dit students’ union president’s report 2008/2009
dit students’ union aims & background a message from the president a message from the vice presidents a message from the ceo the year that has been 2008/2009 spotlight democracy spotlight student support spotlight representation spotlight involvEment & volunteerism spotlight national issues dit students’ union president’s report conclusion dit students’ union elected officers 2008/2009 dit students’ union staff members 2008/2009
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www.ditsu.ie
content Dit students’ union staff compiled martin dunne edited fiona condron & mairead butler design eddie corr
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dit students’ union Aims & background
Under the DIT Student’s Union Constitution adopted in 2004 the aims and objectives of DIT Students’ Union shall be:
Article 3:
Background:
1. The objective of the Union shall be to represent and defend on behalf of all its members, on matters relating primarily to their education and welfare and to protect and further their rights as citizens, in accordance with law.
In February of 2004 the students of DIT voted overwhelmingly to adopt a new constitution, informed by a Strategic Review of the Union conducted in 2003. This new Constitution established a departmental structure and placed DIT Students’ Union on a path to a more professional, service-delivery focus. In the five years since the new constitution was adopted DIT Students’ Union has positioned itself as one of the most professional and organised Students’ Unions on the island of Ireland. With welltrained and highly motivated staff and offices on all six of the main DIT sites the Students’ Union is well positioned to meet the mission laid out by the Constitution.
2. The Union shall also seek to establish such services as its sees fit to improve the position of its members. In the carrying out of these objectives, the Union shall aspire to embrace the values of accountability, democracy, efficiency, professionalism and transparency. 3. The Union shall conduct its affairs independent of any party political affiliation, under the terms of the Electoral Act, 1992 (as amended), and shall ensure that its structures, organs and other means of transacting business are non-party political in character. 4. The Union shall seek to promote participation in Clubs & Societies by members and may choose to allocate such resources as the Governing Council may deem necessary to the development of such activities, following advice from the Board of DITSU Limited.
The staff structure of the Union allows for institutional memory to be accumulated, while the departmental structure (head office, communications, chief operations, academic & student affairs), enables the effective managment of the varied issues presented to the Union. Both these aspects compliment the annual injection of new ideas and motivation from the Elected Officers, Governing Councillors, Class Reps and students. Each year sees renewed focus and further implementation of the provisions of the constitution and Strategic Review of the Students Union, and each year DIT Students’ Union has gone from strength to strength. It is without a doubt that the implementation of the new Constitution, and the provisions of the Strategic Plan of 2003, has been a resounding success positioning DIT Students’ Union as a leader in Ireland and the world. With a new DITSU Ltd Development Plan in place the Students’ Union is well set for any challenge that may come in the years ahead.
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a message from the president
This has been a year of great challenges and opportunities; a year where the tides have changed in the world, in Ireland and in the needs of our membership, the students of DIT. The focus and level of work of the Students’ Union has been significantly different this last year than in previous years. A Chara, It is with great pleasure that I introduce the DIT Students’ Union Annual Report 2008/09. This has been a year of many great challenges and opportunities; a year where the tides have turned in the world, in Ireland and in the needs of our membership, the students of DIT. The focus and level of work of the Students’ Union has been significantly different this last year than in previous years. As external forces, from the threat of fees to a faltering economy, come to bear, it has been necessary for DITSU to adapt and advance in all of the services it offers. As the year began the overriding concern of Students seemed to be the need for accommodation and the whispers with regards to the reintroduction of 3rd level fees. As time passed it became apparent that student finance was to be the foremost issue affecting everything from the services we offered to the events that we ran. The economy fell deeper into recession with more and more students finding themselves in difficulty, with part-time jobs becoming scarce and the resources of their guardians becoming tighter. In addition to this many of the institutes across Ireland found themselves in grave financial circumstances with Government coffers no longer able to support their deficits and threats even being levelled against capital projects, such as DIT’s Grangegorman campus. As the year progressed and new issues arose, the confirmation that 3rd level fees were being re-examined soon became the overriding factor on a National Level. Students and their families the length and breadth of Ireland worried for the future of their education, as the Government pressed forward with plans to remove the 3rd level sector as a drain on public finances. With
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this as the backdrop, students were also faced with the more traditional issues including academic concerns, inadequate facilities, physical, mental and sexual health problems and threats to sporting, social and other extra-curricular activities.
It has been a year of challenges. It has been a year of opportunities. The challenging economic times, whilst bringing their issues, have brought their benefits. The availability of accommodation for students, near non-existent last year, is nowhere near such an issue now. Rental prices have been falling and students are no longer being discriminated against by “professional only” demands. Local businesses have recognised the need to attract students once more with the introduction of promotions and discounts on their products and services. Students have rediscovered the value of the Students’ Union shops which continue to offer products at their lowest possible rate – a policy that shall continue into the future. Even the looming threat of fees has had its positive influences. Students from across the country have been galvanised and united, standing together with one voice in a way not seen for years. The involvement of DIT Students’ Union in the ongoing fees campaign has precipitated a renaissance in student activism, which culminated in thousands of DIT Students taking to the streets; resulting in an increase of participation across the board. The last year has also seen our events undergo significant reform through acknowledging the changing nature of student needs – given the current economic climate – leading to cheaper, more sustainable events (such as the Farmer’s Ball) and more on-site
midday events fostering college atmosphere. This has assisted in the explosion of volunteerism within the Union with record numbers turning out to lend a hand with campaigns such as Raising and Giving Week. Many things have changed in the last twelve months but one thing that has remained constant as the Northern Star is the support given by DIT Students’ Union to our membership. From academic support to student life assistance; social responsibility through social activities; democratic representation to local and national lobbying; we continue to strive for the best and to provide excellent quality of service and value for money to each of the 22,000 students who make up the DIT community. We have adapted to the changing needs of this academic year and all the achievements of the year will be detailed in this Annual Report. As we take this opportunity to look back and reflect on what has been good and what has been bad it is clear that while the issues, challenges and circumstances may change year on year, the commitment of all those involved in DIT Students’ Union, from students to staff, is unwavering. They continue to commit their best and, through this commitment, to achieve great successes. It is in that spirit that I proudly present our Annual Report 2008/09; as before we will use our achievements of the past to build our successes of the future. Is mise le meas,
Martin Dunne President
a message from the Vice Presidents
A Chara,
A Chara,
Academic Year 08/09 has been a very challenging year from a Services and Trading perspective. Among those challenges presented was of course planning for the future Grangegorman Campus which forms a large part of Services and Trading brief. While it is vital to maintain the planning process for the new campus, it is also imperative to ensure the current facilities are maintained, such as Linenhall, along with the parity of service to annex sites such as Portland Row. Library opening hours have always been a contentious issue. We have seen a major improvement this year in terms of service.
This year there was a number of highlights. During the summer months we looked at different ways in which we could engage with the student body through our campaigns to raise awareness of our services. We started off with Inductions and welcomed over 3,500 students to DIT. Information and advice are two our key areas, the more students are informed and empowered the more the student experience is improved. Other campaigns were positive mental health and relaxation, sexual health awareness and guidance, finance, exams/assessment rights & entitlements.
Rag week 09 also proved to be very successful raising â‚Ź12,000 for Console. Money was raised through 40 ft dives, bungee jumps, bucket collections and various night time events including Rag Ball, The Coronas and The Farmers Ball. All in all a very satisfactory year and the future seems filled with challenges. Is mise le meas,
Dermot Julian
Vice President [services & trading]
This year we had the highest number of Class Reps so far with over 400 students involved. Class Reps this year have been informed and have highlighted a number of issues across all sites, and it is thanks to them that most of these issues are solved. One of the best things about working in the Academic and Student Affairs Department is the amount of cases you deal with, already this year we have dealt with over 1,400 student cases both class and individual. The best reward is in knowing that you have helped someone! Is mise le meas,
Tracey Flinter
Vice President [academic & student affairs]
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a message from the ceo
Great pressure can generate great strength, and this was the hallmark of the Union’s endeavours this year. Our sabbatical officers faced issues created by the trying times, along with concerns that are part and parcel of any academic year A Chara, The annual cycle of the academic schedule informs the life of any student, and so too the work of the Students’ Union. At the beginning of each year, as students and the Union that represents their interests, we prepare for new classes and campaigns, we think about financial issues and our health, about how we can continue to improve services, we raise and we give during RAG Week. We work hard, studying and learning new material, until finally, it is exam time again, and another academic year has reached a conclusion. The predictability of this cycle is the reassuring basis upon which we set ourselves each year, and it is one of the few things we can easily anticipate. Every academic year brings thousands of new members to the Student Union, new challenges, new issues to be addressed and debated, both locally and nationally, and new resolutions to be sought. But there is one other thing that we at DITSU have learned we can rely on – the enthusiasm and dedication of our student, sabbatical and staff members to tackle, and resolve, the issues that face us each year. And there were many issues pressing upon our students this year. The declining economic landscape became a difficult backdrop against which to concentrate on academic matters, and with jobs becoming scarcer, many students worried about how they would cope. Coupled with the impending increase in capitation, and the very real threat of the reintroduction of third level education fees, financial concerns became increasingly troubling. Under these tremendous pressures, both staff and students were galvanised by the Students’ Union and inspired by the leadership of our sabbatical team. Our membership gathered in huge numbers to protest against the reintroduction of fees. The Union worked hard to offer our students the best deals, to stretch the funds they had, and to provide the support necessary to navigate any difficult period. And our student body proved their own
mettle, too, giving generously of their time and effort to help the Union raise funds for the year’s charity, Console and to engage directly with school-going youth from parts of our City suffering economic and social deprivation. Great pressure can generate great strength, and this was the hallmark of the Union’s endeavours this year. Our sabbatical officers faced issues created by trying times, along with the concerns that are part and parcel of any academic year, from the provision of quality services to the entire student body, to the negotiation of any academic concerns that arose. These issues were tackled with passion and enthusiasm, in the interest of creating an optimal student experience for our membership. Similarly, the DITSU’s team of dedicated staff afforded the support necessary to facilitate the delivery of services to students. Displaying grace under pressure, the staff worked hard to ensure the needs of DITSU’s diverse membership were met, and that students were supported across a wide range of service delivery. The success of our Student leaders on the national stage was equally impressive, with the DITSU delegation securing the passage of all ten of our motions through USI annual Congress and securing a number of awards. As our President Martin Dunne comes to the end of his term of office we thank him for many years of dedicated service and leadership, in various positions within the Student Union. We look forward to beginning the cycle again and building on the very substantial legacy that he has left with us by virtue of his wisdom, commitment and dedication. Is mise le meas,
Pat Kearney CEO
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The year that has been 2008/2009
For the purposes of this report the activities of the Students’ Union have been broken into five distinct sections covering aspects of our mission, as defined by the Constitution, and areas of particular achievement in the Academic Year 2008/09. The areas covered by the report are: Democracy
Volunteerism
Detailing the structures, recruitment and decisions of the democratic sections of the Students’ Union
Noting the many thousands of Euros and hours donated by the students and the Union to numerous worthy causes, including our RAG charity Console.
Student Support
National Issues
An overview of the support services offered to the membership and noting the trends in their needs that have developed
Representation Reviewing the various areas of representation that the Students’ Union has been involved in and some of the relevant achievements of the year
july 2008 A new team of Sabbatical Officers took office ready to lead the Union; President, Martin Dunne. Vice-President (Services & Trading); Dermot Julian. Vice-President (Academic & Student Affairs); Tracey Flinter.
A review of DIT Students’ Union’s presence and achievements on a national stage and within the National Students’ Union, USI. The report will then conclude with an overview of the many achievements in this Academic Year and a look to the year ahead and its challenges.
AUGUST 2008 The new SU publication ‘Toast’ was prepared for a Fresher’s Week launch. Detailing all the goings-on in DITSU and with funny stories, fashion tips, travel reports, events guides and lots more it was well received by the student populace; six issues were published over the course of the year.
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spotlight democracy
Democracy is at the core of DIT Students’ Union and the highest power within our democratic structures is the Students Union Governing Council – independently chaired by Darren McArdle, a former student of the DIT. Each of the six main sites in DIT (Aungier St., Kevin St., Rathmines, Bolton St., Mountjoy Sq and Cathal Brugha St.) elects a proportionate number of representatives to hold officers to account and decide the course for the Union. This year has seen a continued revival of the role and power of the Governing Council with increased numbers and attendance of councillors. The 11 sittings of Governing Council allowed for much debating, discussing and deciding of the future of the Students’ Union. Councillors have also had the opportunity to interrogate the elected officers throughout the year and have benefitted from addresses by such distinguished guests as Professor Norton (President of DIT), Ruarí Quinn TD and the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Eibhlín Byrne. Items as diverse fair-trade status to parity of service levels to the Union’s Fees policy were presented to Council for debate and decision. Some of the key decisions Council took this year were: • To publically debate the Union’s fees stance • Re-opening the door to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service • Demanding parity of service for all students, regardless of site • Selecting Our Lady’s Children’s’ Hospital, Crumlin as RAG Charity 2009/10
Accountability within the Union through the various subcommittees of Governing Council has also been reinforced this year. The Academic & Student Affairs Sub-Committee, Services & Trading sub-committee and Clubs & Societies Guild have sat during the year, an achievement not seen since the adoption of the new Constitution. Whilst there remains room for improvement this is an impressive sign of the progress that has been made through the years. The Students’ Union Class Representative system has also continued to improve. In the past 12 months we have seen an unparalleled level of recruitment with well over 400 students democratically elected as representatives of their classes. Class Reps act as the link between each of the programmes within DIT and the Students’ Union, feeding information both to and from the Union so that Students remain well informed. Our Class Representative meetings across the six sites have met on average 7 times over the year, allowing these meetings to work effectively as problem-solving, and communications, tools for the benefit of our membership. 1 We have also had an excellent year with regard to student involvement in our democratic processes. Each student has the right to vote in the election of the President and Vice-Presidents
SEPTEMBER 2008 Some 3,000 new students joined the DIT family in early September and the Students’ Union was there to welcome them all. We were present to let students know about their rights, services available and the extra-curricular side of college.
The Team Fresh campaign was launched with much fanfare. With bright colours and high energy it welcomed new students and led us into Fresher’s Week.
each year, with record numbers choosing to exercise their right in the recent elections. A number of new initiatives were also trialled including adding new voting locations, expanding the voting hours of the election and employing Information Officers, who ensured students were aware of the election. These initiatives, in conjunction with the work of promoting democracy throughout the year, led to almost 3000 students expressing their preference for 6 candidates among 3 positions. 2 In the last 12 months we have seen a significant strengthening of the democratic core of DIT Students’ Union. From a strong and active council to record numbers turning out for the election, this year had seen a marked improvement in both participation and interest. This year the state of our democracy is strong, and thus the state of our Union is strong.
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OCTOBER 2008 Fresher’s week saw plenty of on-site events across DIT as well a number of gigs including comedy with David O’Doherty and culminated in a sold-out Fresher’s Ball featuring The Blizzards and Bluemoose in The Academy.
The new session of Governing Council sat for the first time on Oct. 14th. The Councillors, from allsites in DIT, debated, discussed and decided Union policy in locations from Grangegorman to Dublin City Hall during the year.
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spotlight student support
One of the primary functions of the Students’ Union is in offering support and assistance to the membership during their time in DIT.
From Academic issues to Employment concerns, Assessment queries & Health worries, DIT Students’ Union offers advice, assistance and referral services on virtually anything affecting students during their time in DIT. This year has seen a significant increase in uptake of these services, as harsh economic times combined with better promotion resulted in hundreds of students seeking the assistance of the Students’ Union. 3
that students have been severely affected by current economic woes. This has also been reflected in funds such as the Student Assistance Fund which required an additional cash injection this year.
We assisted the student population of DIT on a number of levels, from simple footfall (short advice, collecting of forms, etc), to more detailed and ongoing casework issues, those which require a number of meetings with the student, and can result in internal or external referrals. This year has seen some 1500 casework issues being dealt with and many times more footfall in the Union offices. Throughout the year there have been the expected trends and demands and some unexpected peaks. 4
Each year the Students’ Union runs information and awareness campaigns which are informed by the trends we noted in our casework. This year has seen many of the regular campaigns on Sexual Health, Mental Health and Accommodation seek to keep students informed on key issues. However renewed vigour and emphasis has been placed on issues noted as key trends. The successful “What If...” exam and assessment campaign has been continued this year, whilst the Students’ Union assistance in the Employment Fair has sought to help students become financially independent. In addition to this the “DITSU Money Bus” has sought to address students’ financial queries and concerns.
Examination and assessment issues remain the most significant demand on Union resources; however other issues such as Finance, Accommodation and Employment have also ranked highly. One of the most significant trends in our casework load has been the numbers of financial issues which have seen a marked increase in the past academic year. Linked with an increase in the number of employment queries, this indicates
Support of students is paramount to DIT Students’ Union and is not limited to in-office assistance or awareness campaigns. With the increased financial pressures on Students, the commercial arm of the Union, DITSU Trading Ltd, has continued to provide high-quality goods for the lowest possible price. Further to this, the management of DITSU Trading has continually sought to re-negotiate with suppliers, further reducing prices this year. We
Thousands of DIT students took to the streets of Dublin in October to protest against the re-introduction of 3rd level fees. Joining all the Dublin colleges we led the march down O’Connell St reminding Government that education is a right, not a privilege.
Aungier St played host to the launch of an exhibition detailing 50 years of UN Peacekeeping hosted by the DIT Students’ Union and the Irish UN Association. This prestigious launch was attended by many dignitarie.
have also seen implementation of numerous offers for students, from lunch deals to “Exam Essentials” packs.
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We have also sought to assist International and Erasmus students in their transition to Ireland by running a number of events, including trips to Croke Park and Causey Farm, County Meath to help immerse non-Irish students in Irish culture. In addition to this, the Union has examined other “non-traditional” student cohorts, such as Part-Time and Post-Grad, and sought to improve service delivery to these students. This year has seen a series of pilot outreach programmes launched in an attempt to engage with and inform these students of the Union’s services. The motto of DIT Students’ Union is “Supporting Student Life”. Throughout the year we have continued to use this as the core of our activities, be they campaigns or commercial. We continue to be responsive to student needs and strive to do our best for the entire membership.
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NOVEMBER 2008 September & October gave us the Class Rep Recruitment campaign. Aiming to ensure that every class had a Rep the posters, leaflets and class addresses led to a record number of Class Reps being elected and a fantastic training weekend for all Reps.
DITSU once again played host to the fantastic Sawdoctors in November with the gig attended by numerous dedicated student fans and a good night had by all – despite the recessionary times.
This years DITSU Finance Week took a recessionary turn with advice given on how to save money and students encouraged to pack their own lunch!
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spotlight representation
Representation of the students of DIT is an intrinsic part of the work of the Students’ Union. There are many diverse areas that require the student voice to be heard, each as important as any other.
In the last academic year we have seen continued battles on library opening hours, renewed work on the student charter and disciplinary procedures, clubs and societies representation through the Guild, panels of enquiry and representation on hundreds of committees at every level of DIT. Ensuring that the views of students are appropriately articulated at all levels, from Industrial Relations issues on opening hours to internal committees deciding the future of assessment regulations, takes up a large proportion of time within the Students’ Union but is of vital importance. One of the most important representational roles of the Students’ Union is on the Governing Body of the Institute. The Governing Body of the DIT sets out the policies and direction of the Institute, including the strategic goals and aspirations, which Institute staff must work toward. During the academic year we sat around this table, vocally representing the views and opinions of the students of DIT. Issues as varied as Building/Library Opening Hours and the Institutes stance on 3rd level fees have all been brought forward by the Students’ Union. Through working with and lobbying other members of the Governing Body, we have succeeded in obtaining a review of the current status of the Student Charter and an investigation into the services provided to International Students – including the creation of an
International Students’ Charter. The various sub-committees of Governing Body are also a vital area of representation with a key committee being the Student Sports, Recreation and Support Committee (SSRSC). The SSRSC deals with all the non-academic aspects of Student life within DIT including budget allocations to the Students’ Union, Student Societies, Sports Clubs, and various support services including the Student Assistance Fund. Over the course of the year the Students’ Union has represented the views and interests of all students around this table. Working to ensure a fair allocation to each of the services, we have also fought to increase the monies available to all. The Students’ Union was at the forefront of some key issues at this committee, fighting for increases in the Assistance Fund and preventing ring-fencing of the Student Development Fund. We have also worked closely with the other members of SSRSC on various issues (a key partnership being with the Sports Service.) This year has seen a significant need for Student Representation and lobbying with regard to the Sports provision in DIT. At the outset of the year one of the few DIT Sports facilities available to students on the North-side of the city, the Linenhall Sports Hall, was reclassified as an Academic Space. With the loss of this
DECEMBER 2008 In conjunction with the Clondalkin Partnership over 30 2nd level students were brought to DIT Aungier St to challenge their perceptions of 3rd level education. This successful pilot saw close to 100 students come to Aungier St over the year.
Europop became the sound of Christmas when DITSU organised an extremely enjoyable Vengaboys gig in Bondi early in December.
With assessments and exams on the way the hugely successful “What If...” exam & assessment rights awareness campaign was revamped and re-launched ensuring students were well set for their exams.
facility many dozens of Sports Clubs and Student Societies were displaced, threatening many with closure and affecting hundreds of students. This became a key issue for the Union with a noted difficulty being the need to balance the academic needs of small cohort of students with the extra-curricular needs of a larger cohort. Given the already inadequate provision of Sports facilities in DIT, and the impact that extra-curricular activities have on retention, the Union lobbied strongly for the hall to revert to sporting activity. After a short but hectic campaign the Sports hall was preserved and now the Union continues to lobby for the academic needs of the students who were due to move there. Inadequate facilities are a significant issue within DIT, one that promises to be addressed with the pending move to the new Grangegorman Campus. This has been another area where the needs of students have been represented. At numerous committees, from faculty to Institute-wide level, the academic and non-academic needs of students have been actively aired and fought for by the Students’ Union. Key areas of library provision, Student Hub requirements and academic facilities have all been influenced by the Students’ Union. We have also worked with the Union of Students in Ireland to try to keep the project on the Government agenda through these turbulent times. As the project moves into the detailed planning stages the input of
JANuARY 2009 January saw Grangegorman take a front seat with detailed planners, DEGW, beginning their work. DIT Students’ Union was round every table ensuring the voice of students was being heard.
students will remain a key issue, especially as this is an area of massive change for DIT. While Grangegorman may be a long-term change for DIT, the last twelve months has already seen some significant changes. The General Assessment Regulations (GAR) of the institute have been re-vamped, with the new regulations to be implemented in September. In addition to this, September will likely see a completely new internal structure within DIT through the White Paper on Organisational Change. In both these key issues the Students’ Union has had an active input, sitting at the table, lobbying and making numerous submissions. We have ensured that the GAR have enshrined many of the ideals of the Student Charter, and have worked to keep the Organisational Change in DIT student-centred. The Students’ Union exists to support and represent its membership and this academic year has been no different. From faculty issues to institute-wide change, academic representation through defining DIT’s future facilities the DIT Students’ Union continues to ensure that the needs of the learners within DIT are always kept at the forefront of decision making.
FEBURARY 2009 Valentine’s week saw the annual Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance campaign with information, advice and condoms distributed to thousands of students. Once again DITSU held the launch of the National Union’s SHAG campaign in DIT Bolton St.
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spotlight involvement & volunteerism
The strength of any Union lies in the involvement of its membership. Over the course of this year we have seen a significant increase in student involvement, not only in the Union, but also in activities external to DIT. Continuing with our goal of Supporting Student Life, we have assisted many students who give freely of their time to the benefit, not only of their fellow DIT students, but of the community as a whole. Dozens of students from across the DIT sites have become actively involved as unpaid Part-time officers of DIT Students’ Union in areas including Clubs, Societies, Communications, International Issues, Environmental and many more. These SU volunteers have helped to promote Union campaigns and address the issues o their specific site. In conjunction with this, the Union has seen an influx in volunteers for our numerous information and awareness campaigns. Helping to arrange the distribution of materials and facilitate on-site campaign activities, students who have volunteered for DITSU campaigns have greatly impacted the student experience and positive atmosphere across DIT. We have also seen a great increase in the numbers of students who have, working in conjunction with our Events & Marketing Department, organised local events, ranging from gigs to Blind Date competitions, making DIT an enjoyable place to come and study. This volunteerism hasn’t just been restricted to activities inside DIT. There have been a number of activities in the local communities around the numerous DIT sites, which have been spearheaded
Semester two started with a massive National Students Protest against 3rd Level fees. Once again thousands of DIT students led the march, this time braving extreme weather, to ensure that their voice was heard.
by DIT students and the DIT Students’ Union. In Cathal Brugha St close to twenty students volunteered to assist in the Senior Citizens Christmas Party, while in Kevin St dozens of students have helped out with the Seniors Club. Our website’s volunteer section has helped to facilitate students in donating their time and efforts to projects such as the Wa-Wa Women’s Aid Shop, Camara Computer Literacy Program, One Family Single Parents’ Charity and fundraising in the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon. The selfless attitude of giving displayed by many students has even reached beyond the borders of Ireland this year. The Students’ Union Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme has supported dozens of students assisting in charity projects across the world. The fund was established in 2005 in response to the Tsunami in Banda Aceh. Each year since then students are invited to apply for funding, to assist them in travelling abroad for volunteer and charity work. This year four projects were assisted through this fund, impacting countries as far-flung as Peru and Malawi. Students have volunteered to work on projects including a Young Girls in Need Centre; Transform Yourselves Youth Team assisting victims of child abuse; building homes for orphans in Kenya and building wells, dams and assisting in harvesting in rural communities in Malawi.
February saw dozens of campaigners hit the corridors on behalf of the candidates for the annual Sabbatical Elections. With polling booths open longer and on the annexe sites, turnout this year reached record levels.
Closer to home there has been a significant increase in the volunteerism demonstrated during the DIT Students’ Union Raising and Giving Week in March. This year money was raised for Console, a suicide bereavement charity, to assist in the construction of a counselling centre. Over one hundred student volunteers took to the streets of Templebar to fundraise for Console. In addition to this we saw dozens of students fundraising in the corridors of DIT, taking part in sponsored swims, bungee jumps, shaves, silence, and many other activities throughout not only RAG week but the entire year. This culminated in the raising of over €12,000 for Console – a significant achievement in the current economic climate.
From raising money for charity, supporting the local community, challenging perceptions, working with international charities or assisting with Union campaigns, the students of DIT have invested thousands of hours volunteering this year. Volunteerism remains a key activity of many of the students of DIT and as such will continue to be strongly supported by the Union.
This year has also seen the Students’ Union spearhead a number of outreach programmes in conjunction with the Access Clondalkin Project. Aimed at challenging the perceptions of secondlevel students from disadvantaged areas, the joint venture would not have been a success without the efforts of Union staff and student volunteers. Over a hundred students from disadvantaged schools in the Clondalkin area were brought to DIT Aungier St and participated in activities including a guided tour, Societies demonstrations and careers guidance from the DIT Careers Service. So successful has the pilot scheme been that schools in the Clondalkin area are now queuing up to participate.
MARCH 2009 Console, a suicide bereavement charity, were the beneficiaries of this year’s Raising And Giving week with the aim of generating funds to help build a Counselling centre on the Navan Road.The annual DITSU 40ft Swim & Dive took place in freezing conditions with plenty of students dressing up and taking the plunge on behalf of Console.
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spotlight national issues
Students are not insulated from the National Issues during their time in college and as such it is important that we as a Union represent the views of our students at that level.
This year we worked both independently and within the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) to ensure the views of DIT Students were heard nationally. Issues such as the Student Support Bill, student accommodation, the re-introduction of 3rd level fees, have all had comment from DIT Students’ Union and we have been quoted in the media from Newstalk, Irish Times, RTÉ Six One News, RTÉ 2 News to Herald AM; we have cultivated a strong media presence on behalf of our students. This has complimented our efforts within the National Union, USI. Over the course of the academic year we represented our members at every Council, both National and Eastern Area, that USI has held. Remaining at the heart of these various fora we had a significant impact on the National Students’ Union. Building strong relationships with Students’ Unions from across Ireland has enabled us to share ideas, refine our own campaigns and push for changes to National Council with the aim of improving efficiency. Through the various working groups, our students had an input into the way national campaigns have been run, and to the focus of these campaigns. Perhaps the most significant such area has been the National Anti-Fees campaign. During the last year DIT Students’ Union had an immeasurable impact on this national campaign. Within the campaign’s work-
Aungier St saw dozens of students face their fears and bungee jump for charity with thousands raised. From leg waxes, head shaves, sponsored walks, silences, jumps and runs students from across DIT got involved.
ing group we added to the debate and provided ideas to help drive and guide the campaign. We were also extremely active in protesting against fees. DIT had one of the biggest contingents at the Dublin and National Anti-Fees protest, being at the vanguard of both, with well over 7,000 DIT students attending the two protests. We were also present at the direct action protests, offering assistance in their preparation and attending the various sit-ins and stunts, working to ensure that 3rd level fees are not re-introduced. Our national campaigning has also taken other directions. Working in conjunction with USI we have promoted voter registration and awareness within the student populace. Encouraging students to engage with the political process, we assisted them to register to vote, writing to their local TDs and Councillors and informed them on which parties are pro and anti-fees for the upcoming local elections. We were also active in the Lobby of The Oireachtas. Several elected officers and DIT students met with various Senators and TDs across from Dáil Eireann, pressing them on matters including the grants system, student services funding, equality of access and 3rd level fees. This year has also seen a highly successful attendance at the National Congress of USI. Twenty-three DIT Students’ Union
Close to 100 DIT students took to the street of Templebar for the RAG street collection, helping to dispel some of the bad press from other RAG Weeks and proving that Irish people are still charitable despite the recession.
RAG Week events included pub quizzes, free caricatures, cake sales, Fight like Apes, the Coronas, Bluemoose and plenty more culminating in a highly successful Farmer’s Night with hay a-plenty.
delegates attended National Congress, presenting ten motions from the Governing Council. Our motions covered areas such as disability awareness, teaching standards, students seeking citizenship and the tax status of the capitation fee. Over the course of four days tough debate and lobbying, our delegation excelled themselves. Not only were all 10 of the DIT Students’ Union motions passed but the delegation was nominated for some seven awards, winning two – Best Maiden Speaker (Darren Bates) & Best Big Delegation. The past year has seen DIT Students’ Union take not only an active role in National SU politics but a leadership role. We have excelled in our contribution on national issues that affect our members, through comment, input and facilitating conferences – this year the views of students from DIT have helped to lead the National Students’ Union movement.
APRIL 2009 The first “cultural outing” for International Students took place in March with dozens of students heading to Croke Park for the GAA Club Finals on St Patrick’s Day.
International Students became farmers for a day with a trip out to County Meath where they baked bread, played the bodhran, milked some cows and took a trip to the Hill of Tara and Newgrange.
Mental and Physical well-being was promoted during the Welfare Power Days with free information, healthy food and crazy golf across the six main sites in DIT.
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dit students’ union president’s report conclusion
This year has seen many significant challenges, which the student movement as a whole has worked hard to overcome.
With the ongoing commitment of its elected officers, staff and volunteers, DIT Students’ Union has been at the forefront of these battles; working for the best interests of the members. We continue to provide an excellent level of service to all the students of DIT; from welcoming new students to assisting those in final years; from reaching out to the wider community to strengthening our own internal democracy; from working to inform our student members to lobbying at a national level; we have always given our best. This report has outlined some of the challenges we have faced and successes we have achieved in the last twelve months but the road does not end there. The year ahead will present its own unique challenges and concerns. As more and more emphasis is placed on finances there will be questions as to the value of the Students’ Union, and reductions in investment to key student services. Complacency and a lack of appreciation may once again threaten to undermine our democracy. Students, conscious of their income, may be unable to fully participate in the college experience and extra-curricular activities. Changes within the organisation of DIT could lead to disaster without proper care. External forces, such as fees and a weak grants system, may force some of our In the Student students to withdraw from college; whilst Government reviews Medical Centre may threaten the very existence of our Institution. Without continued lobbying and hard work we may also lose our good standing within the National Students’ movement.
The weekend of the BIG exam...
This report stands as evidence that we can overcome significant challenges, that when working together we can achieve great things. As a new academic year dawns, and with it a new team takes office, there can be no doubt that the challenges above will seem overwhelming – but this is not the case. By working together, in the best interests of the students of DIT, we will overcome; by communicating effectively with the student populace, a grassroots movement of change can be formed; by effective lobbying and action those in power will be convinced; and by uniting as one student body, in one strong union we will achieve success.
The year ahead is full of challenges. The year ahead is full of promise. Slán agus beannacht leat
Martin Dunne President
I’m afraid it’s broken. It’s gonna hurt for a while. Exam Time
I just can’t concentrate with the pain...
ry or illness What if an inju e? m performanc harms my exa
you ’ Union can help . sible Your Students t outcome pos @ditsu.ie to get the bes vpacademic ey Flinter on tsu.ie Contact Trac icaf fairs@di dem aca on lly or Mary Sca ‘what if’s...’ your to ers for the answ
Straight after the exam in the SU
May 2009
Later in the Exam Board
Another Chance!
JUNE 2009
Semester two exams led to the second round of the “What If...” campaign with the Union reminding all students that we are available to help them out should anything go askew.
You need to fill out a Personal Circumstances
I can concentrate much better now. I can
With the year drawing to a close the newly elected officers were inaugurated, ready to take up their posts from July 1st; President, Tracey Flinter; Vice-President (Services & Trading), Sean Campbell; Vice-President (Academic & Student Affairs), Jen Jordan. We wish them all the best!
dit students’ union elected officers 2008/2009
Martin Dunne
SU President
sean campbell
class rep convenor kevin street
avril murphy
class rep convenor aungier street
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tracey flinter
SU Vice President
[academic & student Affairs]
eric fitzgerald
class rep convenor aungier street
conleth stanley
class rep convenor rathmines
Dermot julian
SU Vice President
[services & trading]
lorna geraghty
class rep convenor rathmines
suzann tutty
class rep convenor bolton street
jonathan hayes
class rep convenor mountjoy square
peter keegan
class rep convenor cathal brugha st
ian mullin
class rep convenor bolton street
dit students’ union Staff members 2008/2009
mark breen
events & marketing manager
eve donnelly
student support advisor
dawn O’ Higgins
student support advisor
mairead butler
fiona condron
communications manager
student support advisor
claire healy
maebh horan-murphy student support advisor
acting head office administrator
eddie corr
graphic designer
sharon hughes
student support advisor
sarah coll
student support advisor
pat kearney
CEO
maura cunningham
DEPUTY CEO
aimee o’ callaghan
student affairs manager
mary scally
director of student academic affairs
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dit students’ union Head Office dit aungier street, dublin 2, Ireland. www.ditsu.ie