Rev. Spring 2014
Page 1 of 7
NOMINATION PACKAGE
STUDENT MEMBER
SENATE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CANDIDATES
This package contains important information about the election of student representatives to the Senate. Please read the
contents carefully.
Student Definition. All students in credit programs who are registered in at least one (1) course and /or enrolled in a
recognized program and whose tuition and other fees are paid in full at the time of the call for election.
Nomination Form. Obtain the signatures of at least three (3) co-signers who are on the student voters list. Copies of the
student voters list are available for viewing at Surrey, Richmond and Langley campus Enrollment Services offices, as well
as in the Dean’s Office on the Cloverdale campus. Complete the bottom part of the Nomination Form in full and sign it.
Candidate Statement. Complete the Candidate Statement of the Nomination Form.
Submit the completed and signed original copy of the Nomination Form and Candidate Statement to the Registrar (Office
of the Registrar - Admissions, Surrey Main, Surrey Campus) by 4:00 pm sharp on the nomination deadline specified on
the form. Nomination Forms received by the Registrar after that time will not be accepted. Also submit an electronic copy
of the candidate statement to barbara.gorman@kpu.ca by the nomination deadline.
Information for Candidates. This is a summary of important information that candidates for office should be aware of.
Questions and Answers. This is a list of common questions and answers regarding the election process.
Rules and Regulations. These are the official rules and regulations by which the election of faculty, professional support
staff and students to the Board of Governors of Governors and Senate is governed.
Rev. Spring 2014
Page 2 of 7
ELECTION OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SENATE
NOMINATION FORM
TERM OF OFFICE: September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015
To: The Registrar, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
We, the undersigned, nominate ______________________________ as a candidate for election to the Kwantlen
Polytechnic University Senate. We certify that we are students in good standing at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and
that, to the best of our knowledge, we satisfy the eligibility requirements.
Please Note: This nomination will not be accepted unless it carries the signatures of at least three (3) students other than
the candidate, who are on the voters list. To be on the safe side, obtain more than three signatures.
PRINT NAME
STUDENT ID
PROGRAM
CAMPUS
SIGNATURE
I hereby accept nomination as a candidate for election to the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Senate as a student
representative. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, I fulfill the stipulated nomination requirements. I further
certify that, if elected, I will, to the best of my ability, complete the term of appointment for the position.
Surname:
Given Name(s) or
Initials:
Program:
Student Number:
Address:
Home Campus:
Postal Code:
Home Phone:
Signature:
Email address:
CANDIDATES SHOULD READ AND RETAIN THE ATTACHED ‘INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES’
Completed original copy of the Nomination Form must be in the hands of the Registrar (Office of the Registrar Admissions, Surrey Main, Surrey Campus) by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, February 18, 2014. Late nominations will not be
accepted.
Rev. Spring 2014
Page 3 of 7
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
CANDIDATE NAME:
(Please print)
I AM A STUDENT CANDIDATE FOR THE UNIVERSITY SENATE
In 150 words or less, please state your reasons for running for office, including any issues on which you would like to
comment. This statement may be published with the on-line elections channel on myKwantlen, and/or provided to the
“Chronicle” or other student media for publication. Please submit electronically by close of nominations to
barbara.gorman@kpu.ca and submit the hard copy with your nomination papers.
Rev. Spring 2014
Page 4 of 7
ELECTION OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SENATE
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES – SPRING 2014
MANDATE OF THE SENATE
The Senate has the power and the duty to set criteria and create policy for academic matters such as the implementation
and cancellation of programs, student appeals, student discipline, qualifications for admissions, and criteria for awarding
credentials. The Senate has the power and duty to set policies regarding evaluation of student performance, including
academic standards and criteria for recognition of academic excellence. It also sets policies and procedures for student
appeals on academic matters and sets curriculum content for courses leading to a credential. The Senate must advise the
Board, and the Board must seek advice from the Senate on the development of educational policy for the establishment or
discontinuance of Faculties, the establishment, revision or discontinuance of courses and programs, the priorities for
implementation of new programs and courses, the evaluation of programs and educational services, the library and
resource centres, the setting of the academic schedule, qualifications for faculty members.
Normally, a total of four student representatives serve on Senate, for a one year term of office. All four student positions
will be up for election in the Spring 2014 elections for terms starting September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015.
A student elected to Senate must be enrolled in good standing for a period consistent with the term of office. Good
standing is defined as having no current notations on the student’s record related to academic standing or student conduct
or outstanding fees that would prevent a student from being enrolled. If a student’s enrollment is terminated for any
reason, the position will be declared vacant.
VOTERS LIST
The voters list shall be comprised of all students in credit programs who are registered in at least one (1) course and/or
enrolled in a recognized program and whose tuition and other fees are paid in full at the time of the call for election.
Anyone on the voters list may stand as a candidate and/or vote in the election. Copies of the voters list will be available
for viewing at Surrey, Richmond and Langley campus Enrollment Services offices, as well as in the Dean’s Office on the
Cloverdale campus.
If you are not on the voters list, submit a Request to Amend Voters List form to the Registrar by Friday, March 7, 2014
at the latest. These forms are available at Surrey, Richmond and Langley campus Enrollment Services offices, as well as
in the Dean’s Office on the Cloverdale campus. The Registrar will check to see whether you are eligible to vote and, if
you are, will add you to the appropriate voters list.
Rev. Spring 2014
Page 5 of 7
NOMINATIONS
An original copy of the Nomination Form must be completed and in the hands of the Registrar (Office of the Registrar Admissions, Surrey Main, Surrey Campus) by 4:00 pm sharp on Tuesday, February 18, 2014. Late nominations will
not be accepted. The nominee and three (3) co-signers who are eligible voters must sign the Nomination Forms. Be sure
to check the student voters list to ensure that the candidate and co-signers are contained therein. If in doubt, obtain the
signatures of more than three (3) co-signers.
In addition to the Nomination Form, candidates are requested to submit a statement of no more than 150 words outlining
their reasons for running for office, including any relevant issues on which they would like to comment. This statement
may be published with the on-line elections channel on myKwantlen and/or provided to the “Chronicle” or other student
media for publication.
LIST OF CANDIDATES
The list of candidates for this election will be posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at Surrey, Richmond and
Langley campus Enrollment Services offices, as well as in the Dean’s Office on the Cloverdale campus, on the on-line
election channel in myKwantlen, and on campus bulletin boards.
CAMPAIGNING
Candidates may campaign from the day the candidate list is posted. Fair play rules will apply. Campaigning must be done
on the individual’s own time and the cost of campaign materials must be borne by the candidate. Candidates are
responsible for the removal of all posters and other campaign material immediately following the close of the elections.
BALLOTING
This will be an on-line election. Eligible voters can access the “election channel” at www.mykwantlen.ca closer to the
dates of the election.
Ballots can be cast on-line from 8:00 am Thursday, March 20 to 4:00 pm Sunday, March 23, 2014.
Voters may cast ballots for up to four candidates in the Spring 2014 election.
COUNTING OF BALLOTS
The counting of ballots will commence after the on-line polls close on Sunday, March 23, 2014.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS
The candidate(s) with the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. In the event that only as many candidates are
nominated for the Senate as are required to be elected, the candidate(s) is declared to have been acclaimed. In the event of
a tie, Senate will cast the deciding vote.
The results of the election will be posted by Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at Surrey, Richmond and Langley campus
Enrollment Services offices, as well as in the Dean’s Office on the Cloverdale campus on line at www.mykwantlen.ca and
on campus bulletin boards.
Rev. Spring 2014
Page 6 of 7
ADMINISTRATION OF THE ELECTION
Appeals must be submitted to the Registrar no later than three (3) calendar days from the date the results of the election
are declared. The Registrar will convene the Senate Election Appeals committee to consider the appeal and make a
decision. This decision will be final.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q.
WHAT IS THE SENATE AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
A.
The Senate consists of a minimum of thirty-four (34) individuals, comprised of the Chancellor, the President, the
Academic Vice President, the Deans of Faculties, the Chief Librarian, the Registrar, fourteen (14) elected faculty
members, two (2) elected professional staff members, four (4) elected student members, one alumni member who
is not a faculty member appointed by the President on nomination by the Alumni Association. In addition, the
Board of Governors may appoint one of its members to sit as an observer.
Member
Category
Number
Chancellor
President and Vice Chancellor
Academic Vice President
Deans of Faculties
Chief Librarian
Registrar
Faculty Senators
Student Senators
Professional Support Staff Senators
Alumni Senator
Board Appointee
1
1
1
7
1
1
14
4
2
1
1
Term
(Years)
3
Indefinite
Indefinite
Indefinite
Indefinite
Indefinite
3
1
3
3
1
Membership by
Legislated
Chair of Senate, Legislated
Legislated
Legislated
Legislated
Legislated (non-voting)
Election
Election
Election
Appointed by President on
nomination by the alumni
association
Appointment by the Board (non-voting)
34 members of Senate
The University Act provides for the establishment of special purpose teaching universities with bicameral
governance. The academic branch is known as Senate and has powers and duties that include:





Setting criteria for awarding certificates, diplomas and degree, including honorary degrees;
Setting curriculum content for courses leading to certificates, diplomas, degrees and postbaccalaureates;
Setting qualifications for admission;
Setting criteria for academic standing, academic standards and the grading system;
Setting policies and procedures for appeals by students on academic matters and establish a
final appeal tribunal for these appeals;
Additionally, Senate has the mandate to advise the Board of Governors on the development of education
policy regarding matters including:

educational goals, objectives, strategies and priorities of the University
Rev. Spring 2014







Page 7 of 7
the establishment, revision or discontinuance of courses and programs
priorities for the implementation of new programs
the establishment or discontinuance of faculties at the university
evaluation of programs and educational services
the library and resource centres
the setting of the academic schedule
the qualifications for faculty members
As the senior governance body composed primarily of the academic staff of the University, Senate has
the responsibility to conduct its business in collegial, open forums.
Senate Bylaw 1.08 states: “The seat of any elected member who fails to attend three meetings of Senate
between September 1 and August 31 may be declared vacant by the Chair.”
Q.
WHY SHOULD I RUN FOR OFFICE?
A.
It is very important to the University and to students that there be strong voices on the Senate. The issues
discussed are of concern to all students and it is crucial that their points of view be heard on each issue. In
addition, it is an opportunity to learn how the University is governed and administered.
Q.
A.
DO I REPRESENT THE STUDENTS THAT ELECTED ME?
Senators are there to represent the best interests of KPU, not as representatives of their constituents.
Q.
WHY SHOULD I VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS?
A.
If the members of the Senate are to represent the viewpoints of their respective constituencies at the University, it
is important that they are the best representatives available. The election process is your opportunity to elect the
best qualified people to represent you on this important governing body.
Q.
WHERE CAN I SEE A COPY OF THE ELECTION RULES AND REGULATIONS?
A.
Copies of the election rules and regulations are included in the Nomination Package and may also be viewed at
Surrey, Richmond and Langley campus Enrollment Services offices, as well as in the Dean’s Office on the
Cloverdale campus, and at the on-line elections channel of myKwantlen at www.mykwantlen.ca.
Q.
A.
WHAT ARE MY TIME COMMITMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS WHILE A MEMBER OF SENATE?
A significant amount of time is involved, such as:
 monthly three-hour Senate meetings between September and June
 serving on two Senate committees: most meet monthly between September and June for a two-hour
meeting
 prep time for meetings may be one to two hours
 all Senate committees are chaired by a Senator, which requires more time commitment