FAQs

Q). How do I run for election?

A). Running for election is really easy. You just need to provide us with some basic info before 5pm on Friday 15th February.

Q). I am an International Student. Can I work as an Exec member?

A). Yes you can! International Students will be given a one year student visa to take up the role. We often have international students on our Exec Team.

Q). What are the hours like?

A). The Exec Officer role is a full-time job, you are required to work an average of 35 hours per week. We are happy to make arrangements for you to work these flexibly, if you have parent or caring responsibilities or access needs, for example.

Q). How does taking a year out work if I am not currently in my final year?

A). Any registered student should be able to take a year-long interruption from their course. If you are a part-time or Master’s student then the best thing may be to finish your dissertation during the first few months of the role (we can make arrangements and put support in place for you to do this), or to take an interruption and complete your dissertation after you’ve finished.

Q). What and when will I get paid?

A). Exec Team Officers get paid an annual salary of around £19,500 and you will be paid by bank transfer on the 15th of every month.

Q). I don't have all of the skills I need. Will training be available?

A). Yes! The first few weeks will be filled with loads of training about all aspects of the job so you don't need to know anything in particular. As long as you come with enthusiasm and a passion to listen to students and work in their best interests we will help you learn anything else you need to know.

Q). The stand form asks for 100 words. What will this be used for?

A). Your 100 words will be used online and in official Students’ Union publicity, as will your manifesto. You can amend anything you input to the Elections Candidate Hub (the online portal we use) until Friday 23rd February, so please don’t worry if your ideas aren’t fully formed yet!

Q). When do I have to submit a manifesto?

A). It is not compulsory to submit a manifesto but it is in your best interests to create something to tell students about the kinds of issues that interest you. Manifestos are the main way of candidates putting their ideas and personality forward to voters and enables them to make an informed decision! Manifestos will be available on the Students’ Union website and linked to from the online ballot papers at the point of voting. You have until 24 February to send us your manifesto which is required in PDF format (to preserve your formatting) and the only restriction you need to consider is that it can be a maximum of 2 sides of A4.

Q). When do the names of students standing become public?

A). The names of all students standing will be kept secret until Friday 15th February when numbers and names of candidates will be made available after the candidates briefing. Manifestos, statements and slogans will be uploaded to the Students’ Union website ready for the voting period on Thursday 28th February.

Q). How are results announced?

A). Voting will be open from Thursday 28th February -  Thursday 7th March and results will be announced  at around 21:00 on Thursday 7th March. Candidates will be taken into a room position by position and given the result in private. Following this the result will then be announced on stage. Candidates who have not been successful are encouraged be present while the results are announced but will have the option of not doing so.

Q) I’M A POSTGRADUATE STUDENT, HOW WOULD IT EFFECT MY STUDIES?

A). Depending on where you are in your course, you may decide to take an interruption in your studies, it is possible to interrupt your studies if you are a postgraduate student. For more information on doing this, read the University’s policy: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/services/rbess/graduate/code/changestodegrees/

Q). I’M A PHD STUDENT, WHAT IF MY SUPERVISOR DOESN’T AGREE TO MY INTERRUPTION?

A). Whilst you may wish to run the in the election, it is up to the discretion of your school and PhD Supervisor. More information can be found here.
You could also contact the Students’ Union Advice Service for more information here

Q). HOW DOES TAKING A BREAK WORK WITH MY FUNDING BODY?

A). PGRs should contact their funding bodies directly regarding taking a break from study.

Q). ARE THE HOURS FLEXIBLE?

A). Elected Full Time Officer roles are full-time and you will be contracted to work 35 hours per week, however the role is extremely varied and your hours may vary week to week. The Students’ Union offers flexible working for all its employees and will work with you to make sure you maintain a healthy work-life balance.