USSA Elections 2014 nominations now open

By Silja Slepnjov, Editor

Nominations for University of Strathclyde Students’ Association Executive Committee for 2014/15 were officially opened last week.

For the first time ever, the annual student election campaigns across higher and further education students’ associations across Glasgow will be combined.

The three institutions that have decided to make their elections a joint venture this year are USSA, Glasgow Caledonian University Students’ Association and City of Glasgow College Students’ Association.

Glasgow is the first city in Scotland to run their student elections in this revolutionised way.

It is hoped that increasing the scale and profile of the elections will encourage students to engage with and appreciate the huge social importance of elections and that the increased democratic engagement and political interest generated will continue into future elections at a local and national level.

President of USSA, Kwaku Adjei, said:
“I’m really excited about the election campaign this year as it will be on an unprecedented scale. I really hope other students take this opportunity to stand for election and/ or vote for the person they think will best represent their voice.”

President of Glasgow Caledonian University Students’ Association, Matt Lamb, commented:
“To stand for election is an exciting time for a student. I believe that having three institutions jointly promoting their election will encourage students to make their voices heard and increase future democratic participation.”

President of City of Glasgow College Students’ Association, Gavin Quinn, said:

“I enjoy the chance to represent the student voice and I think that by combining the elections in this way, we can really raise the profile of mutual student politics across this city.”

There are five full-time sabbatical positions available within USSA: President, Vice-President Education, Vice-President Diversity & Advocacy, Vice-President Activities and Development and Vice-President Sports and Wellbeing. There are also six part-time voluntary posts to be filled.

Any attending Strathclyde student can run for these positions.

More information on the elections process can be found at http://www.strathstudents.com./elections. Nominations will stay open until February 14, 12 noon.