Student Leadership Elections Guidance
Here you will find all the information you need to know about how our elections work for you.
Guidance
We want to ensure that you have as much information to engage in our election processes. Here you will find information on nominations and voting.
How Nominations Work
This guide will show you how you can nominate yourself in these elections.
How Voting Works
This guide will show you how you can vote, how voting works, and how your winners are decided.
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Myths - Busted
Myth
I’m not confident enough to be a Student Leader.
Busted
Confidence isn’t a requirement, it’s something you build in the role.
Student Leadership is about growth, not being the loudest voice in the room. Thoughtful, caring, reflective leaders are just as powerful.
Myth
I’m a distance learner, so it’s not really for me.
Busted
These roles represent all students, whether you’re a distance or blended learner.
Your perspective is valuable precisely because every student experience is different. Two out of three of the current Student Leaders were distance learners!
Myth
It’s just a title, nothing really changes.
Busted
Student Leaders influence real decisions.
From education and wellbeing to services and support, leaders turn student feedback into real action that shapes the Arden experience.
Myth
The election process is complicated and scary.
Busted
he process is straightforward and you’re supported at every step.
No CVs, no formal interviews. Just your values, your ideas, and your willingness to stand up for students.
Myth
I can’t balance this with real life.
Busted
These are paid, full‑time roles with structure and support.
You’re not expected to do everything alone - you work as part of a team with clear responsibilities.
Myth
I’m not the ‘perfect’ candidate.
Busted
There is no perfect candidate and that’s the point.
Student Leadership is about passion, commitment, and showing up for others, not ticking every box.
Myth
I need loads of leadership experience to stand.
Busted
You don’t need a long CV, you need passion, ideas, and a willingness to represent students. Many leaders start with zero formal experience.
Myth
If I don’t win, it’ll be embarrassing.
Busted
Standing is an achievement in itself. It shows courage, commitment and care for your community.
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flipped cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessibility needs shouldn’t be a barrier to applying for the Student President role and there is no requirement to disclose any needs before a candidate has successfully won the election. If you have any access needs or need assistance with your application, please email studentvoice@arden.ac.uk. If you are successful in the election, you will be an employee of Arden University, and we are dedicated to ensuring everyone is able to perform their role to the best of their ability. We’re able to make reasonable adjustments to support you in role, whether changing how things are done, physical features of the work environment or providing extra aids.
Voting takes place online through Unitu. Students just need to log in to the website, in order to vote. Each student gets one vote, and all voting is confidential.
We use a system called ‘First Past The Post’ on Unitu, which means the candidate with the most votes outright, wins the election. When voting closes, we count the results of the election, and then will communicate the winner via Arden University & Students’ Association channels including email. This will also be published on Unitu shortly after announced, with a voting breakdown.
The Election rules are there to ensure the election is free, fun and fair. These provide a clear set of guidelines for all candidates involved and for all students at Arden University, to ensure the process is transparent and clearly managed. You can find out more about the rules here, and they set out everything from who can nominate themselves to be Student President to what things you can/can’t do during the Election.
The Student President is the elected leader of Arden University Students’ Association. They represent all students at Arden and influence your experience throughout the University. As Student President you could: Meet with senior University leaders and academics across programmes to represent students and improve their student experience Work with students to campaign on issues that matter to them Network with other SUs across the country to learn from them and improve the student experience nationally Lead major campaigns to make the student experience better The possibilities are endless. The Student President role is full-time, salaried position – just like any job – and you can apply at whatever stage you’re at in your studies. Keep reading to find out how it works and check out the role description!
Election Rules and Regulations
Our election regulation outlines the rules and administrative arrangements that the Students' Association follows to ensure that the elections are fairly and properly conducted. We have this in place to ensure that our elections are delivered in a fair and democractic manner so you, our students, can decide who your leaders are.
From here you can read our election rules in full or submit a complaint where you feel the candidates or elections have not been conducted in accordance with our rules and conduct.