Update on the 2026 Elections
Stay informed with our latest update regarding the IGNITE Election for the
2026 – 2027 Board of Directors.
The IGNITE Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Committee*, comprised of IGNITE directors, is committed to ensuring a transparent and accountable Board governance process for students at Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber.
Nomination Update
The IGNITE Board of Directors is typically composed using a campus-based breakdown:
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3 Directors from North
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3 Directors from Lakeshore
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3 Directors from University of Guelph-Humber
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1 Director from Downtown
This year, despite extending the nomination period by one additional week, we didn’t receive enough nominations to meet the usual campus distribution.
A total of ten completed nomination packages were received.
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5 from Lakeshore
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4 from North
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1 from the University of Guelph-Humber
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0 from Downtown
What This Means
All nominations were reviewed by the IGNITE Elections team, and each nominee’s eligibility was verified by the appropriate Registrar’s Office.
After consideration and in accordance with Articles 5.1 and 5.3 of IGNITE’s By-Laws, the GRC Committee determined that all eligible nominations would be acclaimed, meaning that no election or voting period would take place.
The GRC Committee is moving forward with these 10 nominees because they have shown effort and dedicated interest to serve on the Board. They are eager to represent not just their campus, but Humber and UofGH students at large.
Next Steps
You still have a say! Attend the virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 25 at 11 a.m. to vote to ratify the nominees hoping to represent you. If ratified, this will officially confirm the IGNITE 2026-2027 Board of Directors. Before then, get to know the nominees.
IGNITE Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Committee Breakdown*
The GRC Committee is comprised of current IGNITE student directors:
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Alexandra Rodgers, Chair (Lakeshore)
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Natalie Vrdoljak, Vice-Chair (UofGH)
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Daniel Tarhembe (Downtown)
The committee is responsible for ensuring a transparent and accountable Board governance process for students at Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber.
Questions?
Contact the IGNITE Governance team.
Take control of the on-campus student experience with IGNITE.
Be part of choosing the student leaders who govern IGNITE, your student union at Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber. IGNITE elections give students a direct role in deciding who provides oversight, accountability, and long-term direction for one of Canada’s largest student unions. Whether you run as a candidate, nominate someone, or vote, your participation helps strengthen student-led governance.
Why Elections Matter
IGNITE’s Board of Directors is the highest student-governed decision-making body within the organization. Board Directors are responsible for governance. This means they:
- Provide oversight of the organization
- Approve policies and budgets
- Hold leadership accountable
- Protect IGNITE’s mission and strategic direction
Students elect these Directors to ensure that IGNITE continues to operate transparently, responsibly, and in the best interests of students.
How to Get Involved:
Run for a Position
If you care about accountability, ethical leadership, strategic thinking, and making sound decisions that affect students, you may be a strong candidate for the Board of Directors.
Eligibility Requirements
- Full-time student
- In good academic standing
- Completed at least one semester at any post-secondary institution
- Must meet nomination requirements in the Nomination Package
Nomination Requirements
Candidates must submit:
- Transcript
- Completed Candidate Signature Form
- Approved photo
- Two short candidate-focused responses (50 words each)
How to Apply
- Review the Nomination Package
- Collect campus-specific signatures
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DEADLINE EXTENDED: Submit online before Jan. 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Once your nomination is verified, you must attend a mandatory Candidate Information Session.
Campaigning
The Campaign Period gives verified candidates the opportunity to show students why they are prepared to serve as Board Directors.
During this time, candidates may:
- Share their qualifications and leadership strengths
- Introduce themselves to students and encourage participation in the election
- Highlight experiences that prepare them for governance and oversight
- Campaign in line with all posting, approval, and election policies
Vote
All full-time fee-paying students may vote for the Director representing their home campus.
How to Vote
During Voting Period, eligible students will receive a unique voting link to their email. Voting is online and takes only a few minutes.
Meet Your Candidates
FAQs:
What is the role of a Board Director at IGNITE?
Do I need prior governance experience to run?
How much time should I expect to commit if I’m elected?
Important Dates
- Nominations Period – Deadline extended: Jan. 12 – Jan. 30, 2026
- Campaign Period – Feb 2 – Feb 20, 2026
- Voting Period – Feb 23 – Feb 27, 2026
- Results announced – Feb 27, 2026
- Board Training – Apr 29 – May 1, 2026
