Elections

RPIRG Board Election

Are you passionate about social and environmental justice? Do you want to be part of a team that empowers students and drives meaningful change? The Regina Public Interest Research Group (RPIRG) is holding its annual general election, where students can run for a position on the Board of Directors or vote for candidates who will help shape RPIRG’s future. As a student-led, student-funded organization, RPIRG relies on dedicated board members to guide funding decisions, support grassroots initiatives, and advocate for important causes on campus and beyond. Whether you're running or voting, this is your chance to make an impact!

How to Vote

To vote, simply visit www.ursu.simplyvoting.com during the election period and find the URSU online voting ballot or log into your UR Self-Service account. After voting for your favourite URSU election candidates, you will see RPIRG's election ballot at the bottom of the list. The candidates will be presented to you in the ballot, and you can rank them according to your preferences.

Our Board of Directors

The RPIRG Board of Directors is composed of 8 Student Members of RPIRG. It is the decision-making body of RPIRG, which makes all major decisions regarding finances, long-term goals, long-term viability of the organization, staffing, and funding application approval – all using consensus-based decision making principles.

RPIRG board members attend meetings 2 times per month, sit on committees which report to the board on matters like staff relations, budgets, events, and funding, and help to run and promote RPIRG events.

Every spring, students vote for their Board of Directors. All Student Members of RPIRG who are in good standing will be able to run for a seat on the RPIRG Board of Directors. Board terms are 2 years, and you can run for up to 2 terms. New board members receive a full orientation and are given opportunities and resources throughout the year to pursue professional development training related to their role.

Why Run for the Board of Directors?

Being on the RPIRG Board of Directors has its perks!

  • Networking with other justice-minded people on the UofR Campus
  • Becoming a change-maker for social and environmental justice
  • Gaining real-world experience in your areas of interest through committee involvement
  • Building your experience as a community leader
  • Accessing training opportunities and funds to develop your skills as an active global citizen!

Candidates for 2025 General Election

Election Timeline

2025-03-07
2025-03-07
2025-03-10
2025-03-20
Nomination Deadline

Please submit a completed nomination package before 4:00 pm on Friday, March 07, 2025

Mandatory Meeting

Attend the mandatory all candidates meeting at 5 pm on March 07, 2025, at the URSU Boardroom

Campaign Period

The campaign period runs from March 10 to March 21. You are allowed to campaign during election dates

Voting Period

The voting period runs from March 20 to March 21. Eligible voters can vote by visiting www.ursu.simplyvoting.com

Election Campaign Guideline

The Election Campaign Guideline is made to support candidates by providing resources and guidance to run effective and community-focused campaigns. It also offers important and quality information on all aspects of the election.

For any inquiries, please contact outreach@rpirg.org

Nomination Package and Forms

Related Bylaws and Policies

What do some of our former Board members say about their experinces on the Board

I'm passionate about environmental issues and joined the RPIRG board to connect with other like-minded individuals. Board members help ensure that the organization is staying true to its mission of community-based research, education, action and awareness in the public interest. One way we do this is by evaluating proposals for RPIRG funds, and it's been inspiring to see the diversity of projects and issues that U of R students and community members are passionate about. It's rewarding to support projects that have positive impacts on our community, and I like engaging with students and spreading awareness about the work that RPIRG does. If you are considering getting involved with RPIRG as a board member or as a volunteer, I would highly recommend it. Since joining, I have a better awareness of social issues and a better understanding of how non-profits and student centers operate. 

Nicole Lerminiaux

PhD in Biology, Board Member 2020-2021

I have learned so much from being on the board! This experience teaches me the role of being a board member for a small and local nonprofit. I have learned how to discuss and approve funding applications, collaborate with other student centres, perform workshops and handle the financials of a nonprofit. I highly recommend a position on the board to any student passionate about social and environmental issues in the community! One of the perks for members is the board development fund. This provides board members money to attend training and professional development opportunities to help grow your knowledge during your academic career.

Chiara Wolfe

Indigenous Social Work, Board Member 2019-2020

Joining a student-run board is a great start to greater community involvement. I've really enjoyed my short time on the board and it's really empowering to be a part of an organization that does a lot of good for U of R students and the community of Regina. I have no doubt in my mind that the skills I'm building and honing while on the RPIRG board of directors will continue to benefit me throughout life and have provided me with a great foundational knowledge of board governance and non-profits.

Ben Schneider

Bachelor of Arts in English, Board Member 2020-2021

I learned a lot through our onboarding workshops, such as what a non-profit board of directors is responsible for as well as how to read financial statements. I practiced chairing an AGM, and I also learned what kind of projects people in our community are putting on. I would definitely recommend students trying out for the board because it is a great chance to try out being on a board as well as having the opportunity to further improve your own skills related to the non-profit field.

Sundaes Zia

Bachelor of Science in CS, Board Member 2021-2022

Election Candidate FAQ

Yes, absolutely. We do not have any residency requirements. As long as you meet the criteria, you are eligible to run in the election and become a director. 

Yes, we provide comprehensive training to newly elected directors. We bring in outside professionals to provide selective training on Board governance and decision-making. We also provide opportunities for training throughout the term of a director. 

An endorsement represents support from your fellow student peers. RPIRG's constitution requires endorsements from 10 student members to in part confirm your commitment to being a candidate and also to prove there is already some support for your candidacy. It is also a standard election practice.

No. We no longer allow endorsement from fellow candidates

No, we are set up to host hybrid meetings and encourage engagement from students studying remotely or at satellite campuses.

We recommend reaching out to your fellow classmates to solicit endorsements. To assist with this, you can ask your professor about speaking to your class or you can post in a class message forum to pitch your candidacy. If you attend classes in person, you could visit student common areas and canvass people there to solicit endorsements.

Yes. We understand that running in elections can be intimidating and we like to support our candidates to the best of our ability. Our staff will be available to help with your campaign planning and we will also provide you a campaign planning guide. 

If you are unsure of your eligibility or have any confusion around election rules and procedures, please reach out to our CRO at info@rpirg.org

If you do not have a headshot ready for submission, please contact us and we will take a headshot for you

Please email the CRO as soon as possible and arrange an alternative time. Failure to meet the CRO will result in disqualification from the election.

Recent News

Funding Deadlines

Round 1
October 1
November 1

Round 2
February 1
March 1
July 1