NSA By-Elections more crucial than ever

Napier Students' Association (NSA) are waiting for approval from the university of their new constitution before nominations for the by-elections can be opened.

The union are still waiting for the university to approve the new constitution which was agreed on in November.

Justyna Paslawska, Vice President of Reps and Volunteers, told The Journal: "We hope to get the approval from the university in a couple of weeks and only then can we open the nomination process."

Thirteen positions are on offer for those students willing to get involved in the NSA. They include three full-time paid positions, eight volunteer unpaid positions and two voluntary trustee positions.

The student union has stressed that no experience is required and full training will be provided.

The three paid positions include President, Vice President of Sports and Societies and Vice President of Representatives and Volunteers. All the available posts have been described as extremely rewarding and a positive way to improve the university.

The eight volunteer positions will cover the three main faculties: Business School, Engineering Computing and Creative Industries and the Life Sport and Social Sciences. These include three academic faculty officers, three faculty officers for Facilities and Well-Being, one activities officer and one Equality and Diversity officer.

Those who wish to become trustees for the NSA must ensure they have no other connections in order to confirm their interests are purely university-orientated.

The two volunteers elected for the position will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for the organisation. They must also ensure that the union is well-equipped to meet its charitable objectives.

Ms Paslawska also stressed the importance of students voting this year: "The results will determine our organisation’s future like every election. Our new elected officers under the new constitution will be able to take up projects according to the new job descriptions which are clearer than ever before.

"We are continuously developing better relations with the university and we have started a few new projects where the main aim is a close cooperation between both organisations. New Executive Officers will definitely have great opportunities to get even closer with the university staff, management and lecturers. This is essential for both organisations to get their aims and objectives."