Elections Process
1. Signing the ballot (forms will be linked when available)
– At-large nominations form
– Faculty nominations form
2. Collect nomination signatures
3. Campaign
4. Debate: the Ubyssey and the AMS elections team hosts a debate for all Senate at-large nominees
5. Vote
As a student Senator, you play a critical role in representing the needs of students to the Senate. Although the process for running in an election may seem daunting, it is an incredible experience and an opportunity to grow as an individual and student leader.
Still on the fence about running for a senator position? Check out this blog post for some words of encouragement from previous senators and some guidance below
Understanding the time commitment
In this role, you will attend monthly Senate meetings from September to May (no scheduled meetings in June, July, and August) where the entire Senate membership meets to hear the President’s remarks, discuss important agenda items, and vote on potential policy changes. In addition to this, will be matched to one to three committees (depending on your interest and capacity) by the Co-Chairs of the Student Senate Caucus. These committees typically meet once a month to discuss more specific matters to bring to the Senate.
If you have a class conflict with the committee you sit on, you have an academic concession to be excused from class. For more details, looks at section eight under Academic Concessions on the UBC Vancouver academic calendar
How to determine if it is something you want to do
Identify your values; what are you passionate about? As a student senator, it is your responsibility to collaborate with various stakeholders across the campus! This includes student senators and instructors representing their Faculties, Deans of various faculties, and of course the Senate Clerical Staff. Advocacy- there are many different ways to be a leader in the Senate and celebrating this diversity is what makes for a strong group of Senators. Part of the role is creativity, are you thinking about ways in which things could be better at UBC?
Another aspect of the role is courage. In a large group of Senators, it can be overwhelming to speak your mind and share your thoughts, especially if you are representing a perspective that is not largely supported. It is not always necessary but if you enjoy public speaking and discussions, you will get the opportunity to do so in this role. Last but definitely not least, public engagement. Being a Senator includes reaching out to the students that you represent and hearing their concerns or answering their questions. If you enjoy community building and having conversations, being a Senator is a great way to connect with students and their passion for seeing changes at UBC.