YOUR GUIDE TO GETTING INVOLVED AND ELECTED

WHY YOU SHOULD STAND

Because you get the chance to make decisions about every aspect of student life around the UHI network and shape the work of the Students Association.  As a college/institution representative you could be helping to organise events, attending meetings at the highest level in UHI, writing publications, contributing to the UHISA website, giving other students the opportunity to organise their own activities or advising and representing individuals.

You will be trained so that you have the information and confidence to be effective.  Involvement in the association is a fantastic opportunity.

HOW DO I GET ELECTED?

The Election Process

The election process can sometimes seem a bit complicated, but it is really quite straightforward.  In simple terms you complete a manifesto and nomination form and hand it in by the required date.  There is then the minimum of a week of campaigning and following that a vote.  The votes are then counted and the winning candidate is elected and in a by-election normally takes office straight away. You will be issued with the necessary claim form.  UHI and UHISA ensure that the election is fair by the appointment of an independent Returning Officer.  UHI staff undertakes the administration of the election.  The ballot is secret and only members of the Association have a vote.  Please ensure that the students you ask to propose you are registered students at UHI, you risk your nomination being disqualified if they aren’t.

The Role of the Returning Officer

The Returning Officer will oversee the election process and have the final say on all matters relating to the conduct of the election and candidates.  She will clarify matters of procedure where required and resolve any dispute arising from the election.  She will conduct the count and declare the results. 

Conduct of Candidates

It is expected that candidates will follow the rules of the election contained in this nomination pack and the Students’ Association Constitution.  If you are unclear about the rules please don’t hesitate to ask the Returning Officer or a member of the Elections Committee.

We hope that candidates will conduct themselves properly.  We ask that you refrain from making personal comments about other candidates and respect the staff involved in organising the elections.  Whilst you are entitled to raise all sorts of issues and ideas in an election we expect that you do not abuse other people, hassle voters or use derogatory, racist, homophobic or sexist language or behaviour.  Misconduct can result in disqualification from the election.

Voting Procedure

Voting is done by electronic ballot across all campuses.  Students can only vote for the candidate/s nominated to run for the position of representative of their college.  However all UHI students can vote for the positions of President, Vice President and Postgraduate Student Representative.  It is really easy to vote in an election.  All you have to do is log in to your GroupWise email account on Election Day and an automatic prompt will appear asking you to vote in the election.