Full-Time Officers (known as FTOs), are students who have been elected into full-time, paid roles - our President and five Vice-Presidents. These students have either suspended or just finished their studies - they lead the union and represent the student body across the university, locally, and nationally. Find out more about the FTO roles!
Part-Time Officers (known as PTOs), are student volunteers who have been elected to lead the union’s Liberation and Campaign groups while continuing with their studies. Find out more about the PTO roles!
FTOs are ordinarily contracted to work 36.5 hours a week, with flexible working options available should you have caring responsibilities and/or access needs.
PTOs are given a guideline of 5-10 hours a week, with an absolute maximum of 15 hours. These can also be worked flexibly.
Not necessarily! The union uses a single transferrable voting (STV) system, explained below, to offer students the biggest possible say in who leads them.
In fact, many candidates from previous years found running and campaigning in itself to be a valuable experience - regardless of the outcome. Read our top reasons for running in an election!
Through the STV system, each candidate can give themselves the best possible chance by encouraging voters to allocate them a preference, even if the voter has already allocated their first choice to a rival candidate.
The system works like this:
Still scratching your head? Try watching our STV video!
Of course! You can attend one (or all!) of our Candidate Academies to help you write your manifesto and begin planning your campaign. After nominations close, all confirmed candidates will be invited to a briefing.
Successful candidates will receive full training upon beginning their term, and will be supported over the year by union staff.
Absolutely! Any student can hold a PTO role as long as they are still studying upon beginning their term in the next academic year.
For FTOs, the union can support you in applying for a visa if needed. For more information on visa considerations, click here. You can also contact The Base for further visa advice.
Yes! PTOs hold their roles while studying; if you are an undergraduate student running for an FTO position, you can contact your department about applying for intercalation. This would involve suspending your studies for one academic year.
PG taught students can either intercalate, or complete your studies while holding office. The union can offer flexibility in your hours and duties between July and September, to support you in completing your dissertation.
PG research, and PhD, students can apply to suspend their research for one year, at the discretion of their supervisor and/or sponsor.
For help in approaching your supervisor, you can consult the union’s Advice Service at advice@lancastersu.co.uk.
FTO and PTO roles both offer an opportunity to pick up unique skills and experience very early in your career, which may otherwise take years achieve.
FTOs act as directors and trustees of an £8million charity, and develop skills in project management, budget management, volunteer management, and lobbying educational and political institutions for change.
Meanwhile, PTOs receive bespoke training in budget and events management, while developing skills in volunteer management and planning and executing campaigns for change within their communities.
Fantastic! The first thing you need to complete your nomination is your manifesto. Head over to www.lancastersu.co.uk/elections for more information, or email elections@lancastersu.co.uk!
The second thing to do is note key dates for 2020: