Behind The Ballot: Your OTSU Elections Guide & Why Student Leadership Matters
Did you know that many employers look for a graduate’s ability to problem-solve, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with more than a high GPA?*
Which begs the question: how do I get that experience? There are many ways to gain that experience, but none better—in our opinion —than by becoming a student leader!
As an executive with the OTSU or with your faculty-based society, students learn to work together as a team to plan and execute events, navigate logistical and financial matters, learn the art of negotiation and time management, and a host of other career-ready skills. Which makes them stand out as a potential candidate when first entering a career.
Find out how to get involved, and become a student leader in the upcoming election.
OPEN POSITIONS
Students can either run for an OTSU position (Student Union Executives and Board Directors) or for a society executive position (e.g. VP Finance, Engineering Society, Marketing Director, Business & IT Society, Events Coordinator, Social Science and Humanities Society).
Please note that students can only run for one position (i.e. if you’re running for an OTSU Executive or Board position, you cannot also run for a Society Executive position).
OTSU POSITIONS
SOCIETY POSITIONS
- Business & IT Society
- Engineering Society
- Faculty of Education Student Association
- Graduate Students Society
- Health Science Society
- Humanities Society
- Science Council
KEY DATES
First thing to note is that the OTSU Elections and the Society Elections are running concurrently this year. This decision was made based upon engagement in previous years elections, and aims to increase candidates and turnout.
Elections timeline:
- Jan. 13–19: Nomination Period
- Jan. 21: All-Candidates Meeting
- Jan 22–Feb. 2: Campaign Period
- Jan. 29: Forum & Presidential Debate
- Feb. 3–5: Voting Period
- Feb 7: Unofficial results announced
For a full list of resources, including the nomination overview and candidate profile to begin your campaign, please visit otsu.ca/run.
STEPS TO RUN
All the detailed steps and necessary documents are laid out at otsu.ca/run, but essentially what you need to do is:
- Read the Nomination Overview
- Decide on a position
- Complete your candidate profile
- Get nominated by your peers
- Attend the All-Candidates Meeting on January 21
- Start planning your campaign
Beyond the logistical steps, start with your ‘why?’: Why does student leadership matter? Why is it important to support students in your community? And how do you see yourself leaving a legacy that empowers future students to take up the mantle and continue to add value and support Ontario Tech students?
Once you have that, your campaign will flow naturally and you’ll be well on your way!
INVOLVEMENT MATTERS!
The role of a student executive is both challenging and rewarding. It gives you the chance to work on extra-curricular skills that you might not get through part-time jobs or internships, and affords you the ability to represent the student body in a meaningful way.
Remember that no one has all the answers, and that belief comes before ability—so if you think you are ready, then you ARE ready. If you are someone who knows the value of saying ‘yes’ to rolling up your sleeves and pitching in, you’ve already halfway there.
Go to our elections page to learn more and begin a journey that could alter your perspective and path!
* National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2024
