Expressing your interest
Step 1
Start by filling in a short form to nominate yourself. The form should take no more than three minutes, and you’ll only need to provide basic information, like your contact details. At this stage you don’t even need to know which role you’re interested in running for! This step doesn’t automatically make you a candidate.
Note: You have until 6 February 2024 to nominate yourself!
Step 2
Book a meeting with our Political Engagement Team (PET). Once you’ve submitted your nominations form, PET will get in touch to offer you a half an hour session. During this meeting, you’ll discuss the roles and the election process, take a tour around the building, and meet LUU staff.
Step 3
If you wish, you can also schedule a chat with one of the current Student Exec between 15 January – 6 February. Interested in a position? Ask the Exec directly what it’s like!
Becoming a candidate
Step 1
You will be asked to confirm your participation in Lead LUU by 7 February. This will require filling in a form and signing some documents.
Step 2
We want to make sure that every candidate finds Lead LUU an enjoyable and empowering experience, so full training and support will be provided. You will join the Candidate Academy – a three-day training course on 8 – 10 February. The sessions will include campaign training, understanding the rules, and even learning to use the new digital learning hub, Helix, to print t-shirts and 3D figures, and to record videos and podcasts. There will also be socials with other candidates, and pet therapy sessions to help you de-stress!
Note: This training course is mandatory, so make sure that you are available between 8 – 10 February.
Step 3
You will need to provide a headshot which will be used on campus and online. Follow our headshot guidelines, and submit your picture by 12 February.
Step 4
You will also need a candidate statement, and a one-page poster to present it. Your statement should communicate what change you’d like to make in LUU to improve the student experience. You can also come up with a fun and catchy slogan to make your campaign memorable!
Tip: Find a word or a phrase that rhymes with your name so it stays with people after reading or hearing it!
Note: You will receive a mentor to talk to about your candidate statement, photos, and anything else on your mind.
Step 5
12 – 18 February is creation week, which is your chance to find your voice and get creative. What can you do to stand out and make your campaign memorable? How can you reach voters on campus and online? The most common campaigning materials are banners, posters, and videos, but there’s so much more you could do!
Tip: Pick a colour or a symbol to use in all your campaigning materials to unite them!
Campaigning
Step 1
Campaigning opens at 7am on 19 February. This is the time to make some noise! LUU will be buzzing in election spirits, with posters and banners around the building and with candidates all over the campus. You will be promoted by LUU, and interviewed by LSR (Leeds Student Radio).
Tip: Talk to as many students as you can – explore new spaces to reach new people!
Step 2
On 19 February, you will take part in Hustings, which is a panel discussion with all candidates, hosted by LSTV (Leeds Student Television). You will be asked questions related to your chosen role, and every candidate running for the same position will have the opportunity to share their opinions and ideas. This event will have a live audience, and it will be live-streamed online.
Tip: Don’t be scared – revise your candidate statement points, and approach the questions with honesty, curiosity and empathy. Relate your answers back to your own student experience whenever you can!
Step 3
Voting week is 26 – 29 February, and this is the time to really give it all you have. Every moment and every vote counts – get out there and be loud!
Tip: Worried about approaching people? Lead LUU is a good opportunity to step out of your comfort zone but if talking to strangers feels too stressful, you can still reach people with noticeable posters and on social media. You can also encourage people to approach you first – just wear a t-shirt with your campaign’s slogan, and hang around busy spaces (with a smile)!
Good luck!
Still got questions? Contact Political Engagement Team at luu.pet@leeds.ac.uk.
