Union of Jewish Students

Want to be Chair of UJS?

UJS has now opened nominations for the post of Chair. UJS is the representative body of ten thousand Jewish students in the UK. It seeks to inspire every Jewish student to engage in meaningful Jewish campus experiences and to make an enduring commitment to their Jewish identity, Israel and the community.

The position of chair of the Union of Jewish Students is a great privilege and responsibility. There are a number of key areas in which the Chair focuses his/her attention:

The Mission & Vision for UJS:
The Chair is responsible for defining the short and long-term vision for UJS. From their election he/she must recruit a dynamic team who will craft and implement a strong year plan.

UJS Team:
The Chair is responsible for all aspects of the recruitment, employment and leadership of the UJS Team and the year's activities.

Jewish Community:
The Chair sits on a number of boards: the Jewish Leadership Council, the Board of Deputies, UJC Chaplaincy and Hillel. The Chair is the representative of Jewish students to the community and is expected to show leadership. The Chair also builds and sustains relations with other national and international student movements, such as the World Union of Jewish Students.

Non-Jewish Community: The chair is the public face of Jewish students and their representative to the wider British society.

Jewish Students:
The Chair is elected by Jewish students and derives his authority from this popular mandate. The Chair must lead and engage Jewish students on campuses throughout the UK.

Jewish Society Committees:
The Chair is ultimately responsible for the welfare and support of over ten thousand Jewish students on over 40 campuses in the UK and Ireland. As such, the Chair must have a strong relationship/partnership with the JSoc Presidents and committees who direct Jewish life on campus.
Each day is varied and presents a new challenge. The skills are in financial, team and event management, as well as needing to show leadership. Quite simply, there is not another graduate programme or experience like it.




How it will work:

When are the elections going to be held?
The elections will take place on various dates over a two week period from the 24th of November to the 4th of December.


Where will the election Road show go?
The final list of locations, dates and venues will be confirmed very shortly.

If candidates cannot attend a destination for any particular reason, they can either send a representative to speak on their behalf, or can project a filmed speech that UJS will arrange.


Will UJS pay for my transport costs?
Yes, UJS will cover your transport costs to and from each of the destinations.


Will I get money to fund my campaign?
UJS will provide each candidate with £150 pounds to spend on their campaign.
Candidates need to provide full receipts for their expenses.
You can also only claim £150, and should not spend any more on your campaign.
To ensure fairness, you should not spend any more money on your campaign. Clearer rules will be published later.


How can I campaign?
You can campaign however you like, aside from campaigning negatively.


Can Jsocs endorse my Campaign?
No, individual Jewish Societies cannot endorse your campaign.


How do I nominate myself?
If you want to stand for election, you need ten nominations from members of at least five different Jsocs. You should include an email and a telephone contact for each of your nominees.
A list of who has nominated you will be displayed both online, and at each of the election destinations.

You also need to submit an A4 manifesto that includes your name and a photograph.
Once you have these ready, submit them by email to peter@ujs.org.uk .


When is the nomination deadline?
The deadline for nominations will be at 12 noon on the 16th of November. All nominations should be submitted by email before this time.
NOMINATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 21st NOVEMBER  AT 12 NOON

When will campaigning start?
Campaigning can then begin on the 23rd of November.



These are some basic FAQs to get you started in considering to run. The final rules and road show details will follow soon.
Do you have any more questions, or would like to talk to someone about running in the election?


If you want to find out more info about UJS, our year plan of work for 2008-2009, or would like to talk with someone in detail about the role, please contact peter@ujs.org.uk or on 0207 424 3298