GOVERNANCE

Student Union Design

North Island Students’ Union offers services and supports for students, by students.

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North Island College has four campuses & a learning centre on Vancouver Island, and each is unique. Each Winter, NISU hosts general elections for Union Representatives. Up to 25 students can become Union Reps, by nominating themselves and collecting support from either 5 fellow students for digital learners, or 10 fellow students for on campus learners. 

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Any student who is a union member, (all NIC students) can run as a Union Representative, if they feel the call to do so. The term for Union Reps is April 1 - April 30 the following year. 

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If more than 25 students come forward, an election process unfolds, with a campaign period and voting days. If less than 25 students come forward, those students become Union Reps, by acclamation, meaning they take their seats without a voting process. 

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Once elected, a Union Representative’s role is to engage with students through in person events, social media and online events with an aim to fostering connection and community among NIC students.

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From the up to 25 Union Reps, up to 6 students are further elected to the Board of Directors, at the Annual General Meeting, held in April each year. 

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The Board of Directors are the governing body of North Island Students' Union, responsible for leadership and setting direction for the term. 

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The Board of Directors are expected to spend a minimum of 4 hours a month on Students' Union business, with Committee of the Whole & Board of Directors meetings. They are further able to spend up to 20 hours a month supporting the work of the Union. These positions are compensated, in recognition of energy required. 

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Attending the Committee of the Whole meeting sees $35, for all Union Representatives. Board of Directors who participate in the monthly meeting see $65 and the up to 20 hours of service is at $21/hr. The Students' Union endeavours to be a Living Wage employer. 

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Union Representatives are encouraged to fill portfolio positions to provide input from groups of people who have traditionally been under represented or who hold unique knowledge. Women Students', Indigenous Students' and Students’ Accessibility representatives are positions available for Union Reps to self nominate for. Further, each campus can have two Union Reps to offer insight to their campus, be the campus liaisons, helping with office and clerical tasks, events and more. These portfolio positions are entitled to $50 per month of service. 

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Students’ unions are an amazing way to learn about governance and gain valuable experience from a variety of areas including leadership, policy, budgets, committees, active communication, management and so much more. It is an honour to be elected and be the voice for your fellow students as Union Representatives. 

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Student engagement strengthens the Students' Union work and that returns full circle to empower students. Unions are a way for us to actively partake in democracy and support our fellow students as well as working towards a bright future where all people are treated equally and have access to quality, affordable education.