The upcoming Oxford University Chancellor Election 2024 will be held online for the first time ever. Voting will start during the Third Week of the Michaelmas Term on October 28, 2024, and if a second round is needed, it will begin on November 18, 2024. This election is happening because Lord Christopher Patten is retiring after 21 years as Chancellor.
Nominees for Oxford University Chancellor Election:
There are several notable candidates who might replace Lord Patten, including:
- Theresa May: Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- Rory Stewart: Former Member of Parliament and author.
- Tony Blair: Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- Boris Johnson: Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- Imran Khan: Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and cricketer.
- Lady Elish Angiolini: Principal of St Hugh’s College.
Nominees for Chancellor of Oxford University
Imran Khan:
Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, is running for Chancellor while serving a 10-year prison sentence. He is well-known for leading Pakistan to a cricket World Cup victory in 1992. Khan studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Oxford, graduating in 1975, and served as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. Despite his current situation, he aims to use his leadership skills to benefit Oxford University and offer a global perspective.
Tony Blair:
Tony Blair, who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007, is also a candidate. An Oxford graduate, Blair is recognized for his role in international politics, including his involvement in the Middle East and leadership during the Iraq War. He brings extensive political experience and a vision to enhance Oxford’s global influence.
Boris Johnson:
Boris Johnson, another former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is in the race as well. An Oxford alumnus, Johnson is known for his charismatic leadership and his time as mayor of London before becoming Prime Minister. He aims to bring innovative changes and a dynamic presence to the university, supported by his experience in both local and national politics.
Theresa May:
Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2019, is considered a strong candidate. An Oxford graduate, May has a moderate political stance and extensive government experience. She seeks to bring stability and thoughtful leadership to the role of Chancellor, using her background in policy-making to support the university’s growth.
Rory Stewart:
Rory Stewart, a former Conservative MP and Oxford graduate, is a highly intellectual candidate. He is an author and has served in various government roles, including as a minister. Stewart aims to bring a fresh perspective and deep intellectual engagement to Oxford, enhancing its academic environment and global reputation.
These candidates offer diverse experiences and visions, each aiming to uniquely contribute to the Oxford University Chancellor Election.
The Chancellor’s job includes ceremonial duties, advising the university, and fundraising. They also lead important committees, like the one that chooses the Vice-Chancellor.
Lord Patten:
Lord Patten decided to retire because he believes it’s the right time for a planned succession that meets modern demands. His departure allows the university to choose a new leader who can address current educational challenges.
Online Voting:
The election process has changed to ensure fairness and transparency. The university no longer pre-screens candidates, meaning anyone who meets the basic criteria can run for the position.
This election is significant due to the notable candidates and the new online voting system, which aims to increase participation among eligible voters.
To vote in the Oxford University Chancellor election, you must be a member of the Convocation. Here’s a detailed explanation of who can vote, how they can register, and what the voting procedure will look like:
Who Can Vote?
- All Graduates: Anyone who has received a degree from Oxford University.
- Congregation: This includes academic and administrative staff members who are part of the university’s Congregation.
- Retired Members of Staff: This includes retired academic and administrative staff.
Graduates:
Graduates are individuals who have received a degree from Oxford University. This includes bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Graduates must ensure their contact information is up-to-date with the university. They may need to register on a dedicated election portal provided by the university. Once registered, graduates will receive a unique voting ID or code. They will use this code to access the online voting system, where they can cast their vote for their preferred candidate.
Congregation Members:
The Congregation is the university’s sovereign body, comprising academic and senior administrative staff. Members include professors, lecturers, and other academic staff, as well as some administrative staff who hold specific positions.
Members of the Congregation are typically already on the university’s records. They will receive instructions from the university on how to participate in the election.
Congregation members will use the same online system as graduates. They will receive voting credentials and follow the provided instructions to submit their vote.
Retired Members of Staff:
This category includes retired academic and administrative staff who have previously been part of the Congregation.
Retired staff must ensure that their details are current with the university’s alumni or HR office. They may need to confirm their eligibility and register via the university’s election portal.
Similar to other eligible voters, retired staff will receive a unique voting ID or code and will use the online voting system to cast their votes.
How to Register for Voting:
- Verify Eligibility: First, ensure you are a member of the Convocation. If you are a graduate or a qualifying staff member, you are eligible.
- Register Online: Oxford University will provide an online registration portal. Eligible voters will need to register through this portal to participate in the election.
- Provide Required Information: During registration, you will need to provide your name, graduation details (such as degree and year), and contact information.
- Receive Voting Instructions: After registration, you will receive detailed instructions on how to cast your vote, including your unique voting ID or code.
Voting Procedure:
- Online voting will happen during the Third Week of the Michaelmas Term, starting on 28 October. The Alternative Vote system will be used, allowing voters to rank as many candidates as they like.
- If there are fewer than ten candidates, there will be one round of voting. Candidates with the fewest votes will be eliminated until one candidate gets 50% of the vote.
- If there are ten or more candidates, there will be a second round of voting. In the first round, votes will be counted until five candidates remain. These five will move on to the second round, which will take place during the Sixth Week of the Michaelmas Term, starting on 18 November.
- The new Chancellor will be announced during the Seventh Week. Registered voters will receive emails with links to cast their votes for both rounds if a second round is necessary.
This comprehensive system ensures that everyone who is part of the university community, past and present, has the opportunity to contribute to the Oxford University Chancellor Election 2024.
By following these steps, all eligible voters can participate in the important process of electing the next Chancellor of Oxford University. This new online system is designed to make voting more accessible and increase participation among graduates and staff members worldwide.
FAQs:
1. Who can vote in the Oxford University Chancellor Election 2024?
Any student who has completed an eligible degree before the Chancellor’s election and registered to vote by 18 August can participate. Alumni must have their degree conferred by 29 September to be eligible.
2. How do I register to vote?
Current students and recent graduates need to register online by 18 August 2024. Retired staff members who were part of the Congregation at retirement must also register online. Congregation members will automatically receive a voting link to their registered email.
3. What is the voting process?
Voting will take place online during the Third Week of the Michaelmas Term, starting 28 October 2024.
4. What happens if there are many candidates?
If there are fewer than ten candidates, there will be one round of voting. If there are ten or more candidates, a second round will be held during the Sixth Week of the Michaelmas Term, starting 18 November. The five candidates with the most votes in the first round will move to the second round.
5. When will the new Chancellor be announced?
The new Chancellor will be announced during the Seventh Week of Michaelmas Term.
6. How can I update my contact details for voting?
If you have changed your email address since joining Congregation, you can update your contact details by emailing the Congregation Membership Administrator.
