Soup GMIT Students’ Union Newsletter Volume II_December 2009
ISSUE 4
Happy Christmas Hi everyone,
Where did the term go!? I’ve been in the Students’ Union for 3 years, and it was the toughest start to a year I’ve experienced with some difficult times and challenges. Thankfully, we also had some good times as well, including a brilliant Christmas day and some excellent welfare campaigns.
Don’t miss
the GMIT Careers Challenge on Thursday January 7th! See page 5 for full details.
Diary Dates
Just a quick reminder regarding your exams: there is a board set up called the Aegrotat Board which is for anybody with major difficulties in their exams (for example, illness or bereavement). You can collect the form from the SU office or your head of department. Please see page 13 for more info.
DECEMBER _Mon 14th: Exams begin _Fri 18th: Exams finish JANUARY _Thu 7th: Careers Challenge in GMIT _Wed 13th: 2nd Semester Starts
I’m looking forward to seeing you back in 2010 as we have alot planned for the second semester which will be good! I just want to take this opportunity to wish you the best of luck in your exams. I hope all the hard work pays off!
featured in Soup...
Finally, a very happy Christmas to you all... I hope Santa is good to you!!
_Library News.2 _For the Craic.3 _Chaplaincy.4 _Career Challenge.5
Paddy, SU President Soup is also available at www.gmitsu.ie, on Facebook, Bebo and your student email (webmail.gmit.ie)
_SU Welfare.10 _SAF & FAQ.12 _Aegrotat Board.13 _Grants.15
_Bus to Ballybrit.6
_Bluetooth.18
_Study in China.7
_Counselling.19
_Scholarships.8
_Poc Fada.21
_PAL.9
_Sensitive Disposition.22
www.gmitsu.ie
News
Library
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.
Free Trials
All free trials available via the library website http://library.gmit. ie/screens/etrials.html Wilson Art Suite Art, Architecture, Film, etc. Available to: Dec 2009 Proquest Dissertations Available to: Jan 2010
Opening Hours
Until Thursday 17th Dec (Library closes at 5.00pm Friday 18th Dec)
Monday-Thursday 09.30 - 21.30 Friday 09.30 - 21.00 Saturday 10.00 - 13.00 Friday 18th – Wed 23rd Dec
Friday 18th 09.30 – 17.00 Monday 21st 09.30 – 17.00 Tuesday 22nd 09.30 – 17.00 Wednesday 23rd 09.30 – 12.00 Library closed for Christmas
Wednesday 23rd Dec – Monday 4th Jan Monday 4th – Friday 8th Jan
Monday-Friday
09.30 – 17.00
Monday 11th Jan – Friday 5th Feb
Contact Us
Tel: 091 742785 Email: library@gmit.ie Website: http://library.gmit.ie
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Monday-Thursday 09.30 - 21.30 Friday 09.30 – 17.00 Weekend opening resumes week starting Monday 8th February Cluain Mhuire Mon & Thur 09.30 – 19.30 Tue & Wed 09.30 – 18.00 Friday 09.30 – 16.00
BILL GATES AND GM For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives, read on, because at a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated: ’If General Motors had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that gave 1,000 miles to the gallon.’ In response to Bill ‘ s comments, General Motors (GM) issued a press release stating: If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics: 1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash... twice a day. 2. Every time they re-painted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car. 3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, re-start it, and re-open the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this. 4. Occasionally, executing a manoeuvre, such as a left turn, would cause your car to shut down and refuse to re-start, in which case you would have to re-install the engine.
For the Craic! The Numbers
246 .5 8. 8 3 2
The height in centimetres of the tallest man on Earth, Sultan Kosen of Turkey.
Length in centimetres of the longest human nose on Earth, belonging to Mehmet Ozyurek, also of Turkey!
The number of years the average person spends sitting on the toilet in a lifetime!
The number of years the average person spends kissing in a lifetime!
5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast, and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads. 6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single: ‘This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation’ warning light. 7. The air-bag system would ask: ‘Are you sure?’ before deploying. 8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out, and refuse to let you in, until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key, and grabbed hold of the radio antenna. 9. Every time a new car was introduced, car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again, because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car. 10. You’d have to press the ‘Start’ button to turn the engine off.
WRITE TO US!
If you have a question, a joke or indeed anything to say, pop us an email to info@gmitsu.ie
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The Christmas Carol Service took place outside the canteen on Dec. 9th and it proved to be a great success, raising over €500 for the Alan Kerins African Projects. Organisers Paul O’Dowd and Fr. Adrian McGrath would like to thank everybody who contributed and got involved on the day!
Fr.Adrian McGrath presenting Alan Kerins with a cheque for €550, money raised during the annual GMIT Carol Singing for charity
News
Chaplaincy
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Fr Adrian chaplain has a dropin now everyday from 4pm to 5pm in his office so please feel free to call in for a chat!
Carol singers raising money for the Alan Kerins African Projects
Santa Claus with kids at the annual GMIT Childrens Christmas Party, held by the Chaplaincy in conjunction with the Students’ Union.
Contact Fr.Adrian
E: adrian.mcgrath@gmit.ie T: 091-742226
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GMIT
GYM 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
Join the GMIT GYM after the excesses of Christmas!
Jan - May: €80
Appointments for tests & inductions must be made prior to using the gym. Contact Eimear or Ray 742194
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.
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BUS TO
BALLYBRIT FOR EXAMS
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENTS TO CHECK THEIR TIMETABLES 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE COMMENCEMENT OF EXAMS TO ENSURE THERE HAVE BEEN NO CHANGES TO VENUES AND/ OR TIMES. Please bring your Student ID with you to each examination. TRANSPORTATION Buses will be running from GMIT to the examination hall at Ballybrit from the 14th—18th of December. Morning Depart GMIT at 8.30am Depart Ballybrit at 12.00 noon Afternoon Depart GMIT at 1.30pm Depart Ballybrit at 5.00pm
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GMIT Students’ Union Scholarships & Bursaries Academic scholarships and Students’ Union Scholarships & Bursaries (for Sports and Culture) were awarded by Mr. Bernard O’Hara, GMIT Registrar, at a special reception in the college.
GMITSU Culture Bursaries (Castlebar and Galway Campuses)
GMITSU GAA Scholarships and Bursaries (Castlebar Campus)
GMIT Academic Scholarships
GMITSU Soccer Scholarships and Bursaries (Galway Campus)
GMITSU GAA Scholarships and Bursaries (Galway Campus)
GMITSU Soccer Scholarships and Bursaries(Castlebar Campus)
Back Row L to R: Patrick Bonner, GMIT Students’ Union President; Peter McGonigle, Galway; Owen Hoare, Roscommon; Daniel Burke, Ballyglass; Chris Rowland, Newport; Joe Joe Greaney, Oughterard; Augustine Ademoye, Waterford; Alan Dowling, Portlaoise; Sean Murphy, Ballinrobe; Ronan Badger, Turloughmore; Thomas King, Castlebar; Brian Murphy, Galway; Kenneth Farrell, Galway; Colin Canny, GMIT Students’ Union Vice President; Ronan Forde, Lackagh; Thomas Fahy, Tuam; Nigel Jennings, Sports Co-ordinator GMIT Castlebar; Anthony Thompson, Donegal Front Row L to R: Sinead Mulkerrin, Co.Westmeath; Sonya Condon, Waterford; Bernard O’Hara, GMIT Registrar; Lorraine O’Connor, Co.Clare; Aisling Donnelly, Headford Road
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Peer Assisted Learning Supporting the 1st year experience
ATTENTION 1st YEARS Attend Your Weekly
PAL Sessions
School
Time and Day of PAL Session
Room Number
Bachelor of Science in Business Computing and Digital Media
Science
Wednesdays 2pm
162
Bachelor of Science in Computing and Electronic Systems
Engineering
Tuesdays 1pm
371
Bachelor of Arts in Gn贸 agus Cumars谩id
Business
Wednesdays 3pm
474
Bachelor of Arts in Art & Design
Humanities
Thursday 3pm (Dublin Road Campus)
371
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Hotel and Catering Management
Hotel
Wednesdays 2pm
474
Bachelor of Business in Bar Management
Hotel
Wednesdays 11am 162
Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management
Hotel
Wednesdays 2pm
GMIT PAL Programmes September 2009 - April 2010
1032 & 1033
First years attending PAL can help you get to know your course and classmates better, help your understanding of a variety of topics and prepare you for assignments, projects and exams. For more information on PAL at GMIT visit www.gmit.ie/pal
SU Welfare
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KEEP THE NOISE DOWN
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For informati Sshhh!! Cam on on the paign the Students , contact ’ Union
This Christmas time...
Drink Sensibly and enjoy yourself Hey Guys, Hope you are all keeping well and not dreading the thoughts of exams too much. It’s not the end of the world! All I can say is Don’t Worry!! It’s marvellous what a few days organising notes and revising can do for you. So, the hard slog that you put in now will be worth it and as I keep saying to everybody I meet lately just think of Christmas day at home and the 4 weeks holidays that we are getting off as motivation, and a kick up the bum when ya feel like giving up on the study! :) 4 Weeks off! 4 Weeks off! 4 weeks off! Keep singing it.
For information on any of the Welfare Campaigns during the year to date, or on upcoming campaigns, please contact Colin Canny, SU Vice President & Welfare Officer
Contact Colin
Tel: 091 742785 Email: suvpresident@gmit.ie
Anyways I hope the year is going well for each and every one of you and that you have enjoyed the 1st semester. The year is flying by already so that has to be a good sign at least! We have had some great campaigns and nights out during the semester like Freshers Week, Halloween Fancy Dress, Road Saftety, Mental Health Week and after the xmas hols we hope to have a lot more in the New Year with RAG week only around the corner as well as SHAG week, Mental Health and Healthy eating week and lots more entertainment events to come. So it’s not all doom and gloom now is it. Finally I would just like to wish everybody the very best in your exams and that you have a very happy Christmas and new year. And most of all make sure ye make the most of it cos it only comes around once a year! All the best, Colin SU Vice President & Welfare Officer
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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
Because of 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
Parking
Make sure you have your APCOA parking permit on display and park in the correct location.
Banks 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
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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.
PROBLEMS WITH YOUR EXAMS?
AEGROTAT BOARD
Are you unable to sit an exam due to illness or bereavement? Was your exam performance impared by personal circumstances? If YES, you can apply to the Aegrotat Board who will consider your case. You must apply on the official form within 3 days of the end of your exams. Contact your School office for the form.
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‚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
Oranmore
Live champions league qualifiers on our 20ft Screen
Grants Schedule
The following are the upcoming TLT grant payments to be paid into student accounts:
• 2nd January, 2010 • 28th January, 2010 • 25th February, 2010 If any of your details have changed, please let the Registration Office know as soon as possible. Also, make sure you have provided your bank’s Sort Code and Account Number.
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
TYPING SERVICE ---------------------------------------------
Theses, Projects, Assignments etc. Fast & Reliable! Reasonable rate! Phone Trish at 087-7788266
TO APPLY FOR YOUR PERMIT OR FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE GO TO www.gmit.ie/parking-management UPDATE: STUDENTS CAN NOW PARK ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE RED LINE (an extra row of spaces that is open to staff and students).
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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
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Media
GMIT - STUDENTS & STAFF
Turn ON Your
Bluetooth TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE OFFERS & INFO For FREE On Your Mobile
1 4 pqrs 7 pqrs *+
2 5 8 0
abc jkl tuv
www.mediaport.ie
3 6 9 #
def mno wxyz
How it works Turn your Bluetooth on and set to “discoverable” mode. When you receive the notification message select“Accept” to download the offers and content
TOTALLY FREE OF CHARGE!
BIG-O-TAXIS
BIG-O-TAXIS NEED A TAXI? 091
Call
58•58•58 MILES AHEAD ON SERVICE
//Don’t Walk Home Alone!
If you have no money for a taxi, Big-OTaxis 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
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).
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…
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Poc Fada in the Himalayas Galway hurlers puc for charity in Nepal GMIT’s GAA Officer put his fitness levels to the test last week in a grueling charity climb on the Himalayas for the Nepal Charity Trust. Damian Curley and hurling friends David Collins, GMIT Electronics graduate, Damien Joyce, County hurler, and Brian Howley, Outdoor Education student, took part in a “Poc Fada and Trek” raising funds to help build school classrooms and upgrade a drugs clinic for the children of Nepal. A brutal civil war, fought over 10 years, has left Nepal impoverished and the school system in tatters.
Pictured (left) at the Poc Fada on top of Poon Hill, Annapurna Range, Nepal: L to R: Damian Curley, GMIT, David Collins, John Molloy, Brian Howley, Jeevan (Sherpa guide), Damien Joyce.
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Sensitive Disposition...
Top 10 Bad Christmas Jokes 10. What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Snowflakes! 9. Why does Santa have three gardens? So he can ho-ho-ho! 8. Where do snowmen go to dance? Snowballs!
Paddy Bonner in younger times...
7. Why was Santa’s little helper depressed? He had low ELF esteem! 6. What do you get when you cross a snowman with a shark? Frostbite! 5. Where do you find reindeer? It depends on where you leave them! 4. What do snowmen eat for lunch? Icebergers! 3. What do reindeer have that no other animals have? Baby reindeer! 2. What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic! 1. How do you know when there is a snowman in your bed? You wake up wet!
Thanks to everyone who sent in jokes / pictures!
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087 1338008
marksmotoringschool@gmail.com
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 and Happy Christmas!
A GMIT Students Union Publication, 2009.
Printed by Mel Faherty, Reprographics Department
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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 Students’ Union
RESPECT YOUR COMMUNITY
and most of all...
KEEP THE NOISE DOWN