How We're Run
The JCR is governed by an elected committee of students, as set out in the Standing Orders, the regulations that form the JCR Constitution, adopted in Trinity Term 2008. Every undergraduate is a member, and the JCR Meeting is the supreme governing body.
Meet the Team
The JCR Committee is made up of three teams (Executive, Welfare and Equality, and Operations) plus a set of appointed officers. Everyone's elected during Trinity Term, unless a vacancy means we need a by-election.
Stand for Office
Returning Officer
A Returning Officer is elected at the first JCR meeting of Trinity Term to oversee all JCR elections and votes of no confidence. They serve for one year and can't run for any other position during their term.
Nominations & Manifestos
Candidates submit a single A4 manifesto with their name, photograph, proposer, seconder, and tutor's permission. Presidential, Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice-President elections are held on Monday of 3rd Week of Trinity Term, with the rest of the committee by the end of 6th Week.
Hustings
Held in the JCR the day before elections. Candidates give an opening 3-minute speech (5 minutes for President) and a closing 1-minute speech, followed by questions from members submitted in advance or from the floor.
Voting
Conducted online via the Oxford SU website between 8am and 4pm using the Alternative Vote system. Re-Open Nominations (RON) is available for all positions. Results are declared by the Returning Officer as soon as possible after the vote closes.
Alternative Vote
Electoral System
Candidates are eliminated and preferences redistributed until one has over half the votes. RON counts as a candidate.
96 hours before hustings
Manifesto Deadline
All manifestos must be submitted to the Returning Officer no less than four days before hustings begin.
All JCR Members
Eligibility
Except Honorary Members, the Returning Officer, Electoral Tribunal members, and anyone who has opted out of JCR membership.
Three members, one year
Electoral Tribunal
Elected alongside the Returning Officer. Can reverse election results, disqualify candidates, and call for re-runs. Verdict is final unless appealed to the Dean.
Transparency & Records
Saturdays, even weeks
Ordinary Meetings
Called by the President on even-numbered weeks (0, 2, 4, 6) during term, Saturday at 17:00. This is the supreme governing body of the JCR.
12 hours' notice
Emergency Meetings
Called by the President at any time. Motions aren't subject to the usual time limits, but the agenda must be outlined in the announcement email.
One term, elected
The Chair
Runs meetings impartially with no vote, except to break a tie. Provided with a wig and gavel, and must bring their own gown.
10 types of motion
Motions & Voting
Submitted 24 hours before meetings. Online voting opens within 24 hours and stays open for 24 hours. Results are sent at least 24 hours before the next meeting.
The Ten Types of Motion
The JCR puts forward motions at meetings to take action, empower officers, and authorise spending. All motions need a proposer and seconder, and are voted on online.
Constitutional Amendment
Two-thirds, two consecutive meetings
Requires Dean's approval
Standing Orders Amendment
Two-thirds majority
Requires Dean's approval
Budget Motion
Simple majority
Passed in Trinity Term
Recurring Spending (under £300)
Simple majority
Lasts until end of academic year
Recurring Spending (over £300)
Two-thirds majority
One-Off Spending (up to £300)
Simple majority
One-Off Spending (over £300)
Two-thirds majority
Policy Book Motion
Two-thirds majority
Lasts until end of Hilary Term
One-Off Ethical Statement
Two-thirds, 75 voters min
Statement to the outside world
Instructive Motion
Simple majority
Mandates an officer to act
Motion of Censure
Simple majority
Two censures trigger No Confidence
Motion of No Confidence
Simple majority
Removes officer, triggers by-election
Financial Regulations
The JCR Treasurer keeps all the financial records. Any JCR member can ask to view the accounts at any time.
End of Trinity Term
Annual Audit
Financial records are submitted to the New College Accountant and audited each year by the New College Auditors. Any member can view the accounts on request.
Spending over £150
Treasurer Approval
Committee members can spend small amounts at their discretion, but anything over £150 needs prior approval from the JCR Treasurer.
£500 threshold
College Pots
Spending from College pots needs endorsement from all Elected Representatives: simple majority for under £500, two-thirds majority for over £500.
Passed in Trinity Term
Budget Motion
The annual budget is authorised via a Budget Motion in Trinity Term for the following academic year. Needs a simple majority to pass.
The Standing Orders
Read the full regulations
The Standing Orders are the authoritative set of regulations and definitions of the JCR Constitution. Adopted in Trinity Term 2008, and last updated 8th January 2026.