TCSA Elections

The TCSA is governed by a Board of Directors that is duly elected from the student membership each year. Elections are held in March, with a by-election held in early October to fill any vacant positions. TCSA elections are open to all undergraduate students enrolled at the Peterborough campus.

Whether you are interested in running for a position in the election, presenting a question for referenda, or just curious about the process, you’ve come to the right place. In this section, you will find all you need to know about TCSA elections and the referenda process, where and when election events take place, and how to vote in our confidential online voting process.

Why Should You Run For the TCSA Board of Directors?

Running for the TCSA Board of Directors gives you the chance to represent other Trent undergraduate students and have their voices heard about the issues that matter to them. Directors on our board gain invaluable experience in activism, advocacy, equity issues, non-profit work, plus student and university leadership and governance. It also gives you the opportunity to network with student leaders from across Canada, advocate at all levels of government to improve student supports and learn and grow professionally.

To be eligible for a position on the Board of Directors, all candidates must:

  1. Be at least eighteen years of age (or have reached their eighteenth birthday before ratification of the elections)

  2. Have not declared bankruptcy

  3. Be a member of the Association (an undergraduate or consecutive education student having paid the Association membership fee)

  4. Be eligible to work in Canada with supporting documentation (i.e. citizenship, student visa, etc.)

  5. Be enrolled as a Peterborough undergraduate student for the next academic year.

  6. Be in Good Academic Standing during the nomination period.

For more information regarding elections, please contact: elections@trentcentral.ca

 

Election FAQs

  • Each position has its own responsibilities, which you can find under position descriptions but all Directors are expected to: 

    1. Sit on Committees at both the Association and University level as well as provide a report to the Board on these Committees.

    2. Attend the Board of Directors Orientation Retreat.

    3. Complete mandatory training

    4. Attend and assist with one Association event or campaign per semester. 

    5. Attend meetings of the Association Board of Directors

    6. Attend biweekly office hours throughout the Fall and Winter semesters 

    7. Maintain open and consistent communication with the Board and Association Staff

    8. Be responsible for promoting an equitable, and inclusive campus climate. Furthermore, directors will be proactive in opposing all forms of oppression, including but not limited to homophobia, sexism, racism, anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, antisemitism, transphobia, ableism, classism, or any other kinds of discrimination. 

  • Students interested in applying to be a candidate will need to provide the following in their registration form

    1. Signatures (Name and Student Number) of support from fellow undergraduates. Commissioners require 25 signatures and Executive positions require 100.

    2. A headshot

    3. A campaign platform answering the following:

      1. An Introduction of yourself

      2. What would you do in the position

      3. What makes you the best candidate

    4. Executive positions also require a reference letter from a member of Trent faculty or staff that speaks to their competency and leadership potential, or qualifications

  • We're online!

    You can vote from the comfort of your own home!

    We will send out an email to all our members when voting opens with a link to take you to the voting page. If you have any difficulties accessing our voting page, or do not receive an email when you believe you are our member, please contact elections@trentcentral.ca.

  • Unofficial results are posted shortly after voting has closed and will be available on the Results & Statistics section of this website.

  • Available positions and descriptions are included in the Positions sections of this page.

  • Yes! As long as your study permit allows you to work in Canada, you are eligible.