Everything you need to know about the Spring Elections

12/01/2026

Want to find out more about the CSU Spring Elections? You’re in the right place!

Our Elections are held every year to elect the three full-time Officers as well as the Union Assembly Officer roles (also known as part-time Officers).

Nominations are open 11th – 24th February! You will receive an email from CSU, or you can find the link to nominate yourself for a role below. Voting opens at 9am on the 11th March, and closes the next day at 1pm.

Nominations open on the 11th February. Check back here to find the link to nominate yourself.

How do the Elections work?

Every Spring, we elect students to lead the direction of CSU – three full-time Officers, and several part-time Union Assembly Officers. We usually don’t fill all of the Union Assembly roles in Spring, so we hold a By-Election in the following Autumn too, to fill the vacancies.

Nominations open for 2 weeks. Candidates then campaign for student votes, using a manifesto they submitted when nominating. Voting opens at the end of campaigning, and results are announced that evening. Every CSU member is eligible to vote (you’re automatically a member when you start at University of Chester!) and you’ll get an email with a direct link on the day it opens.

Read the rules of the Election by downloading the file below:

csu elections rules 2026 Download

For information on our voting system, watch the video below:

Workshops

All candidates will receive campaigning training after Nominations close. Information will be sent to you after your candidacy is confirmed.

There are information sessions and manifesto-writing workshops available to attend, either via Teams or in person. Find events below, or watch recorded videos on our Elections page.

We would recommend you attend both sessions if possible – you’ll be more prepared for every aspect of the Election, as well as the role responsibilities and duties.

What is Union Assembly?

Union Assembly is CSU’s decision-making body. It is where your ideas and motions are discussed, debated, and voted on, which helps to lead the direction of CSU and your full-time Officers.

The volunteer Union Assembly Officers (also known as part-time Officers) represent different types or communities of students. They bring feedback, concerns, ideas and perspectives from that community to each Union Assembly meeting to ensure we hear your voice at the highest levels, as well as get involved with campaigns and CSU initiatives that are relevant to them. They may also be asked to sit on various University committees as a student voice, should the University request it.

The Union Assembly Officers can mandate actions for CSU or the full-time Officers to take, if they believe it is in the best interests of the majority of students. This means you can have a real input into what we do at CSU!

The Union Assembly Officers we elect in Spring 2026 will be in their role from July 2026 until June 2027. You could be one of the following:

Global Majority and International Students’ Officer
Access and Inclusion Officer
Women’s Officer
LGBTQ+ Officer
Non-Traditional Students’ Officer
Warrington Officer
Birkenhead Officer
Chester Campuses Officer
Societies Officer
Sports Officer
Sustainability Officer
Wellbeing Officer
Open Seat x2

You can download the full role descriptions below:

role descriptions PTOs 2026 Download

What is a full-time Officer?

The full-time Officers represent the student body as a whole, separated into three roles:

President, who looks after governance and the sets the direction of CSU
VP Education, who looks after student voice and academic interests
VP Student Life, who looks after extracurriculars and student support

An Officer’s job is to ensure we are acting in students’ best interests, and doing what they can do create positive change at the University. They do this by running campaigns to improve students’ experiences, attending committees where they advocate for students to the University, and helping set the priorities for the organisation. They also sit as Trustees and the President is the Chair of the Trustee Board as well as a University Governor. No day is the same, and it’ll be a busy year!

Full-time Officers we elect in Spring will be employed/in office from 1st July 2026 until 30th June 2027.

You can download the full role descriptions below:

full-time officer role description Download

Got any questions about voting, nominating, the roles, or anything else about the elections? Drop us an email on csuelections@chester.ac.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

FAQs

Is there a glossary of terms that might be used in this election?

We’re so glad you asked. We understand that some of the terms used in elections can be inaccessible if you’re new to, well, Students’ Unions and democracy. We’ve made a glossary of terms to explain what everything means, but if there’s anything else you think we’ve missed, please don’t hesitate to reach out via csuelections@chester.ac.uk.

Glossary of Elections Download

What is a manifesto and how do I write one?

A manifesto is a persuasive and informative piece of text that tells people why they should vote for you, and what your goals and plans are if you were to be elected. If you don’t know what to say in yours, think about what you’re passionate about, why you’d be good for the job, and what you’d do in your new role to benefit students.

CSU are hosting manifesto-writing workshops. You can see the events further up this page, or head to chestersu.com/events. There is also a recorded version on our website.

I’m an international student – can I still run for President?

Yes! Any student is eligible. You just need to:

Be a student at the time of the Election (from nomination until at least 12th March 2026)
Have been at the University of Chester for 3 months or more on 12th March 2026
Be a member of CSU (students are automatically members of CSU when they start University, unless they decide to opt out)

Will starting a role affect my visa?

If you’re studying in the UK on a student visa, you would need to extend it to undertake a full-time position. You will also have to interrupt your studies if you haven’t completed your degree by 1st July 2026, even if you only have a short amount of time left. If you have any questions about your visa, please email studyvisa@chester.ac.uk.

Part-time positions do not affect your visa, as they are voluntary.

My degree doesn’t finish until October – can I still run for a full-time position?

Yes, as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements:

Be a student at the time of the Election (from nomination until at least 12th March 2026)
Have been at the University of Chester for 3 months or more on 12th March 2026
Be a member of CSU (students are automatically members of CSU when they start University, unless they decide to opt out)

You will need to interrupt your studies for a year while you’re an Officer. You’d then finish the rest of your degree once you’ve finished your year in the role.

I want to run for a part-time Officer role, but my degree finishes before May 2027. Am I still eligible?

Part-time Officers need to remain students until the end of the academic year (May 2027). This is so the representation remains in place for communities of students and important student issues.

Can I study alongside being an Officer?

If you are elected as a full-time Officer (President or Vice President), you can not study at the same time as being an Officer. You would need to interrupt your studies for a year to complete the role first.

If you are elected as a part-time Officer, you can absolutely study at the same time! Part-time Officer roles are flexible, other than the meetings themselves, so you can fit it around your degree and work.

What training will I get?

Full-time Officers have a full 6 week induction, including a ‘handover’ day with the previous Officers on the 30th June 2026. This induction will prepare you for a year of work in the role.

Part-time Officers are invited to a training half-day over the summer break, and will be offered mentorship throughout the year.

Do I have to have been involved with CSU before?

Nope! Obviously, we’d love for all students to be involved with CSU (we exist for you!), but we understand that sometimes you just don’t have the time or energy to come to our events, join a society, or get involved in another way. As long as you’re eligible, we’re happy for you to nominate yourself.

What happens after I nominate myself?

Once you’ve submitted your nomination, you’ll get an email from us to your student email. We’ll invite you to a chat to make sure you fully understand what you’re signing yourself up for. Once that’s out of the way, we’ll (hopefully!) approve your nomination.

You’ll be invited to a mandatory briefing, where all of the information will be given to you about the rules of the election, what is expected of you, and any elections activities that are happening.

You’ll then campaign for a week and a half, before voting opens on the 11th March. Students will then vote for who they want to win each seat. Results will be announced on the 12th March in the CSU Studio space.

How do I campaign?

All candidates will be given access to campaigning training. You’ll also be able to kickstart your campaign off with a banner-making workshop, where you can grab some free card, stamps, paints, pens, and more to create some physical signage. We also have a badgemaker that you can use to make pin badges.

How you campaign is completely up to you. Think about what would convince you to vote for someone – would it be because of something you saw on social media? Would you need to see someone give a speech? Would an eye-catching poster swing your vote?

There are some rules about what you can and can’t do in a campaign – make sure to read them fully. You’ll also be told how to campaign during the mandatory briefing.

Is there accommodation included for full-time positions?

No – you would have to source your own accommodation. As a President or Vice President, you will be paid a full-time salary (currently £2xxxx, but subject to an increase in April and August) to cover your living costs.

Why is being an Officer this beneficial to me?

Being a full-time Officer is a role like no other! No day is the same, and you’ll be leading the direction of an organisation that supports 15,000 students. That’s such great experience for your CV. You’ll learn so many skills, open so many doors, and what you will do is so important.

Being a part-time Officer is also amazing for your CV – it shows dedication and you’ll gain loads of skills and provable experience to take to future employers. You’ll be eligible for the UoC Volunteering Awards, as well as our own CSU Awards. As well as this, you’ll also be representing students like you, and ensuring work is done to make their university experience better!

Lisa Handley - Manifesto

As a student who commutes to campus daily, I understand the challenges that come with travelling to university. The early starts, long journeys, and the frustration of having just one lecture in the middle of the day. These things can make university life harder than it needs to be.

I am an active member of the student community and passionate about creating a sense of belonging for everyone, no matter how far they travel. Commuting students contribute valuable perspectives and resilience to university life, and it is important that these experiences are properly recognised and supported.

If elected, I will:

Champion belonging through commuter-friendly meet-ups and daytime socials.
Amplify your voice through regular feedback and honest conversations that lead to CSU action.
Advocate for practical improvements, such as better access to existing facilities and more efficient timetabling. For example, spreading lectures across fewer days to reduce unnecessary travel.
Promote wellbeing and connection, linking commuters with initiatives that support balance and community.

My goal is to help commuting students feel as connected, valued, and supported as non commuting students.

Vote for me to help strengthen the commuter experience at the University of Chester. Thank you.

Naga Sai Manikanta Anirudh Ramisetti - Manifesto

Hello, my name is Naga Sai Manikanta Anirudh Ramisetti, and I am an MSc Data Science student. As a student who commutes from Crewe and relies on public transport, I personally understand the unique challenges we face—from travel disruptions and costs to feeling disconnected from campus life. I am running to be your Commuting Students' Officer to ensure our voices are heard.

I have concrete experience in student advocacy. In my previous university, I was a Departmental Head on the Student Council , where I represented over 600 students and served as the primary liaison between students and faculty. I successfully advocated for academic improvements and have a proven track record of organising large-scale events and increasing student engagement.

If elected, I will use this experience to be a strong voice for all commuting students. I will listen to your concerns, advocate for better resources and facilities on campus, and work to build a stronger, more inclusive community for those of us who travel. I am committed to making your journey, and your time at university, as smooth and positive as possible.

Laraib Imsat - Manifesto

My name is Laraib Ismat. I am a student of digital marketing and I am commuting from Cheshire to Chester to study. As a commuter myself, I can totally understand how challenging it can be for students to manage and balance travel, studies and other stuff all
together.

I have UK’s driving licence so I can drive to my university. If as a commuter I can find that hard so I can imagine the struggles of the students who have to commute via public transports.
Hence I’d like to be the voice for commuting students so that I can help them by understanding their problems and try to make their experience better as well as inclusive. As a commuting student I have enough confidence in speaking for myself and for my fellow commuters.

Raising awareness about commuters needs is important so I’d make sure that our voices and struggles are heard.I’d make sure that all the needs of commuters are addressed. I will help build a stronger sense of community for all of us who travel in each day.

Praise Lawalson - Manifesto

My name is Praise Adedotun Lawalson, a student of MSc Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation at the University of Chester. Living in Manchester means I travel by train whenever I have classes, so I fully understand the daily realities and challenges that commuting students experience.

If elected as Commuting Students’ Officer, I will work to make commuting a smoother and more rewarding experience for everyone. One of my key goals is to advocate for a better and more convenient system to help students travel from the train station to campus, as the 30-minute walk can be tiring and time-consuming. I plan to work with the University and local transport services to introduce bus and bike hire options that make this journey faster, easier, and more affordable.

I will also push for improved commuter spaces on campus, including comfortable study and relaxation areas, and ensure that commuting students are included in events and activities that fit our schedules.

My vision is for every commuting student to feel connected, supported, and empowered to succeed. Together, we can make the University of Chester a more inclusive and commuter-friendly community.

Vote Praise Adedotun Lawalson for Commuting Students’ Officer.

Hasibul Islam Maruf - Manifesto

As a commuting student myself, I understand the unique challenges we face — long travel times, limited access to campus events, and the struggle to feel fully included in university life. My goal is to make commuting students feel just as connected, supported, and valued as those living on campus.

If elected, I will work to improve transport information, campaign for better parking and travel discounts, and create a welcoming space on campus where commuters can study, relax, or meet friends between classes. I’ll also introduce more flexible event times and hybrid activities so commuting students never feel left out.

I believe communication is key. I will listen to your feedback and represent your needs in every discussion that affects our experience. Together, we can make university life more inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for all commuting students.

Vote for me, Hasibul Islam Maruf — your voice on the move!

Kenneth Osemenkhian - Manifesto

As an international student living in Liverpool and commuting to Chester for over a year, I understand the daily realities of travel - early trains, delays, and the challenge of staying connected to campus life. I’m running for Commuting Students’ Officer to make that experience easier, more inclusive, and better supported.

My main focus will be on clear signposting and practical support. Many students are unaware of travel discounts such as the 16–25 Railcard and 26–30 Railcard. I’ll work with the university to make this information easier to access, especially for new and international students.

I’ll also ensure that commuting students are considered when public events are planned by encouraging recordings or hybrid options, so those who can’t stay late or travel in can still take part and stay informed. Communication matters too - I’ll with fellow commuting students to help create simple ways for commuting students to connect, share travel updates, and raise issues that affect them.

Commuting shouldn’t mean missing out. If elected, I’ll focus on realistic, achievable steps to make university life more connected and accessible for everyone who travels each day.

Vote Kenneth Osemenkhian - supporting every student’s journey to Chester.

Neve Price - Manifesto

Imagine getting into the university of Chester, alone.
Imagine applying for your course, enrolling, moving in and starting on your university journey… alone.

You don’t have to imagine it.
You’ve done it.

Students may not be family, biologically speaking. But we CAN form a herd.

You no longer have to haul that heavy bag of worries, exam stress and question marks by yourself anymore. That’s the best part about a herd.
You look out for each other…

Now that’s the deep stuff done, tea or coffee anyone?

Alakananda Santhosh - Manifesto

As a nursing student, I’ve always believed in the power of compassion, strength, and community. I’m nominating myself for the role of Women’s Officer because I want every woman on campus to feel valued, supported, and confident in her own voice.

My goal is to create a space where all women—no matter their background—feel empowered to speak up, share their stories, and support one another. I plan to organise inspiring workshops that focus on self-confidence, leadership, and wellbeing. I also want to collaborate with the university to raise awareness about women’s safety, equality, and access to resources both on and off campus.

Empowerment begins with connection. Together, we can build a community where women uplift women—where kindness, courage, and confidence become our shared strengths. As Women’s Officer, I’ll listen, advocate, and act to make sure every woman knows she belongs, she matters, and she has the power to lead. Let’s make our campus a place where every woman feels seen, supported, and unstoppable.

Nabeel Abid - Manifesto

I’m running for Commuting Students Officer because I know what it’s like to wake up early, catch buses or trains, and still try to stay involved on campus. Being a commuter comes with its own set of challenges — long journeys, waiting between classes, and sometimes feeling a bit disconnected. I want to change that.

If elected, I’ll work to make campus life easier and more welcoming for commuters. I’ll push for better study spaces, lockers, and comfortable areas where we can relax between lectures. I’ll also speak up about timetable issues and explore ways to make travel more affordable, like transport discounts or car-share options.

But most importantly, I want to help us feel more included. Whether that’s through flexible events, online catch-ups, or just creating spaces where we can connect — I’ll make sure commuters are part of every conversation.

I believe our experiences matter, and with your support, I’ll work hard to make our voices heard and our journeys a little smoother every day.

Peter Davies - Manifesto

Hi, my name is Peter Davies, and I am running for the position of Commuting Students’ Officer on Union Assembly.

I am a Postgraduate student studying Psychology.

If I am elected, I will ensure that all commuting students have their voice heard. I am currently the Vice President of the Mature Student Society (Matsoc).

I am approachable and a good listener. I will listen to any concerns you have and try and get them resolved as quickly as possible.

I am a very proactive person and would ensure that your voice is heard and your concerns addressed.

Voting is on 12^th and 13^th November starting at 9am on 12^th

So if you do nothing else vote Peter Davies for Commuting Students’ Officer.

The Students’ Friend who listens

Sian Byron - Manifesto

Hi Everyone, I’m Sian, and I’m running to be your next Women’s Officer because i care deeply about making our university a place where every woman feels supported, included, and heard.

I want to help create an environment where we can all thrive - whether that’s feeling safe on campus, having equal opportunities, or simply knowing there’s someone you can talk to who genuinely listens.

If elected, I'll focus on:

Building Community
Better Communications
Real Representation

I’m approachable, passionate and not afraid to speak up when something isn’t right.

Poppy Davison-Ward

As the University's Women's Officer I aim to align myself with creating a better future for women in education. I wish to address the feeling of imposter syndrome many women feel within subject areas.

To further promote this sense of community , i wish to organise safe spaces for women across our campuses to not only express their concerns but find comfort in connection. As women we should be recognising our shared experience across culture, age and life experience.

Therefore, my initiative can be summarised by the simple saying: "Destroy the locks on your heart shaped box".

Jeevitha Baskar - Manifesto

As an international student and a woman with over six years of professional experience in global banking and compliance, I understand the importance of creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for women from all walks of life. I am standing for Women’s Officer to be a strong, empathetic voice for every woman at the University of Chester—whether you're navigating academic challenges, cultural transitions, or personal growth.

My priorities as Women’s Officer will be:

Empowerment through Education: Host workshops and speaker events focused on leadership, career development, and financial literacy tailored for women.

Support and Safety: Strengthen awareness around mental health, harassment reporting, and access to support services—ensuring every woman feels heard and protected.

Representation and Inclusion: Advocate for the needs of women from diverse backgrounds, including international students, mothers, and those balancing work and study.

Community and Connection: Create spaces for women to connect, share experiences, and build lasting friendships through social events, mentorship programs, and cultural celebrations.

I believe that when women are supported, entire communities thrive. With your vote, I will work tirelessly to ensure that every woman at Chester feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Let’s build a stronger, more inclusive university—together.