FAQ's

 

WHO ARE THE OFFICERS?

Every year eight students are paid to work full-time to lead the Guild. The roles are a fantastic opportunity for those passionate about Birmingham, the students and their Guild.

Chosen by students in a campus-wide vote, they become directors of a £million+ turnover organisation, trustees of our charity and representatives of 34,000 students.

WHAT IS THE ELECTION?

Every year, Guild Elections gives students the opportunity to elect eight of their peers to lead the Guild of Students. Last year’s campus-wide ballot saw over 7,000 students cast their vote.

If you think you would make a great leader and could help us make sure every student gets the best from Birmingham, then tell us you’re interested here

CAN I RUN IF I’M IN MY FIRST OR SECOND YEAR?

Yes! If you’re elected, you can speak to your school about taking a year out to serve as an Officer.

CAN I RUN IF I’M A POSTGRAD?

Yes, students at any level of study can run in the Elections – and we even have a dedicated Postgraduate Students’ Officer, specifically to look out for you!

We work with schools across the University to make sure they support you in running, so don’t let being a postgrad hold you back.

HOW DO I GET MY MANIFESTO OUT THERE?

Getting your campaign out there is key to getting the votes rolling in - we'll be running training sessions and sharing tips on how best to communicate with students at Birmingham later on in the term, so you’ll be supported every step of the way.

CAN I RUN IF I’M AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?

Yes. Any EU national can become an Officer with no restrictions. If you come from further afield you may have to extend your visa. If you have any concerns get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

HELP, I DON’T KNOW WHICH POSITION TO GO FOR!

You can read about each position here. You can also come in to the Guild to discuss which position would suit you. Come and find us in the Student Voice office on the ground floor or email elections@guild.bham.ac.uk

CAN I STAND FOR MORE THAN ONE POSITION?

Woah there - we love your enthusiasm but it's only one role per person.

ISN’T IT JUST A POPULARITY CONTEST?

No! Previous Officers have come from all walks of university life. As long as you have great ideas and a passion for creating change, you’ll make a great candidate.

HELP, I DON’T KNOW HOW TO CAMPAIGN

Don't fret! Most people don’t before they actually try it. Your campaign should be personal and reflect you, and we’ll offer you lots of support to get things going.

I DON’T HAVE MUCH TIME- CAN I STILL CAMPAIGN?

Yes! Even one hour a week is enough time to run an excellent campaign. We’ll work with you to help you create the best campaign possible with the time you have.

DO I GET A CAMPAIGNING BUDGET?

Yes, we’ll reimburse you for any campaign expenses, up to a pre-agreed amount.

WHAT IS A CAMPAIGN TEAM AND WHAT DO I DO IF I DON’T HAVE ONE?

A campaign team is a group of your friends who have committed to helping you campaign. They might talk to students on your behalf, help put up posters, or perhaps assist you with social media.

WILL I GET AN EXTENSION ON MY COURSEWORK SO I CAN FOCUS ON CAMPAIGNING?

We work with the University to encourage schools to provide extensions for students participating in the Elections - just chat to us if you have any concerns.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WIN?

Hopefully some celebrating! If you win you will spend the next year running the union and working on projects and campaigns to improve the lives of students. It’s a full time paid job with a salary.

SOUNDS GOOD, WHAT DATES DO I NEED TO KNOW?

  • Nominations are open from 10am on 10th January
  • Voting and campaigning takes place from 23rd February to 3rd March.
  • The results will be announced at Results Night in the Deb Hall on Saturday 4th March.

VISA INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

You should be aware that the following is general information and guidance – and does not constitute professional immigration or legal advice.

Yes, as long as you are a registered student who is also a member of the Guild of Students, then you’re eligible to stand to be a Full-Time Officer – and we would encourage you to do so.

If you win, the University can assist you with extending your sponsorship for the time that you are a Full-Time Officer.

You are free to take up the role during your studies or immediately after you graduate. However, if you are planning to nominate yourself during your studies, you will need to let your College or School know as they are responsible for you until the time that your permission to be in the UK expires. They will also be able to advise you if there are likely to be any issues with your academic progression.

Any applications to extend your Student Visa from within the UK need to be made before your time in the UK is due to expire.

If you require any further help or support regarding immigration or sponsorship, you can speak to the Aston Webb Student Hub (Monday – Friday, 9.00am-500pm)

visual manifesto guide

manifesto submission guide - YOUR MANIFESTO WILL APPEAR ONLINE AND PRINTED ONTO BANNERS. THIS GUIDE HELPS TO ENSURE YOUR MAINFESTO IS DISPLAYED AT THE BEST QUALITY - IF YOU DON’T FOLLOW THIS ADVICE, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE HOW WELL YOUR MANIFESTO WILL COME OUT WHEN WE PRINT IT. A4 LANDSCAPE PDF - SUBMITED BY EMAIL JPEG/PNG TOO IF POSSIBLE AT 300PPI IF SOFTWARE ALLOWS SMALLEST TEXT SIZE 14PT CLEAR FONT, EASY TO READ USE HIGHEST RESOLUTION/LARGEST IMAGES FOR BEST QUALITY

Useful Documents

Guide to Officer Elections 2017

Click here to download the Election Guide for the Officer Team Elections 2017.

Election Regulations

These elections are governed by Bye-Law 8 and the Election Regulations. Click here for the Election Regulations 2016/17.

Bye Law 8

These elections are governed by Bye-Law 8 and the Election Regulations. Click here for Bye Law 8 2016/17.

Election Complaint Form

A student or candidate wishing to submit an election complaint must do so using the Guild of Students Election Complaint Form, which will be emailed to all candidates and can also be found here. In most cases evidence shall be requested (if not already provided) in support of the complaint. Evidence can be video recordings, photographs, computer screen shots and emails. The complaint will be sent to the nominated Returning Officer for a ruling. Complaints may be received up to 2 hours after the close of voting.

Elections Support for Candidates with Disability

The purpose of this process is to make Guild elections more accessible to disabled students by offering the support of a member of student staff to assist in election activities. Click here to view this policy.

Additional Election Support Request Form

Having reviewed the above policy, if you wish to request additional student staff support for the Officer Elections 2017 please complete this form and return to elections@guild.bham.ac.uk.

List of Freely Available Items

This is a list of things you can use without making a claim from your candidate budget. Click here for the List of Freely Available Items in this election.

Student Groups Endorsement Guidelines

Please click here to download the Guidance on the Student Groups Endorsement process. This is a new process for the Officer Elections 2017. These steps must be followed if a Guild Group or Society wishes to endorse a Full-Time Officer Candidate. If you have any questions about this process, please email: elections@guild.bham.ac.uk

Student Groups Endorsement Form

Please click here to download the Student Groups Endorsement Form. A completed and signed copy of this form, must be submitted along with the minutes of the meeting where the endorsement decision was made, in line with the Guidance above.