Soup Issue 2 by Brendan Kenny

Soup GMIT Students’ Union Newsletter Volume II_October 2009

ISSUE 2

Halloween Make sure to make it along to the official GMITSU Halloween Party in ClubK on Thursday 29th. And make sure you do us proud by doing the following simple steps...

1. Respect the Community.

featured in Soup... _I.T. Services.2 _The Library.2 _Chaplaincy.2 _Just for Laughs.3 _Sshhh!!.4 _Clubs & Socs.6,7 _Health Unit.7 _Letterfrack.8 _Park n Ride.8 _Careers.10,11

_Counselling.9 _Cluain Mhuire.9 _SAF.12 _SU FAQ.12 _Road Safety.15 _PAL.20 _Sensitive...22 _Clubs & Socs.23 _The Apprentice.24 _The Apprentice.24

Keep the noise down when returning home. See the Sshhh! Campaign for more details on this.

2. Don’t Walk Home Alone!

Don’t take risks with your personal safety. See page 13 for full details on this campaign we are running in conjunction with Big-O-Taxis.

3. And of course...Have a great time!

Exams Office Notice ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS REQUIRING EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDING SCRIBES, READERS or EXTRA TIME. IT IS VITAL THAT YOU REGISTER YOUR EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS WITH THE ACCESS OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO. EXAMINATION REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE OUTSIDE THE ACCESS OFFICE OR STUDENTS SERVICES OFFICE.

Soup is also available at www.gmitsu.ie, on Facebook, Bebo and your student email (webmail.gmit.ie) www.gmitsu.ie

Diary Dates OCTOBER

_Thu 29th: Careers Fair _Thu 29th: Halloween Party

NOVEMBER

_Mon 2nd: Road Safety Week _Wed 4th: Class Rep Meeting _Thu 5th: TLT Grant #2 _Mon 9th: Conferring _Tue 10th: Conferring _Tue 10th: Graduation Ball _Mon 16th: Scholarships Presentation

Library News Welcome to the library!

Visit the library to borrow books, study, photocopy… Use the library website library.gmit.ie to access…    

the library catalogue databases of online articles other online resources (e.g. ebooks) exam papers

Library PIN Don’t forget to set up your library PIN. Why? Because you can use your PIN to access Exam Papers, Databases and your Library Account on our website library.gmit.ie How? Create a PIN when prompted to enter one on our website or ask at the library desk.

Chaplaincy United in Faith (Saints and Sinners) is a new society in the GMIT which hopes to bring people all faiths together, through social activities and trips away we hope that people can get more enjoyment from their faith and a better understanding of the faiths of others. Contact Fr.Adrian to get signed up!

Databases News Free Trials All free trials available via the library website http://library.gmit.ie/screens/etrials.html Project Muse Humanities articles (incl art, architecture and folklore). Available to: 7th Nov Sage Journals 500 Sage journals in business, humanities and science Available to: 31st Oct Proquest Entrepreneurship Available to: 9th Nov Safari E-Books Business and technology e-books Available to: Late Nov

Fr Adrian chaplain has a drop-in now everyday from 4pm-5pm in his office so please feel free to call in for a chat!

I.T.Services Survey www.gmit.ie/survey

Opening Hours Dublin Road

Mon – Thur 09.30 – 21.30 Friday 09.30 – 17.00

Cluain Mhuire Mon & Thur Tue & Wed Friday

09.30 – 19.30 09.30 – 18.00 09.30 – 16.00

To make sure that IT Facilities & Services work for you...let us know what you think with this quick survey...

Just for Laughs

First frog victim of Swine Flu passes...pig suspected

Humour

An award should go to the Virgin Airlines desk attendant in Sydney for making her point when confronted with a passenger who probably deserved to fly as cargo...

A crowded Virgin flight was cancelled after Virgin’s 767s had been withdrawn from service. A single attendant was rebooking a long line of inconvenienced travellers. Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, “I HAVE to be on this flight and it HAS to be FIRST CLASS.” The attendant replied, “I’m sorry, sir. I’ll be happy to try to help you, but I’ve got to help these people first, and I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out.” The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, “DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?”

The Numbers

826 820

115

The official population of the Vatican City

Age of the world’s oldest pub, ‘Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem’, Nottingham, which opened in 1189 Age of the world’s oldest record shop, Spillers Records, in Cardiff, which opened in 1894

Don’t over do it!

Without hesitating, the attendant smiled and grabbed her public address microphone...”May I have your attention please” she began, her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal. “We have a passenger here at Desk 14 who DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to Desk 14. Thank you.” With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically, the man glared at the Virgin attendant, gritted his teeth and said, “Fu*k You!” Without flinching, she smiled and said, “I’m sorry, sir, but you’ll have to get in line for that too.”

WRITE TO US!

If you have a question, a joke or indeed anything to say, pop us an email to info@gmitsu.ie

gmitsu presents

The

Sshhh!!

Campaign 2009/10

A campaign to reduce anti-social behaviour in our community and to make students aware of the consequences

DO YOU WANT A CRIMINAL RECORD??? RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBOURS

For information on the Sshhh!! Campaign, contact the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union

RESPECT YOUR COMMUNITY

and most of all...

KEEP THE NOISE DOWN

PLEASE RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBOURS WHEN ON A NIGHT OUT!!! And Remember: NOT EVERYONE IS A STUDENT IN YOUR ESTATE!!!! So SSSSSHHHHHHH!!!!! Keep it down!! Anti Social Behaviour:

The term anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of selﬁsh and unacceptable activity that can blight the quality of community life. Terms such as ‘nuisance’, ‘disorder’ and ‘harassment’ are also used to describe some of this behaviour. Examples include: • Nuisance neighbours • Loud behaviour and intimidating groups taking over public spaces • Loud parties late at night • Vandalism, graffiti and ﬂy-posting • People dumping rubbish • Anti-social drinking • Reckless driving

Why it is important to make you aware that anti social behaviour is not good?

Anti-social behaviour ruins lives. It doesn’t just make life unpleasant it can create an environment where more serious events can take place like ﬁghting, crime and in extreme cases people having to sell their homes!! Anti-social behaviour is a major issue in the communities and estates surrounding GMIT in recent weeks we have been inundated with complaints by residents in relation to this problem. We all know that student life involves socialising and making new friends but this does not include anti social behaviour.

What action can be taken if problems persist?

Anti-social behaviour causes harm to individuals and the community in general and must be stopped as soon as possible, when the minimum harm has been caused. The main aim of this notice is to: • Make students aware of other peoples lives • Protect families, victims, witnesses and the overall community • Enable the perpetrator to understand the consequences of their behaviour-GMIT code of conduct/eviction! • Make sure the perpetrator changes their behaviour

Measures that can be used by GMIT and other agencies include: • • • • •

warning letters and interviews, contracts and agreements ﬁxed penalty notices and penalty notices for disorder Gardai being notiﬁed disciplinary action made by the registrar and disciplinary committee - this can to EXPLUSION parenting orders, individual support orders, noise abatement notices, injunctions, dispersal powers and anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs)

For more information go to www.gmitsu.ie

GMIT

GYM

Cricket

located in the Sports Hall

//STUDENT Prices Sep - Dec: €60.00 Jan - May: €80.00 Jun - Aug: €40.00 _academic year: €110 September - May

_calendar year: €140 September - August

Daily: €7.00 Weekly: €15.00

LEAGUE MATCH GMIT vs NUIG On 1st of October, NUIG hosted the opening match of the tournament. Each team consisted of 8 players. GMIT players reached the venue on time and we bat first and projected the score to 79 in 8 overs. Everyone played well. Then NUIG came onto the crease to bat and we were well enough to pluck their early important wickets. But due to the new locaton and environment we were not able to give our 100% and in the second last over they reached the target. And unfortunately, we lost the match despite performing very well. We are looking forward to winning the nexxt league matches and exhibit our potential.

Appointments for tests & inductions must be made prior to using the gym.

THE GMIT CRICKET CLUB

Contact Eimear or Ray 742194

Clubs and Socs International Students

All GMIT students who hold study visas are warned that it is a legal requirement to notify the GNIB in Liosban of any change in your address. Failure to do so can result in a prosecution.

Couldn’t make it to the Clubs & Socs Fair? Don’t worry...you can still GET INVOLVED by calling into Angelica Dooley in the SU office. Phone Angelica: 091_742008 Email: angelica.dooley@gmit.ie

GMIT G.A.A. SIGERSON FOOTBALL LEAGUE COMMENCES

The GMIT Sigerson team were edged out in the first round of the league by Athlone I.T. by just 3 points. In the second game, the team drew with I.T. Sligo in what proved to be a keenly fought contest. The Intermediates went down to I.T. Sligo also on Wednesday afternoon. The next game in the league is against city rivals NUIG. Senior and Intermediate training on Mon & Wed at 6pm. Senior and Intermediate games Vs. NUIG on Wed. 3rd November.

FRESHER FOOTBALL

The fresher A footballers have started off their year quite well with two wins and a draw in the first three challenge games and began their league campaign with a comprehensive 1-13 to 0-07 win against Sligo I.T in the first round. Our next league game is on the 4th November against our arch rivals NUIG in Mervue which promises to be a very close and tightly fought game. So please come and support!!! The Fresher B team has also been in action and they played Sligo IT last week also in the league losing by 5 points. Fresher football training on Mon. and Wed. at 8pm. Fresher A and B games Vs. NUIG on Thursday Nov. 4th.

HURLING

Senior, Intermediate and Fresher training on Tuesday 27th and Thursday 29th at 6pm. Fresher game versus Letterfrack on Thursday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; details at training.

LADIES FOOTBALL Training on Tues. at 7.30pm. Game Vs. NIUG 2 on Thurs. 29th at 2.30pm at GMIT.

CAMOGIE Training on Monday evening at 6pm on GMIT pitch. One day blitz in LIT on November 3rd (Tuesday) for Div. 3 teams.

Stay tuned to the notice boards and www.gmitsu.ie for further info.

Health Unit

To make an appointment, please call to or phone Student Services (091-742118). The service is free to GMIT students.

//Swine Flu

As you are aware, there is currently a worldwide flu alert. It is of vital importance that students who may have the flu DO NOT ATTEND COLLEGE or STUDENT ACCOMMODATION (i.e. If you are at your home address and are unwell please remain at home)

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE: Fevers/Chills Headaches Muscle/Joint aches Runny nose

Sore throat Cough Diarrhoea/Vomiting

If you feel you may be affected, please phone your local GP or the G.M.I.T. Student Health Unit Helpline 087_9971574. It is essential that you remain at home for 7 days from the onset of symptoms (or longer than 7 days until you feel better).

LETTERFRACK NEWS Furniture graduate wins RDS Excellence Award GMIT Letterfrack graduate Diarmuid Murphy, from New Ross, Co. Wexford, has won the prestigious RDS Award of Excellence at the RDS National Crafts Competition, for his entry Smaoineamh (Study Desk). Diarmuid, who graduated with a B. Sc. (Hons) in Furniture Technology in 2008, scooped four awards in total: the RDS New Entrants Prize, The Duff Tisdall Furniture Design Award, RDS Furniture Award and the overall award of excellence worth €7,000. He beat designers in all crafts including Textiles, Ceramics, Glass, Metals and Woodturning/furniture and others. His Study Desk was inspired from patterns in nature, and its exceptional craftsmanship caught the imagination of the judges. Diarmuid started his studies in Letterfrack in 2004 on the Higher Certificate in Furniture Design and Manufacture. He went on to complete the honours degree in Furniture Technology, graduating in 2008. Dermot O’Donovan, Acting Head of GMIT Letterfrack, says: “This is a fantastic personal achievement for Diarmuid. Winning one award at this show is an honour, but to win multiple awards says a lot about Diarmuid’s talent and adherence to the philosophy of quality design and making. We are very proud that one of our graduates has done so well in what is a very prestigious and competitive event.” Speaking about his achievement, Diarmuid Murphy said: “I’m delighted to win these awards, which I can attribute to the excellent skills I developed and the knowledge I acquired from the making and design components of my programmes in GMIT Letterfrack. It’s a prestigious college with excellent courses and I’m delighted to be able to say that I’m one of its graduates.” Gerald Pullman, Chairman of the judging panel for the National Crafts Competition, spoke highly of the standard of work this year. “Many of the crafts entrants have a level of skill, talent and competence to bring them to the very top of their medium. The variance of ideas and quality of finish left me in no doubt that the industry is ever listening, learning and improving and is indeed in very good health.” The RDS National Crafts Competition, which is organised in association with the Crafts Council of Ireland since 2008, has become established as one of the highlights in the Irish Crafts industry calendar. It allows both professional and amateur craft designers to compete for prestigious awards in 20 different categories with its significant prize fund of €30,000.

Counselling Never feel that you are helpless and on your own in college. Contact the Counsellor to get help and support in total confidence. Counsellors Pauline Staunton and Pauline Clancy are available to speak to you today. Opening Hours: Drop in times: Phone:

9.00 - 5.00 11.00 -12.00 and 1.00 - 2.00 091_742118 for appointments

The Counsellors are available one day per week in Cluain Mhuire and Letterfrack campuses.

Meditation Group is starting… Learn how to relax, stay calm and lower your anxieties…. Wednesday 7th October 2009 1-2pm Meditation/Chapel Dublin Road (Near SU & Medical Centre) Last for 10weeks on a drop in basis – FREE COME & GIVE IT A TRY

Meditation Group is starting… Do you want to :Lower your stress levels? Stay calm under pressure? Sleep better? Learn to relax? Beat exam stress? Worry less? Wed 7th October 2009 1-2pm Meditation/Chapel Room Dublin Road (Near SU & Medical Centre) FREE – Just Drop In… Make a positive change in your life…

CLUAIN MHUIRE NEWS Movie Quiz Raises €900 for Film & TV Students

Film & TV students held a very successful movie night in Massimo on Monday 19th October with a great turnout and some good fun had. The students would like to thank Massimo for their help and the excellent prizes that were raffled on the night. Everybody who attended now knows who Bob Collins (right) is and how to spell supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Halloween Night The Film & TV students will hold another fundraiser on Thursday 29th of October in De Burgo’s at 8pm. Entry is just €5.

Music Quiz A Music Quiz will be held in Kellys Bar (date to be confirmed) €20 per table/€5 per person.

Careers FAIR Thursday 29th October Bring at least 10 copies of C.V. or Business Card (please refer to the careers service area upstairs in the library for sample C.V.’s, covering letters and interview questions). • Students should dress casual but smart • Students should have focus - prepare specific questions for employers, research companies that have particular relevance to you IF GMIT STUDENTS ARE INTERESTED IN... // PLACEMENT // GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES // VOLUNTEERING // POSTGRADUATE... COME TO THE GMIT CAREERS FAIR!

Companies attending: Adecco Recruitment, American Hospitality Academy Ireland, Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre, Atlantic Language Galway, Boston Scientific Ireland Ltd., Cara International, CCP Recruitment Ltd, Chartered Accountants Ireland, CIMA, Computer Troubleshooters, Construction Industry Federation, CPL Recruitment, Creative Play, Creganna, Dublin Institute of Technology, ECO-UNESCO, EdgeHill Univeresity Liverpool, EIL Volunteer Abroad, Engineers Ireland, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Ericsson, First Polymer Training, Fitzwilliam Institute, Galway Bay Hotel, Goodman Medical Ireland Ltd., Griffith College, Habitat for Humanity, i-to-i, IAESTE Ireland, ICE Group, Imagine Marketing, Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA), IntertradeIreland Fusion Programme, JET Programme, KPMG, Lidl, London Metropolitan University, Matrix Recruitment, NUI Maynooth Graduate School, Projects Abroad, Recruit Direct, The Carlyle Institute, The Chartered Institute of Building, The Defence Forces, SAP, Sheffield Hallam University, Sinnott Hotel Group, Society of Chartered Surveyors, Supermacs, Talent Fusion/icareer, The SRI Group, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, University of Limerick, University of Portsmouth, USIT, Whirlpool SSC Ltd.

Talks at GMI T Careers Fair: Thursday 29th October 2009 Time 12-1 1 – 2 2 – 3

Room 994 996 994

Company Accountancy Professional Bodies (ACCA/CPAI/CIMA/ICIA) Train to Teach UCD – Postgraduate Studies

Careers Survey GMIT is one of over 775 colleges taking part in the trendence Graduate Barometer (the former European Student Barometer), Europe’s largest education and career survey. To participate, please click here/go to this link: https://www.trend-surveys.com/uc/uksb10/?a=200 The questions asked in the survey include how satisfied you are with your studies and what you expect from your future career, including potential employers. We can reassure you that your answers will be anonymous and your data will be legally protected. After completing the survey, you can compare your answers to the average results of students in your country and Europe. Furthermore, you have the chance to win €1000 or €500.

Vacancies FULL-TIME JOBS

CISCO Internship 1: European Software Development Intern Internship 2: European Software Development Test Intern Internship 3: Europe Lab Engineering Intern

PART-TIME JOBS

ELECTRONIC SERVICES PROVIDER Location: Nitra, Slovakia Internship 1: Application Engineer Languages: Fluent English Internship 2: IT Administrator Internship 3: Financial Controller

CISCO Vacancy 1: Europe Graduate Software Development Engineer Vacancy 2: Europe Graduate Software Development Test Engineer

CLAREMORRIS SWIMMING CLUB Vacancy: Head Swimming Coach Location: Claremorris, Co Mayo BALLINROBE GOLF CLUB Vacancy: Cook Location: Ballinrobe, Co Mayo Details: Part-time at the weekends Applicants: Students/Graduates of Professional Cookery or Culinary Arts E-mail: murphy.bernie@gmail.com

STUDYING ABROAD

FULBRIGHT Programmes: Fulbright Programmes to Study, Research or Teach in the USA. The application process for 2010-2011 academic year is now open. Website: www.fulbright.ie

INTERNSHIPS

AHEAD WAM/O2 Placements: 6 month Placements with O2 for Students with Disabilities/Specific Learning Difficulties

GRADUATE PROGRAMMES

CADBURY Programme: Cadbury Graduate Programme Locations: Ireland & UK

GRADUATES WEBSITE

A new iniative by IBEC for Graduates-www.ibec.ie/gradlink Are you a recent graduate who needs to gain valuable work experience to kick start your career? Search and apply for internship vacancies on this site. Graduate internships are a flexible way to attract talent to your business and offer real work experience to new graduates. For more information on all of these opportunities, please check out the Careers newsletter, available at various locations throughout the campus.

Student Assistance Fund

e-mail studentservices@gmit.ie) to check your eligibility to apply for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) & to pick up an application form.

to the Student Services Office. Incomplete applications (missing documentation/form not fully completed) cannot be assessed.

All applicants will be interviewed by the SAF Committee. To apply, eligible students must complete the form, attach proof of income (or grant letter), proof of social welfare entitlements if applicable and bank statements for the past 3 months.

If you are experiencing FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, call to the Student Services Office (or

Completed form and back-up documentation to be returned

GMIT Catering Company Cafeteria

Express Shop

Café Foyer

SU FAQ Binding

Due to the large number of projects due at the same time, please give the SU office two hours to get yours bound. Maincourse with 500ml Milk Regular Tea & Frenchmill Muffin

5.70 2.00

Slim Sandwich, 500ml water & pkt Snax 3.95

Regular Tea / Coffee & ZEST Sandwich 4.95

Breakfast Rolls, Hot Chicken Baguettes Full Lunch, Salad Bar, Sandwich Bar Soup & Sandwiches (made to order or pre-packed) Pastries, Scones, Muffins, Brownies, Desserts Selection of Herbal Teas, Bean to cup Coffee, Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Minerals, Juice Crisps, Biscuits, Chocolate, Sweets Newspapers, Call credit, Pass machines, Takeaways available

Catering provided for meetings, working lunches, conferences, summer schools. Contact us for a quotation. Contact: Manager: 091-742407 Bookings: 091-742147 Kitchen: 091-742227 Accounts: 091-742144

Parking

Make sure you have your APCOA parking permit on display and park in the correct location.

Banks

On campus banks AIB and Bank of Ireland are open 10:30am (11:00am on Wednesday) to 4:00pm with lunch daily from 12:40pm to 1:40pm. Bank machines are in the canteen.

SU Shop

The SU Shop currently has the postbox and also sells photocopying cards, stamps, hoodies and t-shirts.

B IG O

BIG-O-TAXIS NEED A TAXI?

Hi Students,

58•58•58

est

alway

On behalf of BIG-O-TAXIS I would like to thank you for choosing us as the approved TAXI of GMIT. As you are aware by now, we have reduced student fares drastically so as to make things

n time

091

easier for you in these recessionary times. In order to save your hard earned money, we also suggest you find a BIG-O-TAXI in the rank going home, and divide the cost by travelling in 4s and 8s as often as possible. When booking your BIG-OTAXI, always remind the despatcher that this is a student fare. This will eliminate confusion when settling fare. AT NO TIME should you walk home when short of funds.

Call

MILES AHEAD ON SERVICE

That is what the DON’T WALK HOME ALONE campaign is about. Finally, we in BIG-O-TAXIS recently took on new drivers. Should a new driver mistakenly charge a fare higher than what was agreed with the Students’ Union, immediatley request a receipt and take the drivers name/number and report details in writing to BIG-O management, in Domnick st HQ. Wishing you a pleasant Halloween celebration. Alan O Donohue, Marketing Director.

Left to right: Paddy Bonner (SU President), Alan O’Donohue (Marketing Director, Big O Taxis), Darragh Frain (GMIT Head Rep, Big O Taxis), Colin Canny (SU Vice President & Welfare Officer).

//Don’t Walk Home Alone! If you have no money for a taxi, Big-O-Taxis will bring you home. Simply give the driver your student card and it will be returned to you once the fee is paid! Contact the Students’ Union for further details

TYPING SERVICE ---------------------------------------------

Theses, Projects, Assignments etc. Fast & Reliable! Reasonable rate! Phone Trish at 087-7788266

Official GMIT Entertainment Centre

Every Tuesday is

RESTAURANT

BOWLING

CLIMBING WALL

A ZONI AMA

STUDENT SPORTS BAR

SNOOKER

VIP BAR

LASER QUEST

NIGHT Free return bus

Bus departs GMIT main entrance @ 7.30pm

Bowling â&#x201A;Ź5 DJ / Live Music Drink Promotions 091 388100 | www.citylimits.ie Weekly Competitions Free entry into city centre nightclub Claregalway

Loughrea

Maldron

Gort

Hotel

Galway City

Oranmore

Live champions league qualifiers on our 20ft Screen

Road Safety Week SU Welfare hosts Road Safety Week from November 2nd to 5th.

gmitsu presents

fety Road Sa eek W

Dont Drink

and Drive

Slow Down

plus other events to be announced

NOVEMBER 2nd to 5th

Don’t Get Clamped!

CLAMPING FEE: €50

HAVE YOU PARKED LEGALLY? IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PERMIT, YOU WILL BE CLAMPED!!! DESIGNATED PARKING ONLY: STUDENT PARKING IN GREEN ZONE STAFF PARKING IN YELLOW ZONE NON PERMIT HOLDERS & VISITORS, PLEASE USE PAY & DISPLAY

TO APPLY FOR YOUR PERMIT OR FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE GO TO www.gmit.ie/parking-management UPDATE: Negotiations under way for more student spaces. Apcoa to come back on campus to distribute any permits that have not yet been collected. More details to follow.

Watch out for the event info outside Union Square and get involved! Monday 2nd: RSA Shuttle Launch Tuesday 3rd: How good is your driving? Wednesday 4th: Crash Scene Re-enactment Thursday 5th: Mass & Balloon Launch Other events to be confirmed. DARE2BDRINKAWARE DEADLINE APPROACHES The DARE2BDRINKAWARE Film Competition, think 3 minute films about the relationship between booze and young people in Ireland. Sounds interesting? Well, if you’ve got something to say on the subject, we’d love to hear from you. Last year’s winning team scooped €4000 in prize money, had their film screened at the Cinemagic and Oxegen festivals, plus it was broadcast on City Channel and will be shown on RTÉ 2 next month. The online application needs to be completed by November, 20th, it takes just 5 minutes to complete. Visit www.DARE2BDRINKAWARE.ie for more information.

Galway City Indoor Market Margadh Faoi Dhoin Chathair na Gaillimh

Dominick Street, Galway Open 7 Days

Fiori di Zucca Café plus

Hand Knitwear & accessories Personalised gifts Jewellary Leather Belts - Zippos Home Baking Ironworks and lots more! Call in and See Ss Dominick Street, Galway

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is made of nine traditional Japanese martial arts and teaches unarmed combat and traditional weapons. The Bujinkan is known as a school of Ninjutsu in the West, but in fact it is an amalgamation of three ninja and six samurai martial styles.

Classes: Wednesday, from 20:30 to 22:00 Sunday, from 10:30 to 12:00 Oranmore Community Hall, Oranmore

Information: Alan Butler 087 219 72 34 alan1butler@hotmail.com www.bujinkanbutlerdojo.com

gmitsu presents

2009

Graduation Ball Two Course Meal, Live band J90 with DJ Peter Ganly and Fergal D’Arcy (i102-104) Where: Radisson Blu Hotel When: Tuesday 10th November :: 8:30pm sharp Tickets: €30 from the Students’ Union

PAL Programme GMIT and Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) have jointly launched an important new educational programme, Peer Assisted Learning (PAL), which supports first year students in their transition to third-level education. The PAL programme helps first year students develop their independent

Students supporting students. Carina Ginty, (centre left) GMIT SIF2 Manager, and Nuala Harding, PASS Co-ordinator, AIT, with first year students and student leaders at the launch in GMIT of the new SIF-funded learning programme PAL (Peer Assisted Learning), which supports the first year experience.

learning skills so that they can adjust more readily to the requirements of their third-level programme of study, and in the long term helps decrease drop out rates and increase grades. “It is about getting to know classmates better, learning actively, discussing and practising, and working out problems together, planning how to go about studying and settling into college life.” explains Carina Ginty, GMIT, SIF II Manager. GMIT and AIT are the first institutes in Ireland to introduce this programme to each discipine in both colleges. There are currently 18 programmes across seven schools and disciplines running weekly one-hour PAL/PASS sessions, supporting over 700 first year students. These figures are expected to double by next September 2010.

“GMIT was awarded Strategic Innovation Funding (SIF II) from the HEA to lead the project and we have collaborated with AIT for the past year on its development, rollout and evaluation. We are receiving positive responses for our PAL programme from other third-level colleges in Ireland who have expressed an interest in setting up this PAL model at their institute in the coming years,” explains Ms Ginty. “In GMIT the programme is know as PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) and in AIT as PASS (Peer Assisted Student Support). It has been implemented in both colleges in the same format and both PAL /PASS sessions are on the first-year timetable for one hour per week, involving students working with other students.” “In the long term PAL and PASS will help decrease drop out rates, increase grades and help students be successful during their time at 3rd level education and in their future careers.” adds Ms Ginty. The weekly sessions are facilitated by 45 PAL/PASS trained student leaders, all of whom are either second, third and fourth year students who have completed a leadership training programme. “In the current climate with larger class sizes and increasing diversity among the student population, participating in the PAL/PASS programme will offer students a distinct advantage as it encourages them to engage with each other and reflect on their coursework. This process enhances their understanding of the subject matter of their course through co-operative group discussions with their student leaders” explains Nuala Harding, Learning and Teaching Co-ordinator, AIT. The leaders involved in the initial

pilot identified it is an opportunity to develop their professional skills such as team working, organising, time management, facilitation and interpersonal communication skills. Ultimately it enhances their CVs and competitive position for future job opportunities. “Micro and macro contextualisation is key to understanding ones subject area, PAL/PASS provides a setting through which this deep learning approach is facilitated by student leaders who are continuously guided and supported in their role, by academic staff” says Ms Harding In addition to supporting and enhancing the first year experience, GMIT has also developed a new module called “Learning to Learn (L2L)” which is now delivered on every first year programme across the institute. It aims to empower students with the skills for dealing with the transition to third level education. It also identifies the first year students’ learning style and incorporates learning skills development, time management and personal development plans. AIT will undertake a full review of its programmes in the current academic year and intend to offer a similar module that will be adapted to suit each discipline area on all undergraduate programmes commencing September 2010. During the rollout and evaluation of the PAL/PASS programme, GMIT and AIT have consulted with other successful PAL programme operators including Bournemouth University and Manchester University in the UK, Leuven University in Belgium, Granada University in Spain, and PALNET Ireland members.

For further information on the GMIT PAL Programme visit www.gmit.ie/pal or contact Carina Ginty, GMIT SIF II Manager, Student Led Learning & Curriculum Reform Programmes, carina.ginty@gmit.ie, 091-742423

Gourmet Quality at Student Prices

Top Quality Ingredients

@ Union Square

The GMIT Meeting Place Playstation :: Movies :: Music

Served All Day Smoothies Speciality Coffees & Teas Toasted Sandwiches & Panniniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tasty Breakfast Rolls

Sensitive Disposition...

Joke Corner Anytime you see a young man open a car door for his girlfriend, either the car is new... or the girlfriend is. -----------------A woman walked up to a little old man rocking in a chair on his porch. “I couldn’t help noticing how happy you look,” she said. “What’s your secret for a long happy life?” “I smoke three packs of cigarettes a day,” he said. “I also drink a case of whiskey a week, eat fatty foods, and never exercise.” “That’s amazing,” said the woman, “how old are you?” “Twenty-three,” he said. -----------------A family went to a hospital, where one of their relatives would be having a brain transplant. One of the relatives asked, “What will the cost of a new brain be?” The doctor replied, “A female brain costs $25,000 and a male brain costs $50,000.” The men smirked, but one of the females asked, “Why is that, doctor?” “Well,” the doctor replied,” the female brain is less because it has been used.” -----------------Girl: You remind me of the sea. Boy: Why? Because I’m so wild and romantic? Girl: No. You make me sick. -----------------Q. What’s green and has wheels? A. It’s grass. I lied about the wheels. -----------------A skeleton walks into a bar and says, “I’d like a beer and a mop”

When you rearrange the letters... PRESBYTERIAN // BEST IN PRAYER ASTRONOMER // MOON STARER SNOOZE ALARMS // ALAS! NO MORE Z’S A DECIMAL POINT // I’M A DOT IN PLACE THE EARTHQUAKES // THAT QUEER SHAKE ELEVEN PLUS TWO // TWELVE PLUS ONE and... MOTHER-IN-LAW // WOMAN HITLER

This Halloween...Please drink sensibly

Jesus was...

Three arguments that Jesus was Irish: 1. He never got married. 2. He was always telling stories. 3. He loved green pastures. Three arguements that Jesus was a woman: 1. He fed a crowd at a moment’s notice when there was virtually no food . 2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn’t get it . 3. And even when He was dead, He had to get up because there was still work to do.

Thanks to everyone who sent in jokes / pictures!

INDOOR 5-A-SIDE Walking & Cycling Consultation SOCCER Assemble your teams now and come into the SU for an application form €15 per team

• LEAGUE STARTS TUESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER •

HIP HOP CLASSES IN SESSION!

AECOM have been commissioned to develop a Walking and Cycling Strategy for Galway City and its Environs. The aim of the Strategy will be to recommend improvements to the existing transport network to encourage further walking and cycling trips to work and college as well as for recreation. This might include recommendations for safer pedestrian crossings, on road bike lanes, bike parking etc.

€5 euro per class Come into the SU to pay and reserve your spot. If you missed the Clubs and Socs fair, come into the SU to see what’s available and get involved!

In order to make these recommendations, AECOM need to consult with the ultimate users of this infrastructure. They will therefore be holding a consultation event at GMIT on November 4th to talk to students about walking and cycling access to the college and around the city. There will be a draw with 3 prizes available (including a bike) for those who complete one of our surveys and get involved.

What would you like in your Soup? If you have something you would like included in Soup, please email brendan.kenny@gmit.ie /// Any feedback you have is greatly appreciated. Thanks to all contributors. A GMIT Students Union Publication, 2009.

Printed by Barbara Naughton, Reprographics Department

Coming Soon!

GMIT Do you want to be GMI T’s next Apprentice!?

WIN

€1500 / Free Accommodation and other prizes to be announced!

The winner will also be one of the chief organisers of RAG WEEK 2010

ALL students can participate. Entry fee is just €5.00 10 females and 10 males required Sign up in the SU office.