SUS Election: President

The University of the Fraser Valley Student Union Society (SUS) is a BC Not-For-Profit Society representing and serving UFV students. The Society manages the Student Union Building and facilitates services such as the UFV U-PASS, food services, and the student health and dental plan.  SUS also provides support to an active community by organizing events and provides wellness and developmental programming.  As the official representative body of UFV students, our mission is to be an inclusive community that provides high-quality, accessible programs and services. We are the unified voice advocating on behalf of student interests in the UFV community, ensuring each student has opportunities to thrive.      

Work Schedule: Minimum of 30 hours per week

Reporting to: Board of Directors

Direct Reports: Vice Presidents External, Internal, & Students

Location: Abbotsford Campus

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The President is the head of the Executive Committee of SUS and is ultimately responsible for carrying out the strategic goals, orders, and resolutions of the Board. This is a public-facing position, with responsibility as the official SUS spokesperson for liaising with various local, provincial, and national university groups and committees. The position must be filled by a current student of UFV who will be enrolled in a minimum of one three-credit course in both the Fall and Winter semesters.

Note: This is an intensive and demanding role, which requires complete commitment for the entire duration of the term in office, and potential travel time away from home and classes. It is strongly recommended not to take more than 1-2 classes (3-6 credits) per semester for these reasons.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT

The President has responsibility for a variety of functions, including but not limited to the following:

• Be the official spokesperson and contact person for the Society, including student orientation events and official functions the Society is invited to;


• Lead their fellow Student Executives – Vice President External, Vice President Internal, and Vice President Students – and provide guidance and advice;


• Hold weekly meetings with the Executive Director to collaborate and assist in the strategic direction and leadership for the advancement and promotion of the objectives of the Society;


• Coordinate, in general, the activities of the Executive, and fulfill and perform duties as may be required and/or necessary to achieve Society purposes and objectives;


• Effectively demonstrate the Executive efforts of the Society to communicate with students and the broader public;


• Act as a liaison between the Society and UFV Administration by assisting in coordination and attend regular meetings with the UFV President, Vice President Students, and provide updates at the UFV Board of Governors and;


• Participate in the advocacy campaigns of the Executive.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE

The President, in conjunction with other Executives, holds responsibility for a variety of functions, including but not limited to the following:

• Represent the interests of students at all times, with specific responsibility for non-academic issues of UFV;


• Uphold the Society’s bylaws and other governing documents;


• Ensure adequate student representation in the decision-making processes of UFV;


• Ensure compliance of the policy, bylaw, and other governing legislation of the Society;


• Develop an Executive Goal Plan in accordance with the SUS Strategic Plan and the approved SUS Annual Budget, ensure approval from the Board and the completion of all goal plan items;


• Provide a detailed report of monthly activities to the Board at each Board meeting, including all significant information which may affect the Society operations or its Membership, and all portfolios under the Executive’s position;


• Present an annual end-of-term report to the Board and Membership before leaving office;


• Sit on the Executive Committee and attend all Weekly Executive Meetings;


• Continually review strategic and other Executive plans of the Society, ensure completion of benchmarks, provide updates and revise as appropriate;


• Act as a signatory for the Society on designated official documents, contracts, and other matters;


• Keep updated on the goals, concerns, and needs of the Membership, including educational trends and other matters which may affect the Membership in the future;


• Maintain, develop, foster relationships with UFV and other partners in the post-secondary education community;


• Perform critical analysis of UFV, or other institutions involved in post-secondary education;


• Transition the incoming Executive in accordance with relevant governing policy and procedures;


• Work alongside the Operations team to contribute to the activities and programs of the Society and;


• Contribute to and support the continuous growth and improvement of the Society.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Professional work ethic, exercising good judgment, initiative, and a high degree of professionalism;


• Excellent written and oral communication, large-scale public speaking;
  


• Familiarity with SUS & UFV policies and procedures;


• Personable nature, able to interact with many different character types;


• Ability to adapt and react to changing goals and environments;


• Organized, and able to keep track of a large number of concurrent projects, goals, tasks, and documentation;


• Ability to effectively supervise and manage, assess performance, and provide feedback;


• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills;


• Willingness to learn and develop professional skills;


• Experience working in non-profit organizations, and in particular SUS; 


• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively as part of a team, and in non-traditional work environments and schedules;


• Consistent work ethic throughout the entire year, and committed to remaining in the position for the entire year;


• Personable nature, able to interact with many different character types and;


• Able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

COMPENSATION: $23.25/hr, with 72 hours of paid vacation and a paid winter break.

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be accepted online through this online platform until Thursday January 29 at 11:59PM. Alternatively, students may submit hard copies of all required documents to the Electoral Officer in Room S2101 (Abbotsford Campus) by the latest Friday January 23 12:00PM. Submissions that are incomplete or that are received past due dates/times will not be accepted.

Important Note: All successful applicants must be available for the following dates and times*:

• All Candidates Meeting (Info Session) - Friday January 30 10:00AM-11:30AM
  Room s2103 SUB Hub (Abbotsford Campus)


• Content Day-Photo/Filming - Wednesday February 4 or Thursday February 5
  Room s3103 Boardroom (Abbotsford Campus)
  Marketing will be doing Photo/Filming days on February 4 and 5. All applicants must prebook a timeslot through the following link by February 2 at 11:59PM: Candidate Shoot 2026. We recommend everyone dress business casual. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from being able to attend this important day, please email [email protected] before February 2 11:59PM. More info will be provided at the All Candidates Meeting (Info Session) on Friday January 30 at 10:00AM. 
  


• UFV Chilliwack (CEP) Tabling - Wednesday February 11 11:45AM-1:15PM
  East Atrium Building A (Chilliwack Campus CEP)


• UFV Abbotsford Debate - Thursday February 12 10:00AM-12:00PM
  Room s1116 Evered Hall (Abbotsford Campus)
  


• UFV Abbotsford Question and Answer Session - Monday February 23 4:00PM-6:00PM
  Room s2103 SUB Hub (Abbotsford Campus)


• Ratification Meeting - Friday March 6 11:00AM-12:00PM
  Room s3103 Boardroom (Abbotsford Campus)
  
  *Successful applicants must also adhere to deadlines and rules listed in the Nomination Package.

HOW TO APPLY: 

Using the link below, nominees must download, fill out and resubmit the (1)Nomination Package through this application. Additionally, they must write a (2)Candidate Statement and also submit it through this online application. If applicable (read nomination package), please submit your (3)UFV Faculty Member's Letter of Recommendation (~500 Words) through this online application as well. Alternatively, students may submit hard copies of all required documents to the Electoral Officer in Room S2101 (Abbotsford Campus) by the latest Friday January 23 12:00PM. Submissions that are incomplete or that are received past due dates/times will not be accepted.

2026 Election Nomination Package - President

Candidate Statement Info: This is a document: “where the candidate shall be permitted to provide a statement on their views on matters rightfully falling under the jurisdiction of their desired position”. A Photo of the Candidate may be used in this. For examples go to https://ufvsus.ca/archives. Expand the administrations and look for Candidate Statements. No logos or association with UFV, SUS or other groups is allowed in this. You may only reference other groups if including them in your previous experience. Phrases such as “UFV SUS Election”, “SUS Election” “UFV Student Union Society (Position Running For)” are allowed to appear in the Candidate Statement. The Candidate Statement is individually created. Copying another’s is not permitted. Throughout the election, this initial Candidate Statement is considered one’s platform and must not change.

All requirements as determined by SUS's bylaws, policies, and procedures must be met in order to proceed with the elections process. For more information, please visit www.ufvsus.ca/elections. Additionally, visit https://ufvsus.ca/bylaws-policies and read the four documents under the heading "Elections".

The UFV Student Union Society is proudly committed to creating a diverse environment. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.