Eligibility to nominate, to vote and to stand for nomination and election is governed by University Council By-law C: Elections and Appointments to the Council.
Nomination
All alumni are invited to nominate fellow alumni to run for a four-year position on the University Council. Nominations must be submitted by alumni (via the online Nomination Form) and received by the University Secretary on or before a date specified by the University Secretary.
To be nominated, a candidate shall be nominated by at least two Alumni nominators. Additionally the Nominating Committee shall have the right to nominate candidates as it sees fit each year.
In order to help University Council achieve the goal of reflecting the diversity of Canadian society, alumni are encouraged to consider individuals from equity deserving groups such as women, Black, racialized and Indigenous peoples, persons with a disability, and persons who identify in the 2SLGBTQ+ community when nominating a candidate.
The Executive Committee will establish the ballot for the election and the Secretary of the Council shall immediately notify the nominees of their nomination.
Nomination Form
The 2023 online nomination form can be accessed by clicking this link. Nominations must be submitted by April 7 at 4pm EST.
Election
Once the nomination period closes, nominees who received the requisite two nominations will be contacted by the Secretariat regarding next steps. Nominees will be asked to complete an online form and provide the following:
- Statement of Interest: detailing the nominees motivation(s) for joining University Council and what they wish to achieve and/or contribute during their term (max. 300 words);
- Biographical Sketch: citing degrees with years, city of residence, job title (if applicable), undergraduate and alumni activities, volunteer/professional affiliations, etc. (max 150 words); and,
- Photograph (optional but encouraged).
The election shall be conducted in a manner and at such time or times as determined by the Nominating Committee, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee of the Council.
The 2023 election will be held online from May 16-30, 2023.
All valid ballots received by the Secretary of the Council on or before a date specified by the Nominating Committee shall be tabulated under the supervision of the Secretary of the University on the next working day. A tie shall be broken by lot.
The Secretary of the Council will immediately notify the successful candidates. The election results are announced on the University Secretariat website.
Expectations
University Council meets annually in-person in Kingston, ON. The 2023 AGM will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023 (8:30 am - 4:30 pm EST) on Queen’s campus. Optional activities and events will be held on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 (afternoon/evening). A virtual Orientation will be held for newly elected Councillors on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 (2:30 - 4:30 pm EST).
Councillors are also encouraged and have the opportunity to serve on Council Committees and/or task forces as well as other University advisory groups. Additional details on the role and expectations of a University Councillor can be found here.
Questions? Email univsec@queensu.ca.