Society Elections: Level up your university experience

Society Elections are happening from March 2 to March 27, and the opportunity you’ve been waiting for has arrived!

Among the top concerns we hear from students is that the hardest thing about university is meeting people and getting that all-important internship or first job.

If this resonates with you, have no fear, there’s a way to cross both those off the list at the same time: get involved with your faculty-based society!

What is a society?

Each faculty (engineering, business and IT, science, etc.) has a group of students who dedicate themselves to supporting and providing opportunities specifically to the students within their faculty. If you’re in the Faculty of Science, for example, you’d be a member of their society—the Science Council. The chemistry, physics, and computer science clubs are under the umbrella of the Science Council, and they hold study sessions to help you with academics, host fun activities like crafting and karaoke nights, and hold networking and professional development events to support growth outside the classroom.

Being a part of your society is a great way to build skills, friendships, and a professional network. Plus, you’ll have a group of people who get what you’re going through and will be there for you.

How to get involved

The best way to get involved is to be a candidate in the Society Elections, of course! Throw your hat in the ring for any role you like—whether you’re into social media and marketing, finance, academics, leadership—there’s a role for whatever interests you.

Steps to run:

1. First go to the Society Elections webpage to see the open positions available and choose the one for you
2. Complete the candidate profile
3. Collect signatures from fellow students to nominate you (deadline March 6)
4. Let everyone know you’re running any why you’re the best person for your role
5. Vote and hope for the best 🤞

What is the timeline?

• Nomination Period
  • Mar. 2, 9:00am to Mar. 6, 4:00pm
• All Candidates Meeting
  • Mar. 6, 6:00pm (online)
• Preparation Period
  • Mar. 7, 12:00am to Mar. 13, 4:00pm
• Campaign Period
  • Mar. 16, 8:00am to Mar. 20, 11:59pm
• Voting Period
  • Mar. 23, 9:00am to Mar. 25, 4:00 PM
• Release Unofficial Results
  • Mar. 27

Why should I join?

Unique experiences, opportunities to travel and broaden your horizons, lasting friendships, and an easier time with exams and projects. What else could you want?

Peer support and mentorship

• As a society executive, you’ll work closely with your team to develop a strategy for the year. This means managing a budget and controlling finances, collaborating with other on- and off-campus partners, planning, marketing, and executing events, and navigating challenges along the way. Not only does this support other students to succeed, it helps you excel as well!

Case competitions

• Something that not enough students know is that their faculties are involved with case competitions. Case competitions are opportunities to work on challenges facing your industry, and work as a team to present research and solutions in front of industry professionals for prizes and national recognition.
• These kinds of experiences not only supercharge your skills, they look great on a resume!

Travel

• Societies often get to travel and take part in conferences around the province. These conferences are opportunities for students to meet and talk to employers and recruiters in their field seeking to hire up-and-coming talent.

And the best part of all is that you get to do this with your friends in an environment where you get to make a positive impact on your peers.

What are you waiting for?

From attending conferences, to networking with major companies and organizations, to opportunities to travel nationally or internationally, being a member of your society is full of opportunities to learn and grow, make friends, and have fun.

Plus, each year, societies typically hold an end-of-year gala, where you get to dress all fancy and enjoy an evening out with friends in your program!

Are you ready to make next year spectacular?

The best time for new beginnings is now,

💙 The OTSU