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Applicant Guidance
The applicant hub is here with resources and guides to help you campaign and run in the SU elections.

For any questions and help, then please contact the Elections team: elections@upsu.com.



Download Rules | How to vote - videos & info

9th February

Deadline for eligibility form

18th February (2 - 6pm, The Hive)

Optional workshop and banner making drop-in session

18th February (6pm, the SU)

Annual Student meeting - find out more about the SU's finances and governance

23rd February (12pm, online)

Deadline for: photo/headshot, profile information, mandatory training, trustee declaration form

25th February (2 - 5pm, The Hive)

Optional workshop and banner making drop-in session

2nd March

Applicant announcment - this is when students will find out who's running to represent them (you!)

4thth March

Final optional workshop and banner making drop-in session

9th March (12pm)

Voting opens

10th March (12pm)

Speeches - you will be asked to deliver a one minute speech to the attendees at the Sports Forum explaining why they should vote for you.

12th March (12pm)

Voting closes

12th March (6pm - TBC)

Results announced. We will be announcing the results live from 6pm - the location and time will be confirmed soon.

Applicant Training

Please check your emails for a link to the mandatory e-learning. This needs to be completed by Monday 23rd February, 12pm. Once you reach the end of this training you will be asked to complete a form to tell us that you've completed it.

There are two presentations below which have been prepared by the Communications and Engagement team for you to learn more about social media and public speaking. Come along to one of the workshops over the next three Wednesday afternoons to ask any questions you might have.

Linkedin Learning

Every student at the University of Plymouth has free access to Linkedin Learning. We have gathered a variety of useful videos for student candidates to learn how to digitally promote themselves and develop skills to run a successful campaign as well as building your LinkedIn profile for the future.

Setting up your free Linkedin University account and other information LinkedIn Learning Candidate Training

Submit a Query

If you have questions about any aspect of the election process and would like further information, or are concerned about the behaviour of another applicant, contact our Student Voice Team who will be happy to discuss your query further. Let us know your query by completing the form below. This form will be shared with the Student Voice team only who will get in touch with you to discuss further.

Submit a query

Encouraging digital engagement

We want to help you to connect with as many students as possible and for you to consider a number of digital methods of communication. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

All University of Plymouth students have free access to some of to Unis software from home.
Free University Software

Taking a Professional Photo

Make sure your applicant photo is the best it can be for your profile.

Creating online engagement

It's easier than ever to create an online community of your own.

How to use LinkedIn Learning

Learn online, at your own pace, with a library of 5,000+ creative, business, and technology courses, on subjects from art to Zend.

Free online software

Here are a range of free tools that are available to you, we have gathered tutorials for most of these tools in your Linkedin Learning playlist.

FAQs

What support will I get?

All applicants will be given training by UPSU so they feel prepared and confident to take on the campaigning and voting period.

You will be supported by staff across UPSU, particularly the Elections team, who are there to support applicants to get the most out of the Student Elections. You will have the opportunity for regular catch ups to make sure you are on track, and to get support on any questions that you may have.

What do I have to do once I apply?

When you completed your application you will have been give four questions to answer:

    • What motivated you to run for a full-time representative role?
      Why do you think you would be a good President?
      What three words would your friends use to describe you?
      If you could change one thing in your Faculty what would that be?

    • Now that applications have closed you won't be able to access these questions on the UPSU website. We'll be emailing you a link to your own individual candidate folder where you can upload your headshots as well as updating your answers to the questions above any time up until Monday 23rd February (midday). After this time we'll take your answers and build you an online candidate profile on the UPSU website where students can visit to learn more about you and why they should vote for you.

    You can also start creating your campaign but remember, you cannot start campaigning until voting opens on Monday 9th March (midday). If you want to do an activity before this time but you aren't sure whether it counts as campaigning then please get in touch with us at elections@upsu.com and we'll be able to confirm whether it's permitted. If you haven't contacted us beforehand and you're found to have broken the rules then the consequences will be decided by the Returning and Deputy Returning Officers.

    You've also got the option to come along to our weekly drop-in sessions in the Hive on Wednesday afternoons (starting Wednesday 18th February) from 2pm. Here you can check in with the Elections team, chat with other applicants and even start making your banners (with paints and material provided - this will need to be factored into your Election budget at the cost of £2).

    Can I ask student groups to support me in the election?

    Yes, applicants can find out more about endorsement from student groups in the Elections Handbook that you will be sent via email.

    What is a campaign?

    A campaign is where you can share your ideas and convince others to vote for you in the upcoming election. How you do this is up to you.

    There are rules as to what you can and cannot do as part of your campaign, including your spending. If you are unsure of any of the rules, please contact the Student Voice team at studentvoice@su.plymouth.ac.uk.

    When would I start?

    Those who have been elected would begin paid training on the 24th June 2026, this period will be when the previous offices handover their roles to new officers.

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