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Run for Student Senate

Run for MSU Student Senate – Your Voice, Your Impact!


At Maynooth Students' Union (MSU), the Student Senate is where students can directly influence Union policy, hold the Executive to account, and represent the diverse needs of the student body. If you're passionate about making a real difference, running for a Senate position is the perfect opportunity!
 

Positions Available Each March/October:

The Student Senate has multiple roles (Part-Time Voluntary), with representation from various groups across campus, including:

  • Faculty Assemblies Panel (Three Academic Representatives from each of the facilities – Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science & Engineering)
     
  • Postgraduate Representatives (Two taught postgraduate senators and two research postgraduate senators)
     
  • Interest Group Senators (Accommodation Senator, Active Citizenship Senator, Campus Life Senator, Charity Senator, Clubs Senator, Community Senator, Commuter Senator, DARE Senator, Environmental Sustainability Senator, Ethnic Diversity Senator, First Year Senator, Froebel Senator, Gender Equality Senator, HEAR Senator, International Student Senator, LGBTQ+ Senator, Mature Student Senator, Mental Health Senator, Mincéir Senator, Parents & Carers Senator, Part-Time Course Senator, Societies Senator, St. Patrick’s Pontifical University Senator, Study Abroad & Erasmus + Senator)
     
  • Independent Panel (Four independent senators)

This diversity ensures that every student, no matter their background or course of study, has a voice in MSU.
 

Why Run for the Senate?

  • Shape Union Policy: As a Senator, you’ll help create and approve policies that impact student life on everything from welfare to academic issues.
     
  • Develop Leadership Skills: Representing your peers and working closely with the MSU Executive develops valuable leadership, public speaking, and decision-making skills.
     
  • Make a Real Difference: Whether you're fighting for better mental health services, more sustainable campus practices, or inclusivity, your work as a Senator matters.
     

Nomination and Voting Process:

  1. Nomination: Any student can nominate themselves to run for a Senate seat by completing the official nomination form and submitting it to the MSU Electoral Commission.
     
  2. Campaigning: Once nominated, you’ll have the chance to campaign for votes. Explain why you're the best person to represent students’ interests!
     
  3. Voting: Students vote using a proportional representation system with a single transferable vote (STV), ensuring fairness and that every vote counts.
     
  4. Term of Office: Senators are elected for a one-year term, from July 1 to June 30 of the following year.
     

Why Should You Get Involved?

  • Be the Change: Running for the Senate gives you the platform to address issues that matter to you and your fellow students.
     
  • Represent Your Peers: As a Senator, you will gather feedback and ideas from your peers, ensuring that their voices are represented in the decisions that affect them.
     
  • Network and Learn: You’ll have the opportunity to work with key university officials and other student leaders, gaining invaluable experience for your future.
     

Ready to Make a Difference?

Submit your nomination, get involved in the elections, and help lead the change you want to see at Maynooth! Whether you want to represent your faculty or a specific interest group, there’s a place for you in the MSU Student Senate!
 

Nominate. Campaign. Lead. Be the voice of your fellow students!