What are they?
New for next academic year, part-time Officers are your opportunity to represent other Durham students and make change in the areas you are passionate about, whilst studying. All part-time Officer roles will be paid at the Living Wage as calculated by the Living Wage Foundation (currently £12 p/h).
You recently elected your first group of part-time Officers, read about the results here. Voting opens Monday 21 October 9:00, and closes 25 October 17:00 for the last Part-time Officer position, Liberation Officer and you can read about your candidates by visiting the candidate page.
The roles
- Postgraduate Research Students Officer
- Sustainability Officer
- Welfare Officer
- Liberation Officer
- One member of JCR Presidents Committee
- One member of MCR Presidents Committee
- One Faculty President, for each Faculty of Durham University (elected)
- The Societies Officer (elected)
- The International Students Officer (elected)
Voluntary Student Trustee roles will also be open for nominations at the same time. You can find out more about those here.
If you’re interested in how these new part-time roles were created, you can read more here.
Please use the following links to review Durham SU’s elections guidance, rules and complaints procedure.
If you have any questions or would like to chat to a staff member about these opportunities, please email su.elections@durham.ac.uk.
For more information on the roles, key dates, and elections process, please click below to find out about each role.
Get to know the roles
Faculty Presidents
What is the role?
As a Faculty President, you will work closely with the other academic representatives from within your faculty, tackling issues arising for students and representing their views to University staff within your faculty, and the wider University. You will attend committee meetings with University and Durham SU staff, as a student representative, and work on projects to improve the academic experience for students. You will have the opportunity to influence and input into SU policy through Assembly, and as part of the Officer Committee, who are responsible for determining the day-to-day priorities of the SU. You will lead and contribute ideas to exciting change campaigns to bring about real change for students within your faculty. You will provide direction to the SU on our strategic goals to improve induction at Durham, increase access to Durham, and represent the academic interests of students well.
Download a role description here
How is this role elected?
The Faculty President election will be run online at durhamsu.com/vote. Voting will be open 1-5 May, 2024. All students in a particular faculty will be able to vote for the Officer for that faculty.
How do I nominate myself?
Nominate yourself using the form here by 25 April, midnight, 2024. Don’t forget to fill out your candidate profile and include that in your nomination. If you have any questions, or would like to speak to a staff member about the role before nominating yourself, please email su.elections@durham.ac.uk. Please remember, in order to run in this election, you will need to be a member of the relevant faculty.
Key dates
| 15 March, Noon | Nominations for all roles open. Click here to nominate yourself. |
| 24 April, 15:30-16:30 | Info session for all Part-Time Officer roles in room A04, Dunelm House. Free pizza provided! Sign-up here. |
| 25 April, midnight | Nominations close for Student Trustees, Faculty Officers, Societies Officer, and International Officer. |
| 1 May, 14:00-16:00 | Campaigns training and rules guidance for Student Trustees, Faculty Officers, Societies Officer and International Officer candidates. Learning Lounge, Dunelm House. |
| 1 May, 17:00 | Voting opens for Student Trustees, Faculty Officers, Societies Officer, and International Officer |
| 5 May, 17:00 | Voting closes for Student Trustees, Faculty Officers, Societies Officer, and International Officer |
| 7 May | Results are announced! Please note: announcement of results will be subject to the resolution of any complaints. |
| 21 June | Induction day for all Part-Time Officers |
| 30 September | Start date for all Part-Time Officers |
International Students Officer
What is the role?
As International Students Officer, you will spend time representing the views of international students to the University. You will attend committee meetings with University and Durham SU staff, as a student representative, and work on projects to improve the academic and wider student experience for international students. You will listen to international student concerns and work to find solutions to issues that arise. You will have the opportunity to influence and input into SU policy through Assembly, and as part of the Officer Committee, who are responsible for determining the day-to-day priorities of the SU. You will lead and contribute to exciting campaigns to bring about real change for international students. You will provide direction to the SU on our strategic goals to improve induction at Durham, increase access to Durham, and represent the academic interests of students well, as they relate to international students.
Download a role description here
How is this role elected?
The International Students Officer election will be run online at durhamsu.com/vote. Voting will be open 1-5 May, 2024. All non-UK fee paying students will be eligible to vote.
How do I nominate myself?
Nominate yourself using the form here by 25 April, midnight, 2024. Don’t forget to fill out your candidate profile and include that in your nomination. If you have any questions, or would like to speak to a staff member about the role before nominating yourself, please email su.elections@durham.ac.uk. Please remember, in order to run in this election, you will need to be a non-UK fee paying student.
Key dates
| 15 March, Noon | Nominations for all roles open. Click here to nominate yourself. |
| 24 April, 15:30-16:30 | Info session for all Part-Time Officer roles in room A04, Dunelm House. Free pizza provided! Sign-up here. |
| 25 April, midnight | Nominations close for Student Trustees, Faculty Officers, Societies Officer, and International Officer. |
| 1 May, 14:00-16:00 | Campaigns training and rules guidance for Student Trustees, Faculty Officers, Societies Officer and International Officer candidates. Learning Lounge, Dunelm House. |
| 1 May, 17:00 | Voting opens for Student Trustees, Faculty Officers, Societies Officer, and International Officer |
| 5 May, 17:00 | Voting closes for Student Trustees, Faculty Officers, Societies Officer, and International Officer |
| 7 May | Results are announced! Please note: announcement of results will be subject to the resolution of any complaints. |
| 21 June | Induction day for all Part-Time Officers |
| 30 September | Start date for all Part-Time Officers |
Postgraduate Research Officer
*Please note: candidates will not be revealed until 10 June.
What is the role?
As Postgraduate Research Students Officer, you will spend time representing the views of PGR students to the University. You will attend committee meetings with University and Durham SU staff, as a student representative, and work on projects to improve the academic and wider student experience for PGR students. You will listen to PGR student concerns and work to find solutions to issues that arise. You will have the opportunity to influence and input into SU policy through Assembly, and as part of the Officer Committee, who are responsible for determining the day-to-day priorities of the SU. You will lead and contribute to exciting campaigns to bring about real change for PGR students. You will provide direction to the SU on our strategic goals to improve induction at Durham, increase access to Durham, and represent the academic interests of students well, as they relate to PGR students.
Download a role description here
How is this role elected?
The Postgraduate Research Students Officer will be elected at a postgraduate research conference held in summer term that all postgraduate research students are able to attend.
How do I nominate myself?
Nominate yourself using the form here by 2 June, midnight. Don’t forget to fill out your candidate profile and include that in your nomination. If you have any questions, or would like to speak to a staff member about the role before nominating yourself, please email su.elections@durham.ac.uk.
Key dates
| 15 March, Noon | Nominations for all roles open. Click here to nominate yourself. |
| 24 April, 15:30-16:30 | Info session for all Part-Time Officer roles in room A04, Dunelm House. Free pizza provided! Sign-up here. |
| 2 June, midnight | Nominations close for the Postgraduate Research Students Officer close. |
| Campaigns training and rules guidance for Postgraduate Research Officer, Welfare Officers and Sustainability Officers. Learning Lounge, Dunelm House | |
| Postgraduate Research Students Officer to be elected at PGR Conference. | |
| 21 June | Induction day for all new Part-Time Officers |
| 30 September | Start date for all Part-Time Officers |
Societies Officer
What is the role?
As Societies Officer, you will spend time representing the interests of students who take part in extra-curricular activities to the University. You will attend committee meetings with University staff as a student representative and work on projects to improve the experience for students who take part in extra-curricular groups or activities. You will listen to student concerns and work to find solutions to issues that arise. You will have the opportunity to influence and input into SU policy through Assembly, and as part of the Officer Committee, who are responsible for determining the day-to-day priorities of the SU. You will lead and contribute to exciting campaigns to bring about real change for students who take part in extra-curricular groups or activities. You will provide direction to the SU on our strategic goals to bring students together through societies or events, increase the sense of belonging at Durham, and help students discover something new.
Download a role description here
How is this role elected?
The Societies Officer election will be run online at durhamsu.com/vote. Voting will be open 1-5 May, 2024. All students who are full members of any Durham SU student group will be eligible to vote.
How do I nominate myself?
Nominate yourself using the form here by 25 April, midnight, 2024. Don’t forget to fill out your candidate profile and include that in your nomination. If you have any questions, or would like to speak to a staff member about the role before nominating yourself, please email su.elections@durham.ac.uk.
Key dates
| 15 March, Noon | Nominations for all roles open. Click here to nominate yourself. |
| 24 April, 15:30-16:30 | Info session for all Part-Time Officer roles in room A04, Dunelm House. Free pizza provided! Sign-up here. |
| 25 April, midnight | Nominations close for Student Trustees, Faculty Officers, Societies Officer, and International Officer. |
| 1 May, 14:00-16:00 | Campaigns training and rules guidance for Student Trustees, Faculty Officers, Societies Officer and International Officer candidates. Learning Lounge, Dunelm House. |
| 1 May, 17:00 | Voting opens for Student Trustees, Faculty Officers, Societies Officer, and International Officer |
| 5 May, 17:00 | Voting closes for Student Trustees, Faculty Officers, Societies Officer, and International Officer |
| 7 May | Results are announced! Please note: announcement of results will be subject to the resolution of any complaints. |
| 21 June | Induction day for all Part-Time Officers |
| 30 September | Start date for all Part-Time Officers |
Welfare Officer
*Please note: candidates will not be revealed until 7 June.
What is the role?
As Welfare Officer, you will spend time representing the interests of student welfare to the University and the wider local community. You will work closely with student welfare groups and volunteers across Durham, leading a network of students campaigning to make positive change on welfare issues. You will attend committee meetings with University and Durham SU staff, as a student representative, and work on projects to improve both the support services at Durham and the experiences of those that use them. You will listen to student concerns and work to find solutions to issues that arise. You will have the opportunity to influence and input into SU policy through Assembly, and as part of the Officer Committee, who are responsible for determining the day-to-day priorities of the SU. You will provide direction to the SU on our strategic goals to tackle the big issues that hold students back.
Download a role description here
How is this role elected?
The Welfare Officer will be elected at an event for all welfare volunteers held in summer term.
How do I nominate myself?
Nominate yourself using the form here by 2 June, midnight. Don’t forget to fill out your candidate profile and include that in your nomination. If you have any questions, or would like to speak to a staff member about the role before nominating yourself, please email su.elections@durham.ac.uk.
Key dates
| 15 March, Noon | Nominations for all roles open. Click here to nominate yourself. |
| 2 June, midnight | Nominations close for the Welfare Officer close. |
| Campaigns training and rules guidance for Postgraduate Research Officer, Welfare Officers and Sustainability Officers. Learning Lounge, Dunelm House | |
| 10-11 June | Voting for Welfare Officer held during Welfare Training |
| 21 June | Induction day for all Part-Time Officers |
| 30 September | Start date for all Part-Time Officers |
Sustainability Officer
What is the role?
As Sustainability Officer, you will spend time representing the interests of student sustainability to the University. You will work closely with sustainability student groups and volunteers, leading a network of students campaigning to make positive change in Durham’s approach to sustainability. You will attend committee meetings with University and Durham SU staff, as a student representative, and work on projects to increase sustainability in the DU student experience. You will listen to student concerns around sustainability, and work to find solutions to issues that arise. You will have the opportunity to influence and input into SU policy through Assembly, and as part of the Officer Committee, who are responsible for determining the day-to-day priorities of the SU. You will provide direction to the SU on our strategic goals to bring students together, build confidence in the purpose of an SU at Durham and tackle the big issues that hold students back.
Download a role description here
How is this role elected?
The Sustainability Officer will be elected at an event held on 36 June that all sustainability activists are able to attend.
How do I nominate myself?
Nominate yourself using the form here by 27 May, midnight. Don’t forget to fill out your candidate profile and include that in your nomination. If you have any questions, or would like to speak to a staff member about the role before nominating yourself, please email su.elections@durham.ac.uk.
Key dates
| 15 March, Noon | Nominations for all roles open. Click here to nominate yourself. |
| 24 April, 15:30-16:30 | Info session for all Part-Time Officer roles in room A04, Dunelm House. Free pizza provided! Sign-up here. |
| 27 May, midnight | Nominations close for the Sustainability Officer close. |
| Campaigns training and rules guidance for Postgraduate Research Officer, Welfare Officers and Sustainability Officers. Learning Lounge, Dunelm House | |
| 3 June |
Voting event for Sustainability Officer |
| 21 June | Induction day for all Part-Time Officers |
| 30 September | Start date for all Part-Time Officers |
Liberation Officer
What is the role?
As Liberation Officer, you will spend time representing the interests of student equity, inclusion and diversity (EID) to the University and the wider local community. You will work closely with student liberation groups and volunteers across Durham, leading a network of students campaigning to make positive change on issues of EID. You will attend committee meetings with University and Durham SU staff, as a student representative, and work on projects to improve the experience of students at Durham from an EID perspective. You will listen to student concerns and work to find solutions to issues that arise. You will have the opportunity to influence and input into SU policy through Assembly, and as part of the Officer Committee, who are responsible for determining the day-to-day priorities of the SU. You will provide direction to the SU on our strategic goals to tackle the big issues that hold students back.
Download a role description here
How is this role elected?
The constituency for this role will be decided at an Assembly meeting on 30 May 2024. You can fill out the nominations form here to express an interest, and we will get back in touch with further details.
JCR Presidents Committee Member
What is the role?
As JCR Presidents Committee Chair, you will spend time representing the interests students’ collegiate experience to the University. You will work closely with common rooms and volunteers across Durham, leading a network of students campaigning to make positive change on issues within the collegiate and residential experience at Durham. You will attend committee meetings with University and Durham SU staff, as a student representative, and work on projects to improve the college experience. You will listen to student concerns and work to find solutions to issues that arise. You will have the opportunity to influence and input into SU policy through Assembly, and as part of the Officer Committee, who are responsible for determining the day-to-day priorities of the SU. You will provide direction to the SU on our strategic goals to tackle the big issues that hold students back.
Download a role description here
How is this role elected?
JCR Presidents Committee will put forward a nomination from their committee for this role.
How do I nominate myself?
Speak to JCR Presidents Committee.
Key dates
This position will be allocated during summer 2024.
MCR Presidents Committee Member
What is the role?
As MCR Presidents Committee Chair, you will spend time representing the interests students’ collegiate experience to the University. You will work closely with common rooms and volunteers across Durham, leading a network of students campaigning to make positive change on issues within the collegiate and residential experience at Durham. You will attend committee meetings with University and Durham SU staff, as a student representative, and work on projects to improve the college experience. You will listen to student concerns and work to find solutions to issues that arise. You will have the opportunity to influence and input into SU policy through Assembly, and as part of the Officer Committee, who are responsible for determining the day-to-day priorities of the SU. You will provide direction to the SU on our strategic goals to tackle the big issues that hold students back.
Download a role description here
How is this role elected?
MCR Presidents Committee will put forward a nomination from their committee for this role.
How do I nominate myself?
Speak to MCR Presidents Committee.
Key dates
This position will be allocated during summer 2024.
