Savanna Hoffman
Getting involved in student government is a great way for university students to get involved in the inner workings of their schools and make a difference. Student governments are often structured with a President and Vice President, Senior Senators, Junior Senators, and more, with the number of representatives varying depending on the university. To be eligible for candidacy, students must meet certain requirements, such as maintaining a minimum grade point average and being in good standing. Candidates should also be prepared to follow the election rules, including getting approval for campaign materials and ensuring all campaign workers are aware of the regulations. Winning strategies for getting elected include creating eye-catching posters, using logos to build a memorable brand, and being honest and genuine in your campaign messages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student Government Positions | President, Vice President, Senators, Representatives, etc. |
| Requirements | Registered for a minimum number of credits, a certain GPA, good standing, completion of at least one semester |
| Campaign Rules | Prior approval for events and materials, no use of university logos, compliance with regulations, expense reports |
| Election Process | Nomination forms, speeches, posters, voting |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements
- Student Status: Candidates must be enrolled students at the university and remain so throughout their term in student government.
- Academic Standing: Most universities require candidates to have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA). For example, Purdue University Northwest mandates a GPA of no lower than 2.5. Additionally, candidates cannot have been impeached or removed from the Senate for attendance or academic violations.
- Major Declaration: Candidates must be declared majors in the college they represent.
- Previous Experience: Some universities require candidates to have completed at least one semester at the university.
- Good Standing: Candidates must be in good standing as defined by the relevant office, such as the Office of the Dean of Students.
- Compliance with Regulations: Candidates must comply with all election and eligibility regulations established by the Student Government Association, Student Senate, and other governing bodies.
- Credit Requirements: In some universities, candidates must be registered for a specific number of credits. For instance, at Monmouth University, undergraduate candidates must be registered for at least 12 Monmouth University credits, while graduate candidates need at least nine.
It is important to note that specific eligibility criteria may differ based on the university and the specific positions within the student government. Candidates should carefully review the requirements outlined by their university's student government association and other relevant bodies.
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Campaigning techniques
Know your voters and the position you're running for
Before you begin campaigning, it is important to understand the qualities and values your voters will be looking for in a candidate. The position you're running for is also important to consider, as students will be looking for different qualities in a President than they would in a Treasurer, for example. Knowing the reason why you're running is also a great way to stay motivated and focused on your goal.
Create a logo and visual identity for your campaign
Having a logo and a visual identity for your campaign can make it easy for voters to identify and remember you. It also adds a level of authority and makes your campaign feel trustworthy.
Create striking visuals, bold colours, and sharp fonts for your posters
Creating eye-catching posters with bold colours and sharp fonts is a great way to turn heads and get people talking about your campaign. You can include simple or detailed information on your posters, depending on your campaign strategy and the "persona" you want to portray.
Get your message out there
Flyering is a great way to spread your message and get it directly into the voters' hands. You can also use slides or handouts during your campaign speeches to engage your audience and give them something to take home.
Follow the rules
It is important to follow the rules and regulations set by the Elections Committee. This includes getting prior approval for campaign events and materials, and submitting expenditure reports. Candidates are responsible for the actions of their campaign workers and affiliates, and any violation of rules may result in disqualification.
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Creating a persona
Firstly, it is important to understand the position you are running for. The qualities and values that students will be looking for in their President will be different from those desired in a Treasurer, for example. Knowing what position you are running for will help you create a persona that aligns with the expectations of your peers.
Secondly, be yourself. It may sound cliche, but it is important to be honest and talk about the topics that matter to you and your voters. You want to create a persona that is authentic and true to your values. This will help you gain the trust of your peers and make your campaign more relatable.
Thirdly, consider your campaign materials. Your posters, flyers, and other promotional items should reflect your persona and the image you want to project. For example, if you want to portray yourself as a fun and creative candidate, you might use bold colours and striking visuals in your posters. On the other hand, if you want to emphasize your professionalism and reliability, you might use a more simple and elegant design.
Lastly, consistency is key. Once you have established your persona, ensure that all your campaign materials, speeches, and interactions with peers align with this image. The more people see and hear your name, the better, so spread your message far and wide, but always remain true to the persona you have created.
Remember, creating a persona is about finding an "average" of the student body members you want to vote for you. It is about understanding their values and expectations and presenting yourself as a candidate who can represent and advocate for their interests.
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Nomination procedures
Eligibility:
First, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria to run for student government. This may include requirements such as:
- Being a registered student of the university, often with a minimum number of credits or a certain GPA.
- Being in good academic and disciplinary standing, without any recent attendance or academic violations.
- Having completed at least one semester at the university.
- Being a declared major in the college you wish to represent.
Understanding the Position:
Before nominating yourself, it is important to understand the specific position you are seeking. Different positions within student government may have unique requirements and qualities that voters are looking for. For example, the qualities desired in a President may differ from those sought in a Treasurer. Understanding the role and responsibilities of the position will help guide your campaign.
Nomination Forms and Deadlines:
Obtain and carefully review the nomination forms and paperwork required by your university's student government election committee. Fill out the necessary forms completely and accurately, and be mindful of submission deadlines. Late submissions are often not accepted and may disqualify your nomination.
Campaign Rules and Regulations:
Familiarize yourself with the university's rules and regulations for campaigning. These guidelines govern the use of campaign materials, posters, and logos, as well as the distribution of these materials across campus and in residence halls. Understanding and adhering to these rules is essential to ensure a fair election process and avoid any violations that may impact your eligibility.
Expense Reports:
Keep track of your campaign expenses, as you may be required to submit a campaign expenditure report by a designated deadline. This report should detail any money spent on your campaign, and failure to submit it may result in a violation.
Signature Requirements:
Some universities may require you to collect signatures from a minimum number of your peers to support your nomination. Ensure that you meet this requirement and submit the signatures along with your nomination papers.
By following these steps and adhering to the specific requirements of your university, you can effectively navigate the nomination procedures for student government elections and increase your chances of getting elected.
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Election rules
The following are some rules to be considered for a fair election process for student government at universities.
Eligibility Criteria:
Each university has its own eligibility criteria for students to be able to contest elections. For instance, at Purdue University Northwest, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of no lower than 2.5 and must have completed at least one semester at the university. At Monmouth University, candidates must be registered for a minimum number of credits.
Campaign Rules:
Candidates are responsible for educating their campaign workers about the rules set forth by the Elections Code. Campaign events that promote a candidate are permitted inside and outside designated areas with prior approval from the Elections Committee. All campaign materials must specify the person or campaign of origination. No campaign material shall be distributed in residence halls or off-campus living areas without permission. Candidates must submit a campaign expenditure report by the designated time.
Disqualification:
Any person found guilty of tampering with the election process or results will be disqualified and may face further disciplinary action. Major violations include the violation of Living Area campaign rules and posting any slanderous material.
Voting System:
The Elections Committee is responsible for developing and implementing a voting system to carry out elections.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some tips to run a successful campaign for student government in university:
- Understand the qualities and values students will be looking for in a candidate for that position.
- Brainstorm why you are running — is it for a broad purpose, such as to promote a greater sense of unity in your class, or a specific purpose, like bringing an art club to your school?
- Create a slogan and use it on all your marketing materials so that your name becomes recognisable.
- Create striking visuals, bold colours and sharp fonts for your posters.
- Be honest and talk about the topics that matter to you and your voters.
Here are some tips to deliver a successful speech during your campaign:
- Start writing your speech at least a week before you have to deliver it so that you have time for teachers and your parents to proofread it and give suggestions.
- At least three days before your speech, you should be practicing it in the mirror and in front of family and friends.
- On the day of the speech, pick an outfit you feel comfortable with, arrive at the auditorium where you will be speaking early, and remember that your audience is interested in what you have to say.
The student government in universities usually follows a senate style of governance. The senate is comprised of elected members that include a President and Vice President, Senior Senators, Junior Senators, Sophomore Senators, Freshman Senators, Senators At-Large, and Commuter Senators.
The eligibility criteria for running for student government in university vary depending on the university. For example, at Monmouth University, each undergraduate candidate must be registered for at least 12 university credits, and each graduate candidate must be registered for at least 9 university credits. Additionally, candidates who have been removed from the Senate twice for attendance or academic violations or impeached once are not permitted to run for office.
Here are some ways to promote your campaign for student government in university:
- Create campaign posters with striking visuals, bold colours, and sharp fonts. Ensure that you get approval from the relevant authorities before posting them on campus.
- Spread your message through flyering, and get it directly into the hands of the people you want to vote for you.
- Use social media accounts to promote your campaign and share your slogan.
