GHSA Elections

Guelph-Humber Student Association's election period is officially here.

Students are encouraged to run for a spot in their student government for the 2010-2011 school year.

Positions are available as a program representative to one of the eight streams Guelph-Humber has to offer.

There are also six executive positions available. Students can run for president or vice-president of operations, finance, academics, activities, or communication.

The week long nomination period begins today, and runs until 4p.m this Friday, March 12.

To be eligible as a candidate for election, students must fill out a nomination package, provide a brief biography, and ask for student signatures.

To be elected as a program representative, students must obtain at least 20 signatures from full-time Guelph-Humber students, while candidates running for executive positions must collect at least 40 names.

The nomination package can be picked up at www.ghsaweb.com

“This year, to be more environmentally friendly, the package will be available through our website.” Said Sunny Dhillon, GHSA’s Chief Electoral Officer.

Immediately after the nomination period ends on Friday, there will be an All Candidates Meeting at 4p.m in GH101.

This meeting is mandatory for all candidates, as campaign procedures, dates, and expectations will all be announced and discussed.

Campaigning will commence the following week. From 12a.m on March 15 to 11:59p.m on March 19, candidates will be promoting themselves to win student votes.

Campaigners will contend for votes by plastering themselves around the school with the use of posters, slogans, t-shirts, social networking websites such as Facebook, and direct marketing techniques.

“I handed out lollipops.” Shared Krissy Carlton, current GHSA president. “Students love free stuff – especially food.”

There will also be a Campaigning Day in the atrium from 11:30-2:00p.m on Tuesday, March 16.

“This year, for the first time, we planned an atrium Campaigning Day. All candidates will be invited to set up a table and talk directly to students about their platforms.” Explained Dhillon.

Voting will run from March 22-26. Online polls will be open from 10a.m-4p.m the entire week.

“Last year, we introduced our electronic voting system with great success. Since it helped increase voter participation, we will continue with that method.” stated Dhillon.

Students will be contacted through their Guelph-Humber account with a link to cast their vote.

“We have made voting very easy. It takes under two minutes and can be done almost anywhere.” Dhillon shared.

There will also be a polling station set up in the Guelph-Humber atrium during voting week.

Results will be tallied immediately after voting closes, and the winners will be announced at 5p.m on March 26, in the GHSA office.

Students elected into the GHSA have a real chance to make a difference and bring positive change to the school.

“Student government is incredibly useful and instrumental in changes. The members of the GHSA sit on many academic bodies, including the Academic, Management and Program Committee, which is the highest decision making body on campus. These students will bring a voice and help formulate new policies and programs to govern the university.”

The GHSA is growing every year. With the opening of the GHSA office, and the website, the organization is able to bring more change, and do more for the students it represents.

“The GHSA has grown in the number of elected members and will continue to evolve in the near future. Next year will be pivotal, since the organization’s structure and collaborations are under review to create efficiencies and a stronger bond now that it is larger and more mature.” Said Dhillon.