What are SOAS SU Elections?
SOAS SU is an independent, democratic organisation (charity) led by students who are elected by our members (SOAS students). In our elections, students can stand to be, and vote for, elected student leaders, some voluntary, and some paid. These representatives are your voice and act on your behalf in the Union, University and wider community fighting for you on an institutional, local and national level. It is so important for students to take part and vote in these elections so that individuals are elected who represent YOUR views.
Elections for the Research Students Association are currently open!
What is the RSA?
The SOAS Research Students’ Association is a student-led organisation, associated with the SOAS Students’ Union, which represents postgraduate research students across the school, communicating our needs with the Doctoral School, and fighting for positive changes in various forums.
The SOAS Research Students’ Association aims to represent the interests of all post-graduate research student at SOAS, campaign on PGR issues and support relevant campaigns that affect PGRs. The RSA additionally provides a social forum for PGRs, peer help and support and encourages students to engage in opportunities of professional development.
If you want to learn more about RSA and what being a board member involves, join us for an online information session on Wednesday 24th April at 3pm.
What are the rules within the RSA?
The RSA is made up of a President, a Vice-President, and a panel of Board members. The President and Vice-President are directly elected, and the Board is comprised of PGR departmental student representatives. Currently, your President is Ekabali Ghosh, your Vice-President is Charlie Oubridge, and your active Board members are Declan Prout, Yingbai Fu, Xinuo Liang and Priya Rowjee-Lewis.
What are some of the things the RSA has achieved this year?
Monthly meetings with the Doctoral School team to raise students concerns; involvement in decision-making at SOAS by participating in boards, panels, committees and working groups; working with the Doctoral School to improve the processing of grants; campaigning on extensions for students whose studies have been affected by COVID-19; supporting Research and Knowledge Exchange activities; launching the Research Community Reading List.
Where does the RSA represent students?
We represent PGRs is in monthly meetings with the Doctoral School and sit on various committees within the university and Students’ Union, including the Senate and Board of Trustees. Through these meetings, we represent the voices of PGR students on matters including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) and Research Ethics.
How can you get involved?
You can get involved by nominating yourself for the roles of President or Vice-President in our upcoming RSA elections, which are held annually in Term 3, or by standing for departmental student representative roles in Term 1 which will automatically place you on the RSA board. From here, you can volunteer to be on certain committees that interest you.
What are the rules of the election?
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Candidates must treat other candidates, students and members of the public with respect. This includes engaging in healthy debate, to not to campaign negatively or defame individuals character.
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Candidates’ campaigns should be fully transparent and accountable to the union.
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Candidates must not do anything to gain an unfair advantage.
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Candidates must not undermine the fair and democratic running of elections.
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Candidates shall be responsible for the actions of their campaign teams.
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Candidates must not break any general Union and School rules and regulations. This also includes the Law.
If you feel that any rules have been breached please contact Reem Walid - RW57@soas.ac.uk
What is the timeline?
22nd April 2024, 12pm (midday): Nominations open.
24th April 2024, 3pm: Information session.
1st May 2024, 12pm: Nominations close.
9th May 2024, 12pm: Elections begin and voting opens.
13th May 2023, 12pm: Elections close.
14th May 2023: Announcement of results.
You'll need to log into the SOASUnion website, using your student log in to see full details and vote in the election!
If you are experiencing any issues please email SUelections@soas.ac.uk
