When is the Election?

You can nominate yourself between 23rd September - 6th October at 10pm. 

Voting will open from 7th October - 13th October at 10pm. 

Results will be announced on the Birkbeck SU website on 14th October at 1pm. 

What is the Election? 

Student Union is run by students for students. As long as you are a current student at Birkbeck Students' Union you can put yourself forward for a role. We have roles in lots of capacity but all help contribute to making Birkbeck University work better for students. 

What roles are available? 

Student Parliament 

Student Parliament (previously known as student council) is the umbrella of all student roles at Birkbeck Students Union. Student Parliament have a lot of responsibilities and powers to ensure that the Union is run by students and benefits students. It's primarily responsible for serving as a discussion and debate forum for students to discuss relevant issues and propose policy proposals to the Students' Union. Those elected to a position can submit motions which if approved can alter student experience. All elected members of parliament will debate student issues and ultimately decide how the student union move forward to create positive change for students. 

Policies that have been approved by Parliament previously were AI Policy, Student Worker Rights, Postgraduate Socials and Cost of Living Impact just to name a few!

Only those elected to a Parliament position can have a casting vote at meetings. 

All members of Parliament are trained by the Student Voice team so don't worry we can help you on your way, You only need commitment and passion for student experience here at Birkbeck. 

Roles you can run for:

Running of Parliament 

• Chair of Student Parliament (7-8 hours per month)

The Chair ensures the running of parliament is fair and benefits students. The chair is responsible for attending 5 Parliament meetings and 9 Executive Committee meetings throughout the year. While also potentially chairing other SU events throughout the year. As chair, you would receive substantial training and support throughout your time in the role. The chair will also be a contact point for all student parliament. 

• Deputy Chair of Student Parliament (4-6 hours per month)

The deputy supports the chair in all responsibilities. A deputy must step in to chair any meetings that the chair of the student parliament is unable to as well as ensure that parliament is run fair to students. The deputy will also be a contact point for all student parliament. You would receive substantial training and support throughout your time in the role. 

Officers of Parliament 

All Officers of Parliament have to attend 5 Parliament meetings (Once every two months) plus 9 executive committee meetings (Once a month). You will also be responsible for ensuring your community is represented at parliament meetings. All the roles below have a specific community that needs to be represented in meetings to ensure that parliament is making decisions that benefit the majority of members at Birkbeck. 

• Mature Students Officer (4-6 hours per two months)
• Environments and Ethics Officer (4-6 hours per two months)
• Anti-Racism & Anti-Fascism Officer (4-6 hours per two months)
• Employment Rights and Trade Union Liaison Officer (4-6 hours per two months)
• Clubs and Societies Officer (4-6 hours per two months)
• Community Officer (4-6 hours per two months)
• Research Students Officer (4-6 hours per two months)
• Care Experienced and Estranged Students Officer (4-6 hours per two months)
• Postgraduate Students Officer (4-6 per two months) 
• Parent and Carer Officer (4-6 hours two months)
• Mental Health Officer (4-6 hours per two months)

More information on roles can be found here

All roles are voluntary and are open to all current students. This position is elected on the Birkbeck SU website. 

Student Head of Faculty (New!)

This role is brand new to Birkbeck and will only be available in the autumn election. The Student Head of Faculty is a Voluntary role, responsible for representing student views at the faculty level. This role involves collaborating with academic representatives from various departments to address student-wide changes and issues. The Student Head of Faculty will lead and coordinate efforts to ensure that student voices are heard and acted upon in faculty decisions. 

There are two positions for each faculty up for election. Student Head of Faculty Undergraduate (UG) and Student Head of Faculty Postgraduate (PG).  

Academic Reps

The Academic Representative is a voluntary role, that is responsible for representing student views and concerns at the departmental level. This role involves working on issues that directly relate to their course and collaborating with the Student Head of Faculty to address broader student-wide changes and issues. The Academic Representative ensures that the voice of students in their department is heard and acted upon in departmental and faculty decisions. Academic Reps will have to attend one meeting in week 5 of teaching and have to conduct some student research about the cluster of students they are representing. Any student can be an academic representative, all you have to do is ask your lecturer at the start of term. 

How can I nominate myself?

Write a small manifesto as to why students should vote for you and why you are passionate about the role (max 500 words). This is what students will see before they cast their vote. It will also require you to submit this when you nominate yourself. 

Click Here to Nominate/Vote

Any issues please email su-elections@bbk.ac.uk