The UCASU Elections are your opportunity to shape student life at your campus and influence decisions that matter to students across the University for the Creative Arts.

 

THE TIMELINE

 

NOMINATE YOURSELF

 

BECOME A CAMPUS PRESIDENT!

Each year, students can stand to become a Campus President: a paid, full-time leadership role at the heart of the Students’ Union and the University. Campus Presidents work year-round to represent students, lead change locally, and ensure student voices are heard where decisions are made.

If you care about improving the student experience, want to develop leadership skills, and are ready to make a real impact, this could be the role for you.

 

Campus President Roles Available (2026):

  • Campus President – Canterbury
  • Campus President – Epsom
  • Campus President – Farnham

 

Each Campus President focuses on the needs and priorities of their own campus, while working as part of a wider UCASU officer team to shape Union-wide decisions.

 

WHAT DOES A CAMPUS PRESIDENT DO?

As a Campus President, you are the lead student representative for your campus. While no two days are the same, the role typically involves four key areas:

Representing students

  • Gathering student feedback and raising issues that affect your campus
  • ​Representing students in meetings with University staff and senior leaders
  • Making sure student views influence decisions before they are made


Leading on your campus

  • Being a visible, approachable leader students recognise and trust
  • Supporting student-led campaigns, ideas, and initiatives
  • Working closely with course representatives, societies, and student groups


Shaping change

  • Identifying issues that matter most to students on your campus
  • Setting priorities and developing projects for the year
  • Working with Students’ Union staff to turn ideas into action


Being accountable

  • Acting as a trustee of the Students’ Union charity
  • Upholding Union values and representing students responsibly
  • Reporting back to students on progress, decisions, and outcomes

 

WHY GET INVOLVED?

Being a Campus President is a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience in leadership, representation, and decision-making within a charity and higher education setting.

You will:

  • Be paid for your work as a full-time officer
  • Sit at the table where high-level decisions are made
  • Develop skills in leadership, communication, negotiation, and governance
  • Make meaningful, visible change for students at UCA

This is a full-time paid role, so depending on your course, you may need to take a year out of study. Full job descriptions are available for each role.

 

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER STANDING?

You don’t need previous Students’ Union experience to stand for Campus President.

You might be right for this role if you:

  • Care about improving the student experience at your campus
  • Are willing to listen to others and speak on heir behalf
  • Want to develop confidence, leadership and professional skills
  • Are curious about how universities and organisations work
  • Want to make a difference during your time at UCA

Support, training and guidance are provided throughout the role - you will not be expected to do this alone.

 

HOW DOES THE ELECTION WORK?

Step 1: Nominations

We begin with a nominations period, where students can put themselves forward as candidates for Campus President. At this stage, you only need to nominate yourself, you do not need a finished manifesto to stand.

Step 2: Creating your manifesto (with support)

Once nominations close:

  • All confirmed candidates will be contacted by the Students' Union
  • You will be supported to develop and refine your manifesto
  • Clear guidance, tips and optional feedback will be available to help shape your ideas

Your manifesto is a short statement explaining what you would like to achieve if elected. It must be no more than one A4 page and include:

  • Your name
  • The role and campus you are standing for
  • At least two pledges or priorities

Once submitted, all manifestos will be published on the UCASU website and promoted through Union channels.

Step 3: Campaigning and Voting

Candidates will then campaign to encourage students to vote. Voting takes place online using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, where students rank candidates in order of preference (#1, #2, #3, etc.). This system ensures the elected Campus President has broad student support, even if no candidate wins an outright majority in the first round. Check out this video for more information about the Single Transferrable Vote.

 

 

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

If you're thinking about standing, or just want to find out more, we'd love to hear from you.