Toast 1.4 (Feb. 2009) by DIT Students' Union

Vol: 01 Issue: 04 SU Elections Special

Lend a hand? Maybe two? One Family, a national charity supporting one parent families in Ireland, is looking for your help! We are looking for lots and lots of people to help us with our bag packing in major Supermarket chains throughout Dublin. Everyone that takes part will receive One 4 All gift vouchers as a thank you from us, and the more you help the more you get! For more details please contact Adrian Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keeffe on 01 662 9212 or e-mail aokeeffe@onefamily.ie

Vol: 01 Issue: 04 SU Elections Special

Welcome to our fourth slice of TOAST We hope you enjoy our Election Special. Check out what each candidate has to say and use your vote wisely, grasshopper. Hustings are on at the moment so don’t miss out on the chance to ask those all important questions and get to know the candidates in person. The voting days are from Feb 23 – 26 – Look out for the Polling Stations on your site – they won’t be hard to spot. So get out there & vote. Apart from that, check out the RAG update and if you haven’t got involved yet – drop along to the Snowdrop Launch in Aungier St on Wed 18 Feb and let’s give CONSOLE all the support they deserve. RAG Weeks starts on March 09 so not long now.... Keep yourself up to date with the latest in Events, Academic and Welfare news in brief here or in more detail on www.ditsu.ie. Well done to all of you who took to the streets in protest on Feb 04 and keep up the fight by writing and lobbying those politicians. So, sit back and enjoy your slice of Toast and remember if you ever want to comment, question or criticize anything you read in here please do. We are always looking for input so email toast@ditsu.ie with your two cents.

Roll on Spring - the Toast Crew

Go On- Have A Bite We are always on the look out for talented [or not so talented...] people to help out here at Toast. So, if you fancy yourself as a bit of a writer, gonzo journalist, photographer, illustrator or general piss-artist then we want to hear from you. Drop us a mail. toast@ditsu.ie

Contents Crumbs Union News Elections Special: FAQ’s Candidates For President • Tracey Flinter • Mark Smith Candidates For Vice President ASA • Niamh Foley • Jen Jordan • Peter Keegan Candidate For Vice President S&T • Sean Campbell ENTS Update Academic Affairs Societies News Sports Fashion Shoot A Day Up The Áras A Snowed In Republican There’s Something About Mary Dear Abby

The Crew [Editor] Mairead Butler [Sub Editor] Eve Donnelly [Features Editor] Fiona Condron [Design & Photography] Eddie Corr

Contact [General] toast@ditsu.ie [Editorial] communications@ditsu.ie [Advertising] communications@ditsu.ie [Design] design@ditsu.ie

Competition Log onto www.ditsu.ie/tea for all the latest Student Union competitions

Cover Photo ‘Together we stand. SU Candidates 09’

by Eddie Corr

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Crumbs! Tasty News Tid-Bits...

SHAG Week- A Review

DITSU CSR Fund 2009

DIT Students’ Union were proud to yet again launch this years SHAG Week in conjunction with USI. A Student health promotion and awareness week focusing on sexual health and information was rolled out across all the DIT sites between Feb 9th and 13th.

EVERY YEAR DITSU SPONSORS DIT STUDENTS WHO WORK WITH CHARITIES IN THEIR SUMMER HOLIDAYS.

The nationwide launch took place on Monday morning, Feb 9th with a SHAG week photo shoot in DIT Bolton Street featuring DIT students kitted out in tuxedo and corset t-shirts. Tracey Flinter, your Vice President for Student Affairs, has worked very hard to make this years SHAG week a huge success. With the assistance of USI, the DIT Health Centre, the Counselling service, the DAA and a number of other services, we organised SHAG activities and SHAG entertainments throughout the sites, and had fun times at the evening events. Those famous USI SHAG packs were dispersed on each site and provided that allimportant information for students. The SHAG packs contained a condom, lubricant and sexual health information leaflets from Think Contraception, Positive Options and the IFPA. The message was to raise sexual health awareness among students and encourage them to practice safer sex, if they choose to have sex. And if you missed out you can get a free condom from the SU office. Tracey and the DIT Students’ Union team wish to extend a massive thank you to everyone who helped out with the SHAG events. The enthusiasm and effort of all students involved was really fantastic. Be safe!

Semester 1 Assessments We’ve got a very positive feedback on the fantastic ‘What If..’ posters and leaflets (Thanks, Eddie!) advising you on any queries or problems you might have with the auld exams in January. This year it seems that there were loads of ‘irregularities’ during the Semester 1 exams and we’ve been dealing with these over the last few weeks with some success. So if any of you had any problems do let us know so that we can investigate asap. Most of the results are published by now so if any of you need advice on Rechecks, Appeals or anything exam-related, email vpacademic@ditsu.ie and we’ll get on the case straight away!!

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF VOLUNTEERING WITH A CHARITY THIS YEAR GET YOUR APPLICATION IN TO DITSU NOW. LET US HELP YOU HELP THEM In 2004/2005 DIT Students’ Union introduced a Corporate Social Responsibility programme in response to the Tsunami disaster in Indonesia. The sponsorship programme has been run every year since then. All registered DIT students are eligible to apply for funding under this programme (Student ID will be required). The charity must be registered or be a UN registered Non Government Organisation. The applicant is required to provide DITSU with written verification of the status of their chosen charity and the nature of their work and the project being undertaken. This must also include an outline of the costs involved. CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATIONS IS MARCH 05th 09 See www.ditsu.ie/csr for details

Volunteering Opportunity Are you interested in teaching basic computer literacy in Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Lesotho, Kenya, Zambia or Rwanda for 4 weeks this July? Camara are an Irish charity who refurbish discarded computers from business and send them to schools and colleges in Africa. During 2008 over 5000 computers were sent to Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Lesotho, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia. Volunteering abroad with Camara gives you that real chance to get involved with a local community in Africa, it is a great opportunity to learn and pass on some of your own skills. “Don’t hesitate it is the best and most rewarding thing that you will ever do” - Volunteer in Zambia 2008. Volunteer requirements: • raise €2500 per person (includes training & debriefing, flights, vaccinations, insurance, internal travel & accommodation) • complete 50 hours in our workshop • complete the necessary technical, teacher and orientation training For more information or an application form please go to camara.ie/volunteer/africa09/index.php or hester@camara.ie Closing date for applications is Friday 27nd February 2009

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Your Union News: Keep up-to-date!

The Presidential Word

Martin Dunne SU President president@ditsu.ie

What’s the craic? So you made it to Semester Two? Sure it’s good to be back no doubt, relaxing into the good old swing of DIT. Well maybe not good but it’s definitely old and I’m sure we can all knock together a swing with some plywood and detailed designs – sure that’s what Bolton St is all about. So what’s been going on in your union since 2008? Well not alot, there was Christmas and some bad business involving crap soaps and pink turkey, a New Year’s a lot of us would probably rather forget and then a long cold January of empty corridors and painful exams. But it’s all over now! Everyone’s back with a bang and there’s plenty planned for 2009 to keep everyone happy. First up is the DITSU Elections! Yep we’re in the middle of DIT’s “Yes we can” season and there are plenty of budding Obamas and straight-talking McCains, strutting Hilarys and blistering Bidens. I’m sure I could do more of those but its late and you lost interest around the word election. PORN! There, now I’ve got your attention back here comes the serious stuff. It’s your Union, you run it and you control it and you don’t get a better chance to show that than in picking the next people to oversee it on your behalf. Talk to them, question them, demand answers, demand vision, hold them to account and make them work to earn your vote. Remember the key thing – vote for the

Fees Protest 04/02/09

people you think represent you and who you want to defend your rights. If none of them fit the bill then get your backside to the polling booths and demand that we re-open nominations. It’s your union and that’s your right, use it, don’t use it – the choice is yours but sure as hell don’t come complaining to me if you can’t be arsed voting and then you don’t get what you want out of the union! Anyway enough political science it’s time for another look ahead. Like a retrospective but of the future, yeah I’m thinking that’s probably just a perspective but meh. So after the elections (VOTE DAMN YOU!) we’ve got a week of rest and recuperation and then RAG 2009!! It’s shaping up to be a stunning week and we have an amazingly deserving charity in the form of Console. There’s all manner of charity events planned (as well as a few things just for the craic) and keeping with tradition I’ll probably be flinging myself onto the mercy of Poseidon when I leap off the 40ft in Dun Laoghaire so find me and sponsor me, it might not be as successful as last year!

cash for charity while making a complete arse of yourself? There’s plenty more going on throughout the year, USI is still fighting to reverse the capitation increase and oppose tuition fees, we’re working to re-write the Assessment Regulations, keeping our voices up on libraries and looking to improve the shops wherever we can. There’s National Congress on the horizon around Easter (give us a buzz if you’re interested) and the Big Bash which should be huge as well as plenty of on-site ents and more than a few gigs lined up. The best thing of all? It’ll soon be summer which means sun, sand, sea and no more of my random twitterings!

Have a good one, Martin

If you’re interested in RAG – and we know that you are so stop pretending otherwise – then head over to ditsu.ie or pop into the SU office and grab a sponsorship card. What better way to spend your time than raising

Fees Protest 04/02/09

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Your Union News: Keep up-to-date!

The Flinter Report

Tracey Flinter SU VP Academic & Student Affairs vpacademic@ditsu.ie

Hey guys! Welcome back, oh how I have missed you! Firstly, I hope everyone got the results they were hoping for – if any issues arose during your exams please contact me, that’s what I am here for! There are a number of “What if” leaflets knocking about at the minute, be they in the Library and/or about your Students’ Union areas. These are really important, as they detail all the dates for rechecks and appeals. If you would like more information, please contact me on vpacademic@ditsu.ie SHAG week – WAHOO, probably my favourite week in the year! We managed to hand out over 3,000 condoms and had fun doing it! The National USI launch was in Bolton Street on Monday the 9th and we even had Minister Andrews there. There were a number of free SHAG packs given out to students and we even threw in a free t-shirt here and there! Ain’t the t-shirts classic? If you didn’t manage to get your hands on either a SHAG pack or a t-shirt, pop into your local Union office and we will sort you out!!

As for the Tassel Club, where else in Dublin would you get a better student night out? We managed to get some recession prices in there too, it’s all about the students and saving money where possible! We have had more input this year from both the health service and also the counsellors – thanks guys!! They have been helping us push out the services on all sites. Remember the Health Centres offer STI testing for €15 – YES I know, its practically FREE, so get yourself checked out!! The main message for the week was “if you choose to have sex, then wear a condom”. It’s all about safer sex!! There are plenty pictures of the week up on our website – www.ditsu.ie – so if you managed to get your face in some of the pics, check them out!

out our course in DIT, managed to open ours eyes to new ways of teaching. And surprise, surprise, I actually managed to get a Degree!! It’s worthwhile and even if it’s just for the feel good factor, then do it!! There is more information in the academic piece so please read on!! I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all candidates that are running for a position in the Students’ Union for the next academic year best of luck! The election process was the best three weeks of my life last year and it was completely worth it!

Your Vice President, Tracey

Have you been inspired or even amazed at how some lecturers teach? If so, then please put them forward for the Teaching Excellence Awards. Last year me and a number of fellow students nominated a lecturer who, through-

The ‘Mines Report

Lorna Geraghty Rathmines Class Rep Convenor convenor.rath@ditsu.ie

Hello fellow DIT chums, Well well well, what can we say about Rathmines? …well since our last issue of Toast the students have done me very proud- they have managed to pummel a piñata, eat their weight in selection boxes, made over €200 for Focus Ireland in their carol singing (which I would like to thank all the students who took part, particularly the first year drama students who turned out in full supply and with great enthusiasm) and have really supported Shag week and the national protest. Speaking of Shag week, I don’t think I’ve ever been harassed for so many condoms in my life as the students demanded in Rathmines! LOL guys, but sure tis good to see you’re all playing safe and getting into the spirit of the campaign.

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As regards new things in Rathmines… we have a new family member in the canteen – our foosball table WOOO and the students are continuing to work hard on their skills; producing regular lunch time concerts and gearing up for recitals, theatre productions, and more in house productions. For an auld chat, info on Rathmines site (e.g. productions, complaints, praises) or just to say hi, feel free to email me on convenor. rath@ditsu.ie Remember you can also grab me any time you see me around campus (please refrain from doing this literally, but ya know what I mean ;) ). Life wouldn’t be complete without a cheesy joke, so here goes: I was talking to my mate and I was saying to him, “a tepee, a wigwam, a tepee,

a wigwam, a tepee, a wigwam, a tepee, a wigwam, a tepee, a wigwam! And he was just like “Whoa Lorna, you must be worrying to much about your exam results because you’re two tents!”

Keep well guys and dolls! Cuddles and bubbles, Lorna x

Jackanory with Jules

Dermot Julian SU VP Services & Trading vpservices@ditsu.ie

What’s the story folks? Last time I was talking to you all, I was impersonating one of my all time heroes...... Santa Claus....enough said. Doom and gloom of exams over and done, for a while anyway, time to get back into the good times. It’s lining up to be a hectic schedule for Semester 2. To start the ball rolling, we kick things off with the Inaugural Smoothie Wrestling Match in the Big Tree. . . unusual you may think, but sure we’re always up for trying something once, or in most cases, 5 or 6 times (depending on who they are). But just remember Old Boy Blue from Old School - he went out on a high even though he wasn’t wrestling in smoothies. Sure if all else fails, there’s sure to be good banter at it! We’ll also have Transmitter playing all the usual favourites, so craziness will be had. Moving through the Semester, we have some great tribute bands lined up to bang out a few tunes. First off, we attempted to get the Arctic Monkeys but they didn’t really come near the auld budget, so we scouted around and got The Antarctic Monkeys. Apparently they’re cousins or something like that.

have all been anticipating since way back in September. We’ll be out at the 40foot in Dun Laoghaire to do our sponsored jump in the sea, but you’re not restricted to that as a means of gaining sponsorship! There’s head shaving, leg waxing and all the usuals, plus anything else you can come up with yourself! After a gap of over 2 years, it seems as though the Culchiefest is about to invade the pale again during RAG Week with the return of, oh yes..... FARMERS NIGHT! A night where morals are left at the door and wellies, straw hats, road frontage and Ivomec Pouron are a necessity to get along. Apart from that, you’re just going to have to hold off closer to the time and see what surprises are lined up for the week. SHITE NIGHT - shite by name and most definitely shite by nature! For all you comedians out there, shite night isn’t every night. One final thing while you are reading this – we had over 190 volunteers across all sites last year, this year we’re aiming to break this mark, along with our €20,000 raised last year, so if you’re interested in getting involved just pop down to your local Union office – after all, it is YOUR RAG WEEK!!!

After that we have a very special night planned. We can’t say anything yet (damn secrecy clauses!) but I can promise you a good time. This once-off gig will be one to remember.

Big Bash? Ah sure, that’s a bit far to be thinking now, isn’t it? It should be happening towards the end of April and we’re already chasing the BIG acts – honest we are!

Just in the middle of all this madness is the mayhem of RAG Week. Yes people, March 9th - 14th 2009 is the week you

Where the F*$K did Santa come from and Where the F*%k did he go??? It seems such a long time ago now but Santa spent an

astronomical amount of time round DIT in the month of December, he broke many hearts, made children cry, suffered abuse from the public, was dragged into several public establishments, had to offer redundancies to all 6 of the reindeer during his time and received generous donations from the public – all for the benefit of CONSOLE. A total of €380, that’s no mean achievement. There was fears for Santa’s health at one stage – after completing the Inaugural Turkey Run, it became clear he was not fond of running. He hasn’t run competitively since, apparently he has lost the belly and has purchased Regaine and dyed his hair brown and divorced the wife just to blend in with the everyday student. One last thing, a special thanks must go out to all those people with the abusive comments – they were well received. So that’s all...... till next year.

Your VP, Dermot

Facilities Issues:

Sports News:

Societies News:

Where does it end with facilities in DIT? Well I’m afraid to tell you that it’s never ending. In this case, as you may have noticed, there are a fair few buildings falling down...

• DIT Rugby Prepare for UUJ Showdown DIT 1st XV rugby team have gotten off to an excellent start in their first season in Division 1 of the All Ireland Colleges league after beating strong Athlone IT and Garda College sides. DIT, Division 2 champions from last season, then received a walk-over against UU Coleraine just before the Christmas break, securing them a semi-final place. It has been a great year for the DIT Rugby Club, being able to field three teams – 1st XV, 2nd XV & Freshers – for the first time in the history of the club. The club has also been enjoying record high numbers at training in Grangegorman each Monday evening.

• Drama festival takes place this year to coincide with RAG week. • Freestyle Soccer venture off into the heatwave that is Malawi shortly to do some volunteer work, so best of luck to all participating.

• It may come as a surprise, but only this year did we eventually manage to get broadband into Portland Row after some time. Also, broadband has been restored to Temple Bar. • In Cathal Brugha Street, there is currently a petition in the Student Union shop to get Tea and Coffee in there, so if you’re knocking around there stick your name down.

For more information contact vpservices@ditsu.ie

• Canoe Club managed to maintain their status quo in the swimming pool. 05 03

Your Union News: Keep up-to-date!

The Brugha Report Hello Everybody! Hope you’re all well and back in the study humour! I’m back now aswell and i’ve come to the realisation that i only have four more months of college untill i’m finished...god i wish i was in first year again...but didnt have to do any of the work! :) I’m chosing to use this piece to give out. And i’m giving out about the canteen in Cathal Brugha Street. Did you know that the price of a dinner has gone up to €7 from €5.50? And that in turn had gone up from €5 the previous year. The food the DIT orders in for the culinary arts and other cookery classes is tax free as it is intended to be used for educational purposes. The DIT order in surplus food for the canteen and yet the canteen continues to make a loss and in

a bid to break even, infringe on the pockets of the students. I’m guessing the people who made this decision don’t read the papers or watch the news. The fact the country is in a recession obviously did not impact this decision. Companies are closing down, students are losing their part time jobs or are finding getting one extremely difficult. Dublin Bus are raising their prices.

Peter Keegan Cathal Brugha Class Rep Convenor convenor.cbst@ditsu.ie Other than that, i hope you had a great Christmas, a massive new year, a sexy Shag week and a peaceful protest and i hope your exam results were what you wanted!

See you around, Peter

The registration fee is going up to €1500 for this september and as we all know, Fee’s are back on the table (thats what we’ve been protesting about!!!). All these increases are making life for the average student extremely difficult, and the DIT are now starting to hit us where it hurts, the stomach!!!!. Keep an eye out for further developments in this area as action must be taken.

The Square Report

Jon Hayes Mountjoy Sq. Class Rep Convenor convenor.msq@ditsu.ie

Hey Everyone! First off, welcome back and hope you had a good Christmas and New Year, and all the in between stuff too. I didn’t – silly recession!!! But anyway, hope the exams went well for ya and if not, due to some crazy circumstances, come on down and we can see if there is anything we can do for ya. We have PC1 (personal circumstances) forms in the office if you need them!!! So Semester 2 is here and we have a few good weeks coming our way. SHAG (Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance) week, RAG week and just for Mountjoy, Art and Design week!!! A lot of what’s happening is DIT-wide, so I’m going to try and fill in the blanks with on-site events. So like I keep saying, just pop on down to me and give me some ideas and we will see what we can do!!! We have a few ideas in the pipeline, so I’m hoping it will be great!!! For Art and Design week, we are throwing it out there for any socs and clubs to join in and help us out, so we can make it the best one yet. We will be having an exhibition for

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the art students and I know there are a few socs who have links to the arts, so please get involved!!! Another thing going on in the Joy are the on-going issues with the canteen. I’ve been keeping an eye on the prices and have a few issues with them, so hopefully we can get something sorted out, what with us all being broke and looking for better quality. There are feedback cards from Campbell’s Catering for you all to fill out, so pick one up and give them your opinion on it. The projector has finally died a death so movie nights are on hold for the mo. We are working on getting a brand new one, so hopefully it will be up and running soon enough and we can all start sitting around again at lunch, watching Maury and guessing which one of the 27 guys is the baby’s father!!! Also, just want to inform all of you that the S.U. Shop is doing some special offers for the month, so head on in and get cheap food and drink!!!

I’m always down in the office and without student participation we cant get much done, so come in, volunteer or just talk to us and tell us what you want. I said I wanted to fill in the blanks, but you have to tell me what to fill them in with!!!

Laters! J

Sean Campbell

The Kevin Report Toastie! Right, hello everyone, what’s the craic with ye? I love writing these reports, am listening to the Kings of Leon as I am writing, so am pumped up now...Gurrrrr!!! Well, how did the Christmas go for you? Did you meet that ex in the pub or did you kiss someone you shouldn’t have? Well, I didn’t do anything like that, I had too much turkey and couldn’t move for around three days. Am ok now, just too fat but that’s another story. So how were your exams? I thought mine went ok and now I am in the home straight of my degree. I am finished in May forever and ever and ever and won’t be back to college again...well, never say never – I came back to college two years ago after working for years. I left a good job and am now nearly an engineer, so don’t be afraid to try things! We in Kevin St had what you would call one of the best Christmas parties that you could have, it was mental! Well, I thought it was anyway – I even sang a song! Feck!!! Santa (Barry) came and gave out as much

free sweets anyone could eat, then we had the good mince pies, yum yum yum, and a selection box challenge that I thought wouldn’t work, but man it was the funniest thing I have seen in years, cool! The lovely Ian I Brow played for us and had the craic during the selection box challenge, they are a good band. Thanks to everyone who got involved and to the lad who won the selection box challenge – he won another selection box!!! Was fun looking at his face when he just finished the selection box only to win a selection box, how we laughed! As people are saying, college is the best place to be at the moment, to get as much qualifications as possible. But you’re telling me that the government are increasing the capitation fee and that you can’t afford to stay in college. I hear you, it’s a pain in the arse, but with the protests like the one on the 4th of Feb, we can change their minds. It’s our future and our country – can they not get people with the relevent qualifications to run the country instead of unqualified politicians crying about having no money? Well welcome to the students world, we always

Kevin St Class Rep Convenor convenor.kst@ditsu.ie have no money but we get on with it and have fun in the process. If you’re sitting there reading this and your exams didn’t go well, don’t worry, it’s all good. You’ll be grand, keep going, you will get there, remember never say never. We have the lovely Tracey Flinter there with Mary Scally and Aimee O’Callaghan who will help you in any way they can. So it’s not the end of the world. And if you did pass the exams then good on ya. I am looking forward to RAG week, man it’s going to be good. Dermot is working hard with Mark and it looks like we are going to have fun.

Keep it real, Sean

The Aungier Report Sniff, Sniff... It’s my last TOAST report as Aungier St Convenor! Dry those crying eyes, because from March 1st, you’ve a brand new convenor to look forward to! I’m sure you’ll welcome them with open arms and make them feel as good about being a part of DITSU in Aungier St as I did. I’m off to the foreign shores of Germany on Erasmus, so my successor will be picking up the pieces for RAG Week and the Big Bash! SHAG Week was the last major campaign of my tenure, and what a week we had! If you don’t know everything there is to know about safe sex by now, then you’ve more than likely been living under a rock or sharing a room in Bin Laden’s cave! Not to worry though, because our Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs, Tracey Flinter, and our Director of Student Affairs, Aimee O’Callaghan, are on hand for all the information you need! Exams are back in the front of people’s minds at the moment with results coming

out. If you think you’ve been marked unfairly or if you had any issue that may have affected your performance, get in touch with Tracey or our Director of Academic Affairs, Mary Scally, and they’ll help you set the record straight. We’ve got the most exciting elections for as long as I can remember coming up. Every position is contested, so it’s important that you get your head full of election goodness. Go along to hustings and talk to the candidates so you can make an informed choice when you’ve got that voting slip in your hand! Last, but certainly not least, I want to extend a big thanks to all of you for the amazing turn-out we had for the national fees protest on February 4th. We made sure that the government sat up and took notice of the student voice and their opposition to fees.

Eric Fitzgerald Aungier St Class Rep Convenor convenor.ast@ditsu.ie

the upcoming local and European elections and make your vote count – I don’t see Fine Gael or Labour advocating the reintroduction of fees, do you? Before I jet off, I want to say a heartfelt “thank you” to each and every one of you. To my fellow members of CPIT, Martin, Tracey, Jules, Jonathan, Peter, Seanie, Lorna and Ian, to all the staff of DITSU, to all the volunteers who’ve helped out this year in Aungier St, all of our Class Reps and Governing Councillors, thank you for making this a time in my life I’ll never forget. Best of luck to my successor – I know they’ll do a terrific job!

Auf wiedersehen! Eric

We’ve got to keep up the pressure, though – write to your TDs and local councillors and let them know what you think of the government’s ridiculous proposal to re-introduce third level tuition fees. Best of all, register for

The Bolton Report

Ian Mullin Bolton Street Class Rep Convenor convenor.bst@ditsu.ie

Well how are ye all doing? Hope the exams went well and you worked off all the turkey from the Christmas dinner. You’re all very welcome back to what’s going to be a fantastic semester. Firstly I want to take the opportunity to welcome our new SSA Dawn O Higgins to the DITSU family. As an ex DIT student she knows exactly what shes doing ( she really just missed us too much to go) so pop down the office and say hello to her.

sure ya never know what will happen ay. Overall in Bolton Street its been quiet but were gonna make a change to that . we’re hoping to get loads of onsite ents and events happening , so if ya have any ideas pop down to me or Dawn and let us know and we shall be sure to get you involved. Even if you have a band or a magical talent let us know and wewould love to get you onsite to mix it up a bit.

Anyhoo, if anybody has had problems with their exams and weren’t happy check out our WHAT IF campaign or pop into us in the office. If we dont know how to help we know who will.

As I’m sure you are all aware the elections are going on at the moment and its a tough year to be running for a position, so many enthusiastic and energetic candidates running. Now all you gotta do is get out there and vote. Remember you can’t complain next year if you dont have a say in who you want to run your union.

Down in DITSU we have been working hard for your rights and believe it or not we know how you can beat the recession. 1. look at the deals in both the DITSU shops and the canteens 1 and 2 euro sandbos. Where else would you get it ay? 2. Avail of the assistance funds in DIT.(call down to the union for more info) 3. Cut your own hair. 4. Free transport(Legs) 5. Avail of the free condoms from the SU (you all got them during shag week) and finally 6. If something is too expensive complain and see what happens. You would be surprised how people back down when challenged.

Ps Rag week is coming. Do you know what is happening??????

Anyways getting back to the more fun stuff. We just saw SHAG week there and I hope you all got your shag packs from the union. See that - DITSU lookin out for U. RAG week is comin up and we need volunteers so get involved and give us a dig out

Movin on guys. I like to wish you the best in the coming semester. I hope all goes well and remember if you have any problems we’re here to help.

Peace Out, Ian

Irish Language Student Residency Scheme 2009/10 Coiste na Gaeilge, DIT’s Irish language committee invites applications for DIT’s Irish Language Student Residency Scheme 2009/10. The Scheme is organised by Oifig na Gaeilge and Campus Life, DIT in order to develop and support the Institute’s Irish language speaking community and to promote the use of Irish amongst DIT’s student population. DIT are offering scholarships to students with Irish to share accommodation through the medium of Irish during the academic year in Dublin city centre. Irish will be the spoken language in the residence. Applicants must be able to speak Irish and will have to actively promote and encourage the use of Irish on campus and amongst DIT’s student community. This is a unique opportunity to live through the medium of Irish with other DIT students. The scheme began this year for the first time in DIT and is very successful with 4 students living through the medium of Irish in an apartment on Leeson St. The apartment in 2009/10 will again be located in the city centre and normal rental costs will apply. However, successful applicants will receive scholarships worth 850 euro each, which will be paid towards some of the rental costs. Current full-time DIT students as well as students who will begin study in DIT for the first time in September 2009 are invited to apply. The scheme is open to students who are / will be studying on any full-time programme in DIT and the closing date for applications is March 31st ’09. Application forms and information is available from Oifig na Gaeilge at 4027505; gaeilge@dit.ie or go to: www.dit.ie/services/gaeilge/sceimconaithestudentresidence/

TOAST ELECTION SPECIAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHO IS RUNNING FOR ELECTIONS THIS YEAR? Nominations closed on Friday 6th February at 12 noon Candidates for President are Tracey Flinter & Mark Smith. Candidates for VP Academic & Student Affairs are Niamh Foley, Jen Jordan & Peter Keegan Candidate for VP Services & Trading is Sean Campbell

HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT THE CANDIDATES? Apart from the many posters adorning the walls, each candidate’s details and manifesto are on the following pages and on ditsu.ie Also the HUSTINGS are a great opportunity to see & hear the candidates in person. HUSTINGS are public questions & answers sessions where the candidates address the students and take questions from them. They explain why they wish to run for election and what they plan to do during the term (sabbatical). Students ask questions or raise issues and ask how they would deal with them. It’s an excellent opportunity to suss out the people you will choose to represent you next year.

WHEN & WHERE CAN I VOTE? You need to vote on the site you are registered on (except for Temple Bar and Portland Row Students who can vote in Aungier & Mountjoy if they miss Monday voting). Polling stations will be on your site during the following days 23 – 26 FEB.

UNIFY

You won’t be able to miss them.

RUNNING FOR:

PRESIDENT

HOW DO I VOTE?

FLINTER,TRACEY SMITH, MARK

1.Take your Student card to the polling station on your site . Your name will be ticked off the list . If you are not on the list – you’re probably on the wrong site. You must vote where you registered. 2. Get the 3 ballot papers in total. 1 for each position. 3. Mark your preferred choice as number 1, your next preferred as number 2 and so on. 4. Pop your ballot papers into the sealed ballot box. 5. Revel in the knowledge of having done your civic duty.

WHEN WILL WE KNOW THE RESULTS?

INSPIRE

VITALISE

VICE PRESIDENT [academic & student affairs]

VICE[services PRESIDENT & trading]

FOLEY, NIAMH JORDAN,JEN KEEGAN,PETER

CAMPBELL,SEAN

RUNNING FOR:

The ballot papers are counted on 26 Feb 09 in Bolton St at 1p.m. This is a public count and all are welcome so come along. Results will be announced on ditsu.ie

RUNNING FOR:

WHY SHOULD I VOTE? While you are a member of the Students’ Union already, you should vote in the elections to further add your support. Like all unions, the bigger we are the stronger we are. When you students take part in SU activities such as voting and campaigns, our voice becomes louder and we can DO MORE FOR YOU OUR MEMBERS. 09

Running for President Tracey Flinter.

We ask the important questions, so you don’t have to... Why should we vote for you? I have done everything I set out to do in my manifesto for this current term and I will do the same next year when you vote for me as President, I am a “doer” not a “lets talk about it person”! I have you the student at the fore front of my mind in all my actions. If you were a colour, what would it be? Well my favourite colour is Purple but if I was a colour I would be yellow, its bright, optimistic and cheerful just like myself. It is the colour of the sun and is said to make people smile!! Wahoo What’s the best thing about studying in DIT? Best thing about studying at DIT is the comradery, all DIT students are always proud to be from DIT and we always know how

to have the best craic! No matter what site your from there you can travel to any place in the world and meet someone that knows someone!! What’s your biggest gripe about studying in DIT? The biggest gripe is waiting for people to get back to you, DIT are norturious about “waiting” to hear and it kills me. Plus the students knowing more than the lecturers do because our heads are not stuck in the sand!! Whats that all about? Finally, World Peace or The Puppies? Well I do love puppies but World Peace is my answer, you can still have puppies with World Peace!! Yes, the best of both worlds is always achievable!!

UNIFY RUNNING FOR

PRESIDENT

Manifesto for election: I am your current Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. With the experience I have gained in this position, as well as my passion and personal commitment I know I will make this Union stronger, more relevant and more effective for you. My vision for the Students’ Union is that you should be proud to be a member of a powerful, active and fearless organisation, focused on protecting your rights and in getting and giving you value for moneyThis means making sure all Union activities and services are relevant to you, while at the same time challenging DIT to provide the excellent student experience you are entitled to. So far this year I have achieved a great deal for students all over DIT, and I’m not finished yet! Vote Flinter #1 for President

Previous experience: why I’m the woman for the job! • Current Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs • Member of DIT’S Governing Body, the highest decision making body in the Institute • Class Representative Convenor for Cathal Brugha Street in 2007/08 • Erasmus Student in Chambery, France in 2006 • Class Representative for three years 2004/2007 10

What I have achieved for you as your Vice President so far: • 300 DIT Committee meetings attended to raise issues on your behalf • 840+ individual and class issues dealt with • 415 class reps elected - highest number ever. Representing all students including international, mature and part-time. • 9 successful campaigns including ‘Team Fresh’ Inductions, class rep recruitment, Laugh out Loud week, Guide to renting campaign, SHAG week, Welfare week , ‘What If’ campaign and Finance week • 7,650 items of free stuff including condoms, t-shirts, bananas, lunch-boxes, slice pans and pens!!! • Organised the best class rep training - according to the students who attended • Working to make exam regulations more student-friendly • Implementation of academic aspects of the Student Charter

• 55 postgraduate students registered to give grinds as part of the DITSU Grinds File for you • Roared and shouted in the 2 ‘No to Fees’ protests Protecting and Defending your Rights is the mission of DIT Students’ Union. This means we should always be campaigning to improve /fix/change all of the things that are wrong. The classes in DIT in 2009/10 are entitled to a first class service now – it is your Right. Grangegorman will be great but how many of you will study there? You need proper facilities now, not in 10 years down the road! I have realised over the last six months the importance of the might and power in our numbers but I believe that we still don’t use that strength effectively. We also need to be much more proactive and firmer in our relationships with DIT and they need to know that we mean business. But to do so we need to better our engagement with you, the student, so that its your priorities that are our top of our agenda. Over the last few months I must have talked to hundreds of students, on all the sites and its clear to me that DITSU needs to make its services and activities relevant to you, our members, and

in doing so we are strengthening our voice and our ability to represent your needs in DIT. As your President I pledge to you that I will listen to you and lead the Union in it’s fight for your rights. Outside of DIT I will make sure you that the national Union, USI is held accountable for the massive affiliation fee (over €60k) that we pay each year on your behalf for membership. In the current harsh financial circumstances students must see a real return for this money and we must use USI’s position in national negotiations with the likes of the Dept of Education and Science and the HEA to further the position of DIT students.

The Flinter’s Philosophy: 1. Strong leadership of a Union you can be proud of. 2. Get you Value for Money while effectively enhancing the student experience. 3. Better Communications: You talk, I’ll listen. 4. D.I.T - let’s Do It Today and get the best quality education you deserve. 5. 22,000 students - we should have our priorities heard loud and clear!

What I will do for you: Be a Strong Leader that you can depend on: The Students’ Union is here to defend your rights and entitlements in every aspect of student life. You have the right to a top quality student experience in DIT, I am here as your President to make that happen. D.I.T shouldn’t stand for Do It Tomorrow. We deserve quality services now. Between you and me Grangegorman is still a long way off and you are entitled to the best education within a top quality facilities. Let’s Do It Today!

THE HUSTINGS (Candidate Q&A) Thurs 12 Feb- Rathmines Mon 16 Feb- Aungier St Tues 17 Feb- Kevin St Wed 18 Feb- Mountjoy Sq Thurs 19 Feb- Cathal Brugha St Mon 23 Feb- Bolton St

Listen to you and revive the Union’s priorities to reflect your needs: There is a need to examine and reevaluate the Union’s priorities and its activities. Some of your capitation fees pay for the Union. Are we spending your money wisely? What can we do better? Are we providing the services you want and need, when you need them?

THE POLLING STATIONS Mon 23 Feb 10a.m. - 4p.m. In Temple Bar and Portland Row ( you get your own polling station for the first time ever)

Communications - keep you in the know: I will keep you up to date on all Students’ Union activities including campaigns, events and your rights. I will make sure that we use every available means to keep in touch with you - facebook, websites, forums, newsletters as well as talking to you in the common rooms and canteens. We need to talk it out in order for me to do my job to the standard you deserve, get talking people!!

DITSU & USI Hustings: Mon 23 Feb (at Gov. Council)- Venue TBC.

Tues 24 & Wed 25 Feb 9 – 5pm in Rathmines Tues 24 & Wed 25 Feb 8.30a.m. to 8.30 p.m in Aungier St, Bolton St, Cathal Brugha St, Kevin St & Mountjoy Sq. Thurs 26 Feb 11.30a.m. (all stations) THE RESULTS The Election Count will take place on the stage on Thurs 26 Feb 09 in Bolton St at 1p.m.

Election Facts What with Barack Obama only so recently inaugurated as the first African-American President of the United States, the importance of the electoral process is still looming large in a lot of people’s minds. We might feel our brains becoming just a little saturated with all the media pundits’ talk of how very historic this event is, but it’s a timely reminder for us DITSU folks of how getting out and voting has the power to change the world we inhabit. For DIT students, that world is college, possibly one of the most important places we’re going to be for the next few years. And like the wider world, it’s not perfect, but with the right people in charge, we can all make the most of it, and help it become or remain a fun and fair place to study and to socialise. Not to imply anything about any of the great candidates running for the positions of President, Vice-President for Services and Trading, and Vice-President for Academic and Student Affairs, but don’t we want to elect our very own Obama, rather than a Bush?! So if the word ‘Election’ makes you roll your eyes and yawn, or brings to mind that movie with Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick in it (you should see it, it’s really funny), then we’re here with our compendium of fun and interesting election facts, to make you laugh, to make to think, and hopefully, to make you see how much voting matters.

Develop Participation and Democracy: Every registered student is a member of the Students’ Union - not every one knows that, unfortunately. More students should be encouraged to get involved in every level of the Union, whether it’s as Class Reps, Governing Councilors or Volunteers. Students need to know the structures and understand how our democracy works. I will ensure that these opportunities are promoted more effectively and by clearly explaining what the Union stands for make it easier for greater numbers to participate. Campaigning and Representing you!! I am here to represent you! I am your voice. I will ensure that your voice is heard in DIT and in USI and every other level relevant to your needs.

Running for President Mark Smith.

We ask the important questions, so you don’t have to... Why should we vote for you? If you want a strong, effective leader and a committed representative who aims to bring the life back into the Sites. If you were a colour, what would it be? Blue What’s the best thing about studying in DIT? The People What’s your biggest gripe about studying in DIT? The 6 months in first year, spent trying to build up a tolerence to canteen food.

UNIFY RUNNING FOR

PRESIDENT

Finally, World Peace or The Puppies? peace or puppies, too hard to decide. my magic 8ball says to try again later.

Manifesto for election: Experience • Company Director DIT Students Union ltd. 07-09 • Class Rep Convenor Bolton St 07-08 • DT112 Class Rep 05-09 • Member of the Academic Council Subcommittee on Modularisation 06-08

Vision There are two concepts behind how students are represented and how they achieve their rights. Evolution or Revolution. Throughout the seventies and eighties students in Ireland revolted and gained substantial benefits for the students at the time. Benefits such as the abolition of tuition fees and the introduction of the higher education grant. Benefits which were gained during one of the most difficult times for the Irish economy. But then things changed, the arrival of the Celtic Tiger brought a new wave of student apathy, the strengthening of the economy placed more money in the pockets of students and while we resisted an attempt to reintroduce fees in 2003, we did not fight other losses made against the student body as well as we could have. We had entered a period of evolutionary development both at a national level and within the DIT. A period of development when gains and losses were made without a definitive plan as to what the end result should or would be. 02 04 12 06

With the current economic crisis facing the country, it is time for us to take a more revolutionary stance towards attacks on students rights. It is the right time for us to mobilize as a student body and demand more. More representation for students where the decisions are made about their education, more rights for students when it comes to receiving a free education and more accessibility to grant funding to students who need it. The DIT needs to move towards a position where the students are the key stakeholders in the decisions that are made regarding their education. With the final stages of the 2004 strategic review of the Students Union complete, we are now in a position to begin making this vision a reality. Over the last 22 years DIT Students Union has paved the way for student democracy within Ireland and for 22 years we have reacted to the actions of the DIT and the government. We react to cuts in library opening hours. We react to the removal of proper facilities for students. We react to a proposed reintroduction of fees. Why are we content to be in a system where what we do is too just react. It is time to begin becoming more proactive. Proactive to the decisions made regard-

ing our education and our overall college experiences for the individual student. This fundamental change in the ethos of education cannot be achieved within one year, but when I am elected I will begin the process that moves the DIT Students Union and the DIT forward as flagships towards a better system of governance.

Change How will I begin this change? I will begin, as it is always prudent to, at the beginning. By asking questions. Questions like “What does the Students Union mean to you?” and “What do you want the Students Union to achieve for you?” The DIT Students Union needs refocus on what its aims and objectives are and how information is brought to you the students.

My plans for making this happen: 1. Relationships Throughout the DIT, the DIT Students Union has established a lot of relationships. Like all of relationships, some are good, some are bad and some are very one-sided. When elected I will continue to develop the good

ones, try to fix the bad ones and eliminate the one-sided relationships. These relationships are what is key to achieving the overall vision I set out above, because it is only when every relationship between a DIT staff member and a student are based on a good grounding that a full, equal and unequivocal partnership can be achieve with regard to the student experience. 2. Participation When I am elected I will be committed to increasing the overall level of participation on the individual sites. Participation amongst students within student democracy, sports and societies are key to the development of the overall student experience within the Institute. 3. Community A community is defined as a number of individuals sharing a common interest. By this logic the DIT is made up of thousands of differing communities both large and small. We need to find a link to allow them to discover common ground and by this develop our existing overall DIT community to becoming both student-centred and student-focused. When elected I will develop these links by through the creation and development of a student friendly and enjoyable atmosphere within the individual sites. 4. Information With the completion of the new website www.ditsu.ie we are in a position to provide more interactive media for students. This will include videos and photos showing the events and campaigns that the DIT Students Union runs, along with a fun look at the different sites within the DIT. The website should also provide fast easy access to the information students want and need including links to outside sites such as gmail, webcourses or youtube.

My Promises to you the student: • As President, I will ensure that regardless of the changing economy, job losses and other factors which could case problems, the DIT Students Union shall remain a stable force in students lives.

• I will lobby the DIT to provide discounts on postgraduate course fees for recent DIT graduates. • I will ensure that the DIT Students Union gives you what you want, when you want it.

My declaration on accountability, transparency & confidentiality. I shall strive to ensure that during my term of office, I will at all times remain accountable to you the student, that while maintaining the confidential nature of some of my work will allow complete oversight of my actions and will at all times make myself available to assist with any issues or concerns you have.

THE HUSTINGS (Candidate Q&A) Thurs 12 Feb- Rathmines Mon 16 Feb- Aungier St Tues 17 Feb- Kevin St Wed 18 Feb- Mountjoy Sq Thurs 19 Feb- Cathal Brugha St Mon 23 Feb- Bolton St

Election Facts •Not only is Obama the first black President to sit in the White House, he’s also the third American leader to hail from the state of Illinois, and the twenty-seventh lawyer to take the job. •Did you know that studies indicate that more wealthy, highly educated tend to be more likely to vote? I think that means you’ll pass all your exams and win the Lottery if you vote in the SU Elections*. • When Reagan was elected to the position of President in the US in 1984, he earned himself the highest number of votes (54, 455, 075) in US voting history to that point. But John Kerry beat this record in 2004 (with 59, 028, 444 votes) when he lost the election – the close competition between his and old George Dubya just made people get out and vote in huge numbers.

DITSU & USI Hustings: Mon 23 Feb (at Gov. Council)- Venue TBC. THE POLLING STATIONS Mon 23 Feb 10a.m. - 4p.m. In Temple Bar and Portland Row ( you get your own polling station for the first time ever) Tues 24 & Wed 25 Feb 9 – 5pm in Rathmines Tues 24 & Wed 25 Feb 8.30a.m. to 8.30 p.m in Aungier St, Bolton St, Cathal Brugha St, Kevin St & Mountjoy Sq. Thurs 26 Feb 11.30a.m. (all stations) THE RESULTS The Election Count will take place on the stage on Thurs 26 Feb 09 in Bolton St at 1p.m.

• I will actively pursue an increase in student participation within the Institute. • I will mandate USI on your behalf to lobby the government to reform the Higher Education Grant Scheme with the aim of making it more accessible to the people who need it. • I will work to create a USI which is more dynamic, more able to adapt and more able to develop itself as the needs of the students change. • I will ensure that student parity is upheld across the Institute.

*Warning: Not a Guarantee. But if we win the Lotto, we promise we’ll share it with you**. **Probably also not a guarantee. 13 05 03

Running foracademic Vice&President student affairs Niamh Foley.

We ask the important questions, so you don’t have to... Why should we vote for you? If I had more than 25 words I could tell you what I wanna change you’ll have to vote for me and trust in Foley!! If you were a colour, what would it be? Purple—it’s not quite blue… it’s not quite red.. It’s just in-between them. This question is up there with “What kind of animal would you like to be?” It’s a giraffe if you wanted to know. What’s the best thing about studying in DIT? Without a doubt the small classes they make you feel like a participant and not a spectator, oh and the friendships you make.

What’s your biggest gripe about studying in DIT? Library opening hours and accessing lecturers… you can never find the right one with you need them.. Where do they hide?? ICT locking people out of there email accounts. I WILL FIX THIS!! Finally, World Peace or The Puppies? Probably go with…. World Peace.. Since googling The Puppies returned a rather dodgy looking MySpace page (the clean kind of dodgy.. then again is there a clean kind of dodgy.. probably not No… meh!) in the sounds like section I got “Sounds like : my old man yellin at me for not mowin the lawn” Sorry to any The Puppies fans out there !!

INSPIRE RUNNING FOR:

VICE PRESIDENT [academic & student affairs]

Manifesto for election: Background I’m a student of the DIT for the past 4 yearsOn an academic level I have a degree in electronics and communications, currently I’m pursuing a postgraduate masters in Assistive Technology. During this time I have gained a good understanding of how DIT and DITSU operates. I feel that there are a lot of things that I can achieve, these are outlined below. I have been involved in many different student activities including open days. I helped to set-up and run WAVES which is the society for women in engineering. Since the engineering field has a proven gender imbalance, this is a forum for female students to become connected with the industry and each other. With the evolution of Role Model day, it allows potential students in second level to come into DIT and meet with graduate females and share their experiences. This has been such a successful initiative it has now become a regular feature in the CAO Calendar for potential female engineers. I have also established the DYS_SOC, a society for students with learning disabilities within the DIT, I’m the current Chairperson of the society. The Society provides a space

where likeminded students can gather and empower each other. Personal experience in this field has provided the motivation to run and maintain the society and fight for equality of opportunities among students. DYS_ SOC has been asked on many occasions to attend conferences the most notable of which was to attend the European Dyslexic conference held in D.C.U. of which I was a participant. Recently DYS_SOC were asked to take part in a Students support week in I.A.D.T, where I made a presentation on living with Dyslexia. The Peace Corps programme in D.I.T, which is run in conjunction with the chaplaincy service was a programme which I was involved in developing. Being part of this programme has expanded my managerial experience. Through the Peace Corps stronger community links have become established within DIT. Some of our successful events include, bringing Santa Clause to the Y.M.C.A community crèche on Aungier St., holding a party for members of Whitefryers St senior citizens club in D.I.T Kevin St and we even held a ‘granny’s got talent’ show. It has been a source of enjoyment and connection for both the college and the local community.

The above shows that I have the determination and go get attitude to succeed at any project that I put my hand too.

Aims and Objectives Peer mentoring system – currently there is only provision for students with difficulties in maths through the maths learning centre. What I propose is that there should be an equivalent service for students who have to write reports, essays, assessments and projects as part of their course. This system is to be implemented using the same model that is used for the maths learning centre. It could be run by postgraduate students. The postgraduate students would gain knowledge and experience of tutoring and mentoring which would also facilitate students learning. It would be beneficial to both postgraduates and undergraduates. Having already being involved in the set up of other initiatives such as the DYS_SOC I believe that this is a very achievable goal. Library opening hours – the current DIT library opening hours are not accommodating to students at exam times. A proposed extended library opening hour’s time table should be put in place for students nearing exam times, (Such as mid week libraries stay

open until 11 pm). The library should open one hour earlier to accommodate students who have to print out assignments and students who wish to get some early morning study done. (The current opening hours are 9.30am this is unacceptable).Weekend library hours should include an afternoon opening time-table for students on Sundays in Aungier St., since a student card is needed to access the library, the doors at the back stairs could be opened and all doors at the stair well could be locked and only open to those who need access to the library. Library management- Removal of the televisions in the library in Kevin St. is a priority as they only provide a distraction to studies. If they provided some relevant material such as information about exams, or about upcoming events in DIT/DITSU they could potentially be an asset but this is not currently the case. A dedicated computer in all libraries near the printing areas should be provided to allow students who wish to print from internet access, this should be restricted to just DIT email accounts. Dedicated labs for all final year studentsin consulting with students from different faculties, it has been noted that dedicated computer lab access is not available to all students in the final year of their programmes. I would propose that students talk to their class rep and with the help of DITSU they can lobby for a specific room from their course co-ordinator. If a specific room is not available all of the time, then a timetable should be put in place where outside of lecturing hours final year students of a year group or year groups have exclusive access rights to that room/ lab. Lecturers to provide notes in multi-formatswith the introduction of the integrated email and WEBCT System. Some courses have not fully availed of its features, and leave notes on local networked drives. Lecturers who have notes available in electronic format should be strongly encouraged to place their notes on to this system. Also lecturers that do not have notes available to students in electronics format will have to provide them. A more inclusive learning system would be established providing visual aural and tactile learning to all students.

received by current students. Her informal learning spaces and participation in the fight the fees campaign were particularly successful. I see my aim of a peer mentoring system as complementing her work to improve student’s academic opportunities.

Reasons for running My experience of the DIT, has been very positive, I have gained both an education and have valuable experience. This post will allow me to give back to the students and to the college, since I have gained so much personally and professionally. I’m currently on a postgraduate masters program where I’m studying assistive technology. The skills that I have/ will learn will benefit other students in their academic careers. I feel that I have the drive and the passion to achieve the above mentioned goals already established by my proven record. THE HUSTINGS (Candidate Q&A) Thurs 12 Feb- Rathmines Mon 16 Feb- Aungier St Tues 17 Feb- Kevin St Wed 18 Feb- Mountjoy Sq Thurs 19 Feb- Cathal Brugha St Mon 23 Feb- Bolton St DITSU & USI Hustings: Mon 23 Feb (at Gov. Council)- Venue TBC.

Election Facts • Those numbers would have been useful in Serbia a few years ago – in that country, an election is deemed invalid if too few people vote. In 2003, three successive Presidential Elections were nullified there for this reason. • Between 1960 and 1995, the average turnout for Irish General Elections was 74%. During the same period, voter turnout in Poland was 51%, while in Australia it was 95% - but they do have compulsory voting there (you’ll need a doctor’s cert or something similar if you want to stay at home on polling day!). • Many countries have compulsory voting in their legislature, but not all of them enforce it. Those that do include Belgium, Brazil and Singapore. In Paraguay, you have to vote unless you’re over 75. Non-voters in Bolivia can be stopped from withdrawing their wages from their bank accounts for three months. Harsh!

THE POLLING STATIONS Mon 23 Feb 10a.m. - 4p.m. In Temple Bar and Portland Row ( you get your own polling station for the first time ever) Tues 24 & Wed 25 Feb 9 – 5pm in Rathmines Tues 24 & Wed 25 Feb 8.30a.m. to 8.30 p.m in Aungier St, Bolton St, Cathal Brugha St, Kevin St & Mountjoy Sq. Thurs 26 Feb 11.30a.m. (all stations) THE RESULTS The Election Count will take place on the stage on Thurs 26 Feb 09 in Bolton St at 1p.m.

Timetabling- Certain classes within DIT have difficulties from late changes to timetabling where the class has not been informed, this is something that has to be addressed. I plan to tackle this issue by having agreed deadlines for staff to publish the timetables and all subsequent changes should be made with a minimum 12 hours notice to the students in question. The above aims are to be implemented as part of the process of continuing the work which commenced with Tracey Flinter, where her aims and objectives were well

Running foracademic Vice&President student affairs Jen Jordan.

We ask the important questions, so you don’t have to... Why should we vote for you? Simple! Our union is a great resource, but many students don’t know it. I don’t want to leave DIT without changing that. If you were a colour, what would it be? Purple What’s the best thing about studying in DIT? The atmosphere

INSPIRE

What’s your biggest gripe about studying in DIT? No central Campus

RUNNING FOR:

Finally, World Peace or The Puppies? Seriously?! I think that one is best left to the beauty pageant contestants!

VICE PRESIDENT [academic & student affairs]

Manifesto for election: Who is Jen Jordan? • Jen is a 21 year old Built environment student in Bolton Street. She has been an active class rep for the past three years, a governing councillor for the past 2, and last year she was chosen as a delegate to represent DIT at USI’s national congress where she won the overall best newcomer award. Amongst her friends she is known as the person to call in case of crisis; the problem solver. • Jen is passionate about student life and would relish the opportunity to represent you; to enhance the positives of student life and address the negatives.

The Union • Jen aims to promote more involvement in the union from the everyday student, to establish an approachable open door policy for the sabbaticals and especially the convenors across all sites. The union has the potential to be an invaluable resource both academically and socially to ALL students but Jen believes this potential is not being realised. Most students don’t realise the resources our union has at their disposal. • For many students ‘the union’ can be intimidating, in some sites it seems like a 02 04 16 06

clique; like something out of an American TV sitcom! • Jen wants to put the real power of DITSU into class reps hands and take the union out of its shell. • How many of you can name your three elected sabbaticals, and their roles? Can you name your convenor? Do you know what a convenor is? • Every year your students union spends over €1.2 million on your behalf. Jen does not think students are feeling the full benefit of their capitation fees. If elected Jen will fight tooth and nail to get you value for your money and get your union focused on ALL students in DIT; from post-graduates to apprentices.

USI • We give them €66,000 every year! • Jen wants to ensure ACTIVE participation in USI throughout the year not just at time for congress • Jen wants organised debates for alternative options for fees; what do the students of this

college want us to propose as options?

Welfare • Highlight services – campuslife, disability, counselling, medical aid, careers, chaplaincy, etc. • Ensure availability of services to DIT students around the clock – Accounts office, examinations offices etc. • Expand availability of rented accommodation close to college; use our bargaining power for cheaper rents. • Lobby for grants to be processed immediately and without delay • Closer working relationship between all student services and SU • More visible, proactive and helpful Sabbatical Team and Convenors

Did you know DIT has: • A student assistance fund for those who find themselves in financial difficulty’ judged on the students own resources - not their parents.

• Assistance for single parents, students with disabilities, etc.

Education • Accreditation for participation. Your time and energy spent in Sports, Societies and Volunteering should be rewarded within the academic framework • Computer labs open until the college closes (You’d swear it was rocket science!!) • Merge our Students Union grinds file with other colleges for a large, combined resource • Merge all sites and Dublin colleges lists of second hand books for sale • Priority to more expensive books and bigger stocks of books most used in library • Improve availability of information – exams, assignments, hand up dates, weighting of different subjects and years • Keep our DIT mail for life (or at least for as long as its useful!) through the use of gmail/ hotmail • Placement expenses – if we do work, should we not get paid for it? • Ensure lecture notes on internet as standard – Trinity have them on iTunes! • Ensuring continuous assessment doesn’t run too close to exam time • Internet in all computer labs and access to appropriate programmes (proper wi fi, autocad etc.)

THE HUSTINGS (Candidate Q&A) Thurs 12 Feb- Rathmines Mon 16 Feb- Aungier St Tues 17 Feb- Kevin St Wed 18 Feb- Mountjoy Sq Thurs 19 Feb- Cathal Brugha St Mon 23 Feb- Bolton St DITSU & USI Hustings: Mon 23 Feb (at Gov. Council)- Venue TBC. THE POLLING STATIONS Mon 23 Feb 10a.m. - 4p.m. In Temple Bar and Portland Row ( you get your own polling station for the first time ever) Tues 24 & Wed 25 Feb 9 – 5pm in Rathmines Tues 24 & Wed 25 Feb 8.30a.m. to 8.30 p.m in Aungier St, Bolton St, Cathal Brugha St, Kevin St & Mountjoy Sq. Thurs 26 Feb 11.30a.m. (all stations) THE RESULTS The Election Count will take place on the stage on Thurs 26 Feb 09 in Bolton St at 1p.m.

Election Facts • So what makes people vote? Experts don’t entirely agree, but studies have shown that younger people are less likely to vote than seniors. Research also suggests that people need to feel as though they are getting something out of voting – so DITSU pledges to offer hugs to students as they leave the polling stations. We’re just that caring! • Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe that they should participate in political doings, and so they do not vote. (We won’t believe you if you tell us that’s why you’re not voting though... unless you really are, in which case, sorry, but have a hug anyway.) • And sometimes, who can blame the old non-voter? I mean, when the candidate isn’t even human. Do you remember Dustin the Turkey’s challenge in the Irish Presidential race of 1997 (the one that Mary McAleese went on to win)? The 2008 US Election saw the nomination of Molly (a pretty dachshund), while in Brazil in 1958, a rhino ran for city council. A hedgehog failed to get into government in New Zealand, and Michael Moore was unsuccessful in getting a ficus plant on the ballot in a local US election. (But they elected George W. Bush...).

• Access to exam papers for free across all sites • Online exam registration for all students • Improved photocopying and library facilities • Informal functional learning spaces • Implement a fair and structured complaint process for inadequate lecturing standards and facilities • Lobby to allow video and audio segments to be submitted as part of final year thesis

17 05 03

Running foracademic Vice&President student affairs Peter Keegan.

We ask the important questions, so you don’t have to... Why should we vote for you? I have “real life” experience, know the students needs, know the job, want the job, will be best at the job!

Finally, World Peace or The Puppies? Can the world have peace and I get the puppies???

If you were a colour, what would it be? I asked my friends, they think i’m a Rainbow!?!?! What’s the best thing about studying in DIT? Knowing everyone on site! Or at least recognising everyone!!! Its great cos you can never walk down a corridor without someone smiling at you!

INSPIRE RUNNING FOR:

What’s your biggest gripe about studying in DIT? Everyone not being together on one site!

VICE PRESIDENT [academic & student affairs]

Manifesto for election: Background

Previous Experience:

What I want to do next year:

“The objective of the Union shall be to represent and defend on behalf of all its members, on matters primarily relating to their education and welfare and to protect and further their rights as citizens, in accordance with law” - DIT Students’ Union Constitution

Why I’m the man for the job! I was a class rep in first and second year of my course. It was my job to bring any problems the class had to the tutor’s attention and again bring them to the attention of the Union to ensure that there was broad awareness of the issues affecting students. I took a year out of college between 2nd and 3rd year where I worked for Ulster Bank and gained some “real life experience”. On returning to college I completed a 7 month work experience with the Health Service Executive and successfully was elected as DITSU Class Rep Convenor for Cathal Brugha Street. In this role I convene class rep meetings and meet with the site part time officers. I hold a seat on the DITSU CPIT (Central Program Implementation Team) where I work with all the other current elected officers to implement the program of work and address issues as they arise. I also work on local site issues and try and ensure that the service the students in Cathal Brugha Street are getting is the best.

Student Well-Being With the current economic crisis the levels of petty crime and theft is predicted to be on the increase. Students are a prime target for activities of this nature. If elected, I aim to run a safety campaign to increase student awareness of these activities and how to stay safe when on the way to and from college and also when in rented accommodation that may not be up to scratch. Equally, the students mental health focus and needs on issues surrounding this area is a predominant concern. Services to students within DIT are available and I would aim to promote these also.

I have decided to run for election due to my involvement in the Students’ Union in the past. Informed students are better equipped to deal with any scenario they may come across in their day to day student lives. I feel that through my past personal experiences as a student and my involvement in the Union, I can effectively represent the student body as the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. The Student voice is a strong voice in Ireland but it is not listened to, we need strong representation to ensure that the views and opinions of students are heard and to ensure that change happens. Within DIT, the students’ views are listened to. The Students’ Union represent students at all levels throughout the DIT. Again, it is important to choose someone who can effectively represent you in the DIT. I am the person for this job. 14 18

Student Finance Again, with the recession and the possible reintroduction of third level fees and the increase in the capitation fee, finance is at the forefront of every students mind. Third level students can easily fall into heavy debt through the use of student loans, overdrafts and credit cards. If elected, I aim to run a comprehensive campaign on student finance informing students of what options are available to them and make sure that they make an informed choice.

Student Charter The student charter is a document that lays down a set of principles that the DIT aim to follow, detailing what a student can expect from the DIT, and in return, what the DIT expects from the student. If elected, I aim to promote the student charter to the wider student body and work on getting the entire DIT to follow the principles they have set down. Issues that affect students are the same from year to year, if elected I also aim to campaign on the various library issues that arise from site to site, campaign on bettering the online learning facilities and also to get all schools throughout the DIT involved and actively using the online learning facilities. Accommodation issues are always there and always varied, I aim to improve student awareness of their rights when it comes to renting and leasing. Post Graduate Students, Research Students, Apprentices, Part Time Students, Mature Students, Access, International and Erasmus Students all are a small part of the study body, but the issues that affect them are the same. Their issues can often be swept under the rug, if elected, I aim to better promote and represent these students. A big issue for next year is the Grants System. Due to no increase in the local authority budget from the government, and the increase in the capitation fee, the number of grants given out next year will be fewer. If elected I aim to campaign for better grant funding so that Students can continue their third level education without as much financial strain or pressure.

Election Facts •And if you think there are some comedians here in Irish politics, consider the parties you could vote for is you lived elsewhere in the world... there’s the Sun Ripened Warm Tomato Party in Australia, the Canadian Extreme Wrestling Party, the Union of Conscientiously Work-Shy Elements in Denmark, the McGillicuddy Serious Party in New Zealand (maybe the party the hedgehog was affiliated with?), and, for students everywhere, there is the Beer Lovers Party in Russia. So what if it’s cold there, at least one party there understands us! • In 1918 Countess Markiewicz became the first woman to be elected to the British House of Commons, however in line with Sinn Fein policy she refused to take her seat. Ireland had to wait another 60 years to have a woman representative - untilt he election of Maire Geoghegan Quinn in 1979. • Women have filled just under seven per cent of seats in the Dail and Seanad since the first general election. Ireland is currently ranked 87th in the world for its female representation in Government.

I have the experience and the motivation to be your next Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs 2009/2010. Vote Peter Keegan #1 for Vice President Academic and Student Affairs “Squeeze Every Drop from Student Life and your Union!”

19 15

Running forservices Vice& trading President Sean Campbell.

We ask the important questions, so you don’t have to... Why should we vote for you? Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun ya get the picture, college should be fun I will make sure everyone laughs at least once next year!!! If you were a colour, what would it be? If you were asked what Colour you would be, I would say nearly everyone this weather would say blue, so more or less I think I would be blue! What’s the best thing about studying in DIT? The people!!! I think I have met people from every corner of the country never mind the world! Its cool when you meet someone away from college and ask them what they do or what college they are in? When it’s DIT they reply saying ya DIT it’s cool and it is a cool place to be. I think the different

sites add something to the college that could be lost if we move to Grangegorman, but hey thats life eh? What’s your biggest gripe about studying in DIT? Having to do exams at half six in the evenings, man that sucks!!! Finally, World Peace or The Puppies? World peace or puppies now come on ted? Am lost on the puppies but my pea brain is thinking of what puppies could be....hummmmm? feck it ya got to love puppies but they shit everywhere.......humm? its a tough dilemma? feck world peace, everyone goes for that, I know I could have a puppy, and I can’t have world peace so there ya have it.

VITALISE RUNNING FOR:

VICE[services PRESIDENT & trading]

Manifesto for election: Relevant experience I have extensive experience within the Students Union. This comes from being involved in a number of areas. I started as a Class Rep and I attended Governing Council in 2nd year. In April 2008 I was part of the team that represented DIT at the USI Congress, from this point on I became heavily involved in the Union. I was elected as Class Rep Convenor for Kevin Street where I am coming to an end of my term of office. From these experiences I have seen firsthand the level of involvement that is needed to hold a full time union position. I believe that I have changed Kevin Street Campus by breathing life back into it and enticing students to stay around campus at lunch time. Students can now see the new facilities in the snackery, such as the entertainment equipment and various events during lunch. If I am elected as VP I will bring about similar changes to each of the DIT sites.

Other experiences Having been captain of my local rugby club I have experience in organising matches and fund raising events such as a slave auction, a night at the races, ladies bikini car washes, and inviting international teams to play 20

against my local town. I have also set up Donegal’s first and only ladies rugby team. They competed in an Ulster ladies rugby league in their first year. I have won an All Ireland with DIT rugby club and in turn have organised a fund raising event for the college rugby team, with match day packages to Croke Park. Having worked for years with one of the biggest hotelier groups in Ireland, I gained relevant experience in organising and setting up events. These included live bands, DJs and comedians. All of which I intend to bring to all DIT sites.

Reason for running The reason that I want to run for election is very simple. As a mature student I can see firsthand the downfalls of not having enough local events every week on site and also the lack of substantial evening events. One of which was the omission of a Halloween party this year. Having seen the quality of entertainment this year it was easy for me to make my decision to run for VP Services and Trading. I believe that I can change around this lack of unwillingness to entertain students and give them the college experience that they deserve. I believe that college has to be fun. You need to be able to look back

and say “WOW College was fun; I had great time there”. At the moment I can see that DITSU is letting itself down by the lack of these quality events. For me, facilities are one major area that I want to get my teeth into. I won’t roll over and accept that these things cannot be fixed. I don’t take no for an answer! In saying this, it also means that I want to create a good relationship with the buildings managers and to have facilities at their best now rather than waiting until we move to Grangegorman. Trading is something that I think could be streamlined better. I have sat down with Paula Finley & we discussed ways in which we could improve services and prices to the students benefit. I intend on working closely with Paula and implementing the different areas that were discussed.

Aims, Objectives, Policies Facilities Each site is distinctively different with unique problems on each one. I intend to sort these problems out with the help of students and staff feedback and to work closely with the full time maintenance staff. Each year the libraries have been a contentious issue. I intend by October ‘09 to have a viable solution to the problem of opening hours over the Christmas period. I will be working alongside my other VP for Academic and Student affairs to deal with this. Canteens and Shops have thrown up lots of problems this year. One of the issues that students have spoken out about is simply not having or being allowed to have a cup of tea at the right price. I will change this during my time in office. I intend to sit down with all canteen management to have cheaper but good quality food on all the sites. I will work with all buildings managers to allow students to use more facilities for example, Gleeson hall, for their use and not only for the use of external companies to hire. Entertainment Tonnes of Local events on each site are what all students look forward to and I fully intend to deliver on this. I have seen the benefits of organising local events this year and I will make it more widespread across all campuses in the coming academic year. Some of these will include Halloween and Christmas parties for all sites.

Election Facts There are many issues facing students in DIT today – apart from beer – such as the possibly of having to pay a lot more to go to college, the library not being open when you need to study, a lecturer that doesn’t show up for class. It’s difficult to sort these problems by yourself, but with the right backup in the Union, we can try to get you the college education and experience you deserve. So listen to what the candidates have to say, and go vote on the 23rd, 24th, 25th or 26th of February. It’s interesting, it’s kind of fun, and, you know, it really matters.

Thurs 26 Feb 11.30a.m. (all stations) THE RESULTS The Election Count will take place on the stage on Thurs 26 Feb 09 in Bolton St at 1p.m.

I propose to set up a student’s Battle of the Bands competition to be ran across different sites with a prize fund of €1,000 for the best band in DIT!! Cheaper, more frequent evening quality events, which will entice people to take part in college life, will be set up throughout the year. I propose to set up or to get working PA systems on all sites to allow students to have the facilities to play music at lunch times or in the evenings. This will also include the setting up of Plasma screens around campuses to inform students of what, when and where entertainment is happening. Having said all of the above there is no easy way of achieving these goals, such as a magic wand! I know that the only way to accomplish my objectives set out above will be by simple hard work. This is something that I am not afraid of doing as I have seen the benefit of it this year. I love working in the students union and I understand the level of work and commitment that is expected of me. I promise to work my fingers to the bone and make DIT and DITSU a better place for students. 21 15

ENTS Update A Semester in Ents... Right so, Here’s the skinny...

Launch of CONSOLE National ‘Snowdrop’ campaign set for Aungier St.

Welcome back one and all to a very compact and fun-filled 2nd Semester here in DIT. Your Events and Marketing Dept have been plotting and planning and endeavouring and failing and succeeding and partly-succeeding and trying and trying again and approaching all sorts of nice folks in many efforts to make the fun happen this Semester.

As part of DIT Students’ Union’s work with Console as our chosen RAG charity this year, Console will be launching their National ‘Snowdrop’ Campaign in DIT Aungier St. on Wed 18th of February at 10am in the Courtyard Restaurant, beside Java City.

This is not (hopefully!!) an exhaustive list, but here’s what’s currently planned with more to come, so keep and eye on www.bebo.com/ ditsu and www.ditsu.ie to make sure you’re in the know. . .

Week 4: Antarctic Monkeys - Venue & Date TBC €5 in advance from SU, €8 on the door. Ye asked for them and ye’ve got them. . . They’re back by popular demand after thrilling ye in the 1st Semester of 07/08 – the greatest Arctic Monkeys tribute band you’ll find around. Be sure to grab tickets early as these ones won’t last, if last time is anything to go by. . . I hear they might all be cousins?! Not sure though. . . www.antarcticmonkeys.com

The ‘Snowdrop’ campaign is one which says snowdrop pins on sale with all proceeds going to Console. DIT Students’ Union shops as well as many other retail outlets around the country will have these pins for sale. The campaign is to raise much needed funds to develop Console’s professional Counselling, Support and Helpline Services to those Bereaved through Suicide. In attendance at the launch will be John Moloney TD, Minister of State for Equality, Disability and Mental Health, the Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Eibhlin Byrne, comedian Ed Byrne as well as other noted public figures and press. DIT Students Union are encouraging all students to attend and be part of the launch. Light refreshments will be served.

Week 6: RAG Week We’re not gonna tell ye too much other than save up your money coz there’ll be a lot of fun to be had during RAG Week this year. . . trust us!! www.bebo.com/ditsu and www.ditsu.ie will keep you in the loop as the time draws nearer. . .

Week 11: Tue 28th April - The BIG Bash - The Academy Mark it in the diary. . . the BIG Bash has been earmarked for Tue of Week 11. We wouldn’t lie to you – we’re working on something BIG. We’ve all our collective fingers crossed in the hopes that the gods smile down upon us and help us make this work. . . if it does, it’ll be simply epic. That’s what’s scheduled SO FAR. . . we’re working on some more fun. . . keep an eye out for posters and flyers for all these events and more, detailing when tickets will be on sale as well as confirming venues etc. Oh. . . we’ve hatched a dastardly plot to run a ‘Shite Night’ towards the end of the semester. . . we’ll wear shite clothes. . . we’ll listen to some shite music. . . ye get the idea! It’ll be shite. Trust us. Oh. . . and don’t forget that we’ve arranged that ye can all get into Coppers for free before midnight on Mondays and Tuesdays with your DIT ID card. . . get in there! Remember – www.bebo.com/ditsu and www.ditsue.ie are your friends. They’ll keep you informed.

we need to assemble a volunteer rag crew to help this be the best rag ever! visit ditsu.ie for more details...

Academic Affairs All you need to know to keep your studies ticking...

And the winner is... After years of lobbying, this year for the first time EVER, all, and we mean all, students are finally allowed to nominate any of their lecturers for the President’s Award for Teaching Excellence. ‘Big deal’, we hear all you cynics say .. Well it is! It’s another way we in the Students’ Union are making sure that you have as many opportunities as possible to get involved in your education. There are some great lecturers in DIT who are not only very knowledgeable about their subject but are enthusiastic and creative in how they encourage their students to learn. They take time to prepare interesting lectures, give useful notes, are willing to discuss progress with students and are always open to queries or suggestions. We hear from you that such a lecturer is ‘brilliant’ or ‘a legend’ and the Teaching Excellence Awards is one way for you to show that you think their methods are student-focused.

Library Survey-what do students want from their Libraries? For as long as the SU can remember, the Libraries in DIT have been an issue. We did manage to get extended opening hours for the exam periods this year, but we actually want to know what exactly you, the student, want from your library. So before Christmas we undertook a detailed survey of a representative sample of all students on all sites to get answers to some basic questions about the Library service. Students are entitled to a Library service that suits their needs and we want to make sure that we are accurately reflecting your priorities. It gives weight to our arguments when we show that we’ve got detailed feedback from you, our members, and haven’t just made it all up! We even broke the survey down into faculty and student groupings so that all our members are represented!! Check us out!!

Last year the legend that is Kevin Griffin from Cathal Brugha Street was awarded first DIT Award for Enhancing Learning through Student Engagement. Kevin received loads of nominations from his students. Just goes to show that if your lecturer is the cream of the crop you can actually award them with something!!

We asked what your views were on earlier opening times, later opening, opening on Sunday etc. and the results are the basis on which we will lobby for improvements at various DIT committees, from the Library Academic Council as far as Governing Body, if necessary.

Nomination is by an on-line nomination form that is confidentialJust visit ditsu.ie and follow the link. All those nominated are notified by their Head of School and they can then choose to go forward for the Award by producing a portfolio describing their approach to teaching. Be quick though as Nominations for this year close on February 25th . Go on you know you want to!!

We hope to publish the findings on our website www.ditsu.ie and in the next issue of TOAST, with an update on how we’re progressing with making DIT deal with your demands. Thanks a million to everyone involved and especially to those who agreed to be interviewed and completed the questionnaire. Watch this space – improvements are on the way!!

The Rules are still a-Changing! We told you in the first issue of TOAST that DIT were finally going to update the General Assessment Regulations (GAR) this year and that the Students’ Union officers would be actively involved to make sure that the new rules and regs are as fair and as student-friendly as possible. Well, we’re still hard at it! After much debate on the rules regarding progression, carrying and repeat exams, it looks like the new Draft will be ready by the end of February – wahoo! The main issue for lecturers in DIT is student attendance, but we’ve managed to convince them that we are no longer at secondary school and we do not need to be signed in or out of all class/labs unless these are compulsory and mandated by our course handbook. Now our plan is that once this donkey work is finished, we’ll circulate the new GAR to the Class Reps and Governing Council for feedback. Thanks to everyone who emailed with suggestions on the burning issues of Compulsory Attendance, Feedback and Carrying Modules. In the meantime if any of you have any thoughts on other issues such as Compensation, Exam Appeals, or Rechecks, please email vpacademic@ditsu.ie and we’ll take it from there. Go on, you know you want to!!

Not the Q6A again... Remember the pink signs that said things like “not enough library books in the library for my course” and “no course notes on-line”?? That was Rate your Course at its best! The student body knew about it but sadly most of your lecturers didn’t!! Trying to get DIT to make sure that all you wonderful students get a chance to give feedback on Semester 1 with the dreaded Q6a is like pulling teeth! I know that most students are happy to give honest and fair comment about their courses but many of you didn’t get these forms before Christmas. This is a big fat no-no so we need you all to tell us if you didn’t get a Q6a form for any module that finished up before the break in December. Just email with the title of the module and the name of the lecturer(s). We’re going to compile a list and see why this happened and obviously we’ll do this anonymously and will not mention your name etc. Call Tracey, the Vice-President, on 086 6031075 if you want any further info.

DIT Socs News Latest Societies Updates...

DIT Host International Break dancing Competition - Skill Masters 2009 Featuring Legendary Street & Break-dancer: Zulu Gremlin, On the 8th of March 2009 DIT Break-dance Society hosts for the second year running the Irish International Break dancing Competition of the year Skill Masters. The main event will be held in the Laughter Lounge on Eden Quay along with many other events in various locations over the weekend. Skill Masters is a Break-dance event which comprises of three main competitions: Popping Battle, Locking Battle and finally the main and most popular Break-dance Battle. The event also includes work shops and street dance parties, break-dance nights and an after party. In the battles, opponents earn and compete for their place in the final and then “Battle” it out till the end round by round as other competitors are knocked for the winning place. The contestant who beats all the competitors in each round they compete in and wins the battle is then crowned a Skill Master in the related dance form or competition. The big attraction to this years’ event is the appearance of the Breakdance, popping locking and street-dance Legend Zulu Gremlin who is a member of the famous L.A. based 7 Gems Break-dance crew. He will be traveling from L.A. to appear and judge at the competition and will also be teaching Break-dancing, Popping and Locking workshops on the days leading up to the event. Zulu Gremlin is and has been a very influential figure on the break-dance and Hip Hop scene right across the world and is well known and respected. Having the high profile and well respected Zulu Gremlin visit Ireland for the first time and take part in the event is a major breakthrough in the Irish Hip Hop scene. Special guest, DJ’s Timber from Omagh & Horba from Poland will be supplying the music. The competitions will be mc’d by renowned 24

and popular MC, Mexy from The Sideline Project). The event is being hosted by D.I.T. Break-Dance Society which is run by students from the college who give up their time to support, encourage and develop break-dancing in D.I.T. and across Ireland. Break dancing over the last few years in Ireland has being growing steadily in its popularity, acceptance and existence and this event is certain to further boost the profile of break dancing in Ireland. Nowadays, Break dancing, and other street dance forms are fully recognised as true art forms, and they are much bigger than ever before. Skill Masters is a high profile international competition as well as many of the contestants are travelling to represent their home Countries and take part in the workshops, such as from France, Poland, Estonia South Africa, Thailand, USA, UK, Lithuania, Estonia etc. and of course Ireland. With the backing of many sponsors & supporters such as Red Bull, Societies of DIT, Polska Gazeta, Sideline Inc, & a large fan and student base there is no doubt that “Skill Masters 09” will be a great success.

www.ditbreakdancesoc.bebo.com

DIT Sports News GAA Round-Up Sigerson Campaign Underway As underdogs, DIT lit up this competition last year, making the finals weekend for the first time in the college’s history. The team opened their campaign this year with a 1-13 to 1-05 victory over Athlone IT in the 2nd round last Wednesday February 4th. Points from Paul Brogan, Mark Vaughan and a goal from Kevin McManamon ensured victory for DIT. They now face a strong GMIT side who defeated UCC in their opening game. This quarter final match takes place away in Galway on Wednesday 18th February.

Senior B Footballers take Leinster DIT captured the Senior B Leinster Football Title in Grangegorman, after defeating DCU, Athlone IT and Trinity College in the Final. The team captained by Apprentice student Ciarán Bizzell recaptured the title after losing in the final last year to DCU.

Senior Hurlers take on Fitzgibbon Champs After a run to the Semi Final of the intercounty Kehoe Cup competition, the Senior Hurlers have their eyes firmly fixed on the Fitzgibbon Cup competition. In a group labelled the group of death, DIT, face an away trip to holders Waterford IT on the 11th Feb and a home game against UL in the Gorman on the 17th Feb. Engineering student John Walsh captains the side from the back, while Kilkenny Senior and Electrical Engineer Willie O’Dwyer will be hoping to open up defences from the front.

Fresher A Hurlers going for double Building on their historic Division 1 league win before Christmas, the Freshers are hoping to claim a double and win the Championship. Student mentors Micháel O’Keefe (Engineering), Niall Kelly (Built Environment), Kieran Brennan(Business) have assembled one of the top teams in the country. However they face a tough physical test when they open their campaign against NUIG on Thursday 11th Feb in Grangegorman (TBC).

Inter Footballers Training begins in February in preparation for their Leinster Campaign. Hoping to build on the Div 3 League title they won before Christmas.

Junior Football Training and Challenge games begin in February for Juniors in preparation for Leinster Junior Championship in March.

Fresher Bs bring DCU to the Gorman The Fresher B team, under the tutelage of Planning Student Seamus McKiernan and Property Economics student Niall Coughlan, are preparing for the Div 2 Championship kicking off this Thursday (05-02-09) in Grangegorman. The lads have had a number of challenges, early morning and snow bound training sessions, along with a team trip to Newcastle. The lads defeated DCU in the league but realise the championship is a different affair and will have to be on top of their game to take full points. Cormac Gordon, David Lynch and Co. will be hoping to go all the way in this competition.

Camogie girls all loved up for Purcell Cup The DIT Camogie team face Tralee IT this Friday 6th February in Roscrea in a bid to reach this years Purcell Cup Semi Finals weekend in Limerick. The Purcell Cup is being held on Valentines weekend, and the team will be hoping to go one further than last year and win the competition.

Ladies Footballers competing in the big time DIT Ladies take on DCU at home in Grangegorman on Wednesday 11th in their first ever Lynch Cup game. Having won the lower tier Donaghy Cup last year the team will be hoping to make the grade in the higher competition. The team boasts Business Management and Dublin Senior county players Sinead Aherne and Thressa McConnell. Along with Dunboyne contingent, Paula Doherty, Julie Kavanagh, Laura Dunne and Dee Blaney, DIT will have no fears of stepping up a grade.

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Fashion for the Street Spring Style...

All featured clothes from WaWa Aungier Street.

Main Image: Blazer - €10 Dress - €10 Lace slip - €3

Opposite Page: [Top] Dress - €8

[Bottom-left] Dress - €12 Fur stole - €10 [Bottom-right] Leather skirt - €8 Blouse - €5

Photography: Maebh Horan-Murphy

Stylist: Una O’ Boyle with Louise Ryan

Model: Ornagh Cunningham

A Day Up The Áras DIT folk attend Presidential lecture series...

WORDS: AOIFE NI GHLAICIN-RIAIN

r an Luan, 17 Samhain, chuaigh cúigear mac léinn ó ITBÁC go hÁras an Uachtaráin le freastal ar thaifeadadh an “Presidential Lecture Series”, sraithchlár trípháirteach de chuid RTÉ Raidió a hAon. Ar an lá rinneadh taifead ar an chéad dhá pháirt, a chraolfar ar an 30 agus 31 Nollaig ag 1.30i.n. Déarfainn go raibh thart ar 60 mac léinn ann ar an lá, a tháinig ó beagnach gach aon choláiste triú leibhéal sa tír, agus bhí daoine ann ó thíortha eile chomh maith atá ina gcónaí in Éirinn anois. Mar dhuine de na daoine a roghnaigh ITBÁC, tá mé ag súil go mór le héisteacht leis! Ba chóir go mbeadh ITBÁC fíorbhródúil as an gcúigear againn agus as an ionchur luachmhar a thugamar don díospóireacht. Tá sé soiléir gur phioc na coláistí ar fad na daoine is neamhbhalbha agus is gníomhaí i saol an choláiste, agus go ginearálta bíonn mic léinn níos fearr nó dream ar bith eile ag teacht aníos le ceisteanna spreagúla, suimiúil agus cliste. Táim cinnte go bhfuair Joe Duffy (a bhí mar láithreoir ar an chláir) i bhfad níos mó ná mar a bhí sé ag tnúth leis! Bhí beirt chainteoir ann ar an lá, ceann amháin do gach clár sa tsraith agus bhí deis againn ceisteanna a chur orthu agus ar an tUachtarán í féin. Bhí an bheirt chainteoir an-mhaith. Sa chéad pháirt labhair Martin O’ Neill, captaen ar Aston Villa agus Éireannach ó dhúchas faoi ‘Cad is Éireannachas ann?’ (dár leis féin). Labhair sé go han-ionraic ar fad, ag tarraingt óna thaithí féin ag fás aníos sa tuaisceart. Nuair a thosaigh sé ag imirt sacair mar ógánach, mar shampla, níor ligeadh dó leanúint ar aghaidh lena chuid traenáil leis an Cumann Lúthchleas Gael a thuilleadh. Léirigh sé cé chomh mór is atá athrú tagtha ar an saol ó na laethanta sin. Léirigh sé cé chomh aisteach is a mhothaigh sé nuair a tháinig beirt Shasana chuig a theach chun agallamh a chur air roimh do bheith ina chaptaen ar Aston Villa. Chruthaigh sé íomhá siombalach go leor faoin bheirt fhear seo sa seomra suí leis agus an dhá phictiúir clasaiceach mar mhaisiú ar na ballaí - Pádraig Mac Piarais agus an croí rónaofa. 28

Bhí neart ceisteanna ag na mic léinn dhó, ach is í an tUachtarán a thug an freagra is fearr ar an cheist faoin chiall a bhaineann le hÉireannachas. D’aontaigh sí nach bhfuil an bhrí céanna ann inniu is a bhí san am atá thart. Ach, fiú i measc an domhandú, an galldú agus gach rud eile a bhaineann le sochaí nua-aimseartha se’againne, ní féidir linn dearmad a dhéanamh ar na mílte daoine i dtíortha eile atá fíorbhródúil as na fréamhacha atá acu, nó ag a gcuid sheantuismitheoirí as Éirinn. Tá brí éigin ag baint le sin – tá Éireannachas tábhachtach do na daoine sin, fiú anois nuair nach bhfuil sé chomh tábhachtach céanna do cuid againn in Éirinn, b’fhéidir.

“Duirt se go bhfuil an todhchain.”inar laimhe fein mar mhic lein

Is é Pádraig Ó Ceidigh, Stiúrthóir Bainistíochta Aer Arann, a bhí mar chainteoir in dhiaidh am lóin. Labhair sé faoi chúrsaí eacnamaíochta na laethanta seo, agus cad is féidir linn a dhéanamh mar thír chun na fadhbanna ar fad a réiteach. Dúirt sé go bhfuil an todhchaí inár láimhe féin mar mhic léinn – tá an chéad chéim eile suas againne. Tá fiontraíocht agus nuálaíocht ag teastáil ón chéad ghlúin eile chun Éire a thógáil tríd na laethanta deacra dorcha seo romhainn amach. Mar chainteoir, bhí sé sármhaith, fíor spreagúil agus bríomhar. Labhair sé gan script nó rud ar bith aige ach é féin agus a scéal ionraic faoi conas a bhunaigh sé Aer Arann. D’oscail agus dhún an tUachtarán an dhá chlár. Níor dúradh linn cathain a mbeadh an triú cuid den tsraith á thaifeadadh, ach nach cuma; bhí an lá fada go leor mar a bhí sé! Bhíomar ann ó mheán lae go dtí leathuair tar éis a cúig. Ach, fós féin, thaitin an lá go mór liom, agus is cosúil ó na rudaí a chuala mé gur thaitin sé le gach duine eile chomh maith. Ní raibh an lá crua ar chor ar bith, le sosanna fada, sólaistí áille, agus neart tae agus caife chun muid a choinneáil sásta. Bhí deis iontach againn labhairt le daoine ó choláistí eile chomh maith – tá fáilte den scoth san Áras!

Seachtain Na Gaeilge 02-13 March Seachtain Na Gaeilge is on from the 2nd March to the 13th March, and this year’s one will be very busy without a doubt! An Cumann Gaelach will be holding a ‘NO Béarla’ day at the start of the week, and selling t-shirts throughout the campuses. Buy a t-shirt and speak Irish for the day! There will be a competition running throughout Seachtain na Gaeilge. Oifig na Gaeilge are looking for societies to organize Irish language events during Seachtain na Gaeilge, and the best event will win €300 for their societies budget! There’s been a lot of interest from the societies so start thinking about what your society could do! Already there is an Irish language Drama workshop with the Drama Soc, and a film showing and night out to Club Conradh na Gaeilge with the Media Soc and much more! There will be sean-nós dancing workshops, sean-nós singing, lectures for staff, film screenings, a concert with Kila and an evening of singing and sean-nós in Club Conradh na Gaeilge and, of course, the events held by societies as part of the competition! There will be a table quiz, treasure hunt and many other things throughout the week, all with prizes! If your society wants to get involved, send an email to Clisare@ gmail.com. It’s fun, it’s free, and there’s prizes!

On Monday 17th November, five DIT students went to Áras an Uachtarán to take part in the recording of the “Presidential Lecture Series”, a three-part series on RTÉ Radio One. Only the first two parts were recorded on the day, to be broadcast on the 30th and 31st of December at 1.30pm. Around 60 students attended the event, coming from almost every third level institution in Ireland, along with several non-nationals now residing in Ireland. As one of the five who were chosen by DIT, I am very much looking forward to hearing the show. DIT should be very proud of all five attendees for their valuable input to the debate. It is clear that all the colleges picked people who were among the most outspoken and active in college life, and students are generally the best group to come up with stimulating, interesting and clever questions. I am sure Joe Duffy (who was presenting the show) got much more than he bargained for.

“He spoke very honestly from hisg own personal experience growin up in the North.” There were two speakers on the day, one for each show in the series, and we had the opportunity to ask questions of them, and the president herself. The two speakers were excellent. In the first part, Martin O’Neill, Irish-born captain of Aston Villa, spoke about what “Being Irish” meant to him. He spoke very honestly from his own personal experience growing up in the North. When he started playing soccer, for example, he was no longer allowed to play for his GAA team. He outlined the huge changes he has seen come about since that time. He described how strange it felt to have two English men come to interview him in his house for the position with Aston Villa, painting a very symbolic picture for us of the two men sitting casually in his living room, with the classic pictures of Pádraig Mac Piarais and the Sacred Heart hanging on the wall.

Beidh Seachtain na Gaeilge 2009 ar súil idir 2 Márta go dtí 13 Márta, agus beidh sé an-ghnóthach ar fad ab bhlian seo gan dabht! Beidh an Cumann Gaelach ag déanamh lá ‘NO Béarla’ ag tús na seachtaine, agus t-léinte ‘NO Béarla’ ar díol ar na campais éagsúla. Ceannaigh t-léinte agus labhair Gaeilge ar feadh an lae! Beidh comórtas ar siúl i rith Seachtain na Gaeilge. Tá Oifig na Gaeilge ag iarradh ar na Cumainn go léir imeachtaí Gaeilge a eagrú, agus buafaidh an imeacht is fearr €300 do bhuiséad an Chumainn! Tá a lán spéis léirithe ag na Cumainn ann, mar sin, bí ag smaoineamh faoi cad is féidir le do Chumann a dhéanamh! Beidh ceardlann drámaíochta leis an gCumann Drámaíochta, scannáin a thaispeáint agus oíche amach go Club Conradh na Gaeilge leis an gCumann na Meáin agus a lán imeachtaí eile leis na Cumainn ar fad! Beidh ceardlann damhsa ar an sean-nós ar siúl, amhránaíocht ar an sean-nós, léachtaí don bhfoireann, scannáin a thaispeáint, cheolchoirm le Kila, agus oíche amhránaíochta ar an sean-nós i gClub Conradh na Gaeilge, agus na himeachtaí a bheidh ag na Cumainn go léir le haghaidh an chomórtais! Beidh Tráth na gCeist, tóraíocht taisce agus a lán rudaí eile ar siúl i rith na seachtaine, agus beidh duaiseanna le fáil! Má tá suim ag do Chumann bheith páirteach ann, cur ríomhphost ag clisare@gmail.com. Beidh sé spraíúil, beidh sé saor in aisce, agus beidh duaiseanna ar fáil!

The students had plenty of questions for him, but it was the President who gave the best answer regarding what it means to be Irish. She agreed that the meaning has changed since times past, but, even in the globalisation and anglicisation of this modern society of ours, we must not forget the thousands of people in other countries who are truly proud of their Irish roots. This certainly means something – Irishness is infinitely important to these people, even now when it may not be so important these days to some of us living in Ireland. Pádraig Ó Ceidigh, Managing Director of Aer Arann, was the second speaker after our long lunch break. He spoke about contemporary economic matters, and what we as a country can do to solve the problems at hand. He emphasised that the future is in our hands, as students, and the next step is up to us. Innovation and entrepreneurship from the new generations is necessary to help Ireland through the difficult, dark days ahead. As a speaker, he was gifted; inspiring and energetic. He spoke without a script, or anything else, and stood before us openly telling the story of how he founded Aer Arann. The President opened and closed the show. We were not told when the third segment would be recorded, but who cares; the day was long enough as it was! But, still, I really enjoyed the day and it seemed as if everyone else did also. It was not exhausting or difficult, with long breaks, delicious sandwiches and finger-food, and plenty of tea and coffee to keep us happy. It was also a great opportunity for us to speak to people from other colleges. For hospitality, and a nice day out, the Áras is second to none.

A Snowed In Republican Nevin: Often controversial, always worth reading... WORDS: CIARAN NEVIN

s the title suggests, this article makes reference to amongst other things snow and republicanism. I make no apology for either. The weather and the state of our nation is my main inspiration. I have just arrived back from a two-week trip to Toronto. So when I arrived in Heathrow and heard that there was snow in Ireland for the past week, I was not in the least bit phased, safe in the knowledge that no matter how bad it was, it was going to be nothing like the snow I had experienced in Canada. Never was I so mistaken... It all started when I was notified that our flight from London to Dublin would be delayed by 25 minutes due to a backlog in Dublin. That in itself was not too bad, as it gave us time to grab a bite to eat before boarding. And it was just as well that the breakfast was a big one. After 30 minutes of circumnavigating it in the air, we landed in a damp dreary Dublin. The captain informed us that it was taking four hours to refuel each plane and so we would have to wait some time for a space to open up. Once we did get a space, we then had to wait for stairs to be provided before we could evacuate our glorified cattle-truck. After some time we had all made it off the plane, and it was clear what had been the cause of people disembarking so slowly. The pathway between the plane and the airport was covered with two inches of wet ice, and this was difficult for even the most nimble of us to navigate. Meanwhile no less than four state employees stood about scratching their valuables and having a chat about some proposed strike, no doubt.

parties “It went to plan because allathe n.” dam e gav involved actually This was bad enough, but with a quick turn of my head i was outraged to see their “hard working” comrades piling up our luggage on the wet and snow-covered concrete below the plane. We then had to wait another 90 minutes before our wash and no-dried bags made it through the carousel. And then, suddenly (like a baggage handler to the picket line), the delays, inefficiencies, and idiosyncrasies stopped. Not because the employees of this state got their act together, not because they felt a sudden jolt of civic duty, but because the responsibility was out of their hands. I had my bags, and had a lift home arranged, and it went to plan. It went to plan because all of the parties involved actually gave a damn. So where am I going with this, and why didn’t I ring Joe Duffy instead? Well in truth its because there is no point. The people that listen to Joe Duffy are generally part of a lost generation. However, the majority of you reading this student magazine will be the future of this Republic. That we are members of a republic is really the key word here. Gaining our freedom in 1922 is something that we should all be proud of, regardless of civil war politics, this is when we as a nation took to the world stage as a free state. For some of us, striving for a united Ireland is still a major concern, while for others it matters little. The question that I keep asking myself though is “have we achieved what was hoped for through independence in even one of the 32 counties?”

In many ways i wonder if as a nation, we have acted like 17 year old drivers who are legally allowed to drive but are unaware of their responsibilities. Nothing has brought about this train of thought more than our recent economic downturn. The way that we have handled it so far, proves to me that we were not a nation, or a society but a mere economy. I have travelled through a few countries in the west, and I am always fascinated with how well they do the everyday routine things. The things that we routinely make a mess of. I have been in each state of the UK and as I said before, Canada. All of which owe some allegiance to Britain. As time passes, Scotland, and Wales are becoming less and less members of Great Britain and more members of a new Europe. Canada is maturing into a major player on the world stage. Just as the Canadians have a strong sense of what it is to be Canadian, the Scots and Welsh know what being Scottish or Welsh means to them. All this despite having the Queen of England’s withered head on their currencies. These States are still members of the Commonwealth, and yet this does not go in conflict with their sense of nationhood. To give you one example of this pride and civic duty, while travelling through Toronto on their excellent TTC (tram) system, one of the switches for changing the direction of the tram failed. Without even a moan, the tram driver proceeded to get out of the tram and use a crow bar to manually switch the track, despite temperatures of minus 15 degrees Celsius. Such displays of responsibility and duty were everywhere to be seen. Sadly I get the feeling that even if we had such a great public transport system in Ireland, such a fault would require the drivers to go on strike for extra pay to do such a chore. Personally, I think it is favourable to be independent of Britain, I am a proud Irishman, but pride only goes so far. I was disgusted to hear English people giving out in Dublin Airport, disgusted that they hadn’t even got past the immigration before we had let our tourists down. We can spend all the money we like rebranding our institutions, covering up the crown with the harp, but this does not create a nation. For too long our national identity has been summed up by, a hatred of British-ness and a pint of Guinness (coincidently, a Loyalist British Brand). If we are ever truly to gain a national identity, we must first gain a personal identity. This is where our generation comes in. As students we should use our education for the betterment of society and of ourselves. Doctors should heal the sick, not just to make money, but for the good of this country. Refuse Collectors should know that they are valuable members of our society. Every last one of us should think of the bigger picture, we should all pull together to build a nation, rather than a Celtic Tiger Economy. No Party is offering a solution, neither are any other institutions, our National Students Union, or our very own DIT Students Union. Elections are coming up, and as the people who put our Union Officials in charge, we should press them to listen to our ideas, but also to act on our behalf. They are elected by us, for our benefit. Until we pull together and find our own solutions, the vested interest groups of this country will continue to tear it apart, like the vultures they are on this dying, infected, Celtic Tiger. CN.

Do you have anything to say on this issue? If so respond to toast @ditsu.ie

There’s something about Mary There really is you know...

Mary MacSwiney

Lady Mar y Heath

What is it about that Mary eh? Not content to have Cameron Diaz portray her in a major Hollywood blockbuster, she want’s to to take over politics in Ireland too... What a gal! To our shame, Ireland has one of the lowest number of female Politicians in the world. Could this be, because in order to enter office in this country, wealth, an astute mind or sparkling political repartee mean nothing if your name is not Mary? At present between the Dail and the European parliament we are well and truly awash with Marys - Mary Harney, Mary Hanafin, Mary Coughlan, Mary Lou McDonald, Mary White, Mary Wallace, Mary Hocker, Mary Upton. Before them were Mary O Rourke, Mary Banotti, Maire Geoghan Quinn. Maire was the first woman to hold public office since Countess Markievich, but there was one Mary at least in office during that time – 2 time Taoiseach Jack Mary Lynch. Of course if you have your sights set upon the highest office in the land then the Mary rule also applies Two woman Presidents = two Marys. Our current Uachtaran Mary McAleese and in my opinion the greatest Mary of them all - Mary Robinson. Our current of political Marys have many admirable predecessors in Irish history. Polticians, leaders, scientists and aviators – there really is something about these Marys.

Mary Hayden (1862-1942) educated at the Royal University

of Ireland and later appointed Junior Fellow in English in 1895 where she campaigned for women’s rights in the university. She became a member of the senate of the National University of Ireland and in 1911 was appointed the First Professor of History in University College, Dublin, a post she held for 27 years. She was a prominent member of the Irish Women’s Suffrage and Local Government Association and was also deeply involved in the Gaelic League. She was president of the National University Women Graduates’ Association from 1913 until 1942 and she represented them, together with the National Council of Women, in their struggle against Fianna Fáil’s attempts to limit women’s rights in the Conditions of Employment Bill (1935) and in the 1937 Constitution.

Mary MacSwiney (1872-1942) was an ardent nationalist, she joined Cumann na mBan, organised their branch in Cork City and served on the national executive. She was TD for Cork from 1921-1927 but abstained from taking her seat in Dáil Éireann as she vigorously opposed the Anglo-Irish Treaty. She was imprisoned twice during the Civil War and spent 24 days on hunger strike in Mountjoy in 1922 and 21 days on hunger strike in Kilmainham in 1923. She supported the republican cause for the rest of her life, did not join Fianna Fáil and was defeated in a general election in 1927. Mary Martin (1892-1975) born in Dublin, served as a

volunteer nurse during World War I and also during a spell in Nigeria in the 1920s. She witnessed immense pain and distress and despite her own health problems, committed herself to the relief of human suffering. In 1934 she founded the Medical Missionaries of Mary in 1936, by which time the Vatican had finally agreed to allow religious sisters train as midwives and obstetricians. Her sisters studied all branches of nursing and medicine, some qualifying as surgeons and obstetricians. She founded a training hospital at Drogheda and the Missionaries of Mary spread to 16 different countries. In 1966 she was the first woman to be made an honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

Lady Mary Heath (1896 – 1937) Born in Knockaderry

in County Limerick, Lady Mary Heath was one of the most famous women in the world in the 1920s. She became the first person, not just the first woman, to fly a small open cockpit plane from Cape Town to London starting in January and finishing in May 1928.Her epic trip from Cape Town to London was made with a Bible, a shotgun, a couple of tennis rackets, six teagowns and a fur coat, She was the first woman to make a parachute jump, and was the holder of two altitude records for light airplanes. On flying she said: “ of course a woman can fly across Africa wearing a Parisian frock and still keep her nose powdered all the way”. What a gal. So who will be the next Mary to light up the political scene? Keep your eye out during local elections this June. 31

Dear Abby Your very own agony Aunt answers all... Dear Abby, I’ve been going out with my boyfriend for two years, I didn’t realise he had a drink problem until he came home sober one night. Yours, Guilty Dear Guilty,

Dear Abby, This guy I like, acts like he likes me one day, then doesn’t the next. He will be distant to me around his girlfriend and nice to me when she is not around. Then he will act distant to me and she is not even there! It seems like it depends on what mood he is in. I am so sick of this guessing game. He knows I care about him and he shows he is interested in me. I just don’t know what the heck he is trying to tell me or whether he really is interested in me OR NOT!! I am so confused. Him and his girlfriend have an open relationship where each one can do whatever they please. Yours, Sad Dear Sad, There are things that some boys do that they enjoy but they can’t bring themselves to admit to their friends, such as riding a moped, getting their backs waxed or giving themselves a facial. It sounds like you may be in this category for the guy. Just to clarify, is his girlfriend aware she is in an ‘open’ relationship or is this his version of events? There is much to suggest this might just be his party line, subtle hints like the fact you called her his ‘girlfriend’ and the fact that he ignores you when she’s around? On the plus side there is some hope for this relationship. From what you’ve told me I’m sure you guys have a great future meeting in alleyways while his girlfriend is in the bog, furtive booty calls at the weekend cos his girlfriend has flu, him telling everyone your a tramp just to ‘throw her (the girlfriend) off the trail of your affair’ etc. Etc. What you might be noticing here is no matter what you do his GIRLFRIEND will always be there, this is mainly because she is his girlfriend, and you are not. Get over it bunny,Abby 32

I am 22 and there is this guy who is 32 who is a mature student on my couse. I fancy him like mad and we get on great. He always smells lovely, we have so much in common is so sensitive and understanding. I think he might fancy me but he told me he had never had a girlfriend before. What should I do? Yours, Confused Dear Confused, I feel that this guy has already told you how he felt and you chose to ignore it because your some kind of special person. So here goes: Its great when you meet a man who smells good, is so sensitive and so understanding. He doesn’t fancy you. Get over it Yours, Abby

This is a work of fiction and any resemblance between the characters and persons living or dead is purely coincidental, a little scary and more than a little unfortunate. The author shall not be responsible for any damages or loss of earnings arising from the ability or the inability to understand the humour in this article. Some assembly may be required. Do not read while operating a motor vechicle or heavy equipment.Keep away from small children.

Don’t feel bad, this happens a lot in modern day Ireland, more than one would imagine. I think the big thing here is: Does his drunkness matter? If it does may I suggest you join in? Have you heard the expression fight fire with fire? Well this expression is paramount in this situation. If you find his sobriety to be nerve-wearing why not get drunk yourself? If you enjoy his drunkeness why not ensure some fun filled activites to ensure his inebriation, liking making all of his beverages ‘Irish’ or adding an alcoholic element to some more tradityional games like ‘alco-twister’ or ‘rum-opoly’? Relationships are all about compromise, no more so when it comes to drink. Yours, Abby

Dear Abby,

DITSU S HITZU S Compiling AYS: your

magazine can b can get is greatly aep ruff work! All preciated If you fan . c ever youywwriting some arti c le ant. Then get in tous, about whatch with us Or maybe . y your latesou run a club or so t news. Th is is YOUcRiety, send us on magazine ! toast@dits u.ie the help I

SO THE “DRINK” MADE YOU…ACT A BIT CRAZY? TEXT YOUR EX? CRY OR TURN INTO A SUPER-FLIRT? ... THINK AGAIN The reality, according to the new drinkaware.ie booze myths campaign, is that all booze contained in every alcoholic drink is pretty much the same stuff. Whether it’s beer, wine or spirits, it is really just ethanol with some flavourings. So if you think ‘gin makes you cry?’ and ‘whiskey makes you frisky?’ Then it probably will. The fact is that if you expect to react in a certain way to a certain alcoholic drink, you will, even though all alcohol is pretty much the same. Studies have been conducted where volunteers were told they were being given free booze while in fact half of them were being given alcohol-free substitutes that simply had alcohol rubbed on the rim of the glass, duping them into thinking they too were drinking alcohol. 80% of ‘sober’ volunteers who thought they were drinking free booze started acting like they were drunk; talking loudly, staggering, feeling dizzy and slurring their speech. Each of these ‘sober’ volunteers would have passed a breathalyzer test. But because they thought they were drinking free alcohol and getting drunk, they acted like they were drunk. And if you think he/she looks better after a few pints – you’re probably right too. However, the illusion may be temporary! Researchers at the University of Manchester have worked out a formula to explain why a few pints can turn that ‘nottie’ into a ‘hottie’. According to scientists from the Department of Clinical Optometry, all you need to know is how much you’ve drunk (An), the level of light in the room (L) and if its smoky (S), how good your vision (Vo) is plus the distance (d) between you and the potential object of desire. If you have nothing better to do, here’s the formula:

A low score rates at having very little effect at all. But once you get a factor of 50 you start bringing sexy back, while new numbers in the 90s have the capability to produce visions of super models.

For those with something better to do, remember that just one drinking session can result in the most embarrassing and mortifying memories. For each pint you drink you have more chance of falling victim to the beer goggles effect. Add a slippery nipple or two and you’ll be waking up next to a face you will spend the next few years trying to forget! We all have them, our boozey beliefs, with some even more widely believed than others. Is your one golden rule ‘never mix your drinks’? Well, as we said ‘booze is booze’. The booze in every alcoholic drink is pretty much the same stuff - so it’s not the number of different types of drinks that will land you with a whopper of a hangover, it’s the number of drinks, full stop. Next time you’re nursing a hangover, watching Dr. Phil and blaming the drink for those embarrassing flashbacks it may be time to consider that it is not the drink that’s the problem but how much you are actually drinking.

Log onto to drinkaware.ie to uncover our Top Ten Booze Myths and for a chance to win Myth Buster prizes including; Carlsberg Comedy Tickets, Heineken Green Energy tickets, MTV goodie bags and mobile phones