Student Governor Elections

It’s time to choose the student who will join the DC Board of Governors and help guide the college over the next year. 

Please note that starting this September, all Board and relevant Committee meetings will begin at 4 p.m. This election is separate and distinct from the Durham College Student Association election. 

Here’s what you need to know about the coming election and the position: 

Important Dates

  • Friday, February 20 at 8:30 a.m. – nominations open 
  • Wednesday, March 12 at 1 p.m.– nominations close 
  • Wednesday, March 18 at 8:30 a.m. – campaign period begins 
  • Wednesday, April 1 at 4:30 p.m. – campaign period ends 
  • Monday, March 30 at 8:30 a.m. – voting begins 
  • Wednesday, April 1 at 4:30 p.m. – voting ends 
  • Tuesday, April 7 - official election results announced 

Election Principles

  • The election will be fair, transparent, and accessible and provide for freedom of choice. 

Term of Office

One year, beginning September 1, 2026. The incumbent may be eligible to seek re-election for a second term. 

We estimate the time commitment for this volunteer position as 15-20 hours per month. 

Who can run for election?  

All Candidates must be: 

  • A Durham College student, returning to studies in Fall 2026 
  • At least 18 years old. 
  • Registered in at least 70% of the total number of credit courses or 66.6% of the total number of courses in a Ministry-approved program. 
  • In good academic standing. 
  • Have no academic integrity alerts or student conduct violations on their student file. 

          Additional requirements: 

          • Must not have the status of undischarged bankrupt. 
          • Must not have been found under the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 or under the Mental Health Act to be incapable of managing property. 
          • Must not have been found to be incapable by any court in Canada or elsewhere; and, 
          • Must not have been declared an ineligible individual under the Income Tax Act (Canada). 

                 

                Relevant policies and procedures  

                To fully understand the rules of engagement, it is very important that you review Durham College By-Law No. 4, which explains everything you need to know about the voters’ list, the campaign period, the voting period and disputes and appeals. Durham College By-law No. 4 regulates the election of internal governors.   

                Other related policies and procedures: 

                Next steps

                1. Complete the Nomination Form
                  Complete the online Nomination Form. The Nomination Period is from 8:30 a.m. on Friday, February 20 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. Refer to Section 6 of Durham College By-law No. 4 for the specifics. 
                1. Make an Appointment with the Chief Returning Officer 

                Following the submission of your online Nomination Form, you must make an appointment with Melissa Pringle, Chief Returning Officer. Appointments are available between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and should take no longer than 10 minutes. Candidates will be asked to show photo identification during the appointment. Note: Your nomination is not complete until this meeting has occurred. 

                1. The Chief Returning Officer will confirm eligibility and the information on the Nomination Form and inform nominees of their acceptance as candidates by noon on Monday, March 16. 

                Mandatory Candidate Information Session (for confirmed candidates)

                A mandatory candidate information session is scheduled for Monday, March 16, at 8:30 a.m. OR 11:30 a.m. All candidates will be provided a link to attend virtually. The session will review the position, campaign rules, and expectations. Failure to attend this session will result in disqualification.  

                Candidate statements and messages

                Candidates are encouraged to submit a 90-second video introducing themselves and describing why they should be elected as the administrative staff governor. This information will be published on this page during the campaign and voting periods. Instead of a video message, candidates may choose to submit a photo and a written statement (maximum 100 words). 

                Resource documents

                    Interested in learning more?  

                    All inquires should be directed to Melissa Pringle by email or at 905.721.2000 ext. 3292.