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, but virtually all successful  candidates refer to it as an unmissable experience.

Step-by-step guide

This page should act as your starting point if you intend to run for election. Please make sure you regularly check this page and/or the latest candidate pack to make sure you have the latest election information, and please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

1: Things you must do before the close of nominations (Mon 18th Feb)

• Read the rules!
• Forewarned is forearmed - make sure you know what you can and cannot do. If you have questions, you can contact us, or use the Candidates' Question and Answer session (6pm, Feb 11th) and the Candidates' Briefing (Thu 21st Feb, 2.30pm) to get the information you need.
• More info: Rules (Schedule 5)
• Select your position
• Students who decide that they wish to stand in the elections should first decide which of the six positions is most suitable for them, for instance one of the jobs is dedicated to sport while another handles 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 info: about the positions
  
• Become nominated
• UPSU Elections Part 1: Overview  1 of 2
  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 form which you hand in.
• Find the nomination form in the candidate pack
• Create your manifesto
• What do think YOU can bring to the role? Think about 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 400 words – this will form the basis of your entry into the candidates profile.
• More info: manifestos & questions
  
• 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 and other media, but creativity is the key!
• More info: publicity guide
  
• Ask us your questions
• Come to the Candidates' Question and Answer session and you can ask the current Sabbatical team anything you'd like about their current roles.
• Monday, February 11th, 6pm, at the Union

2: Get your nominations pack in

Hand your completed candidate pack in to the UPSU Copy Shop no later than 6pm on Monday 18th February.

3: Get your manifesto speech recorded

Book a slot between Tuesday 19th and Thursday 21st February with Joanna Bower to have your 1-minute candidate's speech video'd so we can publicise you online, and at various elections events.

4: Attend the COMPULSORY candidates' meeting

Thursday 21st February, 2.30pm: you will be briefed on the responsibilities of the role, the conduct expected of candidates during the elections, and will meet the University's Vice Chancellor John Craven.

5: Practise your speaking voice, and research the position you're going for...

... because Question Time Week is coming between Monday 3rd and Sunday 9th March, and you will need to be ready to prove you've got what it takes! You will receive full details of the planned Question Time Week events closer to the date.

• More info: question time guide  

6: Get ready, and prepare your campaign team...

... because campaign week begins on Monday 10th March at 9am, and from there until 1pm on Friday 14th March, you're going to be campaigning your socks off!

• More info: elections & campaiging guide

7: Stay available

Make sure we can contact you on your mobile phone at all times in case we need to round candidates and their teams up for any emergency briefings.

8: Get voting!

Don't forget to cast your own votes at the polls; ballot boxes open from 9am on Wednesday 12th March until 1pm on Friday 14th March.

• More info: voting information  

9: ... aaand relax!

At 1pm on Friday 14th March, the polls close and there's nothing more anyone can do to change the result, so grab a relaxing drink, grab a comfy seat and some mates, and try not to worry too much about the night ahead :o)

10: Final briefing

A short, final briefing for all candidates will be held on the afternoon of Friday 14th March. You will need to attend the meeting to hand in details of your expenditure and to finalise any details of your candidacy before the results are announced.

You will also be told where and when to arrive for the results ceremony that evening.

11: Get your scrutineers

Your scrutineers will need to report to the Union for their duty overseeing the count process on the afternoon of Friday 14th March. More details will be provided closer to the time.

12: Turn up for the results!

You will be asked to come to the Union to be ready to hear the results of the count. Make sure your friends and campaigners are close by - this can be a bit stressful!

Once the count is done and dusted, you will be shepherded around the building while the ceremony is prepared, and finally you will be invited on to stage to find out how well you've done.

13: And finally... 

Good luck!

More information in these pages:

• Manifestos & Questions
• Publicity
• Question time ("hustings")
• Elections & campaigning
• Rules (Schedule 5)
• Nomination form & check list