Dear Potential Heads of NRAC,
As one of the current Heads of NRAC, I am writing to provide you with information about the role and responsibilities of the Head of NRAC, as well as some tips for running a successful campaign. The position of Head of NRAC is a challenging but rewarding one, and I encourage you to consider running if you are passionate about advocating for the needs of non-resident students.
Before I get started I want to briefly outline my journey. I have been active in student government since my first year at Trinity College, and while I do not necessarily think not being involved precludes you from running, previous experience in student government can be a valuable asset when considering running for the Head of NRAC position. I was elected the First Year Co-Head of Residence Affairs and was the Events Director for NRAC in my second year.
The Head of NRAC is responsible for representing the interests of non-resident students at our college or university. This includes communicating with other student leaders such as the other Head of NRAC, the Heads of College, the Heads of Arts, and the TCM executive. The role requires a commitment of 10-20 hours per week throughout the school year, and it is essential that the Head of NRAC allocates sufficient time and resources to carry out their duties effectively.
As a candidate, I recommend taking the time to understand the needs and concerns of non-resident students. This could involve attending NRAC meetings, consulting with non-resident students, and researching issues that affect this group. Having a clear understanding of these issues will help candidates develop a campaign platform that resonates with non-resident students.
It is also important to have a strong support system in place. Running for Head of NRAC can be a challenging and time-consuming process, and having the support of friends, family, and other student leaders can help candidates navigate the ups and downs of the campaign. Additionally, it is important to uphold values of communication, collaboration, professionalism, empathy, and advocacy in your role.
If elected, the Head of NRAC has several responsibilities, including representing non-resident students at various committees and meetings, organizing events and initiatives that address the needs of non-resident students, and advocating for policies that benefit this group. The Head of NRAC must engage in meaningful consultation with the community to ensure that the initiatives and policies are in line with the needs of non-resident students. The Head of NRAC must also work to ensure that non-resident students feel included and valued within the college or university community.
As the position is highly visible, the Head of NRAC will receive both constructive and destructive criticism. However, having a strong support system and being able to navigate difficult conversations will help the Head of NRAC grow both personally and professionally. It is
important to maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of criticism, and to continue to work towards the betterment of non-resident students.
In terms of the election timeline, the nomination form for the first round of elections opens on February 24 and closes on March 3. Position papers will be posted on March 4, and candidate forums will take place between March 5-13. The voting period for the first round of elections is from March 14-16, and the results will be announced on March 16 at 11:00 pm.
In conclusion, running for the position of Head of NRAC is a challenging but rewarding experience. It requires a strong commitment to representing the needs of non-resident students and the ability to navigate difficult conversations. I encourage you to take the time to understand the issues facing non-resident students and to develop a campaign platform that resonates with this group. If elected, I am confident that you will find the role of Head of NRAC to be an enriching and fulfilling experience.
Best of luck,
Shiva Ivaturi