Nominations are open for undergraduates to get involved in BUSU and Brock’s governing bodies for the 2024-2025 school year, including BUSU’s Board of Directors, Brock University Senate, and Brock Press Board of Directors.
“Getting involved in student governance strengthens leadership skills, fosters collaboration, and empowers students to make a positive impact on our campus” said BUSU’s Vice-President, University Affairs, Carleigh Charlton. “Student senators and BUSU Board members play a crucial role in representing the student voice. Our senators help inform academic policy, while Board members oversee BUSU's governance; All leaving their mark and helping to shape the student experience for the better, year after year.”
BUSU’s Board of Directors is the organization’s governing body that oversees the strategic direction of the organization, and makes decisions regarding finance, human resources, and legal matters. 100 per cent of voting members are students.
The Brock Senate oversees the academic policy of the University. Brock Senate is made up of approximately 70 members including six elected undergraduate students plus BUSU’s Vice-President, University Affairs. Being a member of senate is a great opportunity to advocate on behalf of students. All undergraduate Brock Senate seats are two-year terms.
The student representative on the Brock Press Board of Directors is responsible for attending all Board of Directors meetings throughout the year which handles matters that affect the organization, such as budgets and staffing. This is a non-voting role.
To summarize, the available positions up for election this semester are:
The nomination period for the BUSU Board of Directors, Brock Senate and Brock Press Board of Directors will run from Jan 15 to 26. Submissions must be completed and submitted to the BUSU Office by 12:00 p.m. on Jan 26. You can pick up your nomination package at the BUSU front desk during office hours.
After nominations have been submitted, there will be an allotted week for candidates to prepare for their campaign. Beginning February 5 candidates will have the opportunity to campaign around campus and online as to why they should be elected. Campaigns close on February 15.
Voting will begin at 12 a.m. on February 13 and closes at 9:00 p.m. on February 15. All Brock University undergraduate students will receive a ballot via their Brock email. Voting is simple, students will click the link provided in their email and will be directed to an online ballot. Results will be announced shortly after 9 p.m. on February 15 on BUSU’s Instagram @BrockBUSU as well as in person during our Election Night Free Pizza and Movie, taking place in Union Station. Full results from this election can be found on the BUSU website the following day.
“Together, students voices are so powerful and have the ability to create real change,” said Charlton. “Voting is important and allows students to have agency over their student experience. It shapes the direction of BUSU and informs the decisions made across the university community.”
This year students will also find a referendum on their ballot and are encouraged to vote on changes to the terms associated with the new Student Centre that was already approved back in 2019 via Referendum. This Referendum will enable BUSU to move forward with the next steps in the process for building.
To learn more about the election and referendum, visit the BUSU website. Be sure to follow @BrockBUSU on Instagram during the campaign period for updates and announcements.