Election FAQ's

Elections are a process where students choose who leads their Students Union and decides who represents them at the decision-making table. This is where students put themselves forward for the Sabbatical Officer role and try to persuade other students to choose them as the best person for the role, through voting for them. This means students can choose who leads their Students Union. As you know, Rave SU is run by students for students. The Officers work with the SU staff team, in the interest of the students and help set the direction and priorities of the SU for the upcoming academic year.

The election period runs from January to March with different stages until the officers-elect are announced. From pre nominations, to nominations, to campaigns and then voting. It’s a whole series.

All interested students need to put in a nomination and submit a manifesto on or before the nomination deadline.

There are two positions- one President, and one Vice President of Campaigns, Activities and Welfare.

You only need your enthusiasm and a palate for making impact. We’d provide you with all the help you need.

You can nominate yourself as a student, another student/staff member can refer others for nomination.

Please note, referral does not count as nomination. The referred student will be contacted, and the onus is on them to put in a nomination on or before the deadline.

A Manifesto is your opportunity to tell other students why they should vote for you and outlines your ideas and plans. Your manifesto should focus on your skill set and why you want to represent students, including what changes or projects you would implement if you were elected.

The Manifesto is not limited to a word count. You can use a combination of text, infographics, images, or a combination all these to create your manifesto. Be sure to include a photo of yourself (alone and not with others) so that voters know who you are.

You can include links to social media pages, videos, images, etc. Get creative with your manifesto as they could be useful materials for your campaign.

You should have your manifesto ready as you prepare to nominate yourself, we will also provide a training on what a good manifesto should look like.

Send an email to suelections@rave.ac.uk The elections team is here to support you and guide you through the process.

You can stand for more than one position at a time, but can only be elected onto one position, as both positions are full time salaried roles. You will not be able to dedicate enough time and attention to both roles.

Accessibility needs shouldn't be a barrier to applying for a Sabbatical Officer role and there is no requirement to disclose any needs before a candidate has successfully won their election. If you have any access needs or need assistance with your application, please email: suelections@rave.ac.ukso that we know how best to support you.

If you are successful, you will be an employee of Ravensbourne University. The University is dedicated to ensuring all staff members are enabled to perform their roles to the best of their ability. We’re able to make reasonable adjustments to this end – changes to the way things are done or physical features of the work environment or providing extra aid.

The SU prioritises candidate wellbeing in several ways. For example:

• Each candidate will have access to the SU staff members who are dedicated to supporting your wellbeing, after nominations closes.
• Candidate breakfast takes place during the campaign and voting period, where you can grab tea, coffee & pastries.
• Our Safe (StAAR) Space on the 1st floor will be open to candidates to relax and have some quiet time.
• The election rules prohibit negative campaigning (campaigning that focuses on why students shouldn't vote for other candidates, rather than why students should vote for them) and we have a robust and impartial complaints system in place.

Voting will take place online on the Student Union website, students simply need to log in to the website to vote. We would also be having voting stalls at the University building, where electronic devices will be provided, and students can just login to the website to vote.

A special results night event will take place on March 10th after voting closes. This will be where candidates & their supporters can celebrate their achievements and experiences during the elections. We will also be announcing the winners of specific awards during the campaign and overall election process.

Email suelections@rave.ac.uk with your question and a member of the elections team will respond to you as soon as we can.