Elections Are Coming...
The University of Cumbria Students’ Union (UCSU) is in search of their next Officers to lead in 2024/25, could you be the one?
UCSU hosts Officer Elections annually to find leaders for the next academic year. All students are welcome to apply, and no experience is required! There are three different officer positions available: Academic, Activities and Welfare. All of them are unique roles that represent an important aspect of the university experience.
Officers are integral to UCSU as a democratic organisation led by students for students. Student Unions were created to be independent from universities so that student voice could be represented and heard freely. They are charitable organisations which fight for student rights in higher education. The officer positions were created to invite students in these spaces to amplify the collective voice. They bring changes to life by advocating for their peers in conversations about the university experience.
Becoming an officer provides you with a unique opportunity to gain a head start on your desired career path. It will expose you to opportunities that might be otherwise hard to encounter without the right connections. And the best part is UCSU will train you up and support you throughout all of it! The role is a paid, full-time position. Students can take a sabbatical or campaign for election during their final year of their education, taking up the role in the summer.
Below are some examples of skills gained in each officer position:
Academic - Leadership, Project Management, Confidence, Advocacy, Report Writing, Research, Policy Evaluation, Financial Management
Activities - Leadership, Events Management, Teamwork, Innovation, Advocacy, Risk Assessment, Relationship Building, Confidence, Financial Management
Welfare - Leadership, Problem-solving, Advocacy, People Skills, Campaigning, Creativity, Emotional Intelligence, Financial Management
If any of these positions align with your personal goals, perhaps it is time to consider putting yourself forward. Similarly, if you know someone who would do well in either of these positions, make sure to tell them. They might just need a little nudge to gather the confidence to go for it!
Nominations begin on the 22nd of January…see you there!
