Elections Guide

 

The 2024-2025 Executive Team

Do you want to represent your peers, shape student life at Huron, and have a voice in how your Students' Council operates?

Each year, HUCSC holds democratic elections to fill key leadership positions which are open to all undergraduate students. Whether you're passionate about advocacy, event planning, finance, communication, or community-building, there's a role for you.

What Are Elected Roles?

HUCSC’s elected positions are the backbone of student representation. These roles give you the opportunity to lead, influence major decisions, and ensure that the needs and voices of Huron students are heard.

General Assembly Representatives

GA Representatives are elected from each academic year and program at Huron. As a GA Rep, you will:

  • Represent your peers on the HUCSC General Assembly

  • Debate and vote on policies, budgets, and council initiatives

  • Bring forward student concerns and feedback

  • Contribute to committees and student-focused projects

This is a great entry point for anyone interested in leadership, policy, or advocacy and there’s no experience required!

Executives

The HUCSC Executive Council is made up of full-time student leaders who oversee portfolios, lead teams, and manage the day-to-day direction of the organization.

Executive roles include:

  • President: Leads the organization, represents HUCSC to the college, and sets strategic goals

  • Vice President, Communications: Manages branding, social media, outreach, and engagement

  • Vice President, Student Affairs: Oversees academic advocacy, student wellness, and inclusivity

  • Vice President, Events: Leads event planning, student programming, and campus traditions

  • Vice President, Finance: Manages the HUCSC budget, funding programs, and financial operations

  • Speaker of the General Assembly: Chairs meetings, enforces rules of order, and ensures fair debate

Executive positions are part-time and elected in spring, with terms beginning in May. They are ideal for students looking to make a big impact during their time at Huron. The Presidential and Vice Presidential positions are paid positions. The Speaker is eligible for an honorarium dependent on performance.

When Are Elections Held?

Winter election

Only the in-coming president is voted for in the winter election,

  • Nominations in early January

  • Campaigning starts in mid-January

  • Voting period in mid-February

Spring Elections

The entire Vice Presidential team is elected in the spring term alongside the Speaker and most GA representatives. Note that the VP Communications, VP Finance and Administration, and Speaker are internal elections voted in only by the outgoing General Assembly.

  • Nominations in early March

  • Campaigning starts in mid-March

  • Voting period in late-March

Fall By-Elections

The fall election is held to vote in GA representatives from the freshman class and to fill any remaining department and demographic representatives.

  • Nominations in early-September

  • Campaigning starts in mid-September

  • Voting period in early-October

All elections are conducted online and include campaigning, debates, and opportunities to engage with voters.

Why Should You Run?

  • Represent your community and advocate for real change

  • Lead projects and initiatives you're passionate about

  • Build professional skills in leadership, governance, and communication

  • Connect with other student leaders and make lifelong friendships

 

Elections FAQs

  • Department representatives must be nominated by current Huron students who are officially enrolled in the given department.

    Demographic Representatives must be nominated by current Huron students who are members of that demographic group.

    Residence Representatives must be nominated by current Huron students who live in the given residence or are off campus students (in the case of the off-campus representative).

  • The All-Candidates meeting happens at the end of every election nomination period. The Chief Returning Officer is responsible for running the meeting and ensuring that all candidates have a full understanding of the policies, duties, and avenues for recourse they are subject to.

  • In the interest of building a general assembly that accurately and fairly advocates for the interests of their constituents, representatives are expected to be members of the group they represent.

    Department representatives must be pursuing a major in the relevant department. First-year candidates are expected to be taking courses with the relevant department and intend to register with that department for the subsequent year at the time of their election.

    Demographic representatives are expected to be members of the relevant demographic group. This allows them to better advocate for the unique needs of their constituents.

    Residence representatives must be living in the relevant residence or living off campus (in the case of the off-campus representative).

  • Among other things, all General Assembly members are expected to attend all General Assembly meetings held during their tenure. With the exception of rare “emergency GAs”, the meetings happen monthly on the last or second to last Sunday of the month from 11-3pm.

    Members are also expected to grow their network within their constituency and listen to the issues and struggles facing the group such that they can better advocate for them in their capacity as representatives. Knowing more people within their constituency also allows them to spread awareness of the events and initiatives being organized that might be helpful.

    Being a representative is what you make of it. Outstanding representatives go out of their way to organize memorable events, connect with their constituents, and forge relationships with faculty members.