Your Union: Your Magazine
Election Special
SHOUT R E D U LO : T I D N THA VOTE.
DITSU.IE - your on-line Student Hub TOAST Magazine Volume 04: Issue 04 March 2012
Your Union: Your Magazine
EDITORIAL The SU Elections turnout has been growing over the last few years and this year we hope it will be bigger, because it is vital you have strong representatives in the Students Union. Next year, more than ever, your voice needs to be heard in DIT, so read on, visit ditsu.ie and talk to the candidates when you see them canvassing. This year you will be voting for the new President, VP Academic & Student Affairs and VP Services & Trading as well as a Class Rep Convenor for each campus– (a fellow student who is a part time officer) and you also will be asked whether you support the proposal to amend the constitution. This is an important referendum so make sure you read Ciaran’s explanation on page 02. On March 13 and 14th, check out all your options and vote for the people you want to take over when Ciarán, David and Eric & the 6 current convenors pass the baton in July. Finally – just to add that the excitement is building and there are lots of plans afoot for RAG Week 2012 so make sure you do one at least one thing in the week and help us raise and give lots of money for the Ross Nugent Foundation. So, mark March 26 -30 in the diary, get stuck in and let’s show this town the real meaning of RAG – DIT Style. On a personal note, this is my last editorial as I will have left DITSU by the time you are reading this. I’ve had a fantastic time working here over the last six years and want to take this opportunity to say thank you and goodbye to you all, but especially to my colleagues in the SU – a better bunch of people you could not wish to work with.
CONTENTS 02 03 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT SABBATICAL ELECTIONS GUIDE CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT: David CANDIDATE FOR VP (ASA): SEONA CANDIDATE FOR VP (ASA): GLENN CANDIDATE FOR VP (ASA): CHRIS CANDIDATE FOR VP (S&T): ANTHONY CANDIDATE FOR VP (S&T): WILLIAM REFERENDUM GUIDE CANDIDATEs FOR CONVENOR (CBST) CANDIDATE FOR CONVENOR (AST) CANDIDATE FOR CONVENOR (BST) CANDIDATE FOR CONVENOR (KST) CANDIDATE FOR CONVENOR (MSQ) CANDIDATE FOR CONVENOR (RATH)
THE TEAM EDITOR: MAIREAD BUTLER SUB EDITOR: EVE DONNELLY COVER ART & DESIGN: EDDIE CORR
CONTACTS GENERAL: TOAST@DITSU.IE ADVERTS: design@DITSU.IE DESIGN: DESIGN@DITSU.IE
SMALL PRINT
All rights reserved. the entire content is copyright ditsu. ltd., and cannot be reproduced in whole, or in part, without written permission. Views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily shared by DIT STUDENTS UNION.
MAIREAD
DITSU.IE - your on-line Student Hub Get in touch! This is your magazine- and we want you involved: Email toast@ditsu.ie with your ideas!
Your Union: Your Constitution
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT, CIARÁN:
What is the question? Basically, the question is whether you want to accept the proposed constitution or just keep the current one. So, if the proposed DIT Students’ Union draft Constitution 2012 is a re-interpretation of what the Students’ Union is – the question is whether you think that re-interpretation is accurate.
Why ask the question? The DITSU Governing Council expressed a desire to review the current constitution, in light of many significant changes that have taken place in DIT, in higher education, and in the economy. Thus, a review process took place and the Constitutional Review Group produced a draft Constitution, which was put before the Governing Council. The Governing Council then referred the question, on whether to accept the draft, to all students by way of a referendum.
If I vote yes, what will change?
Lately, you may have heard talk of a new constitution, or a referendum, or major changes to your Union. Below is a basic guide to what all this talk is about. What is a constitution? A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which an organization is governed. These rules together make up, i.e. constitute, what the entity is. When these principles are written down into a single or set of legal documents, those documents may be said to comprise a written constitution. So in effect, the DIT Students’ Union draft Constitution 2012 is a re-interpretation of what the Students’ Union is, and how it should operate.
What is a referendum? A referendum is a vote on a specific question that is referred to the general student membership for a direct decision. There are a number of significant changes, and we encourage everyone to become as informed as possible in the run up to the referendum, due to take place on the 13th and 14th of March – at the same time as the Students’ Union Elections.
There will be a number of substantial changes to the structure of the Union, how it operates, and how it is held accountable. It is the view of the Governing Council: • • • • •
That the proposed constitution is simpler and more accessible. There will be a Postgraduate Officer and an additional Vice President – giving you greater representation. The Governing Council will become the Student Council and will be radically overhauled. There will be College Student Forums – open to all students. There will be a Deputy President – to cover for when the President is not around.
These are just some of the changes, but you can view a more complete overview here: http://ditsuconstitution. wordpress.com/overview/
Who supports the proposed Constitution? Your Governing Council – Unanimous support. Your Elected Officers – Unanimous support. Your President – As President, reform of the Union was a high priority for me. I firmly believe that the proposed document will lead to a stronger Union. I encourage you to vote Yes to a more effective, more representative Union. Yours Sincerely,
Ciarán Nevin
Get yourself informed: Visit ditsu.ie or ditsuconstitution.wordpress.com for more detailed information on the proposed new constitution.
SABBATICAL ELECTIONS GUIDE:
pres_ballot2012_print.pdf
23/02/2012
11:24:07
The term ‘Sabbatical’ describes a student who takes a year out of college to hold an elected office in the Students’ Union. The sabbatical officer sits on all committees of the DIT for a whole year representing YOU so it’s important that you vote. There are three full-time paid elected offices in the DIT Students’ Union, as per the Constitution of the Students’ Union. These are President, Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs and Vice President for Services & Trading. You will find details of all the candidates on the following pages. Below are pictured the Ballot Papers as you will see them when you vote.
THE BALLOT PAPERS: BALLOT DATES
Tuesday 13th March 2012 Wednesday 14th March 2012
When you vote you will be given the 3 Ballot Papers below. ELECTIONS 2012 They correspond to each of the Sabbatical positions available.
(You will also be given 1 Ballot Paper for your local Class REP Convenor and 1 Ballot Paper for the Constitutional Referendum) DITSU STAMP
PRESIDENT
C
M
Please indicate your preference in order 1,2
Y
CM
CY
CMY
Re-Open Nominations
K
vp_asa_ballot2012_print.pdf
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11:23:22
BALLOT DATES
Tuesday 13th March 2012 Wednesday 14th March 2012
David
KEOGAN
SU PRESIDENT: The President represents the student membership at college, local and national level. They also oversee the Chief Operations and Communications Departments, liaising with the SU staff, negotiating with DIT, politicians, businesses and other Unions & working on improvements in DIT and the Union itself.
MY
R.O.N
ELECTIONS 2012
Write ‘1’ in the box for your first choice, ‘2’ in the box for your second choice.
DITSU STAMP C
M
VICE PRESIDENT (Academic & Student Affairs) Please indicate your preference in order 1,2,3,4
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
Re-Open Nominations
K
vp_st_ballot2012_print.pdf
23/02/2012
BALLOTSeóna DATES
Tuesday 13th March 2012 th DUNNE March 2012 Wednesday 14
11:22:38
Glenn
FITZPATRICK
Chris
MORLEY
R.O.N
ELECTIONS 2012
[ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS]
The Vice President (ASA) represents the student membership and deals with all educational matters, including course problems, lecturing standards and exam appeals. S/he is also responsible for non-educational aspects of student life, such as accommodation issues, part time employment and health matters. Write ‘1’ in the box for your first choice, ‘2’ in the box for your second choice and so on.
DITSU STAMP C
M
Y
CM
VICE PRESIDENT (Services & Trading) Please indicate your preference in order 1,2,3
MY
CY
CMY
Re-Open Nominations
K
Anthony
HANDIBODE
William
MEARA
R.O.N
[SERVICES & TRADING]
The Vice President (S&T) represents the student membership and deals with all Students’ Union social activities, DIT sports, DIT Clubs and DIT Societies. S/he also represents all students within DIT in regard to commercial activities and facilities, such as shops, libraries & canteens and DIT building facilities & maintenance Write ‘1’ in the box for your first choice, ‘2’ in the box for your second choice and so on.
DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012 CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF: SU PRESIDENT
Candidate for the position of:
SU PRESIDENT
David
KEOGAN “By voting for me and in large numbers, you are telling the DIT that the students’ voice is strong and has to be listened too. Only then will they see that the students are not soft targets and will fight to maintain their services.”
Manifesto for Election:
David Keogan wants to be your Students’ Union President. This Manifesto outlines what a President does, what David will endeavour to do as your President and why he is best suited to hit the ground running, if elected. The DIT is getting less money and you are paying more. That is the long and short of it. You need a strong voice, with your interests and your interests only in mind, to achieve what’s best for you in the DIT. This voice needs to be informed, it needs to be effective with its time and it needs to have the support in order to ensure the DIT are to give you value for your money. The voice that David is talking about is the DIT Students’ Union. DITSU represents all of you and works to make sure your best interests are top of the priority list of everyone in DIT.
She/he develops the strategy for DITSU: • How DITSU communicates with the you. • What services DITSU provides to you and how. • How DITSU works with the DIT to get the most for you.
d i v a D
Represents you nationally through USI
What David will endeavour to do as DITSU President: As your SU President, David wants to: • Make sure that the money that you are paying is spent for you, by pushing your views to the top of the DIT’s priority list. • Do all in his power to ensure that an open line of communication remains between the upper levels of the DIT and DITSU, so the student voice is heard at the heart of decision making levels. • Implement new and innovative ways of communicating with you • Maintain pressure on USI to work in the best interest of DIT Students and use them to make college life for you as good as it can be.
N A G KEO
What the President Does?
The President is the head of this voice. • Leader of the Elected Officers of the SU (called CPIT)
She/he is the spokesperson of the Students’ Union • Gathers the relevant information. • Develops a standpoint or position with CPIT. • Delivers this standpoint to DIT and/or Nationally.
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POLLING DAYS: MARCH 13 & 14 YOUR VOTE: YOUR VOICE
Why David will be able to deliver: David is best able to deliver on these points because he has the experience in being the current Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs in DITSU. David has the experience in dealing with the DIT: • He has experienced the bureaucratic mess that is DIT as Vice President and I now have a better idea how to navigate through it • From my close workings with the President and the other VP, he now has a better idea which forums are best to raise a whole range of issues. David has ran information campaigns and over-saw the class rep system: • He recognises the benefits and challenges the current communication strategy has. • He is developing how best to gather information from you. David has been part of the constitution review process and the drafting of the proposed new one.
Who is David Keogan? I am currently your DITSU Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (Education and Welfare).After being elected by you last year, I have spent since July ensuring that your voice is heard at all levels of the DIT in all things relating to your course and general welfare. I have ran campaigns like Feel Good Fortnight and SHAG Week to give you the confidence in sex and information on sexual, mental, physical and nutritional health, exams and feedback. Before taking up that post, I finished an Engineering Degree in Bolton St, running the Karting Club for a few years. I’m a culchie from Cavan, but don’t hold that against me, and enjoy long walks on the beach and a nice pint of the black stuff. As I said in my last manifesto, I was raised a farmer, so I am not afraid of working all the hours in the day to make the most of my term of president.
David Keogan for President: The stronger and more determined the voice is, the more likely the DIT will listen to it. Now, more than ever, you need a strong voice, because when money is tight, the DIT needs to know that you are not a soft target. With the experience David has gained in his current role in the Students’ Union as part of a very strong team, he knows that he is in an excellent position to act on these ideas very quickly. He is determined to do what’s best for you, the students of DIT. David would love the opportunity to be head of the voice that, as President, will strive to: • Get informed by communicating with you • Get what you need done. • Ensure the issues and services that you need are there for you • Lobby the DIT constantly, to make them listen and to prioritise your views. Vote Keogan for DITSU President and get the Voice that You Need and Deserve!!! Any questions or comments to keogan4president@gmail.com Yours Sincerely,
David Keogan
Q&A we ask the important questions, so you don’t have to: If you were a biscuit, what sandwich would you be? Ginger nut. The strongest and most resistant one for a cup of tea! What’s the best thing about DIT? The student organisations. We produce the best Clubs, Societies and Students’ Union in the country despite the facilities and scattered nature of DIT. And your biggest gripe about DIT? The amount of meetings and committees that are in DIT, which make it increasingly difficult to make any changes. Favourite joke? What is the difference between Mechanical Engineers and Civil Engineers? Mechanical Engineers build weapons. Civil Engineers build targets.
DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012
CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF: SU VICE PRESIDENT (ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS)
Candidate for the position of:
SU VICE PRESIDENT [ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS]
Seóna
DUNNE “I know of the hard work that is involved in this demanding role and I am ready for it! I have the passion, dedication, enthusiasm, realistic goals and above all experience that allows me to be the best Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs that the students of DIT deserve.” Manifesto for Election: SEÓNA DUNNE, that’s me! Studying in DIT Cathal Brugha Street in my final year of Nutraceuticals for Health and Nutrition , DT420/4 (I know, nutra what??). I am passionate, hardworking, dedicated, enthusiastic and am ALL about STUDENT NEEDS. I’ve a lot DUNNE & will DO MORE for YOU when I am elected as YOUR Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.
My DITSU story so far: • • •
EDUCATION: You want RESULTS, Get the Study DUNNE “Create”: ‘Where to next?’ I will create a campaign for ALL STUDENTS when thinking about life beyond College. “Create”- ‘Information & Leg-Up’ Campaigns and workshops for students to explore their options, to include workshops & info on CV & Interview prep., further study in Ireland and/or abroad, graduate internships in Ireland & Further Afield. “Create”- ‘Trading Point’ Establish an online ‘Trading Point’ on www.ditsu.ie for students to ‘Buy & Sell’ any & all college materials. “Create”- ‘Back to Education’ Seminars for mature students at the start of year to help them cope and succeed with coming back to college and the pressures associated. “Improve”- ‘Grindsfile’ The online resource on www.ditsu.ie/grindsfile “Motivation”- ‘Re-fresher course’ At the start of Semester 2, to get ALL Class Reps and Governing Councillors working for you, ALL YEAR ROUND!
E N N U D
Through the active role I took in these positions I know that I have gained considerable knowledge and experience which has given me a better understanding of the Academic & Student Affairs role. “I know what works and what doesn’t.” 6
The job I will do for YOU primarily covers two areas, YOUR Education & YOUR Welfare.
a n ó Se
Class Rep Convenor – Cathal Brugha Street Class Rep Chairperson Academic & Student Affairs Committee • Inductions Crew • Governing Councillor • Constitution Review Committee ***Not forgetting.....I Represented YOU at USI National Congress 09’, 10’, 11’, Winning Best Large Delegation Every year!***
My Experience:
What I’ll do for You:
POLLING DAYS: MARCH 13 & 14 YOUR VOTE: YOUR VOICE
“Fight” – ‘Cuts’ Continue to fight against cuts to the library budget, work towards increased quiet and informal learning spaces, allowing YOU to get the best results! “Ensure” – ‘Online Resources’ Ensuring that all lecture notes are available to YOU on webcourses, making academic life that bit easier. WELFARE: When the Study is DUNNE, Are YOU OK? “Create”- ‘Love your Body Campaign’ The aim of this is to promote positive body image. Through this campaign I would like to highlight issues such as Healthy Eating, Eating Disorders, Physical Health (exercises at home) and alcohol awareness. “Create”- ‘Healthy Home College Dinners’ When exam time comes around, students haven’t got time to shop, so DITSU will bring the shop to you. This system would involve offering students a fresh meal deal package where they can buy four meals a week which include meat and vegetables for €10 available to buy on DIT Campus’. This allows students to have a healthier meal at stressful times. “Create”- ‘How To Guide for Students’, A guide for all students to include info & tips on living in Dublin City, Passing exams, Making the most out of College Life and Living on a Budget. “Continue”- ‘Addictions Campaign’ The Huge amounts of work done & continue all the efforts. I believe that a campus wide ‘Addictions Campaign’ should take place. I really feel this would be beneficial to students suffering and those who know of someone who is suffering or affected by addiction, be it alcohol, drugs, gambling whatever.
Q&A we ask the important questions, so you don’t have to: If you were a biscuit, what buscuit would you be? I would be “Sea Biscuit” (a very successful racehorse): sleek, beautiful, noble and undefeated! What’s the best thing about DIT? The community spirit on each individual site and the sense of pride we all have of being in DIT when we are against any other college. And your biggest gripe about DIT? The ridiculous levels you have to go to in order to get something done; something as simple as putting a lock on a door or fixing a blind Favourite joke?
Financial Matters: Now, more than ever it is more expensive for students in College & live the College lifestyle. We all need to be “cutting our cloth according to its measure”. “Highlight”- ‘Financial support’ All financial assistance available to students at the start of the year “Create”- ‘Job Boards’ On each individual site, maintain & update them throughout the year with part-time jobs. “Create”- ‘Living on a Budget Booklet’ A diary guide to allow students to budget appropriately. “Highlight”- ‘Mature needs’ Draw awareness to the childcare assistance fund, computer skills class and info on how to cope with college life when youthful exuberance isn’t enough!!
Let’s get the job DUNNE together! Vote #1 for me when you take to the Ballot Box this March 13/14! Yours Sincerely,
Seóna Dunne
I couldn’t remember any of my favourites but I came across this one and it made me lol! : A duck walks in a bar and asks, “Have you got any bread?” “No!”, says the barman. “Have you got any bread?”, asks the duck “No!”, says the barman. “Have you got any bread?”, asks the duck “No!”, says the barman. “Have you got any bread?”, asks the duck “Ask that again and I’ll nail you to this wall you damm duck!!”, says the barman. “Have you got any nails?”, says the duck “No!”, says the barman. “Have you got any bread?”, asks the duck.
DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012
CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF: SU VICE PRESIDENT (ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS)
Candidate for the position of:
SU VICE PRESIDENT [ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS]
Glenn
FITZPATRICK “A vote for Glenn Fitzpatrick is a vote for stronger representation and for a proven track record. It’s a vote for an experienced candidate who cares about your education and believes in your future.” Manifesto for Election: About Glenn:
Glenn has spent much of his time as a student getting involved in efforts to make DIT more student friendly. Glenn is outspoken, self-motivated and extremely passionate about the safeguarding education and welfare. That’s why Glenn wants to be your Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs. DIT Students Union is there to represent the students and only the students. This role is directly linked to this responsibility, as outlined in the constitution. Glenn is a true believer in education as the absolute key to allowing people participate fully in society. DIT needs a strong presence in this role. Glenn will bring great commitment, drive and passion to this job. Looking out for the welfare of students is naturally linked to their education. Without welfare, there is no stable platform for learning. Your student union needs to ensure that students get the very best out the years they spend in DIT. Times are tough and increasingly, student welfare is coming under threat from more and more sources. Glenn will be there to help students to overcome whatever obstacles life throws at them. An officer in charge of the welfare and education of students
should be approachable, friendly, professional and dependable. Glenn Fitzpatrick is the best person for the job so #giveglenn1 on March 13th & 14th.
Reasons to Give Glenn 1: Your voice should be heard – Glenn as Class Rep Convenor this year ensured that the first class rep meeting in Aungier St. had the highest attendance figures ever in DITSU. Also, there were a record number of nominations in for Governing Council. Glenn knows what it takes to maintain a ground-up organization where students are included at every level and can exercise real power in their union. Glenn wants to cut through the bull - Students often don’t complain because they don’t know their rights. Some are worried that lecturers will take it out on them when assessing their work. This cannot continue. There are rules set out in the DIT General Assessment Regulations and Student Charter which. These are documents which only 30 students out of the 300 that Glenn asked actually knew existed. What’s worse is that these documents are lengthy and jargon ridden. This information should be provided in an easily digestible manner. Glenn wants to highlight the difficulties in the transition from 2nd to 3rd level – Students coming
Glenn
K C I R T A P Z T FI
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POLLING DAYS: MARCH 13 & 14 YOUR VOTE: YOUR VOICE
into Higher Education for the first time are often ill-prepared to deal with the differences. DIT needs to be more understanding and accommodating of this. Glenn wants to tackle mental health head on - College is full of challenges and at that, not always exciting ones. A survey carried out by College Lifestyle and Attitudinal National (CLAN) in 2005 found that financial matters, studies, relationships and living situations all contribute to higher levels of stress. Your students union needs to ensure that its members can cope with these challenges by continuing to run relevant information campaigns. Glenn has a proven track record in fighting for higher standards within DIT - Many final year students have to do a dissertation as part of their degree. Unfortunately, not all are happy with the standard of communication and guidance they receive from their supervisors. This is unacceptable. There should be strict regulations as to how supervision is conducted. Glenn has succeeded in ensuring that your union is fighting on your behalf for better thesis and dissertation supervision standards.
Q&A we ask the important questions, so you don’t have to: If you were a biscuit, what buscuit would you be? Lionel Rich Tea, because it’s me you’re looking for! What’s the best thing about DIT?
Who Is Glenn? • • • • • • • • • •
21, born in Dublin, living in Wicklow, still single and yes, I was on Take Me Out! Student Representative for 3 years Current Class Rep Convenor for Aungier St. Final year Media Arts student. Co-founder of GigSoc in 2008 and DIT Labour Youth in 2009. Writer for DIT News, teaandtoast.ie and backpagefootball.com. DJ on DIT FM. Carried out Aungier St. canteen satisfaction survey in 2011. Singer and bassist with two bands. Has spoken at national level conferences on topics such as student affairs, human rights, media diversity and workers rights.
On March 13th and 14th 2012, you, the DIT student will be asked to choose a new Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs. Be sure to vote Glenn Fitzpatrick #1. For photos, videos, updates and more, visit: facebook.com/giveglenn1 or www.glennfitz.com Yours Sincerely,
Glenn Fitzpatrick
As with any life experience, you will rate it based on who you meet. I’ve been very fortunate to make some great friends during my time here. And your biggest gripe about DIT? In your opinion, what’s the biggest gripe about DIT? - The sporadic nature of DIT. No one really buys into this ‘City is our Campus’ rubbish. Favourite joke? A G N B: That’s bang out of order.
DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012
CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF: SU VICE PRESIDENT (ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS)
Candidate for the position of:
SU VICE PRESIDENT [ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS]
Chris
MORLEY “The Academic and Student Affairs position is one of the most timeconsuming and difficult roles for a student representative, while at the same time the most rewarding. I know that with the experience I have gained in my 8 years of college I am the best person for the job!” Manifesto for Election:
Relevant Experience:
Who Am I and Reasons for Running:
• •
My name is Christopher Patrick Morley. I am 27 and in my final year of Tourism Marketing (DT412/4) in DIT Cathal Brugha Street and I am running for Vice-President, Academic and Student Affairs. This role represents the students from the whole of DIT when it comes to Academic (Education) and Student Affairs (Welfare) issues. The Academic and Student Affairs position is one of the most time-consuming and difficult roles for a student representative, while at the same time the most rewarding. I know that with the experience I have gained in my 8 years of college that this is the role for me and I am the best person for the job! I can bring something new to the role. Not alone my experience in Welfare, but also my experience in events & marketing and my life experience. This will help me to promote campaigns better and in ways they have not been done before. I will be a personable Vice-President and put a friendly face to the role. I will be someone that sits down with you and has a cuppa with you and lets you put the talk in to the tea, someone who listens to your problems and helps you or gets you the help you need. I want to be the person that other students come to when they want someone to listen to them no matter what their problem is and no matter who they are.
Class Rep in I.T Sligo IT 2004 -2008. I was involved in two successful presidential election campaigns in I.T. Sligo, and one successful USI presidential election. Class Rep in DIT 2010/2011 & 2011/2012 Governing Councillor 2010/2011 & 2011/2012 Current sitting Chairperson of Services & Trading Standing Committee Member of Cathal Brugha LPIT 2010/11 (Facilities) & 2011/12 (Clubs & Socs) I was involved in the Welfare Road Show in 2010, and the SHAG & RAG weeks in 2011. Involved in the preparation for and roll out of Feel Good Fortnight in 2011. Experienced in Communication - Experience with press releases, videos, digital media, and marketing though my degree in Tourism Marketing. In my 2 years studying in DIT, I have been committed to students and their welfare, having been an active member of both DITSU and various Clubs and Societies.
s i r h C • • •
Y E L R O M
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• • •
•
Who Am I and Reasons for Running: The following are a few of the changes I want to investigate and implement as Vice-President, Academic and Student Affairs, If given the privilege by YOU to represent YOU:
POLLING DAYS: MARCH 13 & 14 YOUR VOTE: YOUR VOICE
I want to create a new campaign called Mind Your Money or M.U.M Week. It will teach students how budget their money in the hard times we are in, and it will show them ways to save as much of it as possible. . I wish to work with the incoming Vice-President Services & Trading to create a DITSU Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverage Policy, as not all students drink due to personal choice, religious or medical reasons. I plan to lobby DIT to allow and insure students that pay the ‘Student Contribution Charge, through the receipt of a grant, do not have their exam results withheld in semester 1 if their grant is not fully processed. As a Mature Student I understand the issues that affect them as they are the same issues that have affected me. I want to get more Mature and Part-time Students involved in the union so that their issues can be brought to the forefront and dealt with. While I am committed to this I will continue making sure that all sections of the student body (Full Time Students, Apprentices, Mature Students, Part-Time Students, Postgraduate Students and International Students) will have their voice heard as well. I want to bring mental health and disabilities - both academic and physical - to the forefront. For mental health I will do this by rolling out an awareness campaign in semester 1. For both academic and physical disabilities, I will be make every student aware of the help and support that DIT provides.At the same time I will be lobbying DIT to provide better access to the all DIT sites. I plan to work with and lobby DIT to provide an ATM on each D.I.T campus. I want to do this as instances of students being mugged and robbed are becoming more and more common. It will make it safer and easier for students to access their accounts. At the same time I aim to inform all DIT students of the danger (both in and out of college) and provide students with useful advice on how to improve their personal safety As part of SHAG week I hope to have sexual empowerment workshops which will help students to be more in tune with their sexuality. These workshops will also help couples become more in tune with each other. Normally the sabbatical officers are based in Aungier Street. Due to this you never see much of them. If I am elected I will endeavour to visit all sites at least one day every week, and will spend as much time as possible.
To Conclude: I want to be Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs because I am, dedicated, passionate and hard-working. I want to represent ALL the students in DIT – the Full-time Students, Apprentices, Mature Students, Part-time Students, Postgraduate Students and International Students. As a student, every single one of you is automatically a member of the DIT Student Union. It is YOUR union and you deserve committed people who will represent YOUR views and will be there to help YOU when you need it. I am one of those individuals and this is why. I know that, if elected, I will fulfill all my objectives outlined above and much more. I strongly believe that YOU, the students of DIT, deserve a Student Union best serves YOU. I know that I am the right person to ensure that this will happen. My track record and my involvement in DITSU speaks for itself. I would urge you to vote for me as Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs in the DITSU elections. I have built up very good relationships with DIT A staff and students alike over the past two years but I have also banged tables in meetings when I had to and fought always for the student. I want to bring this balance of ‘going hard on the problems, soft on the people’ to the role as you have never seen it before and to always fight for the rights and welfare of the student. I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my manifesto and hope to see you in the weeks coming up to polling day, and on March 13th & 14th REMEMBER stay calm, have some tea & vote No. 1 Chris Morley. Let him be: EVERYTHING YOU NEED HIM TO BE.
Yours Sincerely,
Chris Morley (Full Manifesto available on ditsu.ie)
Q&A we ask the important questions, so you don’t have to: If you were a biscuit, what buscuit would you be? I would be an elite Mikado because it is soft in the middle, like I will be with the students, but it has a hard base, like I will be on the problems that the students are facing, and sure, it goes great with a cup of tea. What’s the best thing about DIT? The atmosphere of solidarity amongst the students and the willingness to have a bit of craic. I was in another collage before I came to DIT and there you felt more like you were on your own if you were not part of a particular group. Whereas in DIT you don’t get that feeling at all, which is great. And your biggest gripe about DIT? The lack of feedback from lecturers and the inconsistency between the different departments and lecturers themshelves This is something I will work on changing if given the privilege by YOU to represent YOU. Favourite joke? Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn’t seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps, “My friend is dead! What can I do?” The operator says “Calm down. I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence, then a gun shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says “OK, now what?
DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012
CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF: SU VICE PRESIDENT (SERVICES & TRADING)
Candidate for the position of:
SU VICE PRESIDENT [SERVICES & TRADING]
Anthony
HANDIBODE “Vote for me for determination, experience and perseverance. In my role as class rep Convener, I’ve seen what students want and I will give it to them. I know what can be achieved and will with all my heart to do the best I can for you. ”
Manifesto for Election: Background and Experience:
Aims & Objectives:
I am back! And I am looking to be your Vice President of Services and Trading! In my 3 years I have been a committed student and actively involved in the Students Union in DIT. I have been: • Class Rep Convenor 2011/12 • Class rep for 2009-11 • Governing Councillor 2009-11 • Services and Trading Standing Committee 2 years • Grangegorman Standing Committee • Welfare Crew 3 years • Events Crew 3 years • Organised and implemented DIT and onsite events and campaigns • Have worked for an Events Promotion Company Through my experiences throughout my time I have been heavily involved in events both onsite and DIT wide. Now I want the opportunity to serve the students and to deliver bigger and better events.
FACILITIES: This year we have seen several projects that have fallen through the cracks. Refurbishment of the Gym in Kevin Street was one of these. I want to work next year to finally get this refurbished. I feel that with Grangegorman being postponed even further it will be essential to refocus priorities to other parts of DIT including the Gym and other aspects of college life like common areas, study hubs. Study space, classrooms and labs are vital for student’s education and I think that in many areas these fall short of expectation. I feel that for students to make the most of their education they should be provided with appropriate facilities. I will lobby DIT to update these facilities to better serve the needs of the students. Common areas are also important for people to unwind and take a break from work. Some common areas are in dire need of repair or refurbishment. I will work with facilities officers and convenors in the different sites to improve on current facilities next year and refurbish the Gyms to provide better services to students.
Anthony
E D O B I D HAN
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POLLING DAYS: MARCH 13 & 14 YOUR VOTE: YOUR VOICE
COMMUNICATION: I will give it my all to communicate with all students via email, text or through the Facebook. I want to provide the best service to the students as possible and with the new DITSU website on the horizon I will use this to provide students with more regular updates. I will look into the possibilities of setting up a Services and Trading page with which I will promote events and provide a forum for suggestion or feedback from students. COMPUTER LABS: I feel that the labs that are provided for students are inadequate and that efforts should be made to accommodate the needs of students in college today as the needs of students have changed. This is not necessarily getting more computers but providing facilities for students to use their laptops or wifi for work to get done. WiFi AND INTERNET:
Q&A we ask the important questions, so you don’t have to: If you were a sandwich, what sandwich would you be? Hob Nob – The Marines for the biscuit world. You dip them and they say “THAT ALL YOU GOT?”
Being a student myself I know first-hand how frustrating the WIFI and internet are. I feel that the service that is being provided is far less than sufficient and that something should be done about this. I will work with our current service provider in order to improve the quality and service that are being provided. If this cannot be achieved I will lobby the powers that are responsible for I.S. to seek a new service provider.
The students – With them there would be no DIT or DITSU and there would be no craic!
EVENTS:
In past experience, it took a long time to get things done but I will not let anything fall through the cracks and make sure things get done on time.
Events are a major part of the role of Services and Trading and I seek to bring Bigger and Better events to the students of DIT. There are many courses, Clubs and Societies in DIT that I will work with to provide better themed nights and expand the student base that would normally attend these nights. I will work with the colleges local pubs to have more regular smaller events for students and to provide students with opportunities to hold their own nights and events. There are some events I would like to introduce myself including, Mobsters Cabaret, Frat and Sorority party, RAG circus/carnival. Also I would like to bring back things such as the RAG Magazine which used to be an outlet for the separate colleges to advertise what was happening during RAG week, but I would expand it to go all through the year. These are but a few ideas that I have in store. VOTE HANDIBODE # 1 DIT and DITSU have faced some hard times over the last year but these hardships are going to continue. I will fight with all my heart to achieve our goals over the next year. I personally believe the best candidate to fill this position is a person who has been involved in the issues that affect students today. I believe I am that person! I will go above and beyond the call of duty to serve your needs and to fight for you!. Yours Sincerely,
Anthony Handibode
What’s the best thing about DIT?
And your biggest gripe about DIT?
Favourite joke? I saw 6 men kicking and punching the mother in-law. My neighbour said, “Aren’t you going to help?” I said “no, 6 should be enough”.
DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012
CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF: SU VICE PRESIDENT (SERVICES & TRADING)
Candidate for the position of:
SU VICE PRESIDENT [SERVICES & TRADING]
William
MEARA “I’m motivated and passionate to get the best for you as a student of DIT. Highly involved in student life and know I will be the one to make a change. DIT Ball, Events Magazine, Spring Break Event, Better Shops and Weekly Events!”
Manifesto for Election: Background and Experience:
Aims & Objectives:
Hi! My name is William Meara and I am running for Vice President of Services and Trading. I am a highly proactive final year student studying an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I have long been involved with societies and hold position as Chairperson of DIT Engineering Society. I have a lot of experience in running events due to this. I am a fresh face in the Students Union, allowing me to hold the perspective of an outsider and the work that needs to be done to appeal/involve the student body. I am highly motivated and can manage immense workloads with ease. • Final year student, Mechanical Engineering, Bolton St. • Active member of student recruitment • Founder and Chairperson of DIT Engineering Soc. • Awarded Most Improved Northside Society 10/11 • Part of Welfare Crew • DIT Northside Societies and Events Committee • Previous Class Rep • Volunteer for many charities: Wells for Zoe, Movember, Enable Ireland and more • Been in 3 performing musical groups • Work closely with academic staff on course issues.
Through my four years as a student in DIT, I have experienced and identified the following issues that I will address: 1) Lack of events and student participation: • The amount of events currently provided by the SU has been very low. With my event management experience, I will increase the variety, quantity and availability of events for the students of DIT. I will also carry out efficient promotion to fully immerse the students in these events. 2) Availability and standard of computers, printers: • Computers are slow, very slow. I aim to increase the speed and availability of high standard computers across campuses where this is a major concern. Queues for printers are a major issue at certain times of the year, certainly colour printers. This can lead to students missing submissions and general frustration. 3) Location and sign posting: • Many of DIT’s campuses are poorly signposted. It is impossible for the student body to find places of importance such as Societies, Sports, SU Shops and Student Union offices. I aim to eliminate this problem.
m a i l l i W
A R A ME
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POLLING DAYS: MARCH 13 & 14 YOUR VOTE: YOUR VOICE
4) Poor academic communication (enforcement of feedback Q6!): • Feedback from students expressed to staff is rarely readdressed and opportunities to amend these problems become overlooked. I will enforce the importance and obligation of staff to address student feedback. 5) Availability of Library Services: • Opening hours of the Library service in DIT have declined in recent years. Students are unable to access this necessary service on Sundays and for the most part of Saturdays when students may need it most. This matter will be addressed via the appropriate bodies. 6) Availability of health, counselling and career services: • These are the services you pay for and are essential to many of the students in DIT. Opening hours and knowledge of these services are their downfall. I will increase student awareness and accessibility of these services. 7) Availability of course related material from home: • Webcourses is a useful tool used in DIT to allow student access to course related material off campus. This service is underused by academic staff to the student’s disadvantage. 8) Communications from exams office: • The exams office currently do not provide a service where they are obliged to update students of any alterations made to exam timetables after initial release. I will consult the exam board and make this a priority. 9) Working water fountains: • Every student in DIT should be able to access drinking water. Currently the water fountains are broken, un-cleaned and extremely slow. I will fix this problem at all costs. 10) Variety of stationary for students available from SU Shops: • A lot of the stationary needs for students are currently met off campus. I will increase the variety of the stationary available at low cost in our SU shops. Binding, drawing equipment and other course relevant necessities.
In Conclusion: As a person with exceptional communication skills, I will transform the position into a very approachable and engaging one. This will be done by carrying out regular class addresses to involve the student body in all relevant matters and publically advertise my availability/presence. I will do everything possible to ensure I deliver on my promise and will not disappoint.
Vote William Meara No. 1 as Vice President for Services and Trading Yours Sincerely,
William Meara
Q&A we ask the important questions, so you don’t have to: If you were a sandwich, what sandwich would you be? Jaffa Cake, controversial I know. Is it a cake or a biscuit. Regardless, they’re amazing. Smooth and easy going with an exciting centre. The chocolate covers everything, just the biscuit/(cake) to represent me. What’s the best thing about DIT? Student Involvement with societies, clubs and the students union. Gives us something to be passionate about and express ourselves while developing skills you won’t get in any lecture. The opportunities are endless and give you a drive like no other. And your biggest gripe about DIT? Too spread out! This spreads the colleges resources very thin and allows for less flexibility in the college. A disadvantage to every single student. Grangegorman being postponed doesn’t help either. Lack of SU events. Favourite joke? A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says: “That’s the ugliest baby that I’ve ever seen. Ugh!” The woman goes to the rear of the bus and sits down, fuming. She says to a man next to her: “The driver just insulted me!” The man says: “You go right up there and tell him off – go ahead, I’ll hold your monkey for you.”
DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012
INFORMATION FOR THE VOTE ON: DITSU CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM
DITSU CONSTITUTIONAL
REFERENDUM:
DIT Students’ Union agreed on the 15th February to call a Referendum “to give the student body an opportunity to12:16:26 vote on the future constitutional and operational structure of their Union”. referendum_ballot2012_print.pdf 28/02/2012 This is what you will be voting on with this Ballot Paper. Have a read of the explaination Ciarán gives on page 02 and make sure you make an informed choice.
BALLOT DATES
Tuesday 13th March 2012 Wednesday 14th March 2012
THE BALLOT PAPER:
CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM 2012
All students will recieve this Ballot Paper. With this Ballot you will casting your vote on whether or not you support the new DITSU Constitution. (You will also be given 3 Ballot Papers for the Sabbatical Positions and 1 Ballot Paper for your local Class REP Convenor)
Tick ONE box only, indicating whether you support or reject the proposed Constitution. DITSU STAMP
CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM
C
M
Please tick ONE BOX only.
Y
CM
The DIT Students’ Union Governing Council agreed on the 15th February 2012, to call a constitutional referendum “… to give the student body an opportunity to vote on the future constitutional and operational structure of their Students’ Union”. This proposal involves the introduction of a new Constitution for the Students’ Union, which must be approved by a vote of the general membership of the Union.
MY
CY
CMY
K
Do you support the new DITSU Constitution and endorse the proposed structural changes? YES I approve the above proposal. NO I do not approve the above proposal.
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DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012
INFORMATION FOR THE POSITION OF: SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [CATHAL BRUGHA ST.]
CLASS REP CONVENOR
CATHAL BRUGHA ST.: The Class REP Convenor for Cathal Brugha St. is responsible for chairing all Class REP meetings and the LPIT (who have input in running local events and campaigns). They are the main point of con_cbst_ballot2012_print.pdf 23/02/2012 11:21:06 contact for any local site related issues. They also work closely with the other Convenors and Sabbaticals to co-ordinate the Unions activities. It is a part-time paid position.
BALLOT DATES
Tuesday 13th March 2012 Wednesday 14th March 2012
THE BALLOT PAPER:
ELECTIONS 2012
Students registered in Cathal Brugha St. will recieve this Ballot Paper. With this Ballot you will casting your vote for the Class REP Convenor on your site.
(You will also be given 3 Ballot Papers for the Sabbatical Positions 1 Ballot Paper for the Constitutional Referendum)
Write ‘1’ in the box for your first choice, ‘2’ in the box for your second choice and so on. DITSU STAMP C
M
Y
CM
CLASS REP CONVENOR (Cathal Brugha St.) Please indicate your preference in order 1,2,3
MY
CY
CMY
Re-Open Nominations
K
Ian
MONKS
Stephen
POWER
R.O.N
DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012
CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF: SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [CATHAL BRUGHA ST.]
Candidate for the position of:
SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [CATHAL BRUGHA STREET]
Ian
MONKS “I have been heavily involved in events, sat on Governing Council and represented students for years. I’m also very personable and feel this is hugely important for the role. I know I am the best person for the job!”
Why Vote for Ian: I am the type of person who never gives in. I’m stubborn by nature which will hopefully make your lives easier as I won’t give up until I have the job done! I am also good fun. I love organizing nights out and I love going on them even more! I have a wealth of experience gained from being a Class Rep, sitting on Governing Council as well as general involvement in the Students Union. I will be recruiting a strong LPIT who can help me with specific issues and also deal closely with the Vice Presidents to deal with the bigger issues. Main thing is, my door will always be open and if you see me walking down the corridor, stop for a chat!
Manifesto for Election:
Vote Ian Number 1!
Introduction:
Yours Sincerely,
Hi there! My name is Ian Monks. I am in my third year of a four year course, International Hospitality Management in Cathal Brugha Street. Since coming to DIT, I have been a Class Representative as well as a Governing Councillor. I have been very much involved in events around the Cathal Brugha Street site and am hugely involved in the Students Union. In short, my friends would call me head-strong, annoyingly convincing and a good laugh!
Aims & Objectives: Class Rep Recruitment – Having represented my own class over the past three years, I am very conscious of the need for a link between the students and their union. One of the most important things in my eyes is that all students are heard and represented. How else are we to improve and tackle the issues in the college? I will look at bringing the number of class rep’s involved as high as it can be for full time and also part time classes. There is no more important issue than communication between the students and the students union. I will work closely with the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs to deal with the student problems at hand. Facilities – As I am sure most of you are aware, many parts of our campus are in desperate need of some work. Notable issues are the lift in CBST, windows in classrooms and the couches in the SU. I will endeavour to work at bettering these issues dealing closely with the Vice President of Services and Trading. Events – Over my time as a Class Representative I have been heavily involved in the organisation of class parties, trips and motivating my class to become involved in DIT events. Cathal Brugha Street is a massive part of DIT. Our students have a great reputation as being great craic and always up for a laugh! Our college is ideally located in town (If nothing else we have the best student bar across the road from us!). I intend on upholding that reputation. I will work closely with my Class Rep’s and LPIT, but also dealing directly with students of the college to keep everyone informed with the ‘goings on’ in the Students Union, such as nights out, Freshers, RAG & SHAG weeks and many more! Awareness – I feel it is vital that all students are aware of firstly, what is happening in the Students Union and secondly that they have support on hand for them. I intend on making advertising a key element to my job. Whether it be for events or for becoming involved in the students union, every student has a right to know what is going on. Involvement is important, but we cannot have this without awareness.
18
Ian Monks
Q&A If you were a biscuit, what biscuit would you be? Toffee Pop! Strong backbone with a soft centre! What’s the best thing about DIT? The best thing about DIT is the atmosphere. You walk into the SU and you will find a group of people you know and want to sit down and chat with. It’s like a second home! And your biggest gripe about DIT? The fact that we aren’t all situated on the one campus. This means that I can’t see some of my best friends every day! If we were on the same campus there would be a heightened sense of unity. Favourite joke? So this guy walks into a bar… except it was a metal bar… like a pole… so he got hurt…
POLLING DAYS: MARCH 13 & 14
CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF: SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [CATHAL BRUGHA ST.]
Candidate for the position of:
SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [CATHAL BRUGHA STREET]
Stephen
POWER “You should vote for me as your convenor because as your convenor I will be there to address any problems that arise and make sure that Cathal Brugha Street is the most fun campus throughout the year. ”
Manifesto for Election: Relevant Experience: In my year in DIT I have been highly involved in the Student Union as well as involved in many different societies. · Class Rep for my class over the past semester. · Involved in the DITSU campaign for the USI protest against fees. · Involved in the new DIT Events Crew. · Committee member on Event Soc. · Helped run events through Bia Mall. · Helped with the organising and running the senior citizen Christmas party. · Helped in the organising the food side of the Healthy eating and nutritional campaign. · Events Officer for DIT Cathal Brugha Street. · Organised and handled the money for my Debs in 6th year.
Reasons For Running: I have a keen interest and enjoy being involved in many events throughout the college and as convener I would be responsible for organising onsite events. I also would like to be able to help people make their way through college having failed out of college myself before, so I understand the difficulties and pitfalls that effect students today and would like to help students navigate there way through college successfully and enjoy it along the way. I am also a very confident person who has no problems talking to people one to one or addressing groups, so I am comfortable discussing issues with the college faculty.
Aims & Objectives: Increase class rep participation in the day to day involvement in the Students Union both here in Cathal Brugha and in the wider Students Union by working closely with the incoming Vice Presidents as well as the new President. If elected I will also try to bring new furniture to the Students Union replacing the battered old couches which are there at the moment. This can be achieved through LPIT fund raising as well as working closely with whoever is elected as VP of Services and Trading. As events officer this year it was my job to organise onsite events. If elected convener I will try to bring more onsite events to “The Brugha” with hard work and with the incoming LPIT team. The coming year could will be packed full of onsite events. One problem I have had this year is late notice of events coming up. With increased involvement with the new events crew and the incoming events officer I intend for events to be known about around the college.
As everyone knows there are a few facilities issues around the campus I intend to tackle these issues by working with the incoming LPIT facilities officer as well as with DIT facility officer Terry Maher. I also like to greatly increase class reps involvement in the LPIT and have the 6 available slots on the LPIT to be filled. I have been highly involved in both RAG week part 1 and the upcoming RAG week as events officer and I intend to continue that hard work next year and make sure that the weeks go off with a bang and we raise loads of money for the charity. I intend to continue my involvement on the welfare side of things. I was involved in the Feel Good fortnight campaign as well as healthy eating and nutritional campaign and organising on site activates for SHAG week. With close work with the welfairies and the incoming Vice President I would like these weeks to be as a big as a success as they were this year. In closing if I am elected as Convener I will do everything in my power to address all the issues I have raised above. I will also have an open door and will be available to talk with anyone that has any problems throughout the year. Any problems arising during the year I will do my best to solve.
Yours Sincerely,
Stephen Power
Q&A If you were a biscuit, what biscuit would you be? “Sea Biscuit”: The Champion Racehorse: sleek, beautiful, noble and undefeated. What’s the best thing about DIT? I think the best thing about DIT is the friendliness of all the students and the warmth and welcoming environment you get when you enter any of the Student Union common areas. And your biggest gripe about DIT? I think my problem with DIT is the fact that I am not going to be here long enough to see Grangegorman campus. I would love to see all the sites joined together. Favourite joke? A prostitute walks into a doctor’s office pregnant. The doctor asks her “do you know who the father is?”. Prostitute asks the doctor “if I gave you a tin of beans would you know which one made you fart”.
DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012
INFORMATION FOR THE POSITION OF: SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [AUNGIER ST. & TEMPLE BAR]
CLASS REP CONVENOR
AUNGIER STREET: The Class REP Convenor for Aungier St. is responsible for chairing all Class REP meetings and the LPIT23/02/2012 (who have input in running local events and campaigns). They are the main point of contact con_ast_ballot2012_print.pdf 11:21:42 for any local site related issues. They also work closely with the other Convenors and Sabbaticals to co-ordinate the Unions activities. It is a part-time paid position.
BALLOT DATES
Tuesday 13th March 2012 Wednesday 14th March 2012
THE BALLOT PAPER:
ELECTIONS 2012
Students registered in Aungier St. will also recieve this Ballot Paper. With this Ballot you will casting your vote for the Class REP Convenor on your site.
(You will also be given 3 Ballot Papers for the Sabbatical Positions 1 Ballot Paper for the Constitutional Referendum)
Write ‘1’ in the box for your first choice, ‘2’ in the box for your second choice and so on. DITSU STAMP
CLASS REP CONVENOR (Aungier St.)
C
M
Please indicate your preference in order 1,2
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
Re-Open Nominations
K
Ellie
WALSH
20
R.O.N
POLLING DAYS: MARCH 13 & 14
CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF: SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [AUNGIER ST. & TEMPLE BAR]
Candidate for the position of:
SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [AUNGIER STREET]
Ellie
WALSH “I am and always have been passionate about representing the Student voice. I believe I have the right skills; attitude and personality to not only represent you, the students here in DIT but also to have a bit of craic along the way! ”
Manifesto for Election: Hi all! My name is Ellie Walsh. I am a Second Year Film and Broadcasting Student and I want to be your Aungier Street Class Rep Convenor for the year 2012/2013! I have been involved with DIT Students Union sonce the start of my first year on many different levels, from volunteering upwards. With that said and done, what am I going to do for you next year, you ask? My campaign is based around the following 5 main ideas:
Aims & Objectives: 1) ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOU: I believe that DIT Students should be getting a lot more from the Union in regards to events & entertainment. We should be seeing bigger acts & new venues. If elected next year I will push for and work towards the aim of getting larger acts at DITSU events so we no longer compare ourselves disappointedly to the likes of UCD & Trinity when it comes to Ents. As for Aungier Street itself, there is a clear lack of regular onsite entertainment during the week. I will actively try to provide a minimum of one day a week entertainment in Aungier Street to entertain you guys outside of class. We have so many resources in the form of talented DIT Students, why not tap into this network regularly, allow them to showcase their talents and provide entertainment at the same time? 2) CHARITY: Aungier Street is one of the largest DIT campuses and I feel that with that we should be doing more fundraising for DITSU’s chosen RAG Charities. We should be raising more money than any other site in DIT! Aungier Street should be buzzing with onsite fundraising events, record attempts, etc. during RAG week. These onsite fundraisers would not only bring a bit of craic our way but increase the money collected for the charities. We can do our bit, have some fun and create a little healthy inter-campus competition all in the name of charity! 3) SERVICES & FACILITIES: Aungier streets may be one of the largest and “newest” of the DIT campuses but there are still ever-present problems in regards to facilities and services. Broken chairs, no left-handed desks and dodgy wi-fi may sound like small problems to some but these issues affect your Student experience and Education here at DIT and should not be overlooked. I have already made suggestions to the Head of the library service of how to improve certain aspects of the service, for example, I proposed the idea of putting in place a separate PC system solely for printing purposes so you no longer have to wait for a PC just to print something off. If elected I will work to see that these facilities issues are constantly moni-
tored and fixed promptly. I will continue to relay your feedback on what can be done to improve your college experience. 4) INCREASED INTERACTION: Large efforts have been made by DITSU in moving towards a more open structure of the Union this year. I believe that the positive changes being put into play can only serve to better the Union and ourselves as students. I will aim to maintain the high levels of Class rep and Governing Council recruitment seen this year while working towards providing ways in which all students feel they can actively give feedback, opinions and suggestions whether they be elected to Governing Council , as a Class Rep, etc. Your voice is important and should be heard on all levels! 5) FEEDBACK: Feedback is essential to your education, the most common form of which is feedback and guidance from lecturers. I will look towards creating a system in which Students can give and receive guidance to their fellow Students in relation to course work, assessments, etc. All forms of advice and feedback are important! If you have any questions or want to know more you can contact me at eleanorwlsh@gmail.com or stop me for a chat and remember, VOTE ELLIE #1 for Aungier Street Convenor!!
Yours Sincerely,
Ellie Walsh
Q&A If you were a biscuit, what biscuit would you be? I would have to be the old reliable chocolate digestive! Nom nom nom! What’s the best thing about DIT? I think it has to be the students. The small class sizes are brilliant too because it’s easier for more people can get to know each other. And your biggest gripe about DIT? The complete lack of communication between different departments and offices in DIT. It makes it quite difficult for students to receive important info regularly. Favourite joke? What did one mushroom say to the other? Jeez, you’re a fun guy!
DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012
INFORMATION FOR THE POSITION OF: SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [BOLTON STREET]
CLASS REP CONVENOR
BOLTON STREET:
The Class REP Convenor for Bolton St. is responsible for chairing all Class REP meetings and the LPIT23/02/2012 (who have input in running local events and campaigns). They are the main point of contact con_bst_ballot2012_print.pdf 11:21:24 for any local site related issues. They also work closely with the other Convenors and Sabbaticals to co-ordinate the Unions activities. It is a part-time paid position.
BALLOT DATES
Tuesday 13th March 2012 Wednesday 14th March 2012
THE BALLOT PAPER:
ELECTIONS 2012
Students registered in Bolton St. will also recieve this Ballot Paper. With this Ballot you will casting your vote for the Class REP Convenor on your site.
(You will also be given 3 Ballot Papers for the Sabbatical Positions 1 Ballot Paper for the Constitutional Referendum)
Write ‘1’ in the box for your first choice, ‘2’ in the box for your second choice. DITSU STAMP
CLASS REP CONVENOR (Bolton St.)
C
M
Please indicate your preference in order 1,2
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
Re-Open Nominations
K
Graham
HIGGINBOTHAM
22
R.O.N
POLLING DAYS: MARCH 13 & 14
CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF: SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [BOLTON STREET]
Candidate for the position of:
SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [BOLTON STREET]
Graham
HIGGINBOTHAM “I am committed to making positive changes and improve the student experience in Bolton Street. I aim to have regular entertainment on stage, address the need to improve the amount of recycling done in the college, while enhancing the participation on campus.”
Manifesto for Election: My name is Graham Higginbotham. I am a third year Structural Engineering student in DIT Bolton Street. I have been involved in the students union for a number of years now in one way or another.In previous years I have helped out with campaigns on siteand events. In the past two years I have been part of the inductions crew for fresher’s coming into DIT while last year I was an active Class Rep. I am running for this position with already one year’s experience as I have been acting as Convenor for the current academic year. I am rerunning for this position as I know I am the right man for the job. I am outgoing, approachable and I will take your views and opinions on board in my attempts to make our students union a better place. I will be your voice as part of DITs Students Union. So far this year I have learned a lot about how the student body works which will be invaluable moving into the future.As your student representative, I am the man to bring to take your problems on board and come back to you with solutions.
Aims & Objectives: Implement Recycling Measures: Easy concept, yes, but as with a lot of the things, easier said than done.I will work with the Vice Presidents Services and Trading to put into place a reduce reuse recycle campaign as part of green week and throughout the year do all I can to keep our site clean. The bins around our college are not used as much as they should be especially recycling bins. I will make people more aware of the bins around the site and try to promote people to make better use of them. As a predominantly Engineering college we are thought to take into consideration the environment around construction projects. This should be no different in our building where we are thought these concepts. A clean site is a good site and I believe we should lead by example. Student and Class Rep Involvement: I aim to increase student and class rep involvement within the students union. It is one thing to be a class rep but another to be a successful one. It is your union and it is important that you know what I, as Convenor can do for you. I aim to do this by raising awareness of the importance of the Class Rep within your time in DIT. I plan to clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of both the Class Rep and Governing Councillor within the Students Union democracy scene and help them make a difference. I feel these areas need work and I have seen how to improve them during my time as Convenor this year. I aim to do this by working with the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. I will also strive to reach full class rep recruitment and involvement. These are the people that will hold me accountable and make sure that I am doing my job and serving you to the best of my abilities. Develop a student friendly Promotion Network: To Increase
exposure for local talent: I will work with my LPIT, Vice President of Services and Trading and local bands within the campus to bring you more on site entertainment, to help you relax, unwind and laugh - nothing cures a long dreary week better than good entertainment to take your mind off the pressures of college work. I am committed to making this a success. Alternate ways to advertise events: Direct student feedback through CRMs. The use of surveymonkey to debrief students in the following few days after events in an attempt to really get some quality feedback and opinions, while proactively finding out what students want and how to make events better. Library Student User Groups (SUGS): I am committed to making the SUGS an integral part of the Class Rep system. Bringing about change through regular meetings directed solely at making the library more user friendly and aimed solely at the needs of the student. You can ask others to do things right but you can count on me to get things done. It’s one thing for me to say this but with my current experience, I feel I can build on what has already been seen as a successful year.
Yours Sincerely,
Graham Higginbotham
Q&A If you were a biscuit, what biscuit would you be? I’d have to be a jammy dodger. It’s the nation’s favourite and let’s be realistic, no one just coasts through Bolton Street to get their degree, so you’d have to be a jammy son of a b***h to get through without flooking a deadline or chancing a presentation. What’s the best thing about DIT? D.I.T. is a great college. Let’s be honest, it is. There’s a great sense of pride when you say you’re a DIT student – I don’t know where it comes from but it’s definitely there. The events are mega, the craic is brilliant and the memories you take from this place you’ll never forget. And your biggest gripe about DIT? D.I.T. isn’t perfect, far from it, we really need one mega campus but what DIT lacks in infrastructure it makes up for in other ways. The practical sections of each of the courses makes us as students a very sought after commodity. This is the important thing. Favourite joke? What’s full of holes but can still hold water - A sponge. See makes you think!?
DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012
INFORMATION FOR THE POSITION OF: SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [KEVIN STREET]
CLASS REP CONVENOR
KEVIN STREET:
The Class REP Convenor for Kevin St. is responsible for chairing all Class REP meetings and the LPIT23/02/2012 (who have input in running local events and campaigns). They are the main point of contact con_kst_ballot2012_print.pdf 11:20:44 for any local site related issues. They also work closely with the other Convenors and Sabbaticals to co-ordinate the Unions activities. It is a part-time paid position.
BALLOT DATES
Tuesday 13th March 2012 Wednesday 14th March 2012
THE BALLOT PAPER:
ELECTIONS 2012
Students registered in Kevin St. will also recieve this Ballot Paper. With this Ballot you will casting your vote for the Class REP Convenor on your site.
(You will also be given 3 Ballot Papers for the Sabbatical Positions 1 Ballot Paper for the Constitutional Referendum)
Write ‘1’ in the box for your first choice, ‘2’ in the box for your second choice. DITSU STAMP
CLASS REP CONVENOR (Kevin St.)
C
M
Please indicate your preference in order 1,2
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
Re-Open Nominations
K
David
RICE
24
R.O.N
POLLING DAYS: MARCH 13 & 14
CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF: SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [Kevin STREET]
Candidate for the position of:
SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [KEVIN STREET]
David
RICE
“I believe students should vote for me as I have been working hard for them all year, supporting them in any way I can, fighting to have facilities fixed and have their issues heard. I want to continue to help students and improve their experience in college.”
Manifesto for Election: Hi, my name is David Rice and I am re-running for the position of Convener for Kevin St., D.I.T. Presently, I am studying Electrical & Control Engineering (DT009 - year 2).
Why Choose Me? Currently, I am a serving as the Convenor to Kevin Street. This means I am responsible for looking after all the students on campus so any thing from facilities issues to class reps I also am the point of contact on campus for campaigns like the national protest and RAG week. From my varied experiences in DIT I have been able to gain a greater understanding of the college, how it operates and where the Institute is going for the future as well as what this means for the students. In addition, through these roles I have been able to gain an insight about the current and future needs of the DIT students. To cut it short I am here to fight your corner. These achievements alone do not cover all aspects of my professional life. Before I became a student in DIT, I worked as a qualified electrician for four years. Not only did I have to manage conflict and difficulties with the staff but the overall management of the project was my responsibility. From this life experience my already strong leadership skills had time to develop further. This opportunity provided me with the chance to further hone my negotiating, problem solving, management and communication skills. Looking to the future there is a tough year ahead more cuts, austerity and general misery I am coming in to this election with one thing on my mind and that’s to defend students rights and needs that are under threat constantly. So in choosing me, you are electing a candidate who has experience, competence, responsibility and commitment. For the next academic year I will be looking forward to be leading Kevin St. as a Convener and working hard to ensure that students on this campus have a positive student experience.
Achievements this year: · 20,000 students at the national protest · DIT turned out the biggest numbers at the protest · Student participation up this year · Student engagement up this year · More class reps than ever this year & at the first class rep meeting · Ricoh issues dramatically improved on last year · Transparency and communication have improved
Goals for next year: · To develop a plan on how to further improve engagement with students · To work with societies to see how I can help them with onsite events and campaigns · To make sure every class has a representative so as their needs are met. · To continue my work on national and local campaigns to make sure students have their voices heard · To improve on site events so students find it easy to get involved · To solve the ever increasing issues with facilities
What can you expect? The student body can expect a leader who has a passion for politics and student affairs. They need someone to approach their issues with professionalism and conviction and I can offer this with the experience I have gained from my year in office so far. I will deliver on my goals by using my past experiences with a strong emphasis on leadership and good communication with students. Vote David Rice #1 for Kevin Street “Make the Rice choice”
Yours Sincerely,
David Rice
Q&A If you were a biscuit, what biscuit would you be? I guess a chocolate digestive as im great to have around for a cup of tea What’s the best thing about DIT? It’s got to be the students union were here to stand up for the little guy. And your biggest gripe about DIT? Facilities by far but I will keep fighting the good fight to make sure students get what they need. Favourite joke? What do the monkeys in the zoo get for lunch……………….? 15 minutes
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DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012
INFORMATION FOR THE POSITION OF: SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [MOUNTJOY SQUARE]
CLASS REP CONVENOR
MOUNTJOY SQUARE: The Class REP Convenor for Mountjoy Square is responsible for chairing all Class REP meetings and the LPIT (who have input in running local events and campaigns). They are the main point of con_msq_ballot2012_print.pdf 23/02/2012 11:20:23 contact for any local site related issues. They also work closely with the other Convenors and Sabbaticals to co-ordinate the Unions activities. It is a part-time paid position.
BALLOT DATES
Tuesday 13th March 2012 Wednesday 14th March 2012
THE BALLOT PAPER:
ELECTIONS 2012
Students registered in Mountjoy Square will also recieve this Ballot Paper. With this Ballot you will casting your vote for the Class REP Convenor on your site.
(You will also be given 3 Ballot Papers for the Sabbatical Positions 1 Ballot Paper for the Constitutional Referendum)
Write ‘1’ in the box for your first choice, ‘2’ in the box for your second choice. DITSU STAMP
CLASS REP CONVENOR (Mountjoy Sq.)
C
M
Please indicate your preference in order 1,2
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
Re-Open Nominations
K
Katie
WHITE
26
R.O.N
POLLING DAYS: MARCH 13 & 14
CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF: SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [MOUNTJOY SQUARE]
Candidate for the position of:
SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [MOUNTJOY SQUARE]
Katie
WHITE “You should vote for me because I am the best person for the job. As a student in Mountjoy sq., I know first-hand the problems that students here face on a daily basis. If elected as Class Rep Convenor, I vow to put my all into making your college experience better”
Manifesto for Election: I am a 2nd year Early Childhood Education student in Mountjoy Square. Since the very start of my time as a student here in DIT I have become very heavily involved in the Students Union and has held the position of Ents officer and Governing Councilor in Mountjoy Square. As an Ents officer I helped plan and organize events onsite in Mountjoy square and Portland Row. As a governing councilor I represent students in a diplomatic forum with representatives from all other DIT sites. I have taken part in Class Rep and Governing Council training, Part time officer training and acted as a steward in the USI Student protest. I am extremely passionate about the work of the students union and have always and will always work toward and fight for what is best for its students, both locally in Mountjoy Square and Portland Row and in DIT as a whole if elected as Class Rep Convenor for 2012/2013
Aims & Objectives? •
• • •
•
•
To ensure that Portland Row students are included in all local events in Mountjoy Square. I aim to do this through increased communication with all class reps in Portland Row and to provide efficient postering and notice of events that will take place in Mountjoy Square. To work closely with all Sabbatical and Elected officers of DITSU to ensure the best student experience possible for all students. To rotate the days of the week that DITSU run events and road shows visit our campus as this has not always been the case and so many students miss all of these events due to placements. To get as many students involved in the Union as possible by working closely with the Vice president for Services and Trading, the Vice president for Academic and Student Affairs and the communications department to promote all DITSU events and campaigns. To ensure that all classes are represented at their Class Rep meetings by at least one class rep for every thirty students in their class. This will help get any problems that are arising for students dealt with and sorted as soon as possible to help provide the best student experience DIT and DITSU can offer. To have more on site entertainment both in Mountjoy Square and Portland Row.
Conclusion: If I am elected as Class Rep Convenor I vow to give the students of Mountjoy Square and Portland Row 100% of my time, effort and passion when doing this job and acting on their behalf. That I can promise without a shadow of a doubt. And remember: Voting is your right. Use it. Vote Katie White.
Yours Sincerely,
Katie White
Q&A If you were a biscuit, what biscuit would you be? Cadburys chocolate digestive, because there the best! What’s the best thing about DIT? The scattered nature of DIT means that each site is a small campus in itself. This leads to a more intimate college experience which even the most cynical of us will admit is far better than the concrete jungle that is the reality in many other colleges. And your biggest gripe about DIT? One word. Communication. Does the age old issue of arriving to a lecture that has been cancelled ring a bell with anyone? Favourite joke? Has anyone else noticed that the “&” symbol looks like like a guy dragging his butt across the floor?
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DIT STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2012
INFORMATION FOR THE POSITION OF: SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [RATHMINES]
CLASS REP CONVENOR
RATHMINES:
The Class REP Convenor for Rathmines is responsible for chairing all Class REP meetings and the LPIT23/02/2012 (who have input in running local events and campaigns). They are the main point of contact con_rath_ballot2012_print.pdf 11:20:02 for any local site related issues. They also work closely with the other Convenors and Sabbaticals to co-ordinate the Unions activities. It is a part-time paid position.
BALLOT DATES
Tuesday 13th March 2012 Wednesday 14th March 2012
THE BALLOT PAPER:
ELECTIONS 2012
Students registered in Rathmines will also recieve this Ballot Paper. With this Ballot you will casting your vote for the Class REP Convenor on your site.
(You will also be given 3 Ballot Papers for the Sabbatical Positions 1 Ballot Paper for the Constitutional Referendum)
Write ‘1’ in the box for your first choice, ‘2’ in the box for your second choice. DITSU STAMP
CLASS REP CONVENOR (Rathmines)
C
M
Please indicate your preference in order 1,2
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
Re-Open Nominations
K
Raymond
ENGLAND
28
R.O.N
POLLING DAYS: MARCH 13 & 14
CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF: SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [RATHMINES]
Candidate for the position of:
SU CLASS REP CONVENOR [RATHMINES]
Raymond
ENGLAND “I have been involved in DITSU for over 2 years now, and I know how to get things done for the students of Rathmines. I’m reliable, approachable and always willing to help my fellow student.”
Manifesto for Election: My name is Raymond England and I am a third year student in the Conservatory of Music and Drama. I’m 23, I originally hail from Glasgow and I have been over here since September 2008. So far, I’ve been involved in DITSU for the last 2-and-a-half years and I’ve represented Rathmines at Governing Council, on the DITSU electoral commission and the Grangegorman Development Standing Committee. As well as this, I’ve also been a part of the DIT delegation to the USI National Congress, way back in 2009. At the moment, I am currently the Class Rep for my year and still represent Conservatory students at Governing Council level.
Why Choose Me? I know that Rathmines is easily the best campus in DIT, regardless of what others say about the size of the place. The atmosphere is one that cannot be experienced or replicated in any of the other sites, but unfortunately we are all too often overlooked by DIT and DITSU. I want to ensure that the students of Rathmines aren’t allowed to fall through the net when it comes to large campaigns such as Freshers’, RAG, SHAG and Welfare weeks and, if elected, I will ensure that the Conservatory has a voice that has to be listened to. That being said, however, I am more than aware of the independent nature of our Conservatory and as such I hope to revive the tradition of awesome Rathmines nights out. I want to make sure there is an event for Drama and Music students around both Hallowe’en and Christmas, and I want to make the 5th Annual Music and Drama Ball the biggest and bestest yet!! I don’t know about anybody else, but I am sick and tired of hearing (at least twice a year) about the Rathmines library funding being cut and our library being moved to Aungier Street, Kevin Street or (I actually heard this once, ages ago) Mountjoy Square. If elected, I want to put a stop to these rumours and will demand that DIT commits to keeping our library open and within the Rathmines campus. I also aim to address other issues concerning the facilities on offer here. It would be my intention to open discussions with the Buildings Manager to ensure every room is safe to use and fit for purpose. I feel it is unacceptable that students (and lecturers) have to work in rooms with curtains and blinds hanging from the wall and light fittings falling off of ceilings. I also intend to look into the equality of access to staff across all the departments within the Conservatory. I am aware that music students can apply for Alexander Technique sessions here on campus, but yet Drama students are forced to go outside the college and pay for theirs. I want to see drama students get the same opportunities as music students in this regard. On the flip-side of the coin, Vocal students who are apparently training to be opera singers have no formal, accredited module in stage movement or acting. Again, I would look to open discussions with the conservatory to investigate the creation of an “Acting for Singers” style module to give our singers more of an advantage if auditioning for professional parts.
In Conclusion: Finally, I want to promise that if elected, my door will always be open to each and every student in this college. If you are having trouble with lecturers, annoyed about the lack of chalk for the pool table, trying to get tickets for events or simply looking for a free pot noodle, I will try to help you to the best of my abilities. I live at the top of Leinster Road, so I’ll always be on hand if needed, and again I promise that no issue will be too small, or problem too large. Thanks for reading, and please vote for me on March 13th/14th.
Yours Sincerely,
Raymond England
Q&A If you were a biscuit, what biscuit would you be? A Jammy Dodger. The name explains it all, really. What’s the best thing about DIT? The students. I’ve met some amazing people in my time here, and not just in Rathmines. The number of different people who study here and come from totally different walks of life is staggering. That being said though, a number of the Rathminers are easily the most awesome people I’ve ever met. And your biggest gripe about DIT? The constant threat of libraries closing. This is meant to be a third level education institute, yet there are always rumours that one of the main academic resources available to students will be removed or relocated to across the city. I cannot get my head around it at times. Favourite joke? When I die, I want to go in the same way as my Grandfather. Sleeping and at peace. Not like his passengers who went screaming in terror.
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