Nominate your next University Rector
Students are invited to nominate candidates for the 2015 University of Edinburgh Rectorial Elections. Nominations can be submitted from 10 November 2014.
The Rector plays a vital role in representing the interests of students and staff. The Rector presides at meetings of the University Court (the governing body of the University) and works closely with Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA).
Fast rectorial facts
- The Rector is elected every three years by students and staff of the University
- Previous Rectors include Gordon Brown, Winston Churchill and Sir Alexander Fleming
- The first and only woman to be elected as Rector to date was Muriel Gray in 1988
- In 1994 a three-legged tabby cat called Marmalade was put forward as a candidate but disqualified because the paw print signature was deemed indistinct
- David Lloyd George was serving as Prime Minister when elected in 1920
Opportunity to influence
This is your chance to influence decision making at the highest levels in the University and make an impact on how students’ views are represented. I encourage all students to take full advantage of this opportunity to guide our future to make real change.
How to nominate someone
You can nominate anyone to stand in the election, as long as they are not a current student or member of staff at the University. The following are also required:
- An ‘Acceptance of Nomination Form’ signed by the nominee
- At least 40 signatures from staff and/or students supporting the nomination
Full guidance on the nomination process is available on the Rectorial Election webpages. This includes further information on the role of the Rector and the job description, and the necessary forms for collecting signatures:
Dates for your diary
You have until 12 noon on 13 January 2015 to submit nominations and the election will take place on 10 and 11 February 2015.
Who would make a great Rector?
Tell us who you think would make a great Rector on Twitter using the hashtag #EdRector.