How Does the Election Process Work?
The process starts with candidates submitting applications for the various positions. They are then interviewed by the Election Committee, which evaluates them as potential candidates. All candidates also have the opportunity to present themselves to The Student Parliament, where they deliver an election speech and answer any questions from the students. Finally, The Student Parliament votes on who they want to represent them in the various positions.
What Positions Do We Have and What Do They Do?
Presidium
StInn is led by a Presidium, which has a Leader and a Deputy Leader. They are responsible for leading the organization and ensuring that the students' voices are heard. They work closely together to ensure that StInn operates effectively and that students' interests are safeguarded. The Leader of the Presidium also plays a crucial role in managing case handling in both the Presidium and The Student Parliament, where the most important decisions for StInn are made. The Deputy Leader is an essential supporter and substitute for the Leader, and they share the responsibility for ensuring efficient case handling at the highest levels of StInn. Both the Leader and Deputy Leader positions are remunerated.
Executive Committee
StInn also has an Executive Committee, which consists of six individuals responsible for each of the different areas StInn focuses on. Each of these roles is vital to ensuring that the students' voices are heard and their interests are protected in various areas. All positions in the Executive Committee are also remunerated.
The Executive Committee also has a Leader and a Deputy Leader, who ensure that StInn's adopted policies and key issues are promoted in the political work of the elected representatives. The Leader and Deputy Leader work closely together to ensure the best possible daily operation of StInn and often represent our organization in larger meetings, frequently alongside the Leader of the Presidium.
The Academics and Research Policy Officer is a key person who works to improve the academic environment for all students and ensures that the voices of INN students are heard. They act as an ambassador for students' interests regarding teaching, exams, and research, and strive to ensure that the education provided is relevant, engaging, and of high quality. As the leader of the Academics and Research Policy Committee, a think tank for students' educational needs, they explore various important questions such as: which exam formats are best for assessing students' knowledge? How much of the teaching should be practical and how much theoretical? Or what requirements should be placed on lecturers and course coordinators? These questions are essential for ensuring that students receive a good and effective education.
Welfare and Learning Environment Policy Officer is an advocate for student well-being and works to improve students' daily lives. They work to ensure that students have access to the resources they need to thrive and perform at their best. Think of this role as an architect for an optimal learning environment. They are responsible for ensuring that students have a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for learning. The Welfare and Learning Environment Policy Officer also leads the Welfare and Learning Environment Policy Committee, which is a think tank for developing policies in this area. Here, important questions are discussed, such as what forms of student health are essential to offer, and who should be responsible for ensuring these services are available? How can we design a physical learning environment that supports students' well-being and learning? How can we create a digital learning environment that is user-friendly and inclusive for all? And how can we strengthen the psychosocial learning environment to promote well-being and inclusion? These questions are vital to ensuring that students have a positive and meaningful study experience.
International Policy Officer is a bridge between INN and the international student population, and is crucial in promoting internationalization and global collaboration at INN. They work to ensure that international students have a positive and meaningful study experience. Think of this role as an ambassador for INN in the international student community, both for students who come here and for students who go abroad on exchange. They are responsible for promoting INN as an inclusive and attractive campus for students from around the world. The International Policy Officer also leads the International Policy Committee, which is a think tank for developing policies in this area. Here, important questions are discussed, such as how can we make INN more accessible to international students, and what accommodations do they need? How can we ensure that international students receive the support they need to succeed in their studies? Or how can we promote exchange programs to give Norwegian students the opportunity to study abroad? These are essential questions to ensure that INN is an international campus that attracts and supports students from all corners of the world.
Communications Officer is a vital voice for reaching out to the students at INN. They are responsible for ensuring that StInn is visible and accessible to all students so they can benefit from StInn's work and engage in student democracy. Imagine this role as a marketer for StInn. They work to create awareness about StInn's work and to communicate effectively with students about what StInn can offer. The Communications Officer is responsible for ensuring that StInn is visible on all campuses and relevant platforms, informing students about what StInn can help them with, what achievements have been made, and how they can join StInn, building a strong brand for StInn that is visible, credible, and engaging, and developing a communication strategy that reaches all students.
Control and Constitutional Committee
The Control and Constitutional Committee (KKU) is responsible for ensuring that StInn adheres to its own documents and guidelines. StInn has many documents that describe its beliefs and how the work should be carried out. It's not easy to keep track of everything, and at times, the content can be ambiguous or incomplete. In these cases, the Control and Constitutional Committee saves the day by identifying the correct paragraphs or providing an interpretation that the rest of the organization can use as a reference.
Election Committee
The Election Committee is responsible for identifying and recommending candidates for the most important positions in StInn. Many skilled students are needed to fill the major positions in StInn, and the members of the Election Committee are involved in headhunting and recommending these candidates. They are most active in the periods before the Student Parliament meetings in October and April but also drive supplementary elections when needed and assist with local elections as required.
The Election Ombud
Running as a candidate can be a bit daunting. To make this process easier and more transparent, StInn has an Election Ombud available to everyone running for a position at the Student Parliament meeting this April. The Election Ombud can provide feedback on your candidate form, answer questions, or simply offer moral support during The Student Parliament. You can read more about the Election Ombud here!
These various positions are crucial to ensuring that the students' voices are heard and their interests are protected. Each position in StInn has its unique role and contributes to making the University of Inland Norway (INN) a better campus for everyone. Feel free to submit a candidate application if you wish to run for a position. You can also contact us by email, Facebook, or Instagram if you have any questions!
The deadline to apply is Friday, March 21st at 23:59!