Students’ Union:

The Students’ Union is a not-for-profit organization that operates with official standing at Wilfrid Laurier University. (This is not to be confused with the student government or council systems that may exist at other universities).

Undergraduate students at Wilfrid Laurier University, as dues-paying members of the Students’ Union, are eligible to vote for the following elected positions:

President & Chief Executive Officer (1-year term)

• The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer and leads the day-to-day operations of the Students’ Union. The President’s duties include acting as the official spokesperson for the Students’ Union, overseeing the development of the annual operating budget, managing the Executive Leadership Team, executing the development and execution of an annual operating plan, and serving on a variety of internal, university-level, and community committees.

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Students’ Union Board of Directors
(12 members serving 1-year terms, with a minimum of 2 elected from the Brantford campus)
 

• Directors attend bi-weekly meetings to oversee the operations of the organization through the President & CEO, and also consider the long-term strategic purpose of the Students’ Union.

• Directors are an integral part of the operation of the Students’ Union as a not-for-profit organization. 

Wilfrid Laurier University:

The Students’ Union also facilitates the election by undergraduate students for student seats on Wilfrid Laurier University’s Board of Governors and Senate. The University is governed by a bicameral system, with respective responsibilities determined by the Wilfrid Laurier University Act (1973).

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The Board of Governors has control over the University's property and revenues and the conduct of its business and affairs, except with respect to matters that the Wilfrid Laurier University Act stipulates are jurisdiction of the Senate. The Board of Governors appoints the President and Vice-Chancellor, approves the annual budget, plans and develops the physical resources of the university, establishes and collections tuition and other fees, oversees the future strategic direction of the institution, approves university-wide policies, and invests funds held by the university endowment, pension plan and other funds.

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The Senate has broad jurisdiction over the university’s academic matters, including the power to establish educational policies of the university, deal with curriculum matters, determine policies related to tenure and promotion of faculty, set admissions standards, and engage in long-term academic planning.

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**The availability of seats up for election for Wilfrid Laurier University’s Board of Governors and Senate vary from year-to-year as successful candidates serve two-year terms.