By Beds SU
Thursday, 11 January 2024
Did you know that Beds SU is currently run by four Sabbatical Officers? Did you know that those four Sabbatical Officers are students at UoB? Did you know that our Student Elections are your chance to become a Sabbatical Officer?
Changes in 2024
We recently made a change to our officer make up that was approved by the student body and this year we will be electing two full-time officers in March and then four part-time officers in September. You can read more about this in our article.
The two roles coming up are
• 1 x Co-President who self-identifies as a man or non-binary
• 1 x Co-President who self-identifies as a woman
What Are Sabbatical Officers?
The positions open for application in March are full-time, paid roles within the SU. Individuals either take a sabbatical year out of their studies (interrupting their current course, with permission from course leaders) or take a year out to work with Beds SU after they graduate.
These Officers will spend large portions of their time gathering feedback from students across the University and working with the support of the staff team to create positive change for students with the aim of making a better university experience for all. Sabbatical Officers get to meet with senior members of the University, including the Vice-Chancellor, on a regular basis and advocate for the views of students.
These two Sabbatical Officer roles start in July 2024 and hold their position till the end of June 2025.
Key things you need to know about Student Elections
Beds SU members will be able to apply to become a Sabbatical Officer for 2024/25 between the 29 January (10am) and the 14 February (4pm).
To apply you'll need to tell us a little about why you would be good for the role and why your fellow students should vote for you. Look out for our helpful information on how to apply and writing your manifesto.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to attend Beds SU to film a short introduction to why students should vote for you and answer a few more questions to camera - filming is planned for the 15 February on Luton Campus, with videos being released at the start of voting.
In order to be eligible for these roles, you must have been a registered student at the University of Bedfordshire at the close of registration on 24 November 2023 AND on 7 March 2024 when voting closes.
You will also need to follow our rules and regulations- make sure you read these before you apply.
If successful, you will need to either interrupt your studies for a year or be graduating before July 2024 to take up the position. If you have any concerns about eligibility, please get in touch: elections@beds.ac.uk
All Beds SU members will have the chance to vote on who they want to run the Union between 26 February (12noon) and 7 March (4pm). During this time, we'll be providing loads of opportunities for you to meet voters, and will then release the results on Monday 11 March.
If at any point of the election you have any questions or queries please email elections@beds.ac.uk
Keen to find out more?
Register your interest now by simply filling in the form and one of the team will be in touch to discuss the process in a little more detail.