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University Student Elections

University Student Elections: Circular from the Dean of Student Affairs on Organizing the Work for Scientific Associations Elections

After reviewing the statutes of the Scientific Associations, the Circulars of Scientific Associations, and the University Student Regulations at Kuwait University of 1986, and in line with the Dean of Student Affairs' efforts to establish a comprehensive plan for the elections of scientific associations and student unions, the High Committee overseeing the elections has determined the following:

I. Definitions

  • Circular: Any medium used to disseminate information or data (written, audio, visual, electronic, or other means).
  • Suspension of Enrollment: The student’s interruption of study for one or more semesters according to the established rules.

II. Election Period

  1. The scientific elections period at Kuwait University starts from the first day of the academic year and lasts for thirty days (according to Article [7/2] of the Scientific Associations’ statutes).
  2. The Dean of Student Affairs will inventory and receive the assets of the scientific association from the outgoing administrative body before the general assembly meeting and transfer them to the new administrative body (according to Article [20] of the Scientific Associations’ statutes).
  3. The call for the general assembly meeting must be announced at least one week before the meeting (according to Article [7/4] of the Scientific Associations’ statutes).
  4. Nominations for the new administrative body must be submitted at least one academic day before the general assembly meeting (according to Article [9/4] of the Scientific Associations’ statutes).
  5. The final deadline for withdrawing nominations for the new administrative body is the academic day before the general assembly meeting, which is also the date for drawing lots among list representatives and finalizing procedures for the general assembly and elections.
  6. The Dean of Student Affairs may take necessary actions if a list representative fails to attend the meeting designated for student list representatives.

III. Nomination for the Administrative Body

  1. Nomination applications for the new administrative body should be submitted to the Dean of Student Affairs - Student Affairs Department (Union Section) during the specified period, along with two personal photos, a copy of the university ID, and a copy of the academic schedule.
  2. For a student to be eligible for nomination to the administrative body (according to Article [9/5] of the Scientific Associations’ statutes), they must:
    • Have completed at least 24 credit hours. For law students, they must have completed at least the first academic year.
    • Have a GPA of at least 2.33 out of 4. For law students, a minimum of 75% is required.
    • Not be expected to graduate at the end of the first semester.
  3. Nomination is prohibited for students who have been suspended or penalized with disciplinary action or banned from nomination and organizing in scientific associations.
  4. Candidates' names will be approved based on their university ID, and discrepancies will not be considered on the ballot.

IV. Representatives

  1. Each student list may appoint up to two male and two female representatives, with the approval of the Dean of Student Affairs, to represent them before the relevant authorities.
  2. The appointment request for list representatives should be submitted to the Dean of Student Affairs - Student Affairs Department (Union Section) with two personal photos, a copy of the university ID, and a copy of the academic schedule.
  3. List representatives must:
    • Be enrolled students at the university and from the same college.
    • Not have received any disciplinary actions as per university regulations.
  4. A list representative acts as the representative only during the election period and is responsible for adhering to all university regulations. The High Committee overseeing the elections has the right to exclude representatives who violate these regulations.

V. Election Venues and Campaign Events

  1. Election lists may reserve election venues within the college by submitting an election venue reservation form and obtaining approval from the Dean of the college or their delegate, and it must be approved by the Dean of Student Affairs - Student Affairs Department (Union Section).
  2. Each list is allowed two election venues, one for male students and one for female students, determined by the college administration (Dean or delegate) based on their decided methods.
  3. Each list can use banners for their venue, provided it does not exceed the venue's area.
  4. The use of classroom or hall furniture is strictly prohibited; only furniture from the college courtyard may be used.
  5. Lists have the right to request permission for a campaign event within the college from the first day of the nomination period, with approval from the Dean of the college or their delegate, and it must be approved by the Dean of Student Affairs - Student Affairs Department (Union Section) at least two days before the event.
  6. Campaign events may only be held in the approved location and time, and participation is limited to Kuwait University students.

VI. Election Campaign and Announcements

  • Candidates or lists may campaign only within the college, ensuring no defamation or incitement and adherence to university regulations.
  • Printed campaign materials (posters or pamphlets) may only be issued with prior approval from the Dean of the college or their delegate, according to the established rules.
  • Campaign posters and banners may be displayed after obtaining approval from the Dean of the college or their delegate, and must not exceed the college’s boundaries.
  • Lists may have their own wooden stands for advertising, subject to college administration approval.
  • Campaign posters must be easily removable and not exceed 1 meter in size.
  • Any form of damage to university property or disruption is strictly prohibited.
  • Only one announcement per notice board is allowed.
  • The removal or defacement of campaign materials is prohibited.

VII. General Regulations

  1. Nomination forms consist of two copies. The candidate submits them personally and returns one copy to the Student Affairs Department - Union Section, retaining the other copy. The department keeps a copy with the candidate’s academic schedule, ID, and a personal photo.
  2. Voting starts from 8 AM and lasts for 6 hours.
  3. Personal attacks on university members or staff are prohibited (according to Article [8] of the Student University Regulations).
  4. Students must present their university ID at the voting site to the election supervisors (according to Article [11] of the Student University Regulations). Any discrepancy will not be accepted on the election day.
  5. Students should respect university regulations and maintain respectful relationships with university members (according to Article [7] of the Student University Regulations).
  6. Students whose names are not on the official list from the Admission and Registration Department for the academic year 2008/2009 or who have been suspended or penalized are not allowed to vote.
  7. Candidates and their representatives are responsible for adhering to the annual circular for scientific associations' elections and university regulations.
  8. Students transferred to other colleges at the beginning of the first semester have the right to run for office and vote in their new colleges according to the latest list from the Admission and Registration Department.
  9. The Dean of Student Affairs, based on a report from the committee overseeing the elections, may postpone the elections if the voting venue does not meet election requirements, particularly in maintaining vote secrecy.
  10. Complaints, grievances, and inquiries related to union activities should be submitted to the Dean of Student Affairs - Student Affairs Department (Union Section) for review by the High Committee overseeing the elections.

Nomination Procedures

  • Nominations are open for five academic days.
  • The fifth day is the final day for submitting nomination papers from 8 AM to 1:45 PM.
  • The sixth day is for withdrawing nominations from 8 AM to 12 PM.
  • The seventh day is for the general assembly meeting.
  • The eighth day is for the elections.

Nomination Conditions

  1. The student must have completed 24 credit hours.
  2. The GPA must be at least 2.33.
  3. The student must not be expected to graduate at the end of the first semester.
  4. For law students:
    • They must have completed the first academic year.
    • They must have a minimum score of 75%.

Note:

  • Nomination and election are prohibited for students in the following cases:
    • Suspension from study.
    • Expulsion or disciplinary ban from student activities.
  • Students who have been suspended may vote only.
  • Students transferred to other colleges at the beginning of the semester have the right to run for office and vote in their new colleges as listed in the latest grade report.

Documents Required from Candidates

  • Two personal photos.
  • Personal appearance.
  • Latest academic schedule.
  • Copy of the university ID.

Documents Required from Representatives

  • Two personal photos.
  • Latest academic schedule.
  • Copy of the university ID.

Speech Event Schedules

  • Each list is allowed to hold one campaign speech event.
  • Two speech events can be held each day at the following times:
    1. First event: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    2. Second event: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Frequently Asked Questions