Background
As an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees, the Rector plays a key ceremonial and governance role. The Rector is elected for a 3-year term by Queen’s University students, in accordance with University Council By-laws, to serve a three-year term representing both undergraduate and graduate students.
The is election governed by the University Council, but authority is given to the Alma Mater Society (AMS) and Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) to jointly administer the election. Any changes to the governing policy must be approved by both bodies in AMS Assembly and SGPS Council.
The policy outlines the processes of nomination, validation, campaigning, and voting. To support transparency, fairness, and inclusivity, a review committee has been established to assess the current policy and recommend amendments aimed at enhancing equity and addressing community concerns.
Mandate
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Conduct an overview of the rector election policy outlined in the scope
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Propose amendments to AMS Assembly and SGPS Council for final approval
Scope of Committee
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Section 1: General
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Section 2: Nominations
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Section 3: Campaigning
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Section 4: Election Expenses
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Section 5: Ballots
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Section 6: Tabulations, Results and Announcements
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Section 7: Penalties and disqualifications
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Section 8: Removal of the Rector
The Committee is Expected to:
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Propose remedies for each of the key issues recognized in the scope
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Develop a proposal of policy amendments to present to AMS Assembly and SGPS Council for motion of approval in October assembly
Timeline
Start date: June 2025
End date: September 2025
Membership
Niki Boytchuk-Hale, 39th Rector (Committee Chair)
Alex McDonald, Principal’s Intern (Committee Secretary)
Emma Capstick, Secretariat, Alma Mater Society
Eileen O’Brien, Deputy Speaker, Society of Graduate Studies and Professional Studies
Tina Scott, Governance Officer, Arts and Science Undergraduate Society
Arani Hiritharan, President, Health Sciences Society
Owen Kazimirski, Director of Governance, Engineering Society
Zain Al-Sudani, Director of Internal Affairs, Computing Students Association
Jacob Kranjac, Chief Policy and Returning Officer, Commerce Society
Rebecca Coupland, University Secretary, Queens University