You learn so much and build so much confidence in yourself. You get to hear what people have to say about Uni and how they can make it better.
Andy Harmon, Wellbeing Officer 2018-19
Have you got your graduation merch yet? You can bag a deal both online and in person.
Student Officer Elections
The Student Officer Elections happen every year to decide who’ll take the place of your new Student Officer team.
This is an exciting chance to vote for who you think should lead The Union. Check out below how to get involved.
What is a Student Officer?
All eligible Manchester Met students can stand in our annual election to become one of five Student Officers, and every student can vote to decide who they'll be.
- Elected for one year into a full-time paid position, earning ~£24k. Please note, you'll need to seek permission from the trustee board to take on additional paid work if you become an elected officer
- Represent students at every level of decision-making in the University, the local community, and on national campaigns.
- Campaign for positive change on anything that affects student life.
- Accountable to their electorate (students).
- Lead the political direction of The Union.
- Also, a trustee for The Union (we are a registered charity with 10 trustees). Many organisations actively seek out Students' Union officers for recruitment.
- From public speaking and chairing meetings to campaign planning and organising, there’ll be opportunities to gain unique work experience.
- Each Student Officer role is different, but all start with team building and training.
The roles
- Leads the representation of student views and interests to the University, locally and nationally
- Develops positive community relations, promoting student interests locally and nationally, and maintaining strong working relationships with community organisations via forums and community groups
- Leads our public image and is a Governor at the University
- Leads the representation of student views and interests to the University, locally and nationally
- Leads the Course Rep system, working with staff and students to support almost 1,300 students to represent their courses
- Runs campaigns to ensure students are receiving a high quality academic experience
- Represents issues affecting all aspects of non-academic student life
- Represents students on accommodation issues, including halls, residences, and private landlords
- Works with student volunteers and campaigners on areas of student life and wellbeing
- Represents societies and student groups to the University, local and national organisations
- Leads the promotion of social, cultural, educational, religious, and political activities in The Union
- Works with student volunteers and campaigners to develop a strong organising culture within the Societies Council
- Represents student sport to the University, local and national organisations
- Responsible for the development of all sports sub-groups and their affiliate clubs, volunteer groups of collectives with associated training, campaigns, and support
- Works with student volunteers and campaigners to develop a strong relationship with the Sports Council
I've loved building meaningful relationships during my time as Wellbeing Officer, with both students and the staff at The Union. It's been such a memorable year, which has been pivotal to my growth, both personally and professionally.
Iqra Iftikhar, Wellbeing Officer 2022-23
Benefits of being an officer
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Represent 39,000 students
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Lead campaigns for change
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Gain career-boosting skills
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Work in a full time, paid role
Being an Officer - from start to finish
Stage 1: Nominations period
Nominations open on 2 December and close on 7 February. This is the time to nominate yourself as a candidate for an Officer role.
Stage 2: Candidate training
Now candidates will receive training to help them run a fair and successful election campaign.
Stage 3: Campaigning begins
Manifestos are confirmed and candidates are revealed (19 February). Candidates will start their campaigns around campus, convincing students that they’re the right person for the job.
Voting and new Officers elected
After the candidates have campaigned for their chosen position, students will vote from 24 - 27 February, and elect a new Officer team.
1 July – New Officers start
The newly elected Student Officers will take their position leading The Union.
There's loads of training and support available to help you in your role, it's brilliant for your professional development, and another year of student discount is a bonus!
Amy Kittle, Education Officer 2015-16
