I want to run for a committee position but don't know which to go for. How do I know what is right for me?
Speak to the existing committee to get an idea of what each role involves and what the required workload is. If you would prefer to speak to a member of staff, you can email activitiesadmin@shu.ac.uk.
I nominated myself for a position but I've changed my mind. What should I do?
You can withdraw from the election online at any point. If you're struggling or want to withdraw after results have been announced, contact us at activitiesadmin@shu.ac.uk.
I am struggling to vote/nominate myself in the election. What should I do?
If you're struggling to nominate yourself, it's really important you get in touch via activitiesadmin@shu.ac.uk before nominations close as we're unable to let you run for a role without nominating yourself.
I am on a committee currently and we're struggling to get candidates interested in a role.
The first thing we would suggest is looking at how you're advertising the role. Does it seem like more work than others? Do your members know the benefits of this role? If advertising isn't the issue, we should look at the role itself. If it's a core role, speak to us about how we can support you to sell it to your members. If it's an additional role, consider whether it's necessary for your society to have this role filled.
How much of a commitment is being a committee member?
Every society is different so the best thing to do is to talk to your current society members. We do offer training at the start of the academic year which you are expected to attend, but beyond that the amount of time your role will require will be dependent on your society.
I am currently a committee member. Can I remain in my role?
All terms in post for society committee members last for one calendar year from 1 August until 31 July. If you've been elected in a by-election, you will still need to re-run in the bulk election to be able to hold a post for the full term next academic year.
Do I have the skill set to be a committee member?
The short answer is most likely yes! If you are currently an active member within the society, you're probably passionate about the society so you’re halfway there. Committee members help to arrange actives and events behind the scenes. We also have our annual ComCon (Committee Conference) where you’ll receive training on everything committee related. If you're worried, talk to your current committee about what their roles entail.
Can I run for more than one position in a society?
That depends on your society and the roles you want to run for. Core roles (President, Secretary, Treasurer, Equality and Diversity Officer, and Health and Safety Officer) must be held by different students within the same society. If you run for two of these roles and recieve the most votes, you will be asked to choose. The role you don't choose will be recounted and offered to the winner of that count. If the society has additional roles like Social Secretary, you can run for as many of those as you like! Including alongside a core role. But remember these roles have been created for a reason and fufil a need in your society, so one person taking on all the roles defeats the point of having a larger committee role list.
Can I be a committee member for two or more societies?
Yes! While you can't hold more than one core role within the same society, you can hold a core role in each society you are a member of.
What roles are available?
Our core roles are President, Secretary, Treasurer, Equality and Diversity Officer, and Health and Safety Officer. Some societies have multiple vacancies for a role, or additional roles such as Vice President, so have a look to see what your society offers!