How to Run
Ready to lead? Running for the board is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail.
1. Choose your position
Read the job descriptions and decide what position is best for you. Additional details can be found in the Candidate Handbook.
2. Get nominated
Before you enter the race, you must collect the names and V-numbers of 15 UVic undergraduate students who support your candidacy.
3. Define your vision
Prepare a platform outlining why students should vote for you. This will appear on the ballot.
4. Submit the form
Complete the online nomination form before the nomination deadline.
Important Dates
Extended deadline
February 8 at 11:59pm
Campaigning begins
February 23
Voting days
March 4–6
Resources
All Positions
Run a non-profit. Lead the change. Get paid.
As a lead director, you are an executive managing a multi-million dollar organization. You will oversee professional staff, lobby government officials, and run the essential services 20,000+ students rely on. This is high-level leadership experience that rivals a corporate internship.
- Commitment: High (executive)
- Pay: $24.41 per hour
- Hours: 30–35 hours per week
- Perks: $150 wellness fund, weekly SUB food discounts, and free Cinecenta passes.
- Experience: No previous experience is required—full training is provided for all roles.
Director of Campaigns & Community Relations
Summary
You are the face of student activism, turning campus frustration into provincial policy.
Duties
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Political lobbying: Communicate with all levels of government to advocate for student interests.
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Media relations: Act as the primary spokesperson for campaigns and coordinate all related media outreach.
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Strategic organizing: Lead the Campaigns Committee and collaborate with provincial and national student organizations.
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Policy reform: Review and propose updates to UVSS policies to keep them progressive and relevant.
Director of Events
Summary
You fight campus burnout by designing inclusive, high-energy spaces for joy and connection. Oh, did we mention there are puppies involved?
Duties
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Project management: Plan, advertise, and evaluate UVSS events aligned with the society’s values and constitution.
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Collaboration: Partner with UVic Athletics, Residence, and external vendors to reach diverse student audiences.
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Marketing: Drive the advertising strategy for events to ensure high student engagement.
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Policy development: Regularly review and update event-related policies to ensure safety and inclusivity.
Director of Finance and Operations
Summary
Manage the “business” of student life, overseeing the services that keep 20,000+ people moving.
Duties
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Financial oversight: With staff support, manage all aspects of UVSS finances, operations, and strategic planning.
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Budgeting: With staff support, prepare and present the multi-million dollar UVSS budget.
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Operational lead: Act as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the society’s permanent staff.
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Service management: Coordinate critical member services, including the health and dental plan and U-Pass programs.
Director of Outreach & University Relations
Summary
You are the “CEO” of the organization, responsible for governance, transparency, and the big picture.
Duties
- Communications: Act as the official UVSS spokesperson and oversee member outreach projects.
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Strategic leadership: Coordinate volunteer programs and lead the implementation of organizational policy.
- University relations: Liaise with and lobby the University of Victoria administration directly.
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Governance: Chair UVSS board of directors meetings and ensure the society follows its bylaws.
Director of Student Affairs
Summary
You are the backbone of student life, supporting the 150+ micro-communities that make UVic home.
Duties
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Club facilitation: Chair the Clubs and Course Union councils and manage their policy and funding reviews.
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Advocacy liaison: Chair the Advocacy Relations Committee and act as the primary link between advocacy groups and the UVSS board of directors.
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Support and advice: Provide direct support to affiliated groups and assist other directors with student-facing projects.
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Community support: Help students navigate the resources available to them within the Student Union Building.
International and Directors-at-Large
Big impact, flexible schedule.
Want to influence campus policy without a full-time commitment? These roles represent the voting power of the society. You will hold lead directors accountable, sit on specialized committees, and ensure the student voice is heard in every board vote.
- Commitment: Moderate (strategic oversight)
- Pay & Hours
- Director of International Student Relations: $24.41/hr for 15–20 hrs/week
- Directors-at-Large: $50 per month honorarium for a commitment of at least two hours per week
- Perks: Weekly SUB food discounts, and free Cinecenta passes.
- Experience: No previous experience is required—full training is provided for all roles.
Director of International Student Relations
Summary
Moving to Victoria is a massive life change. You are here to make sure international students aren’t just “present,” but are supported, safe, and celebrated.
You chair the International Student Relations Committee to tackle specific issues like visa hurdles, culture shock, and housing. You’re the dedicated voice for international students on the board, ensuring their unique perspectives are never an afterthought.
Duties
- Advocacy: Contribute to the execution of local and national advocacy campaigns.
- Liaison: Act as the dedicated link between the international student body and the UVSS board of directors.
- Accountability: Hold UVSS accountable for their responsibilities toward international members.
- Engagement: Attend committee meetings, cast votes on key decisions, and help organize student-led activities.
Directors-at-Large (11 available)
Summary
The perfect “entry-level” leadership role. You get a vote on everything the UVSS does. You hold the Lead Directors accountable. You’ll sit on specialized committees (like Finance, Events, or Campaigns) and act as a voting member on the board. You bring the “student perspective” to every big decision, from the SUB’s budget to new advocacy policies.
Duties
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Active governance: Commit at least two hours per week to attend committee meetings and cast votes on major society decisions.
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Oversight: Monitor the actions of Lead Directors to ensure they are fulfilling their duties to the student body.
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Campaign support: Contribute to the ground-level execution of advocacy campaigns and student events.
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Member engagement: Communicate directly with UVic undergraduate students to bring their concerns to the board of directors.