About JMSU
What being a member means
All current LJMU students automatically become Student Members of the Students' Union when they enrol, although you can choose to opt out.
Associate Membership has ended. From 1 August 2026, JMSU no longer offers Associate Membership following a governance and safeguarding review. This doesn't affect current LJMU students, who automatically become Student Members when they enrol. Read what's changed and what it means for alumni and collaborative partners.
Types of membership
There are two types of membership. Most of you will be Student Members.
Most students
Student Member
Who is this?
Anyone enrolled on a programme of study at LJMU, as long as they haven't opted out of membership.
Students on a leave of absence, suspended pending a disciplinary investigation, suspended by their professional body (so unable to study), or expelled from the University don't hold current student status during that time.
What can they do?
- Attend, vote, speak and propose amendments to motions at Student Forums and All Student Members' Meetings.
- Vote in any Union election or referendum, with exceptions outlined in the Membership Byelaw.
- Stand as a candidate in Union elections, except where outlined in the Membership Byelaw.
- Request information about JMSU, as outlined in the Membership Byelaw.
- Apply to join all Student Groups registered with the Union and take part in Union activities, subject to any eligibility criteria.
If you opt out
Opt Out Member
What can they do?
- Use the services provided by the Union.
What can't they do?
- Attend, vote, speak or propose amendments to motions at Student Forums and All Student Members' Meetings.
- Vote in any Union election or referendum.
- Stand as a candidate in Union elections, including committees of Student Groups.
- Request information about JMSU, as outlined in the Membership Byelaw.
- Take part in British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) or student events and competitions.
Our Code of Conduct
Student Members and Opt Out Members must follow the Union's Code of Conduct, as set out in the Code of Conduct and Disciplinaries Byelaw, at all times. Not doing so may result in membership being removed. Membership entitlements are also set out in the Students' Union Code of Practice.
Opting out
You have the right to opt out of Student Membership. You can do this in two ways:
- Give written notice to the Union
- Use My LJMU (Manage Your LiverpoolSU Membership)
If you opt out, you stop being a Student Member for the rest of the current academic year.
Information sharing
As a Student Member, LJMU automatically passes some of your personal information to us. We only use it to run the Students' Union and to communicate with you about our activities, for example so you can take part in elections and hear about opportunities available to you as an LJMU student.
Got a question about membership?
This page is a summary of our procedures. For the full details, read our Membership Byelaw. To ask a question or check your membership status, email studentunion@ljmu.ac.uk
