By Kylie Noble, Editor, @Noble_Kylie
Nominations for election to the seven student officer positions in QUBSU have opened as of tonight and will close on Monday 23rd February, 5pm.
Students are able to nominate themselves for the positions of President, VP Welfare, VP Community, VP Equality & Diversity, VP Campaigns & Communications, VP Education and VP Clubs & Societies which will all be paid a stipend of £17500 after the current Executive Committee were able to reverse the proposed cut from the University to the sum of money dedicated to student officer pay.
Students do not have to be final years. They may take a year out from any stage of their degree to take up a sabbatical position.
This year sees a shift in the marketing of the elections, most likely reflective of the vast criticism directed at last year’s ‘Super Seven’ angle which placed heavy emphasis on the role as most beneficial to individual student’s careers.
2015 sees more of a focus on representing the 22,500 students at QUB and making a positive impact. This year also sees the introduction of various workshops under the collective of the ‘Candidate Academy.’
Students will be able to attend sessions on planning a manifesto, women in leadership, ‘run to win’, equality and diversity and a general information session for the Student Leader Elections 2015. It is not yet clear who will be taking these sessions. Candidate Question Time will also take place, with a date yet to be confirmed.
A new feature this year is being able to recommend a friend to run for office, via QUBSU’s website.
Campaigning will begin on 26th February with polls open on QOL between 3rd-5th March. A results party will be held in the SU on the evening of 5th March.
The Gown Online 
