While the last Student Union Society (SUS) general elections that took place earlier this year don’t seem too long ago, there is already another round of SUS by-elections coming up soon.
This time, five positions are open on the SUS board of directors. They are: Aboriginal representative, college of arts representative, faculty of access and continuing education representative, faculty of applied and technical studies representative, and school of graduate studies representative.
The importance of these roles on the SUS board is to ensure there is a voice to represent every faculty.
“All the roles are unique because they represent very distinct departments,” SUS vice president internal Ashmeet Saran said.
SUS has already started advertising for the election via social media and posters on campus. They hope to reach a voter turnout of 15 per cent — similar to that of the March general elections — as opposed to the usual eight per cent turnout.
“For this election we have our hopes quite high because there’s already a benchmark, so that has to be followed,” said Saran.
All UFV students, including first years, are encouraged to participate by voting, or even running in the elections.
“It’s a gateway for people to get more involved … and make their university life experience better,” said Saran. “If [anyone] is really confident about running for one of the positions, then go ahead. There’s no harm in it. Just because someone’s new to UFV, doesn’t mean that they aren’t qualified.”
Nomination packages are available online from the SUS website and are being accepted until September 30. The campaigning period, including candidate meetings, will take place from October 10 to 23 and students will be allowed to vote online through myUFV from October 24 to 25.
