Autumn Elections 2026 – Get Involved!
Elections are back! This year, we’re running two elections at the same time - giving you even more opportunity to get involved and make a difference.
We’ll be electing:
- Course Representatives for Undergraduate Programmes*
- Postgraduate Officer (this can be done as a duo)
Course Representatives are the voice of their course, sharing student feedback with the University and SU, speaking up in meetings, keeping classmates informed, and helping point students towards support and opportunities within RVCSU and the RVC.
The Postgraduate Officer represents postgraduate students across the University, gathering feedback, raising key issues, working with the SU and university staff, and helping run campaigns, events, and activities that improve the PG experience at the RVC.
Whether you want to represent your course mates or shape the postgraduate experience, now’s your chance to step up, have your voice heard, and support others.
Key timeline:
- Applications Open - 21st September (9am)
- Applications Close - 7th October (12pm)
- Campaigning Begins - 8th October (9am)
- Campaigning Ends - 14th October (5pm)
- Voting Opens - 15th October (9am)
- Voting Closes - 21st October (5pm)
- Complaint Deadline - 21st October (5pm)
- Vote Count and Results Announced - 23rd October
Training will take place on the 28th October from 1pm-6pm - all successful candidates must be available unless they have contacted the SU Student Voice Coordinator prior. Luana - lgvasconcelos@rvc.ac.uk
*Postgraduate course reps are selected in class or via email with your programme team. If you have any questions, please contact your programme team.
Congratulations Elected Course Reps 26-27!
RVC Students’ Union Course Representatives
RVC Students’ Union Course Representatives (Course Reps) play an important role in representing the views of their year group and helping to improve the student experience. As a Course Rep, you’ll work closely with both the Students’ Union (SU) and the RVC to highlight issues, share feedback, and drive positive change on your course.
Being a Course Rep is a great opportunity to develop valuable skills, build relationships, and make a real impact. You’ll gain experience in communication, teamwork, and leadership, while also benefiting from tailored training, working alongside staff and students, and perks such as discounted SU events, payment for attending certain Academic Committee meetings, and access to the Rep Rewards programme.
As current and past Reps have said:
- “Being at the forefront of change and a voice for those in the year who weren’t confident enough to share their thoughts.”
- “Building relationships with course leaders and having the responsibility to improve course content or workload based on feedback from the cohort.”
Elections and Role Timeline
Course Rep elections take place each year in September/October and are run by the Students’ Union.
If you’re elected, you’ll be in post for 15 months, finishing in December of the following year. This longer term allows time for a handover period between outgoing and incoming Reps during the autumn term, so you’ll have support as you get started.
Training and Support
All Course Reps are supported through a dedicated Training and Support Programme, designed to help you feel confident and effective in your role (and have some fun along the way!).
This is delivered by the Students’ Union, alongside the RVC, but is led by the SU as your representative body, making sure you have the support, guidance, and opportunities you need to make a difference.
Why the SU Leads on Course Reps
The Students’ Union is the main point of contact for Course Representatives. As the organisation that represents students, it makes sense for the SU to lead on supporting, coordinating, and developing the Course Rep system. This helps ensure your feedback is heard, acted on, and reflected in wider student representation work across the University.
Get Involved or Get Support
If you’re interested in becoming a Course Rep or want to find out more, get in touch with:
- Luana Guimaraes Vasconcelos, SU Student Voice Coordinator
- Thalia Dufour, VP Representation (2025/26)
- Diva Parashar, VP Representation (2026/27)