Campaigning

Senator elections happen twice a year—once at the start of the fall semester and again in the spring. Fall elections focus on first-year students and any available sophomore seats, while spring elections are for the President, Vice President, and sophomore senators.

The Student Senate promotes upcoming elections at least one week in advance using social media, posters, and by distributing election packets across campus. If you’re ready to run for Senate, you’ll need to complete the election application packet, submit a biography and professional photo, and attend a mandatory meeting for all candidates.

Campaign Speeches - President and Vice President

Candidates for President and Vice President must give a speech if required by the Elections Committee. Speeches must be under 5 minutes and focus on the candidate’s vision, leadership experience, and goals for the student body.

Bios & Pictures

A student biography and professional photo are required to run for office. This helps your fellow students get to know you before casting their vote. Bios and photos will be posted on the Leadership Profiles section of the Student Senate website and featured during the election period. Students who do not provide this information have historically received fewer votes, so take advantage of the opportunity to make a strong first impression. Email your biography and photo to the ASCSI President or Elections Committee.

Campaign Posters & Materials

Posters are an effective way to campaign for a Senate position; however, discretion and respect for campus guidelines are required. Any poster deemed vulgar, discriminatory, or otherwise inappropriate will be removed, and the candidate may be questioned by the ASCSI Election Committee or the Dean of Students. 

General Regulations

• The Office of Student Affairs (Taylor Building 2nd floor) must approve and stamp all posters before they are hung.
• Maximum 3 posters per building, per candidate. Exceeding this limit will result in poster removal.
• Maximum poster size: 8.5”x 11”. Oversized posters will be removed. 
• Only one poster per board is allowed. 
• Posters must be hung on cork strips or approved locations only. 
•  Posters in Eagle Hall may be placed only in public areas, not private dorm spaces. 
• Yard signs with metal rods are limited to 10 total across campus and require maintenance approval before placement. 
• Do not post over or remove another candidate’s materials. 
• Avoid placing posters on painted surfaces, outside building exteriors, doorways, windows, mirrors, classrooms, or underneath awnings (no sidewalk chalk under awnings). 
• Use only masking tape—no nails, tacks, or staples. 
• Campaign materials must not cause damage to campus property. 
• All posters must be removed, and campaigning must stop, before voting concludes. 

Sustainability Reminder

The ASCSI Senate encourages the use of recycled or recyclable paper in campaign materials. 

Social Media Campaigning 

Social media is a great way to share your message, but it must follow the same respect and content guidelines as physical posters. 

• The Election Committee will help promote the election by posting a general election flyer on CSI’s official social media, campus TVs, Eagle Informs, and other channels. 
• Candidates may use their personal social media once official campaigning begins. 
• Prohibited content includes anything vulgar, graphic, discriminatory, sexually suggestive, or depicting nudity, drugs, alcohol, unlawful activity, or violence. 

Be creative, be respectful, and have fun—running for office means you’re already making a difference! 

Other Campaigning

1. Campaign materials may not be sent through the mail.
2. The electronic reader boards, master calendars, campus marquees, and the student email system may not be used for campaigning.
3. Absolutely no harassment of students to vote during election days.

Campaigning Violations

Any violations should be reported to the Student Activities Office or the ASCSI President. The Election Committee will review all complaints and recommend appropriate action.

Three-strike policy:

First offense – Warning and removal of violation.

Second offense – Warning and loss of campaigning privileges.

Third offense – Removal from the election.