UPSU.net - the University of Portsmouth Students' Union online

On this page:

1. Welcome!
2. Where do you fit in?
3. Five steps to taking part
4. Still interested?
   

Welcome!

Congratulations! If you are reading this then you have taken the first step to what could be one of the most exciting and fondly remembered stages of your life - choosing to spend at least a year running the Students’ Union on behalf of all students in Portsmouth.

This is not a decision to be taken lightly, it can be a demanding role that will stretch and enlighten you to what running a business is really all about. Virtually all successful candidates report it to be an unmissable experience.

Where do you fit in?

Quite simply, you are the interface between every student at the University and the University itself, with direct control over how the Students’ Union is run on a day-to-day and future basis.

There are 6 positions available, which together form the Executive Committee of the Students’ Union. These positions are for one year and you can serve your term either at the end of your course or between years, so long as you are full-time student when you stand for election. Each successful candidate is known as a Sabbatical Officer and together these 6 people act as Trustees of the Students’ Union Charity.

However, the full-time members of staff at the Students’ Union are there to advise you and introduce you to the necessary procedures and structures. You will also get training from the National Union of Students and other senior advisors and specialists, giving you a first class insight into the operations of the charity and business world, as well as expertise in public speaking, political representation, budget management and strategic planning.

Clearly, this is going to give a tremendous boost to your professionalism which will be invaluable when you come to embark on your future career.

Five steps to taking part

So how do you go about it? It’s really not that difficult, just check out the list below: 

1. Select your position
   
   Students who decide that they wish to run for a position should first decide which of the six positions is most suitable for them, for instance one of the positions is dedicated to sport while another is dominated by media and publications. Consider what you can bring to the role and how it can help your career to really get the most out of the experience.
   
   • More information: In depth: the positions
     
   
   
2. Become nominated
   
   You will need one person to act as you proposer, who is willing to say that they think you will do a good job. You also need 6 seconders, who add their names to the list, which you hand in.
   
   • More information: Nomination form
     
   
   
3. Create your manifesto
   
   What do think YOU can bring to the role? Think about what your experience in that area and how you might change it? What qualities have you got that match the requirements of the role? Outline these in no more than 300 words - this will form the basis of your entry into the candidates profile.
   
   • More information: Guide: the positions, Manifestos & questions
     
   
   
4. Create your publicity materials
   
   Got a strong message? Make sure the voters get to hear about it by creating striking publicity! Budgets are available for posters, t-shirts and other platforms, but creativity is the key!
   
   • More information: Guide: publicity
     
   
   
5. Get on your soap box
   
   So now they know who you are, the voters want to find out more - and see what you’re made of! Candidates for each position are expected to give up one evening to give presentations to voters - a chance for them to grill you.
   
   • More information: Guide: the hustings
     
   
   
6. The elections
   
   Voting normally takes place over 3 days, and this is where you pull out all the stops to make sure people know who you are! Recruit your helpers, exercise your charm and get out there.
   
   • More information: Guide: the elections
     
   
   
7. The count
   
   Part of your team will include a scrutineer, who is expected to assist in overseeing the crucial counting of votes, which can go on until late in the evening. If you are successful you will be told immediately - welcome to the Union!
   
   • More information: Reference: schedule 5
     

Still interested?

Great - we’d love to have you work with us! See the important dates page to see when you need to hand in the completed parts of your nomination pack. Good luck!