Question 1

What is the VUSAC Elections and Referenda Code (ERC) and how can I access it?

Accepted Answer

The ERC serves to guide the VUSAC's CRO, ACRO(s), and the EAC in running elections. As well, it serves as a guide to candidates, neutral parties, and the VCU as to what is appropriate conduct in an election. The ERC serves in accordance with the VUSAC Constitution, in tandem with the Council Policies, and as a guide for the nominations package.

You can access the user manual by clicking on the following link: Elections and Referenda Code (ERC).

Question 2

What is the Elections and Appeals Committee (EAC)?

Accepted Answer

The EAC is a group of six individuals who provide a check on all of the CRO's decisions. More details can be found under Chapter 14 of the Elections and Referenda Code (ERC) (Revised January 2024) by clicking on the following link: ERC.

The EAC comprises of:
Two (2) students from a different college or faculty within the University of Toronto who have completed a minimum of two (2) years of study; 
One (1) VCU member who will live in residence during the academic year in which the election occurs and who have completed a minimum of one (1) year of study; 
One (1) VCU member who will be commuter students during the academic year in which the election occurs and who have completed a minimum of one (1) year of study; 
The Campus Life Coordinator (CLC)
The President of the VUSAC who serves as a non-voting member.

The chair of the EAC for the 2025/2026 academic year is Rohini Patra (she/her).

The EAC can be contacted by sending an email to elections@vusac.ca.

Question 3

If I am a non-Canadian citizen elected to the office of the VUSAC President, will I be able to serve as an ex-officio member on the Board of Regents (BOR)?

Accepted Answer

The Victoria University Act 1951, as amended by the Victoria University Act 1981, stipulates in Section 4, Clause (2), Sub-Clause 6., “(2) The Board shall consist of forty-nine members to be elected or appointed as follows:... 6. The President of VUSAC, ex officio…” Crucially, Section 4, Clause (5) of the same Act mandates that "No person shall serve as a member of the Board (BOR) unless he is a Canadian citizen."

While the VUSAC Constitution and Elections and Referenda Code (ERC) do not impose citizenship restrictions on the presidency, the legal framework governing Board (BOR) membership unequivocally requires Canadian citizenship. While non-Canadian citizens are still able and encouraged to run for the office of the President of the VUSAC, they shall not be permitted to serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Regents (BOR) should they be elected.

To further clarify, it is essential to highlight the process concerning candidates who are Canadian citizens. Upon successful election to the role of the VUSAC president, and subsequent to the thorough verification of documentation confirming Canadian citizenship, the elected individual shall be duly permitted to serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Regents (BOR) for their term of office. This process underscores our commitment to ensuring compliance with the Victoria University Act's stipulations, thereby upholding the integrity and lawful governance of student representation on the Board (BOR).

VUSAC Elections

Q&A

What is the VUSAC Elections and Referenda Code (ERC) and how can I access it?

What is the Elections and Appeals Committee (EAC)?

If I am a non-Canadian citizen elected to the office of the VUSAC President, will I be able to serve as an ex-officio member on the Board of Regents (BOR)?