Running for the SRC
Everything you need to know about nominating, campaigning, and representing AUT students.
Before you start
Think about whyyou want to stand. Do you want to improve student wellbeing? Make campus more accessible? Change how things work at AUT? Your “why” is the foundation of your campaign.
Then think about how. Could you organise a wellbeing event, start a petition, attend university committee meetings? Bring your strengths — whether you’re a designer, a speaker, or a social media natural.
Create a memorable campaign: a slogan, key words, or a logo that captures what you stand for. If you’re campaigning online, you need to stop the scroll.
Nomination process
- 1
Log in to AUTSA Connect
You must be a current AUT student and AUTSA member.
- 2
Select up to 3 positions
If you choose multiple, set your preference order. You can only hold one position.
- 3
Write your candidate statement
A blurb about who you are, what you want to do, and why students should vote for you (up to 2,000 characters per position).
- 4
Upload a headshot
A square photo of yourself. This will appear on the candidates page.
- 5
Provide 2 endorsers
Two AUT students who support your nomination. They will receive an email to confirm.
- 6
Consent to the conduct check
You must consent to AUTSA checking whether your conduct is being managed under the AUT Code of Practice.
- 7
Submit
Once both endorsers confirm and the Returning Officer reviews your nomination, you're on the ballot.
Conduct check
As part of the nomination process, AUTSA will assess whether each candidate is a fit and proper person to serve on the SRC.
By nominating, you consent to the Returning Officer consulting AUT to check whether your conduct is being managed under the AUT Code of Practice — Health, Wellbeing and Fitness to Study.
This check will not disclose the nature of any conduct record, the reason for being managed, or access to health, counselling, or other facilities.
If a candidate’s conduct is being managed under the Code, the Returning Officer will inform them. The candidate then has the right to appeal to the current SRC.
Campaign rules
You are responsible for knowing all rules in the AUTSA Constitution. Breaches may result in vote penalties or disqualification.
Spending cap: $250
Total campaign spending (including donations) must not exceed $250. Keep all receipts — the Returning Officer will verify expenditure.
Campaign with integrity
No personal attacks on other candidates, staff, or supporters. Discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, or age is never allowed.
Respect privacy
Do not message, email, or contact students without consent. You must not manipulate, coerce, or unduly influence votes.
Keep to the dates
Campaigning is only allowed during the official campaign period. All physical campaign material must be removed by the close of campaigning.
Stay within boundaries
Physical campaign material may only be placed on public notice boards. Material placed elsewhere may be removed by AUT Estates and result in a complaint.
No bribing
You cannot offer money, gifts, or other inducements in exchange for votes. Alcohol inducements are strictly prohibited and will result in severe vote penalties.
AUTSA neutrality
Your campaign must not compromise AUTSA's political neutrality. You cannot use the AUTSA logo or imply endorsement by the association.
Breach penalties
The Returning Officer determines breach severity and applies penalties at their sole discretion.
Any voter may lodge a formal complaint about candidate conduct. Complaints must be in writing with clear evidence and received before the close of the ballot. Lodge a complaint
What to expect
All SRC members attend monthly meetings, complete training, and present quarterly reports.
Leads the SRC, chairs Governance Board and SRC meetings, represents students on the University Council, and acts as official spokesperson for AUTSA.
Supports the President, sits on the Governance Board, acts as secondary student representative, and coordinates Office Holders.
Represents all students in your faculty. Attends Faculty Board meetings, organises at least one faculty event per semester, and presents quarterly reports to the SRC.
Represents all students at your campus. Monitors campus issues, organises campus events, and presents quarterly reports to the SRC.
Represents students in your portfolio (e.g. Māori Affairs, Pasifika, Diversity, International, Disabilities, Mature Students, Rainbow, Wellbeing, Accommodation, Postgraduate).
Accessibility guidelines
The more accessible your campaign, the more voters you’ll reach.
- Use clear, simple language
- Choose plain, commonly used fonts
- Ensure high contrast between text and background
- Write alt text for all images on social media
- Capitalise the first letter of each word in hashtags (for screen readers)
- Provide captions for all videos — check auto-generated captions for accuracy
- Use a variety of content types to reach the widest audience
Questions or concerns?
Contact the elections team or the Returning Officer.