Forge Your Future: Students’ Association Executive Elections
Welcome back! Whether it was studious or otherwise, I sincerely hope everyone had a fantastic reading week and are coming back feeling refreshed and prepared for the final drive to April. I know the Students’ Association is ready, and it’s a good thing too as we are gearing up for the big one: Executive Elections.
Hi, I’m James Hill, Elections Officer for the Students’ Association. You may remember me from such election proceedings as “Fall 2015 By-election for VP College Affairs” and “Fall 2015 Students’ Association Council Elections”. I’m banking on that still being a relevant Simpsons reference.
The Students’ Association Executive Elections are perhaps the single most important event in the Students’ Association calendar. It is the time when students exercise their right and privilege to elect their leadership for the following academic year. The decisions made by students each spring not only have immediate implications, but also resonate through time as the voices shaping the evolution of Red Deer College.
There are four executive offices available for election: Students’ Association President, Vice President College Affairs, Vice President Operations, and Vice President Student Life. Each of these positions include their own duties and responsibilities, but are all work as a team to represent students and enhance their college experience.
Nominations for all positions open immediately following the Fall General Meeting Tuesday, March 1, and will remain open until 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 8. Nomination packages may be picked up at the Students’ Association office or at any of the SA bulletin boards around campus.
Completed packages must be submitted by 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 8 at the SA office. There will be a mandatory meeting for all candidates following the close of nominations.
It is at the point the real work – and fun – begins.
Campaign week opens at the conclusion of the All Candidates Meeting March 8 and runs until 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 15. Candidates are encouraged to hold a wild, wacky, silly, or even inspirational campaign during this week.
Attend planned campaign events, put up eye-catching posters, and host entertaining and informational booths to gain student votes. This is your opportunity to be creative and connect with students, so make it enjoyable!
Spread the word – Voting begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 15 with polls closing 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 16.
Of course you do not need to run for a position to become involved. Attend the events, volunteer to endorse a campaign, or even simply vote. Your contribution to RDC and your peers will not go unnoticed!
And did you hear the news? The Students’ Association is introducing online elections this year! You will now have the opportunity to vote virtually anywhere you can access The Loop. Simply log on, find the personal announcement, click the links to open the ballot, and then VOTE!
If you have any questions, concerns, and/or suggestions, or if you’re interested in learning more about any of these elected positions, please feel free to contact me at 403-342-3200. If the email machine is more your thing, you can find me at . You can also stop by the office and meet with me in person anytime during my posted office hours (or by appointment).
Now get out there and Forge Your Future!
Election Timeline
March 1: Nominations Open
• Spring General Meeting, Main Campus, Far Side Bar & Grill, 11 a.m.
• Nominations for Students’ Association Executive Council: Students’ Association President, VP College Affairs, VP Operations, and VP Student Life open.
March 8: Nominations Close
• Nominations period for Students’ Association Executive Council: Students’ Association President, VP College Affairs, VP Operations, and VP Student Life closes at 4 p.m. Candidates must provide transcripts, nomination forms and profiles by the deadline.
March 8: Campaigning Begins
• Campaigning begins at the conclusion of the All Candidates Meeting.
March 9: Campaign Event
• Meet the Candidates for Executive Council from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Donald School of Business.
• Meet the Candidates for Executive Council, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Forum.
March 10: Campaign Events
• Meet the Candidates for Executive Council from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Library.
• Candidates Forum, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Forum.
March 14: Campaign Events
• Candidates Open Forum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Forum.
March 15: Voting Begins
• Meet the Candidates for Executive Council from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Library.
• SA office voting station, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Donald School of Business voting station, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Campaigning ends. All campaign material must be removed by 10 p.m.
March 16: Voting Closes
• SA Stairs voting station, main campus, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Red Deer College Forum voting station, main campus, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Donald School of Business voting station, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Election results will be announced in the Far Side Bar & Grill at approximately 7 p.m.
Office Hours:
If you have any questions about the upcoming executive election, the positions available, or wish to volunteer, please email me at or drop by the Students’ Association office during my office hours Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.