; Students’ Union Elections 2013 If you have picked up this pack, it means you are considering becoming a Student Union Representative for all your fellow students at East Kent College. This is a very rewarding experience and will have great benefits for you, but it does come with certain responsibilities. This pack is here to let you know what the benefits of being an SU representative are, what the responsibilities are and if you wish to run for a position, how you do it. To ensure fairness, the process of becoming a candidate is regulated, therefore we urge you to read this pack thoroughly to ensure you have truly understood what is required of you, both as an SU representative, and in terms of the materials you will need to submit to be an eligible candidate. Firstly, What is a SU Representative? An SU Representative is someone who listens to the opinions of their fellow students, and tries to forward any concerns to the College or other bodies such as NUS (National Union of Students), or other local and national bodies. Representatives think about the wider picture, and attempt to mediate between opposing views, ensuring that the people they represent at East Kent College, have their views adequately addressed. The Students’ Union is the official body to represent all students at East Kent College. In this Students’ Union, there are three types of representatives, each with a different level of responsibility: A Sabbatical Officer – elected to form the part-time President post of the Students’ Union for one year. They work part time within the Union, and in exchange receive a wage. SU Vice President – a voluntary student who will assist the President and support the SU Officers. SU Officer – 6 Voluntary Students that commit to their individual roles and contribute in the Student Union body. For this election the SU President, Vice President, LGBT Officer and Disabilities Officer are already in post. Therefore, rules state that each student can campaign for Vice President and/or ONE of the remaining five Officer posts.

Students’ Union Elections 2013, Nomination Pack Why should I run for a position? Being a Student Union Representative is a great opportunity to learn how to put other peoples concerns forward. You will get the opportunity to meet and influence people in high positions, and interact with them on an equal level. In the case of a Sabbatical Officer it will enable you to take a leading role in directing the work of an organisation, equipping you with skills in liaising, representation, office environments, running campaigns, negotiating with external groups, and we hope you will find it fun! In addition, you will get an enormous sense of satisfaction from knowing you have done a good job and made a difference! If you are still unsure, you could talk to one of the current EKC SU. As the different types of representative have different regulations to follow, we have separated out the posts into different areas of this handbook. Below is a list of all the positions available: Sabbatical President: If elected to the Sabbatical President position, you will be contracted to work 15 hours a week (Around your Course Timetable) as a member of East Kent College Staff. You will be issued your contract of employment, which you will be required to sign before you receive any payment, and you will need to provide your Bank Details, Photo ID, National Insurance number (and if an international student a valid UK visa or UK ID card. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure the correct documents are provided. The Sabbatical President post will have specific responsibilities and expectations which you will be accountable for (Please see Page 5 for detail). Generally, your role within the Students’ Union is to represent the views/concerns of all students within the College, and ensure all Student voices are heard. Position not available – Post already filled

Sabbatical Student union President: What the Student Body will expect from you: To be a positive Student Role Model and a professional ambassador for East Kent College. To attend all Union & Governing Body meetings To attend all other Committees you are appointed to To campaign on behalf of East Kent College students on the issues they bring to you To represent East Kent College students both within the College and externally To be available for your students during office hours To act upon all student enquiries/ requests and ensure feedback is always given in a timely manner. For you to remain active in your post for the entire duration of the term of office To adhere to the Code of Conduct for East Kent College What you can expect in return? Support & Guidance from NUS & East Kent College The opportunity to meet lots of new people and be a valued Staff A Member of the Student union Kent association of Further Education Colleges A Member of the East Kent College Enrichment team. Opportunities for Personal and Professional development Expert advice Real work experience Structured training on management techniques External training including recruitment and Leadership to run successful campaigns and workshops. Transferable skills to boost your CV. Invitations to local and National Events A lot of Fun! Position not available – Post already filled

Student Union Vice President: What the Student Body will expect from you: To be a positive Student Role Model and a professional ambassador for East Kent College. Support the President in his duties To attend all Union meetings To attend all other Committees you are appointed to To campaign on behalf of East Kent College students on the issues they bring to you To represent East Kent College students both within the College and externally To be available for your students during office hours To act upon all student enquiries/ requests and ensure feedback is always given in a timely manner. Remain active in your post for the entire duration of the term of office To adhere to the Code of Conduct for Student Union What you can expect in return? Support & Guidance from NUS & East Kent College The opportunity to meet lots of new people and be a valued member of the SU Become a Member of the Student union Kent association of Further Education Colleges Be a part of the East Kent College Enrichment team. Opportunities for personal and Professional development Expert advice Real work Experience Structured training on management techniques External training including Leadership to run successful campaigns and workshops. Transferable skills to boost your CV Invitations to local and National Events A lot of Fun! Position not available – Post already filled

Student Union Officers: What the Student Body will expect from you: To be a positive Student Role Model and a professional ambassador for East Kent College. Support the President and Vice Presidents in their duties To attend all Union meetings To attend all other Committees you are appointed to To campaign on behalf of East Kent College students on the issues they bring to you To represent East Kent College students both within the College and externally at events and Campaigns To be available for your students during office hours To act upon all student enquiries/ requests and ensure feedback is always given in a timely manner. Remain active in your post for the entire duration of the term of office. To adhere to the Code of Conduct for Student union What you can expect in return? Support & Guidance from NUS & East Kent College The opportunity to meet lots of new people and be a valued member of the SU Become a Member of the Student union Kent association of Further Education Colleges Be a part of the East Kent College Enrichment team. Opportunities for personal and Professional development Expert advice Real work Experience External training including how to run successful campaigns and workshops. Transferable skills to boost your CV. Invitations to local and National Events A lot of Fun!

EKC Student Union Officer positions up for election Feb-March 2014: Equality & Diversity Officer Cultural Officer Environmental Officer Events & Campaigns Officer Mature Students Officer

So, how do I nominate Myself? To be a candidate we just need a completed nomination form (and soon after, a Manifesto, a promotional poster/document that will tell students why they should vote for you and what you will do for them in return – we will help you create this, don’t panic!). Please submit a completed paper nomination form to Enrichment Officer and Student Voice Lead, Leanne Hawker, in the Basement. Your Manifesto must include; A written statement you are making to students telling them why they should vote for you, which must be no more than 300 words. It will be published on the VLE and on the Election Hub boards (in the refectory and welcome building) exactly as it is received, so please make sure all your spelling is correct. If it exceeds 300 words, only the first 300 will be published. A Passport style Photo of yourself. (For us to put on the website and on the Election Hub Boards It must be a.jpg file) Your Manifesto and Picture need to be submitted before the time and date that nominations close (see next page for the election timeline) If you do not submit these materials by the deadline, they will not be included in any publicity. (All photos and Manifestos will be checked in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct) IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE ALL MATERIALS ARE SUBMITTED ON TIME AND IN THE CORRECT FORMAT. LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED Remember, if you are a candidate, you are REQUIRED to attend one of the Candidates Briefings which will be held throughout the February term break (register for your place at a briefing via The Basement staff) FAILURE TO ATTEND THE COMPULSORY CANDIDATES BRIEFING, IN FULL, MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION If you are unable to attend either meeting you must Leanne Hawker at at least 24 hours