how to prep for the election process

Running for a position on the SSU Board of Directors is a great way to get involved at Sheridan, enhance the well-being of your peers, and shape the #SheridanLife. Whether you’ve submitted a nominations package, or you’re deciding whether you’d like to, we wanted to put together a list of helpful tricks to support you through the process, and prioritize your overall wellness.

1. Connect with your peers at different events, clubs meetings, and programs

Take part in events, reach out to campus clubs and organizations, or take advantage of opportunities to connect with other students. It’s a great way to let your peers know that you’re campaigning, what your platform is, and get an understanding of their needs, to help inform some of your decisions on the Board (down the line).

2. Make A Commitment To Prioritize Your Overall Health

While you participate in the nominations and campaign periods, we know that you’ll have a lot to prepare for, and it can be easy to let certain things slide. Sleeping less to get things done, eating takeout because it’s faster than cooking, and staying hunched at your desk may be convenient, but aren’t the best way to care for yourself.

Whether it’s making sure you’re eating well, sleeping well, or even getting up and moving your body, prioritizing your physical wellness has such a significant impact on your overall wellbeing – and you’ll feel better for it!

If you’re looking for some workout videos to try, check out Bruin’s Facebook page or our Wellness Wednesday!

 3. Remember, you don’t need to spend any money to run a successful campaign!

At the SSU, we’ll be providing you with lists of resources, social templates, and profiles on our website to showcase everything that students should know about you and your campaign. Get creative with what you post on Instagram, LinkedIn, or other social platforms. And don’t forget that you can tune into events and activities that other students are taking part in, as a way of showcasing who you are as a candidate.

 4.    Make Your Passion the Foundation of Your Campaign

Being involved with the SSU Board of Directors is a great way to support your Sheridan community! When you bring the things that you’re passionate about, and combine them with this position, you can decide how you want to have an impact and how you want to lead - which in turn, will support your peers.  

5. Be Mindful of the Space Around You.

  When you’re making your campaign content, your space around you will reflect who you are, so try to be mindful of how you’re representing yourself.

Your space can also have an impact on your wellbeing. Set yourself up for success by ensuring that what you have around you supports you in the best way possible as you campaign. If clutter stresses you out, make a point to streamline your space. Or if you don’t feel that working at your desk has been helping with your productivity, then change your scenery.

Looking for more tips on how to maintain your environmental wellness? Be sure to read our 8 Dimensions of Wellness series.

6. Acknowledge Your Strengths, And Embrace Your Challenges.

Being a member of the Board is a significant role. While you’re in the position, take the time to acknowledge the things you’re great at, and play them up in the campaigning process. But also take the time to assess the areas where you want to encourage your own growth, and work to improve or develop them. Student leadership is your chance to develop both in your personal and professional career. Take every opportunity as a learning experience.

Joining the Board is a great opportunity to get involved at Sheridan! Why not share the fact that you’re campaigning, or that you are a Board member with your professional connections on a platform like LinkedIn?

 7. Make Time For Self-Reflection

Take the time to figure out what is important to you, what you want to add to Sheridan, and make self-reflection a priority, so that you can decide what your campaign is going to highlight and focus on that. If you find writing things down helps you, try journal writing to get a better understanding of you desires and goals for the election.

8. Reach Out For Help If You Need It

Check-in with yourself during this process! There are quite a few elements to putting your nominations package together, campaigning, and the voting process, so make sure that you’re prioritizing your personal needs. Make your self-care a priority. If you need any help, be sure to reach out to your CRO, Allisa Lim who is here to support you during the elections process.

9. Use Your Lived Experiences As Inspiration

Your #SheridanLife is specific to you! So don’t be afraid to draw on your lived experiences when it comes to your campaigning process. Whether you’re reflecting on your experiences on campus, in residence, or virtually, your experiences have also been learning opportunities, that you can use as a point of reference in your campaign.

10. Tap Into Your “Why”

While you’re figuring out what you want to advocate for, be sure to check out the pillars on the SSU to align your campaign with. Why is promoting the well being most important to you? Why is a diverse campus and the chance to advocate for students something you are passionate about. If you ever feel overwhelming, try to remember why you started in the first place.

Once it’s all said and done, be proud of the campaign you created and the impact you were trying to have on the #SheridanLife. Even though you can’t see the votes as they come in, enjoy the process and being back at school outside of this moment. Check out orientation week and welcome week events, or learn more about a club. Make your experience the one you’re trying to create for other students.

Thinking about joining the Board of Directors?

Check out our elections page to stay up-to-date and learn more about the process.