Each year, members of Convocation are elected to various voluntary roles within the University’s governance structure to represent the views of alumni and to help develop the alumni community. These are advertised four to six months in advance of vacancies being open. All members of Convocation are eligible to participate, including graduands (final year students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, who successfully obtain their degree in July).
The 6 candidate election statements can be viewed by clicking Convocation Committee candidate profiles.
Alumni: You will need to use your membership number to validate your vote. This can be found on the email notifying you of the election. Alumni can vote by using the Alumni Online Ballot. If alumni prefer to vote using a paper ballot please print off a ballot paper (PDF, 33KB). Alumni must enter their membership number on the form which must be returned to the Clerk to Convocation.
Graduands: Vote using the Graduand Online Ballot. You will need to use your student number to validate your vote.
Academic Staff: You will need to use your name, position and department within the University to validate your vote. Academic Staff may vote by using the Academic Staff ballot paper [PDF 56KB]
One nomination for the single post of Deputy Chairman of Convocation, and 25 nominations for the 25 posts of Convocation representatives on Court have been received. Therefore these posts are uncontested for voting purposes, and election of these candidates will be confirmed at the Convocation AGM. Read about the candidates below:
Convocation is the University of Bristol’s alumni association and is a statutory body of the University of Bristol. With its existence enshrined in the Charter of the University and its composition and duties defined in Statutes, Convocation forms a consultative and representational body. It comprises of all graduates and past students, honorary graduates, academic staff and some officers of the University and encourages their participation in the further development of the University. More information can be found on our about Convocation page.
Elections are advertised through the alumni magazine Nonesuch and the monthly e-newsletter. Calls for nominations are made four to six months in advance of the closing date.
Other roles that are open for election in the upcoming years as part of convocation, are:
To put yourself forward for election a nomination form (see above) needs to be completed and received by the Clerk to Convocation within the advertised deadlines (see above). Nominations can be made both online and on paper. You will need to have the written support of two members of Convocation and write a personal statement giving details of your experience and reasons for wishing to stand. To request a paper nomination form please contact the Clerk to Convocation at: alumni@bristol.ac.uk or by ringing 0117 331 8210.
To put someone forward for election a nomination form (see above) needs to be completed and received by the Clerk to Convocation within the advertised deadlines. Nominations can be made both online and on paper. The nominee will need to have the written support of two members of Convocation and write a personal statement giving details of their experience and reasons for wishing to stand. Nominations for the 2013 elections have now closed.
Members of Convocation will be able to vote for candidates in any of three ways:
Council has 32 members and meets six times a year. It is responsible for all aspects of University affairs, including the University's finances, borrowing, contracts, employment and health and safety.
Currently the Chair of Convocation represents Convocation on Council. Additionally, five lay members are elected to Council every December for a three year term. In addition to the six meetings of Council per year, lay members generally serve on one or more of Council's committees.
If you feel able to make a commitment of 15 days per year and would like more information about lay membership of Council please contact Kelly Dudley, Clerk to Council & Court, by email kelly.dudley@bristol.ac.uk.
Court is a key ceremonial and advisory body of the University. There are some 585 members representing all the University's stakeholders. Court normally meets once a year in December with the Chancellor presiding. Court considers the annual accounts and the strategy and management of the University.
If you would like more information about court please contact Kelly Dudley, Clerk to Council & Court, by email kelly.dudley@bristol.ac.uk.