Nomination Form: https://forms.gle/oY7abXmMPtufkSix7
Signatures Template: Signatures Template
What is the School of Social Work Student Union?
The School of Social Work Student Union (SSWSU) is the official, representative student council of Columbia University School of Social Work. The SSWSU will act as an official liaison between the School of Social Work student body and the Administration. The SSWSU’s mission is to enhance the educational experience of its members and contribute to the university community as a whole through fostering activities and consistent advocacy. The SSWSU shall be responsible for advocating on behalf of CSSW graduate students and their collective interests.
What positions are available?
Executive Board:
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Community Liaison Officer
Communications Officer
Representatives:
(1) Advanced Standing (the Advanced Standing representative election will take place during the summer term)
(1) 16-month student
(1) First-year student
(1) Second-year student
(1) Dual Degree student
(1) Online Campus student
(1) Part-time (Extended or Reduced Residency) student
(1) 5-Term International Program student
(1) Special Programs: Accelerated Policy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Management Fellows Program (MFP) student
What is the University Senate?
The Senate is a University-wide policy–making body representing faculty, researchers, students,
administration, administrative staff, librarians, and alumni. It makes policy on a range of issues that affect
the entire University or more than one school. These include all general faculty and student affairs, most
issues that fall under the responsibility of the central administration, all areas under the jurisdiction of any
Senate committee, including educational programs and priorities, the budget, academic freedom and tenure,
the conduct of research, the libraries, information technology, campus planning, and rules governing
demonstrations.
The Senate has 108 voting seats, with 63 reserved for faculty, 24 for students, 6 for officers of research, 2
each for administrative staff, librarians, and alumni, and 9 for senior administration including the President,
who chairs the monthly plenaries. Acts of the Senate under section 24 of Chapter II of the University
Statutes become final on passage, except in those cases where Trustee concurrence is required in matters
involving a change in budgetary appropriations, acquisition or disposition of real property, and contractual
obligations of the University.
The Role of Senator
Senators are elected to terms lasting two years or until such time as their affiliation with Columbia ends,
whichever comes first (CSSW students serve for one-year terms). Each Senator is expected to serve on at least one committee, participating fully in the committees’ meetings and attending the monthly Senate plenary.
Since much of the Senate’s vital work is carried out in committee session, senators are expected to attend all
meetings of their committee(s), and when this is not possible, should notify the Senate Office in advance.
Committee eligibility is summarized in the Committee Structure and Membership page.
Senators are permitted to send mass emails concerning Senate business to their constituencies using listservs
provided by the Senate. We request that the Senate staff be copied on any such emails.
For more information, please go to: http://senate.columbia.edu/elections/why_run_for_the_senate_20170302.pdf
Timeline:
April 1st-10th – Students interested in running for Executive Board positions and the University Senator position need to submit intent to run. Students interested in Representative positions need to submit application.*
April 15th – School-wide elections begin at 12:00 PM noon
April 19th – School-wide elections end at 4:00 PM
April 24th – Results will be released to the school
May 8th – First meeting (12-2:00 PM), required attendance for all elected.
*Students are NOT able to run for both an Executive Board position AND the University Senator position. Students are able to run for both an Executive Board position and submit an application for a Representative position. If elected to the Executive Board, they will no longer be eligible for the Representative position. Students are able to run for the University Senator position and for a Representative position. If elected to the University Senate, they will no longer be eligible for the Representative position.
Campaigning Requirements:
Executive Board ONLY: Each person that submits a nomination must collect 50 signatures from the student body. You may submit through e-mail at [email protected] or submit in person by dropping off the signatures at the front desk in 514. You can find the template on this link: Signatures Template
University Senate Elections: Votes are counted and certification forms for new senators are submitted to the Senate office. Election results are reported to the Senate’s Elections Commission on the Election Certification Form. Questions concerning Senate elections? Consult the Elections Code at http://senate.columbia.edu/elections/u-senate_elections_code_revised_march_2016.pdf
ALL Applicants:
- Candidates may begin campaigning on Wednesday, April 10th.
- Candidates may not receive and/or collect monetary contributions for their campaigns.
- Candidates must receive a simple majority vote to be elected to an SSWSU office.
- Elections for Executive Board positions will take place from April 15-19. General elections will be held by secret ballot.
- Any graduate student registered in the School of Social Work may vote in the Executive Board elections.
- All processes are overseen by the Office of Student Services.
Submit your nomination using this link: https://forms.gle/oY7abXmMPtufkSix7
