Elections

Each year, the Staff Senate holds elections for about half of the elected senators in the body. To ensure that this is a fair and equitable process, elections are governed by the Staff Senate Bylaws, the Elections Code, and are organized by a standing Elections Committee.

Generally, the timeline for this process includes the following:

  • Apportionments for Rigions are determined based on staff counts provided by HRIC
  • Self-nominations are announced and forms are made available
  • Election slates are made public and individuals campaign for their areas or at-large seats
  • General staff election
  • New senators announced and seated on July 1

Nominations are currently closed.

people sitting in a room

Staff Senate Upcoming Elections

The Spring 2026 Staff Senate Election officially closed. Newly elected Senators have already started, including both Rigions Senators and At-Large Senators. Learn more about the staff senate responsibilities.

Timeline:

  • Self-Nominations Open: April 5 - 19, 2026 
  • Voting Open: May 3 - 17, 2026
  • Election Results Announced: June 7, 2026

What Can You Do as a Staff Senator?

Staff Senators represent staff across campus and are composed of multiple types of senators including Rigions and At-Large Senators. They have various responsibilities and opportunities to support staff. All Senators serve two-year terms, but Regional Senators can serve only two consecutive terms.

Learn More About Staff Senate

Time commitments to expect as a senator:

The following tasks encompass the time commitment for Staff Senators. When applicable, the minimum amount of time is provided. Please note that this may vary depending on participation in committees and fulfilling other “as needed” responsibilities.

  • Office Hours: anticipated 1 hour per month
  • Senate Meetings: 2 hours per month
  • Senator Committee Meetings: 1 hour per month
  • Senator Events: Periodically

2026 Elections

Starting with the spring 2026 election, the standard rotating cycle will be in full effect and all senators seated in July 2026 will serve standard two-year terms.

Self-Nominations are currently closed.

Staff Senate Responsibilities

Regional Senators

  • Communicate the needs, feedback, and concerns of staff constituency
  • Establish regular communication with staff constituents to share information and solicit feedback
  • Inform staff constituents on resources and assistance available through Staff Senate
  • Support and participate in Staff Senate events
  • Serve on at least one Staff Senate committee
  • Hold regular office hours for constituents

At-Large Senators

  • Communicate the needs, feedback, and concerns arising from interactions with staff
  • Conduct new senator orientation and provide mentoring to new senators
  • Facilitate Staff Senate introduction during DU New Hire Orientation
  • Serve as an interim Regional Senator in the event of absence.
  • Serve on at least one Staff Senate committee
  • Organize town halls (when needed)

What to Expect for Elections

Staff from across the University will receive an email with links and instructions to vote for their Rigion Senators and At-large Senators. Elections are decided by ranked-choice voting and staff ballots will only have the nominees that are applicable to their area.

Election results will be communicated in a timely manner, first to candidates, and then to the general staff population, by the Elections Committee. Results will be provided with sufficient time for new senators to prepare to take their offices.

If you have questions or did not receive a ballot, please contact us.