Role Purpose

The President is the chief elected student representative at Ulster University and the senior officer of the Students’ Union. They act as the principal liaison between students and University leadership, chair the UUSU Trustee Board, and lead the Student Executive Team. The President ensures student priorities shape strategic decisions, governance, and policy at every level of the institution and wider sector.

1. Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Provide senior leadership for UUSU, ensuring all activity is aligned to student priorities, evidence, and Student Council policy.
• Lead the Student Executive team, setting shared goals, driving delivery, and coordinating cross-portfolio work.
• Support the Senior Management team in overseeing UUSU’s strategic plan; monitoring impact, KPIs, and progress throughout the year.
• Chair the Trustee Board, maintaining high standards of governance, compliance, financial stewardship, and risk management.
• Work closely with senior UUSU staff to ensure strong organisational performance and a positive, inclusive culture.

2. Representation & Partnerships

• Serve as the principal student representative to the Vice-Chancellor, University Council, Senate, and senior University committees.
• Build influential partnerships across the University to ensure student experiences and evidence inform key decisions.
• Represent UUSU externally to policymakers, media, national sector bodies, and elected representatives.
• Act as UUSU’s primary spokesperson, articulating clear, responsible positions on issues that affect members.

3. Campaigning & Change-making

• Serve as the principal student representative to the Vice-Chancellor, University Council, Senate, and senior University committees.
• Build influential partnerships across the University to ensure student experiences and evidence inform key decisions.
• Represent UUSU externally to policymakers, media, national sector bodies, and elected representatives.
• Act as UUSU’s primary spokesperson, articulating clear, responsible positions on issues that affect members.

4. Student Engagement & Communication

• Maintain a strong, visible presence across all campuses and digital channels.
• Communicate decisions, wins, and developments clearly through student-friendly updates.
• Ensure transparency through regular reporting to Student Council, Trustee Board, and members.
• Promote accessible two-way dialogue between students and UUSU.

5. Key Deliverables & Commitments

• Chair Trustee Board meetings; approve agendas and work closely with senior staff on governance.
• Meet regularly with University leadership, including the VC and Senior Executive.
• Produce written reports for Trustee Board, Student Council, and internal planning cycles.
• Lead Student Executive team planning, accountability, and coordination.
• Attend major UUSU events, welcome activities, campaigns, and cross-campus visits.
• Respond appropriately to emerging issues, crises, or reputation-sensitive matters.
• Uphold UUSU values and model professional leadership in all interactions.

Eligibility

• Must be a registered student at Ulster University and member of UUSU in good standing at the time of election.

Role Purpose

The VP Sport acts as the student representative for sport and active wellbeing, maintaining strong partnership links between UU Sport and UUSU. They ensure student voices shape sporting opportunities, club culture, facilities, and participation pathways across the University. They also lead UUSU’s work on active wellbeing campaigns and student engagement in sport.

1. Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Provide leadership to UU Sport and act as the figurehead for clubs, committees, volunteers, and supporters.
• Shape sport development priorities with UUSU Sport staff and Sport UU.
• Promote safe, positive, and inclusive club culture.
• Lead initiatives encouraging students to get active and participate.

2. Representation & Partnerships

• Act as the primary UUSU representative to UU Sport, maintaining a strong working relationship between the two organisations.
• Represent students on the Student Sport Executive (SSE).
• Advocate for student experience, facility access, affordability, and inclusive opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with UU Sport staff to share issues, feedback, and student-led priorities.
• Liaise with national and regional sports bodies in a representative capacity.

3. Campaigning & Change-making

• Lead campaigns on active wellbeing, safe sport, movement, and participation.
• Support Wellbeing/EDI campaigns where sport intersects with inclusion, identity, or safety.
• Implement Student Council sport-related policy.

4. Student Engagement & Communication

• Promote opportunities to get active, volunteer, compete, or join clubs.
• Maintain a visible presence at sports events in a representative or advocacy capacity.
• Engage students in conversations about sport improvements, access, and barriers.

5. Key Deliverables & Commitments

• Attend meetings with UU Sport and serve as the UUSU representative on the SSE.
• Escalate sport-related student issues to UU Sport and work with them toward solutions.
• Provide updates to the Student Executive and Student Council on sport-related issues.
• Support clubs in understanding UUSU democratic processes, policy, and representation structures.
• Lead or support major sport-related events in a representative role.
• Participate in campus engagement activities promoting sport and active wellbeing.
• Uphold UUSU values and model professional leadership in all interactions.

Eligibility

• Must be a registered student at Ulster University and member of UUSU in good standing at the time of election.

Role Purpose

The VP Equity & Inclusion leads UUSU’s work to create a fair, inclusive, and safe environment for all students. They champion underrepresented groups, support student networks, and work with the University to address barriers, discrimination, and structural inequalities.

1. Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Lead UUSU’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) agenda.
• Work with UUSU Membership & Engagement teams to support and develop student community networks (women’s, LGBT+, BME, mature, disabled, carers, etc.).
• Shape UUSU’s strategic priorities on equity, belonging, accessibility, and cultural inclusion.
• Identify issues affecting underrepresented students and drive solutions.

2. Representation & Partnerships

• Represent students on University equality committees and strategic groups.
• Build strong partnerships with the University EDI team, national equality organisations, and community groups.
• Advocate for inclusive practices in teaching, services, and the wider student experience.

3. Campaigning & Change-making

• Lead campaigns on equity, inclusion, safety, discrimination, and belonging.
• Deliver awareness-raising and educational activity on key equity issues.
• Support Diversity Networks to run student-led initiatives and campaigns.
• Implement Student Council policy related to equity and inclusion.

4. Student Engagement & Communication

• Ensure underrepresented students have accessible opportunities to influence UUSU and the University.
• Promote the work of Diversity Networks and support their training, governance, and development.
• Communicate equity work clearly across campuses and digital platforms.

5. Key Deliverables & Commitments

• Attend University EDI committees and working groups.
• Provide updates to Student Council and Executive Team.
• Support training for Network leaders and committees.
• Collaborate with Campus VPs, Education, Sport, and President on cross-cutting issues.
• Maintain an active presence across campuses and within the Networks.
• Uphold UUSU values and model professional leadership in all interactions.

Eligibility

• Must be a registered student at Ulster University and member of UUSU in good standing at the time of election.

Role Purpose

The VP Education is the lead representative for learning and academic experience at Ulster University. Working closely with the Student Voice team, they oversee the academic representation system and ensure that student feedback drives improvements to teaching, assessment, academic policy, and the wider learning environment. Co-facilitating the annual Learning and Teaching Awards, the VP Education also connects UUSU with Ulster University’s most innovative and student-centred educators.

1. Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Work with the Student Voice team to lead the academic rep system (Programme, School & Faculty Reps).
• Set annual priorities for education in partnership with Student Voice staff.
• Shape UUSU’s academic policy positions on assessment, quality, feedback, learning resources, and digital education.
• Provide leadership to Faculty Representatives, supporting their partnerships with Associate Deans for Education within each faculty.

2. Representation & Partnerships

• Represent students on University committees linked to teaching, quality, and academic standards.
• Work closely with academic leadership, Programme Directors, and faculties to address student issues.
• Collaborate with Campus VPs, Advice Bureau, and Student Voice on academic enquiries, complaints, or structural concerns.
• Amplify academic issues raised through Student Council or student feedback.

3. Campaigning & Change-making

• Deliver campaigns on academic priorities (assessment practices, timetabling, library access, placements, digital learning).
• Identify emerging sector issues and advise UUSU on risk, opportunity, and trends.
• Implement Student Council policy related to education.
• Drive improvements in academic wellbeing, workload, and accessibility.

4. Student Engagement & Communication

• Create opportunities for students to share academic concerns and ideas.
• Communicate academic changes, wins, and updates clearly and accessibly.
• Champion transparency in how student feedback influences decisions.
• Co-facilitate and co-organise the annual Learning and Teaching Awards.

5. Key Deliverables & Commitments

• Attend relevant University committees and boards.
• Maintain regular communication with Faculty Reps and Student Voice staff.
• Provide updates to Student Council and Executive Team on academic issues.
• Support training, induction, and development for all academic reps.
• Work across campuses to understand discipline-specific and School-specific concerns.
• Uphold UUSU values and model professional leadership in all interactions.

Eligibility

• Must be a registered student at Ulster University and member of UUSU in good standing at the time of election.

Role Purpose

The VP Campus leads community-building, belonging, and the student experience on their campus. They champion local issues, coordinate campus-wide activity, and work with staff and partners to create a vibrant, inclusive environment where students can connect, participate, and thrive.

1. Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Work with UUSU Membership & Engagement teams to lead the planning and delivery of campus events, activities, and engagement programmes.
• Support engaged students on campus, including societies, reps, and volunteers.
• Identify and escalate campus-specific issues impacting experience, wellbeing, and participation.
• Shape local priorities based on student feedback and evidence.

2. Representation & Partnerships

• Represent campus student views to local University teams and community stakeholders.
• Advocate for improved campus services, facilities, safety, and accessibility.
• Build partnerships with local organisations, businesses, and community groups.

3. Campaigning & Change-making

• Localise Union-wide campaigns to meet the specific needs of the campus.
• Lead on campus-specific change projects, such as social space improvements, visibility initiatives, and safety-related work.

Role Purpose

School/Department Representatives provide a focused link between Course Reps, UUSU, and academic staff (Student Advocates). They lead the student voice above course-level representation by ensuring all student voices are heard, respected, and valued. Progressing issues beyond course level and feeding into faculty discussions, they help create an inclusive, supportive student learning experience. The role also builds key skills such as networking, mediation, signposting, and professional communication—valuable across many career pathways.

Each year, up to two School/Department Reps are recruited for every School or Department.

1. Key Tasks

• Attend UUSU School/Department Rep training.
• Research and gather information on the student experience within your School/Department.
• Liaise regularly with Course Reps and staff members through:
  • In-person conversations
  • Email and online communication
  • Social media or Blackboard discussion threads
• Identify Course Reps who may need additional support or training.
• Stay informed about current academic and student issues.
• Contribute to the annual UUSU Student Voice Report.
• Participate in the judging panel for the annual Learning and Teaching Awards.
• Support equality and inclusion initiatives across the University by promoting fair and equal student experiences.
• Collaborate with UUSU on Course Rep training and Student Voice Forums (one per semester).
• Attend School and Faculty Board meetings, and relevant sub-committees where appropriate.
• Promote Course, School/Department, and Faculty Rep roles, as well as the Student Voice framework.

2. Opportunities & Benefits

Leadership

• Champion the student voice at School/Department level.
• Develop leadership and management skills through supporting Course Reps.

Communication

• Promote your role and the rep structure to students in your School/Department.
• Learn negotiation, delegation, and diplomatic communication within a supportive rep network.

Decision-making

• Support students by understanding when to escalate issues and when to take local action.
• Balance student needs with institutional policies across academic, wellbeing, and financial matters.

Cultural Awareness

• Represent the needs of students from marginalised or underrepresented backgrounds.
• Help ensure equality of opportunity by enabling diverse student voices to be heard.

Interpersonal Skills

• Build strong working relationships with students and staff.
• Develop empathy, collaboration, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships.

Policy & Governance

• Gain insight into University policy, decision-making processes, and educational governance.
• Apply this knowledge to effectively support and represent students.

Employability

• Collaborate with University departments to improve student employability opportunities.
• Strengthen your CV through high-level representation and committee experience.

3. Supporting You in the Role

• Supported by the UUSU Student Voice team and your School/Department Student Advocate.
• Collaboration with your Faculty Rep to share experience and strengthen representation.
• Partnership working with your Head of School/Department to ensure you are prepared, informed, and valued.

4. Time Commitment

• Expect to commit at least 30 hours per academic year (around one hour per week).
• Your workload may vary depending on School/Department size and meeting requirements.

Role Purpose

Faculty Reps provide the next level of student representation at Ulster. Building on their experience as Course or School/Department Reps, they convene and amplify the student voice across their faculty. They work closely with UUSU and senior University staff to ensure student opinion shapes committees, decision-making, and quality assurance processes.

1. Representation & Leadership

• Gather the wider views of students through regular liaison with School/Department Reps.
• Offer leadership, guidance, and support to the rep community within your faculty.
• Represent the student voice at senior faculty-level meetings and committees.
• Promote and communicate the role of Faculty, School/Department, and Course Reps across your faculty.

2. Quality & Student Experience Enhancement

• Ensure student opinion is relevant and accurate within quality assurance processes.
• Serve as a student panel member for a minimum of two revalidation units each academic year (one per semester).
• Research and suggest improvements to enhance the learning experience within your faculty.
• Contribute faculty-specific insights to the UUSU Annual Student Voice Report.

3. Communication & Reporting

• Maintain regular communication with School/Department Reps to gather issues and feedback.
• Report key themes, concerns, and proposed enhancements to the UUSU Academic Representation Coordinator each semester.
• Network and communicate regularly with your Associate Dean (Academic Quality & Student Experience).
• Support the delivery of the annual Student Voice Conference in collaboration with the UUSU team.

4. Meetings & Engagement

• Attend UUSU Faculty Rep Training.
• Participate in relevant University and UUSU meetings, including:
• Faculty Board meetings
• Senior Committee meetings
• UU/UUSU Joint Forum meetings
• UUSU Student Voice campus meetings (subject to availability)
• Engage with UUSU and University staff to strengthen systems that support student representation.

Benefits

• Opportunities to network with diverse student groups and senior staff across UUSU and the University.
• Skill development in communication, assertiveness, negotiation, leadership, and delegation.
• Enhanced employability through meaningful strategic and academic representation experience.
• Receive an annual bursary of £300 in recognition of your contribution.

Role Purpose

As the recognised collective voice for all those involved in team and individual sport, representatives of the UUSU Student Sport Executive elevate student views, share feedback, and use their expertise to positively influence and shape the student experience in sport. Through effective and genuine consultation, they provide a formal feedback channel to both Ulster University Sport and UUSU, while collaborating with students, staff, clubs, and wider networks to enhance participation, inclusion, and wellbeing through sport.

Roles available: 12 (4 per campus)
Each campus will recruit four representatives across the following sport communities to ensure the widest possible perspectives and needs are represented:

• Team Indoor Sport
• Team Outdoor Sport
• Individual Sport
• High Risk or additional individual sport (depending on campus need)

Criteria

• Positions open to returning students who are currently elected or have had club committee experience within the last two years.
• Must be studying on the campus of the chosen position and aligned with the sport community they will represent.
• Nominations will be reviewed to ensure compliance with criteria for each position. Students representing sport across campuses will be considered individually.

Key Tasks

• Build authentic and ongoing relationships with students and committee leads within your sport community.
• Advocate, lobby, and represent the real-time views and interests of those you represent to UU Sport and UUSU, both formally and informally.
• Alongside the VP Sport, provide UUSU representation at UU Sport Campus Forums.
• Contribute to the University Sports Strategy and influence the strategic direction of sport for the benefit of UUSU members.
• Act as a channel for collective feedback on major student sport developments, services, and facility projects.
• Advocate and campaign for sustainable funding within student sport.
• Champion inclusivity and ensure underrepresented groups have equitable opportunities and influence within sport initiatives.
• Attend UUSU Student Sport Executive training and other development opportunities.
• Promote the role of the Student Sport Executive and encourage positive engagement with its structures.
• Represent the collective views of your community at formal meetings such as the UUSU Sport Management Committee.

Opportunities & Benefits

• Network with a wide and diverse range of students, as well as senior staff within UU Sport and across the University.
• Develop key skills such as communication, negotiation, assertiveness, project management, and delegation.
• Gain impressive experience to enhance your CV and future employability.
• Receive an annual bursary of £300, paid in second semester, based on meeting engagement criteria.