Former USSU preisdent Scott Hitchings (left) stands with current president Jared Brown. By 4:30 p.m. March 28 we’ll find out who will take the helm next.

Brace yourselves students: University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union general elections are about to get underway.

Campaigning for USSU elections kicks off March 18, with the vote on March 27 and 28 on PAWS.

All undergrads are eligible to cast a ballot for each of the four executive positions as well as the member (or members) of students’ council for their college and the six student positions in University Senate.

The executive consists of the president and the vice-presidents of academic affairs, operations and finance and student affairs.

All executive members contribute to the USSU’s overall direction and make decisions that affect nearly 20,000 undergraduate students at the U of S.

The president oversees the direction of the USSU, is the chief spokesperson for the union, sits on a number of committees and is a member of the university’s Board of Governors.

The vice-president of academic affairs is responsible for all academic issues regarding students and sits on University Council.

The responsibilities of the vice-president of operations and finance include preparing the annual budget, handling campus groups and issues of transportation or transit.

Student housing, sustainability, parking and student health and safety are some of the responsibilities of the vice-president of student affairs.

Members of student council are student representatives from every college as well as from the indigenous and international student communities. Councillors attend weekly University Student Council meetings and sit on various committees, boards and commissions that help the executive with the direction of the USSU.

There are six positions available for students to sit on University Senate. Among other things, the senate is responsible for recommendations to establish or abolish departments, schools or colleges and for the creation of bylaws for examination conduct.

Four executive forums will be held across campus where candidates for the executive positions will answer students’ questions. The forums will be held March 20 in the Engineering Student Lounge, March 21 at Louis’, March 25 in Upper Place Riel and the following day in the Edwards School of Business Reading Room.

Last year’s voter turnout was 16 per cent, up eight per cent from the year before.

Polls close at 4 p.m. March 28 and the results will be announced at 4:30 p.m. in Place Riel.

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Photo: Raisa Pezderic/The Sheaf