LUU is a democracy. This means that you, the students, are the most powerful group. On registering at Uni, you automatically become a member of the Union - this entitles you to vote in elections, and to put forward motions, speak and vote at General Meetings.
With 30,000 members in charge, things could get a little mad and out of control. To ensure everything is fair, we have to have some order. The structure of Leeds University Union is based around the members. They give their views, opinions and ideas to a group of elected representatives who oversee the running of the Union on the members behalf.
Every year a number of members are elected into positions to oversee the development of the Union. To make sure we are campaigning and shouting about the things that the members want us to.
There are six officers who work full time posts from 9.00am to 5.00pm. They are here to help campaign and lobby on your behalf. They ensure that you're happy and being treated fairly by the University and other organisations you come into contact with. To find out more about this years Exec please visit www.luuonline.com/exec.
Union Council is a group of 30 or so guys and girls, who make sure that Union policies are what you want them to be. They also represent your opinions on special areas such as environmental or education issues. They are voted into these positions by the members. Find out more about the Union Council by visiting www.luuonline.com/howtheunionworks/unioncouncil.
As a member of a group you have an obligation to vote. If you want Leeds University Union to look after your interests then you have to be interested in the Union.
We ask our members to take part in voting. We will ask you to vote on a number of issues throughout the year. Things such as environmental matters, Union policy, and how the resources available to members are funded. We also ask you to vote for representatives within the Union such as the Exec and Union Council. If you don't like what is being put forward by a candidate - then don't vote for them. If you do like the idea of a certain change to the Union then vote for it. If you don't use your vote, then somebody else is going to have a say in how our shared resources are used, so you could miss out.
The members hold all the power, as it's the members who decide what happens, either as a regular student voting for candidates at elections or by becoming more involved with how the Union is run.
All members can stand for positions in the Union Council or to become an Exec Officer. You can also become an elected delegate to go to the National Uniion of Students (NUS) Annual Conference (a national forum for discussion about issues effecting all members of the NUS).
