This week marks the opening of nominations for the two empty YUSU roles.
The part-time positions, both of which were not filled in the main round of elections last term, are for Racial Equality Officer and Mature Students Officer.
In last term’s elections, there were no candidates standing for either role by the time voting opened, but it is hoped that this term will see a change. Both are part of YUSU’s drive towards equality and representation.
The successful Racial Equality Officer will be responsible for both black and minority ethnic students, while the Mature Students Officer (who should be over the age of 21) will be responsible for representing the interests of mature students.
The current Mature Students Officer, Minal Supri, described how “being a mature student” is sometimes a “daunting experience”, and as a result there are “older students on campus who may need the support that comes from fellow mature students.”
Supri also added her encouragement to anyone thinking of going for the position, saying that it was, “a great role and you make lots of friends.”
Nominations for both positions open on Thursday 2nd May, and close on the 8th May. This will then be followed by a period of campaigning for the candidates before students are finally allowed to vote for each Officer between the 16th and 21st May.
At the same time these nominations open, students will also be asked to vote in the final round of referenda for this academic year.
There are four motions for students to vote on, including whether YUSU should stop selling The Sun newspaper, and whether YUSU should enforce the proposed no-platform policy.
Like the nomination period, voting on these referendums ends on the 8th May and the results should be announced soon after.
If you are thinking of nominating yourself for either role and would like to know more, students are advised to visit the Union website for more information, or alternatively, you can email Peter Warner-Medley directly at [email protected].