For Candidates
Interested in an elected role at the USC? Find out what you need to run a campaign today.
Information
General Election Nominations & Positions
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 in this by-election:
USC President
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.
– President Form
Vice-President (Vice-President External Affairs, Vice-President University Affairs)
The VPEA & VPUA represents Western students at western and beyond campus. They build partnerships, lobby government and community groups, and advocate for policies that improve student life on and off-campus.
– VP EA Form
– VP UA Form
Faculty Presidents (Arts&Humanities, FIMS, Health Science, Music, Social Science, Science)
– Faculty council presidents represent their faculties at an executive level and undergraduate associations on the USC’s General Council. Each faculty will have their own rules and procedures for members so please check out what your Faculty Council constitution says before running.
– Faculty President Form
Faculty Councillors (Arts&Humanities, FIMS, Nursing, Kinesiology, F&N, Health Studies, Music, Social Science, Science)
Councillors represent their faculties and undergraduate associations on the USC’s General Council. Councillors work to amplify student voices, craft policies, and support initiatives that shape the student experience. Each faculty will have their own rules and procedures for members so please check out what your Faculty Council constitution says before running.
– Faculty Councillor Form
Western’s Board of Governors Undergraduate Representatives
Represent student interests in Western’s highest governing body. The Board oversees strategic direction, finances, campus infrastructure, and senior leadership. Help shape Western’s future at the highest level..
– Click here for election details
Western Undergraduate Student Senators
Advocate for students in academic decision-making. Senate oversees programs, academic policies, and teaching and learning standards. Make sure student voices drive academic change.
– Click here for election details
What Can I Run For?
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!
What Rules Do I Need To Follow?
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 policies and procedures to keep in mind:
Key Policies and Governing Documents
- USC Electoral Code
Steps for processing, reviewing, and publicizing election violations. - By-law #2: Elections By-law
Rules and regulations for candidates and the Elections Governance Committee (EGC). - Elections Governance Board Balloting Procedure
How the ballot works for fall By-Elections and Spring General Elections - Elections Governance Board Campaign Finance Procedure
How to track and submit campaign expenses. - Elections Governance Board Nominating Procedure
Outlines the nomination process for students wanting to be candidates in elections. - Elections Policy on Dual Degree Students
Explains procedures for candidates or voters in two faculties. - Referendum and Plebiscite Policy
Outlines the process for adding a referendum question to the ballot. - Registered Interest Party Procedure
Details how to form a registered interest party to campaign in a referendum.
Campaign-Specific Policies and Procedures
- USC Electoral Code
Ensure you are aware of what constitutes a violation and the process for filing a complaint for yourself and your campaign teams. - Elections Governance Board 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. - EGB Balloting Procedure
Understand the process for ballot development in fall and spring elections. - ECB 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 EGB. 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 procedures. - Procedure for Campaigning in Residence
Understand the procedures for promoting your campaign within campus housing - USC Space Usage Guidelines for Candidates
Review the boothing and event guidelines within the UCC which is where the majority of campaigning typically takes place.
Affiliate-Specific Candidate Policies and Procedures
- 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!
What If I Want to File an Elections Complaint or Appeal?
If you believe a candidate or campaign has violated election rules, you can submit a complaint.
How to File a Complaint
- Submit Online: Use the Complaints Portal on this page.
– Include clear evidence and cite the specific rule(s) you believe were violated.
– Complaints must be submitted within 24 hours of the incident and must meet the criteria in the Electoral Code. - Investigation & Ruling: An independent investigator reviews the complaint and evidence.
– Eligible cases are forwarded to the Elections Governance Board (EGB), which may request additional information before issuing a ruling.
Appeals
If you believe the EGB’s decision was unfair, unreasonable, or outside their authority, you may request an appeal.
– Submit through the Appeals Portal on this page
– Appeals must be filed by 4:30 PM, two (2) days after the EGB decision is shared
– The Appeals Board will review process and fairness (not re-hear the full case)
– Frivolous or out-of-scope appeals may be dismissed
– Appeal decisions are final and binding
If you need help at any stage, contact the Elections team using the form below.
Where Can I Find Candidate Forms (Nomination, Expense, Appeal, etc.)?
All required forms for USC elections, including Nomination Forms, Expense Tracking Sheets, and Appeal Forms, are available through the Elections Governance Board (EGB).
Nomination Forms
There are five specific nomination forms based on the role you’re applying for:
- USC President
- Vice President External Affairs
- Vice President University Affairs
- Faculty Council President
- 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. Please note that appeals are considered by the Appeals Board, a separate governance entity which reserves the right to refuse appeals that do not meet their minimum thresholds for consideration.
Appeal Forms: File this form below if you want to appeal a decision made by the EGC.
What If There's Still A Vacancy After An Election?
Faculties and Associations may have different rules about this, follow these steps to figure out what comes next:
Consult Your Faculty Constitution: Each faculty or association has a governing document (a.k.a. constitution) that typically outlines the process for handling vacancies. It will likely state that your council may either hold a by-election or appoint a new representative internally, depending on the constitution’s guidelines. If the constuttion does not provide guidance on how to address the vacancy, contact the EGB or USC governance team for assistance.
Report the Vacancy: It is the responsibility of each faculty or association president and their co-council to report any vacant positions or changes in USC roles to the USC Governance team using the form. This includes positions that went unfilled during the general election or became vacant afterward. If a councillor resigns, they must submit a written resignation to the speaker (speaker@westnerunsc.ca).
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 EGB 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.
Who Do I Contact If I Have Questions?
1. For USC General and By-Election Inquiries: Please use the contact Form.
2. For Senate and BOG Elections: Please contact the secretariat’s office, elections@uwo.ca.
3. For governance inquiries or vacancy reporting, contact:
– Manager, Government Services: Dane Ferry at dane.ferry@westernusc.ca
– Senior Manager, Governance and Advocacy: Melissa Kamphuis at melissa.kamphuis@westernusc.ca