Shape the Western Student Experience: Run for a USC Leadership Role!

Running for an elected position is much more than just a resume builder, you have a chance to make a real impact on the student experience at Western. Here’s a breakdown of the elected roles to run for:

USC President

Elected by the entire student body
As the leader of the USC, the President is the voice of Western undergraduates, and the CEO of the corporation. This role works with their Vice-Presidents to spearhead advocacy efforts, oversee services and events, and represent students in political and university matters.

VP External Affairs (VPEA)

Elected by the USC General Council
The VPEA represents Western students beyond campus. They build partnerships, lobby government and community groups, and advocate for policies that improve student life off-campus.

VP University Affairs (VPUA)

Elected by the USC General Council
The VPUA champions on-campus advocacy, collaborating with faculties, clubs, and university administration to address key student issues and enhance campus life.

Student Councillors

Elected by the student body
Councillors represent their faculties and undergraduate associations on the USC’s General Council. With over 49 positions across all faculties and associations, Councillors work to amplify student voices, craft policies, and support initiatives that shape the student experience. There are two types of councillors: voting members—typically Faculty Councillors—and non-voting resource members—often Faculty Presidents. Resource Members can share insights but don’t have a say in voting or deliberating at General Council meetings the way voting members do. Each faculty will have their own rules and procedures for members so please check out what your Faculty Council constitution says before running.

Additional Opportunities

Looking for more ways to get involved?

• Paid Student Roles: Contribute to governance, advocacy, or operations. Check out current openings here.
• Elected Roles in Other Bodies: Explore elections for the Senate, Board of Governors and more here.

Whether passionate about advocacy, decision-making, or program support, there’s a place for you in shaping Western’s future. Ready to make your mark? Learn More and Get Involved!

If you’re running for an elected role, it’s important to know and follow the policies and procedures that govern the election process. Below is a breakdown of the rules and guidelines to keep in mind:

Key Policies and Governing Documents

1. By-law #2: Elections By-law
   Rules and regulations for candidates and the Elections Governance Committee (EGC).
2. Elections Governance Committee (EGC) Terms of Reference
   Details the composition and mandate of the EGC.
3. Elections Rules and Violations Policy
   Comprehensive guidelines for candidate conduct during the campaign.
4. Elections Violations Procedure
   Steps for processing, reviewing, and publicizing election violations.
5. Elections Referendum Policy
   Outlines the process for adding a referendum question to the ballot.
6. Policy on Dual Degree Students
   Explains procedures for candidates or voters in two faculties.
7. Registered Interest Party Procedure
   Details how to form a registered interest party to campaign in a referendum.

Campaign-Specific Guidelines

• EGC Campaign Finance Procedure
  Follow the process for tracking and submitting campaign expenses. Use the provided expense tracking sheet and submit it with receipts by the specified deadline.
• EGC Balloting Procedure
  Understand the process for ballot development in fall and spring elections.
• ECG Nominations Procedure
  Complete the nomination form accurately and on time to be eligible. Please note that forms and their content may vary year over year. You’ll need to provide information including your name, address, phone number, UWO email, and student number along with information about your faculty and the position you’re nominating yourself for. If you’re unsure about how to record your information, contact the CRO. You’ll also need a certain number of nominators (5-50, depending on the role) who support your candidacy by providing their name, email, and student number as endorsements.
• Spending Limits
  Stay within the specified spending limits outlined in the campaign finance guidelines.

Affiliate-Specific Candidate Guidelines

• Huron Election Procedures and Policies
  Understand the process for elections at Huron
• Kings Election Procedures and Policies
  Understand the process for elections at Kings

Candidates and campaign teams must thoroughly read and follow all elections bylaws, policies, and procedures. Failure to comply may result in penalties or disqualification. Make sure you’re prepared and informed to run a fair and successful campaign!

If you believe a candidate or campaign has violated election rules, you can file a formal complaint. Follow these steps:

1. Submit a Complaint: File your complaint through the Elections Governance Committee (EGC) by following the outlined Elections Violations Procedure. Be sure to include detailed evidence and specific references to the violated rules or policies.
2. Processing and Review: The EGC will review your complaint, assess the evidence, and determine if a violation occurred.
3. Appeals: If you disagree with the EGC’s decision, you may file an appeal. Appeals must be submitted promptly and follow the appeals process outlined in the elections policies.

For more information or assistance with the process, contact the Chief Returning Officer (CRO) at cro@westernusc.ca.

All required forms for USC elections, including Nomination Forms, Expense Tracking Sheets, and Appeal Forms, are available through the Elections Governance Committee (EGC).

Nomination Forms

There are four specific nomination forms based on the role you’re applying for:

1. USC President
2. Vice President (VP)
3. Faculty Council President
4. Faculty Councillor

Make sure to complete the correct form for your category to officially declare your candidacy.

Other Forms

• Expense Tracking Sheet: Use this to log campaign expenses and submit it with receipts by the deadline.

Appeal Forms: File this form below if you want to appeal a decision made by the EGC.

1. Fill Out Your Nomination Form
   Download and fill out the nomination form from this page and make sure you select the one for the position you’re applying for (there are different forms for different positions).
2. Submit Your Form
   Upload your completed form using the “upload your nomination form” button below in the “candidate tools” section. If you run into any technical issues, you can email it directly to the EGC at egc@westernusc.ca. Everything must be submitted by the end of the nomination period. Please be very mindful of the deadline, late submissions will not be accepted.
3. Wait for Verification
   It may take a few days for your form to be reviewed. If there’s an issue with your nomination, the CRO or CDRO will contact you.
4. Start Campaigning!
   Once your form is approved, you’ll get an email confirming your candidacy. Then, it’s time to kick off your campaign!
   

If a position remains vacant after an election, follow these steps to fill it:

• Report the Vacancy: It is the responsibility of each faculty or association to report any vacant positions to the Chief Returning Officer (CRO) and Governance team at the USC. This includes positions that went unfilled during the general election or became vacant afterward.
• Consult Your Faculty Constitution: Each faculty or association has a governing document that typically outlines the process for handling vacancies. Typically, it will state that your council may either hold a by-election or appoint a new representative internally, depending on the constitution’s guidelines.
• Consult the CRO and Governance Team: If your faculty constitution does not provide guidance on how to address the vacancy, contact the CRO and USC Governance team for assistance.
• Appointment or By-Election: Based on your faculty’s governing documents, vacancies can be filled either through an internal appointment process or by holding a by-election. If your constitution allows for a by-election, the CRO and Governance team can assist in administering the process.
• Follow USC Procedures: Ensure all steps comply with USC policies, including nomination requirements and eligibility criteria.

1. Chief Returning Officer (CRO)
   For inquiries about nomination forms, election rules, or candidate responsibilities, email the CRO at cro@westernusc.ca.
2. Chief Deputy Returning Officer (CDRO)
   For additional election-related questions or support, contact the CDRO at dro@westernusc.ca.
3. Elections Governance Committee (EGC)
   For matters related to the Elections Governance Committee’s procedures or decisions, email the EGC at egc@westernusc.ca.
4. Senate and BOG Elections
   Senate and BOG elections requirements are determined by the Secretariat’s office, please direct questions about those elections to elections@uwo.ca
5. Governance Team
   For questions about USC policies, candidate resources, or vacancy processes, contact:
   • Manager, Government Services: Dane Ferry at dane.ferry@westernusc.ca
   • Senior Manager, Governance and Advocacy: Melissa Kamphuis at melissa.kamphuis@westernusc.ca