Student Officers have been integral in developing the university experience over the years – through introducing the first ever Welcome Week, getting rid of exam re-sit fees and successfully getting national policies changed for the benefit of students. It’s important to trust and have confidence in the people who are going to be taking care of your concerns, campaigning on your behalf, and ultimately aiming to make the university a better place for students.

I was indoctrinated to SU elections as a fresher, before I really knew what the SU was, because the president of my sports club at the time was standing to be Sports Officer. Honestly, looking back on it, that was one of the most defining experiences of my time at university – helping out on a campaign team, encouraging everyone I knew to vote, and becoming inspired by the change we could make.

SU politics isn’t all about being cringe and infighting and playing at being politicians – I didn’t know we even had a Student Council until I had to attend my first one as an Officer. There are so many ways to get involved with the Students’ Union, and chances are you do already – maybe you’re part of a club or society, you’ve been to an SU outlet, or you’ve attended an event in Welcome Week. SU Officers oversee all that, and so much more: it’s crucial that you vote for people who will provide a student experience that you want to see.

So why should you vote? Simply put, these are the people are going to be representing the student voice, your voice, for the next 12 months, and delivering a university experience that impacts you.

Which positions are up for election?

Full Time Officers: These are the people running your Students’ Union. Positions are available for President, Education, Postgraduate, Democracy and Development, Welfare, Societies and Sports Officer. Each elected officer will spend the whole year working to run your Students’ Union, making things happen for you, your club or society, and your education.

Part Time Officers: These students work with the SU whilst continuing their studies. They represent the interests of specific groups of students, running campaigns and raising awareness of the experience these students face at Warwick and beyond. There are 10 PTOs, but the roles up for election this week are: Disabled Students’ Officer, Environment and Ethics Officer, Ethnic Minorities Officer, LGBTQUA+ Officer, Trans Students’ Officer, Widening Participation Officer and Women’s Officer.

Faculty Reps: These students ensure that your academic interests are heard in your faculty and within the SU’s democratic structure. They are essential in raising student concerns to all levels of the University, working with your Student Officer team and Course Reps. Positions available are Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine, Faculty of Social Sciences.

How can I vote?

Voting is online and is open from the 22^nd to the 26^th February. But before that, you can view the candidates and read their manifestos here.

You can vote for as many or as few positons as you want, just ensure that you take the time to listen to the candidates first and understand what they want to do for you. You’re trusting these people to represent you, so ask the candidates questions and find out more about them!

Most importantly: cast your vote and make your mark on this university.