ Union.
  4. Submit your nomination – fill out this form (this will be available from 8 January). As part of your nomination you have to complete a candidate profile. This is your opportunity to tell voters more about you, your values and your goals. This will be published on the SU website, electoral ballot, and also included in our elections communications. If you have any questions or would like assistance with filling out this section please contact su.elections@durham.ac.uk, or attend an info session on 17 January where more guidance will be provided. The deadline is midnight on Sunday 28 January 2024.

    Please note:All nominees will be subject to an eligibility check before your nomination is accepted into the election race. This is to make sure no reason exists that prevents a candidate from serving as a Trustee or that there are any conflicts of interest. No nomination is accepted until published on the authority of the Returning Officer. You will have time to amend your personal statement before we reveal this year’s candidates.
  5. You will then be assigned an SU staff member who can support you through your campaign to be an Officer.
  6. Attend our compulsory training session on 31 January 2024. This training will cover election rules and regulations, how to campaign, an overview of Durham Student’s Union, marketing training and an opportunity to have an official photo taken.
  7. Publicise yourself as an SU Officer candidate. This includes working with the SU marketing team, as well as student media such as Palatinate and Purple Radio, to promote yourself as an excellent candidate.
  8. Run your campaign and encourage fellow students to vote for you. You can set up a campaign team to help you gain votes!
  9. Candidates will be announced on 5 February 2024.
  10. Students will be able to vote for their preferred candidates between Wednesday 7 February and Monday 12 February
  11. The election results will be announced on Tuesday 13 February. An event will be held to announce the results and will be open to all students. Candidates will be informed first and then the results will be announced to attendees immediately after. Attendance for candidates is recommended but not compulsory and you may choose to be informed over the phone instead.Please note: Please note: The results of the election can only be declared once all relevant complaints have been concluded.

Throughout the election, you will need to make sure you are following the SU’s election rules and guidance. If at any point you need help understanding these, you can email su.elections@durham.ac.uk.