CIT Students’ Union Magazine Volume Twelve, Issue 2
in this issue: • Brian O’Regan Interview • Clubs and Societies • Problem Pages • “Overheard” in CIT • Health
Shag Week 2010
Sex Myths Uncovered STI’s - The Facts Contraception The Sex Check!
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Address: 16c french church street, cork city Email: hotshakes@hotmail.com join us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/hotshakes-milkshakes
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CIT Students’ Union, Rossa Ave, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland. Telephone: 021 433 5274 Fax: 021 454 5343 Email: supublications@cit.ie Web: www.explicit.ie expliCIT Production Design & Advertising - Keith Brown, Philip O’Reilly CIT Students’ Union President - John Lane (supresident@cit.ie) Vice President Education - Chris Scanlon (sueducation@cit.ie) Vice President Welfare - Vicki Fitzpatrick (suwelfare@cit.ie) Projects Officer - Niamh Hayes (suprojects@cit.ie) Communications Officer -to be elected (sucommunications@cit.ie) Entertainments Officer - Gordon Forbes (suentertainments@cit.ie) Entertainments Manager Mick O’Mahony (Event@cit.ie) Print Barnaville Print & Graphics Ltd. Advertising Opportunities CIT has almost 17,000 full and part-time students with over 1,500 staff. Why not use expliCIT to promote your business to this large audience? Copy deadlines, advertising rates and technical specifications are available from our website www.expliCIT.ie or upon request from the Publications Office. expliCIT magazine is published monthly by CIT Students’ Union. The views expressed in the magazine are those of their authors and are not necessarily those of CIT Students’ Union. All articles and pictures are the property of their respective owners and should not be reproduced without their permission.
Contents 4 Special Feature
Lets talk about contraception
6 SU Exec Notes 9 The Big Interview
All-Ireland Champion Brian O’Regan
10 Emigration
A big problem for our graduates
11 How Many more cuts? 12 STI’s - The Facts
19 “Overheard”
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What does the word “sex” mean to the students of CIT?
21 The Good Study Guide
Some good advice about various study techniques
13 Medical Services in Cork
22 Problem pages
14 lots of Photos from our recent CIT events
24 Clubs and Societies news
17 The check up
25 Health
A male and female perspective of the dreaded STI checkup!
18 Grants
Whats the delay?
So, you think you have problems??!!
Give yourself more energy
26 Games
Great prizes on offer for successfully completed entries delivered into the Students Union office
Congratulations! Winners of 25 euro vouchers for Freshmilkclothing.com are: Aoife O’Sullivan, James Herley, Deirdre Kelleher, Clare Carlile. The Students’ Union website www.explicit.ie provides useful information on issues that effect student lives. It also hosts a download section, back-issues of expliCIT, student chat forums, photos of union events, and a search engine to find the information you need quickly from CITSU Online, CIT website, and the entire net. The Students’ Union represents and defends its members on matters affecting their rights and interests as students of the Institute and as citizens and acts as a channel of communication between its members and the Institute and other bodies. The Union is one of the principal conduits for expression of students’ opinions, and is recognised as such by the management of the Institute. All activities and services operate from the Union Offices on the first floor (balcony) of the Nexus Student Centre Students’ Union Services. The ethos of the Students’ Union is to provide quality services on a non-profit making basis to students. Whenever possible, services are provided at a lower price than any other retail outlet on campus or in the local vicinity. The Students’ Union and Office/Retail Outlet is open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm. The range of services available from the Office include: Computer Storage Media/Lab Coats/Stationery/Mobile Phone Credit,USB keys, DVDs and CDs are all available at exceptionally low prices. We also offer a limited range of stationery items at cost price. Lab Coat and goggles are available from September to December. Mobile phone credit is also available.
We Need You!
Send us your thoughts, articles, advice and pictures. If you would like to contribute anything to expliCIT Magazine, please contact Keith or Philip in the Publications Office, 1st Floor, Student Centre or email: supublications@CIT.ie
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Shag week
Lets Talk About Contraception several other methods so please be responsible for your own sexual health. Discuss options with your doctor and chose a method which most suits you!
As part of SHAG week there will be all kinds of contraception available to view in the main corridor. Please visit the desk and have a look at all the different types on offer. I recently read a survey which revealed that GP’s spend very little time discussing methods of contraception to the patient and within five minutes into the consultation, hand them a prescription for the pill. There are so many different methods of contraception available today, please education yourself throughout the week and make full use of all the different organisations coming on campus to offer you information. The pill may be perfect for one person, but may have awful side effects for another.
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Young people 20-29 years have the highest rate of STI’s
Get to know what your options are and choose whats best for you. ALWAYS ALWAYS USE CONTRACEPTION. I will also be giving out FREE CONDOMS everyday and have a year long free supply of condoms up in the Welfare office so please come up and help yourself! The only way to fully prevent yourself and your partner from becoming a parent or contracting a sexually transmitted infection is through the act of celibacy. However, I know this is not a very realistic option for most. The good news is there are loads and loads of different forms of contraception. Its up to you as a responsible adult to inform yourself about all the different methods and chose the correct method for you! The safest way of having sex is for both the male and female to protect themselves. The pill although the most popular form of contraception with the ladies, is not the only option. I’ve researched
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The pill This contains two female hormones and must be taken at the same time everyday for three weeks with one weeks break. The pill is 99% effective if taken CORRECTLY. However I have heard several stories of people getting pregnant while on the pill so bare in mind vomiting, diarrhoea, antibiotics, not taking it regularly, and long flight journeys can stop the pill from working, so use a condom to be safe! The pill also does not prevent against sti’s. There are loads of different brands of the pill, quite often people experience different side effects so you might have try a few before you find the right one for you!
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The implant This is a flexible rod containing the hormone progesterone and is inserted under the skin of the female arm. This is highly effective, over 99% but does not protect against Sti’s. The implant can last up to three years and has to be inserted and removed by a doctor. The Patch A thin patch is applied to the skin once a week for three weeks. It contains two hormones and works similar to the pill. It is 99% effective when used correctly. It requires a prescription and costs more than the pill. It does not protect against sti’s either.
Diaphragms/caps These are barrier methods which are inserted into the female’s vagina and stops sperm reaching the egg and the spermicide around the device kills the sperm. It is 92-98% effective if inserted correctly and again it does not protect against sti’s! There is a high failure rate as it needs a lot of practice to insert it correctly. Urinary tract infections can also be a problem when using a diaphragm. Female condom Shamefully, I just found out these existed during a sexual health workshop in the summer! Basically it works exactly like the male condom and is inserted into the female and acts like a sperm barrier. It takes practice to insert properly and should be used along with another method such as the pill. It is 95% effective. Male condom I’m sure most sexually active people use these, well I hope ye do! As I mentioned earlier, accidents can happen with condoms, so take care not to rip the condom when taking it out and to follow the instructions as to how to put it on correctly! If you are not sure of the brand you are purchasing check that the CE, and BS4 quality mark is on them. Up in the welfare office I have Durex and Mojo condoms. Emergency pill (morning after pill) Ok, so this is NOT a method of contraception, it’s not good for you to take it too often so only get it when in an emergency situation!! You need a prescription to get this pill and can be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse. However, the sooner you get it the better. Again things like vomiting and diarrhoea after you have taken the pill may prevent it from working. If the Cit doctor has no available appointments explain to the receptionist that you need emergency contraception and she will squeeze you in!
Sex Myths Uncovered survey revealed the average time of intercourse last from 3 to 10 minutes, so anything beyond that is a bonus!
Myth 1 Condoms can prevent STI’s. Reality They can protect against the majority of STI’s if used correctly. However, they do not prevent against herpes or genital warts. These need to be treated medically before having intercourse Myth 2 The male pulling out before ‘cuming’ can be used as a form of contraception and will prevent the girl from getting pregnant Truth This myth leads to thousands of unplanned pregnancies each year!! Pre cum has semen in it which can lead to pregnancy, so wrap up before foreplay! Myth 3 Oral sex or anal is not full sex. Vaginal intercourse must take place in order for it to be ‘proper’ sex. Reality Sorry guys, oral/anal sex does constitute as full sex! In fact a recent study I read revealed a lot of women receive more enjoyment from oral sex rather that intercourse. Myth 4 The bigger the penis, the better the orgasm Reality Again not true! The average size penis is between 5-6 inches. The average vaginal canal is 6 inches so anything bigger than than can just be painful! Myth 5 Premature ejaculation is not normal and should be something to be concerned about. Reality Don’t worry guys it is common! The male may simple need a bit of practice at focusing his mind to not cuming. A recent
Myth 6 A girl can’t get pregnant when it’s her first time Reality SO NOT TRUE! As soon as a girl gets her first period, she is able to get pregnant. Another myth that rings a bell here is that a girl can’t get pregnant while she has her period, this is also NOT TRUE!!!! Myth 7 All women reach orgasm through sex.
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opening of the penis and are transmitted when in contact with the mouth, penis or vagina. Use a condom and dental dam (for the female) when having oral sex. Myth 10 Using two condoms is safer than one Reality Wrong!!! Using two condoms at the same time, or “double bagging” (as it’s sometimes called) is an incredibly foolish thing to do. This causes the condoms to bunch up, not fit properly, and to slip off. Just Use ONE good quality condom and follow the instruction to putting it on correctly!!
There is enough sperm ejaculated in ‘pre cum’ to impregnate a woman
Reality Not true! Only 30% of women reach orgasm through intercourse. Foreplay and extra stimulation is required!! Myth 8 Withholding from sex the night before a big match/athletic event will lead to improved performance on the pitch Reality This myth dates back to biblical times, when warriors refused to have sex before a battle in fear that it would weaken their performance. Researchers have since found that sex had no effect on an athlete’s strength, endurance or, ultimately, success. Myth 9 You can’t get an STI or STD from giving or receiving oral sex Reality You most certainly can! Some viruses such as HIV, Herpes and Syphilis can be growing in the skin or just inside the
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Myth 11 Some guys can’t/ hate wearing condoms. Fact These guys should be avoided!!! There are so many different types of condoms available to suit every shape and size, there is no excuse! Myth 12 Having sex can fix a broken relationship and bring two people closer together Fact Don’t be foolish. If there is a problem in the relationship, sex is the last thing that will fix it. More Myths You can’t get pregnant when you’re on your period. You can’t get pregnant if you have sex in the shower, standing up or if you pee afterwards. NOT TRUE!
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President’s Note
T
he last month has proven to be extremely busy both for students and staff in CIT. Here is a quick rundown of the things that have been going on. Autumn results were finally published. The Autumn results this year were published online on a Friday afternoon and led to widespread confusion. Numerical results were not given straight away, just pass, fail, carry forward, etc. A mark of EX (Exemptions Granted) appeared on results as well and meant that students passed some modules but not others. The fact it was a Friday evening and there was no one in CIT to answer questions meant a lot of students were left understandably distraught. There has now been a request to look into the way the results are delivered to students – numerical values, midweek, and possibly in hard copy again. CITSU met with bus Eireann representatives about anti-social behaviour on the number 5 and number 8 buses by night. A number of incidents have happened on Tuesday and Thursday nights. CITSU will be launching a campaign to
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cys Complex, and Thursdays Freshers Ball had over 1100 attend. Class Rep recruitment is going well but is not over yet. At the time of this going to print, we have in excess of 80 class reps registered, but we need more. If your class does not have a class rep, please elect one as soon as possible. Class reps are a key bridge in conveying messages from the SU reps to the students and also for organising class parties and helping fellow students in times of need. To register, log onto www.citsu.ie and click on the Union tab, or alternatively, call to the SU office in the Nexus Building in the main CIT Campus. CITSU has also been working with the Union of Students of Ireland (USI) in organising a national campaign to ensure the quality of education and the fair treatment of students in Ireland. The campaign will not only be aimed at opposing third level fees, but also oppose cuts in the maintenance grant and cuts in college budgets. It is aimed to keep as many people in third
We have in excess of 80 class reps registered, but we need more.
tackle this problem, and highlight to students that Bus Eireann take a very serious view to any damage caused to buses, bus stops or adshells, and anybody caught vandalising will be prosecuted, fined, and will get a criminal record, which in turn will reduce their chances of employability when they leave college. CITSU ran a very successful Freshers’ Week. All the day time events were well attended, with the attendance to the Hypnotist, Michael McCoy, on the Thursday in the Nexus, being the most highly attended event held in the Nexus since it opened. For this, we would like to thank all the students of the college. The Tuesday night saw over 500 people attend the Glow in the Dark party in Clan-
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CITSU Update
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level education as possible. A national protest will take place in Dublin on the 3rd of November, and a regional one will take place in Cork on December 1st. Please make yourself aware of these issues and get involved in these campaigns. They are organised for your benefit. Our Welfare Officer, Vicki Fitzpatrick, will be launching her SHAG Week campaign on Tuesday 19th of October. The aim of the week is to promote safe sex, healthy attitudes towards sex, and inform students on the risks and rewards of sex. Workshops on good sex will take place during the week, as well as some frank discussions on all sexually related subjects. I have been working on a draft policy to
implement a Mature Student Rep. Over the coming month this will be finalised, but more input is needed from Mature Students so as the role is designed with the interests of mature students at its heart. Please keep an eye out for any sessions that are being run to fine-tune this policy, as the role will be set down for the next 18 months. The Student Ombudsman has finally taken up office. I would like to warmly welcome Paul Sliney to CIT once again. Paul Sliney worked in CIT for many years, played a key role in introducing CIT to modularisation and is a well respected academic. The role of the Student Ombudsman is to assist students who wish to lodge a complaint with the college through the Student Grievance Procedure. The Student Ombudsman will show students the most appropriate course of action to follow and advise on possible outcomes. If anyone wishes to lodge an official complaint against a member of staff, a department or an office, this is the procedure to follow. If anyone wishes to make an appointment with the Student Ombudsman, they do so through the Students’ Union office, but the Students’ Ombudsman is impartial to all offices within the college, and only reports to the President of the college, Dr. Brendan Murphy. Site Officers for the Cork School of Music, the Crawford College of Art and Design and the National Maritime College of Ireland are also being elected this month. These Site Officers will oversee the class reps on their own campus, help organise events for their respective sites with assistance from the SU Executive, and also bring their concerns to the Union Executive at their bi-weekly meetings. These elections are taking place on Thursday 21st of October on each campus, and nomination forms are available from the SU Office in CIT, by phone call to the SU Office, or on the designated campuses. If anyone has any questions about any of the above, please feel free to e-mail me at supresident@cit.ie, call me on 021 – 4335277, 086 – 8366608 or call into the SU Office at any time. Le Gach Le Meas, John Lane
Welcome to Shag Week
M
y aim for the week is to promote SAFE SEX. There will be several information stands along the main corridor during Tuesday and Wednesday, and I encourage you all to make full use of them! Organisations attending include - CURA, Crisis Pregnancy Agency, Marie Stopes, The Sexual Health Centre, The Sexual Health Clinic and CIT Medical Centre. Please don’t be shy, ask questions, take a leaflet, and educate yourself all about sex for the week!
even think one was mentioned! It was more about tips on Dating, Relationships and most importantly the male and female body and what makes each feel goooood...
It’s also very important for me, as your Welfare Officer to promote GREAT SEX!! I have enlisted the help of a fantastic lady from Galway to run Flirting, Dating & Relating Workshops on campus on Wednesday 20th October from 11-4 in Meeting Room 1. I have taken part in two of these workshops over the summer (the second by
Coming Out Talk, Wednesday @ 7pm in meeting room 1. There is a local speaker coming in to talk to students about coming out. He will be talking about his own experience and the talk promises to be very insightful and beneficial for students who may be confused about their own sexuality, or afraid about showing the world who they really are.
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Welfare Officer
If you want to know about Great Sex & Free Lunch, then sign up for the workshops as spaces are limited, Just email me at suwelfare@cit.ie. Everything said in the workshop is totally confidential so you’re not going to find out any of the secrets or tips from your friends!
to remember that they are not alone and that there are loads of supports available to help them here in CIT. On Thursday their will be a Sexual Health Magician in the student
There is no straighter road to success than exceeding expectations one day at a time.
choice), and it was honest to God the most insightful, interesting, and fun hour I have EVER spent in a classroom! I went through four years of studying here in CIT without knowing half the stuff that I learned in the workshop. Don’t worry very little is about STI’s, infact I don’t
The LGBT society received an award last year for most improved society and have a great following again this year. I would really encourage any student who may be going through a period of confusion, frustration or denial to make contact with the LGBT society or myself and
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centre from 1-2. Their will be loads of toys and condom giveaways from Durex, so make sure you come along, enjoy the tricks from the sex magician and go home with lots of goodies for the long weekend! Blind Date is taking place in the B’town Bar at 9pm followed by THE SHAG BALL which is on in Clancy’s and the Liquid Lounge, Thursday 21st Oct with Free condom giveaways at the door! Look out for the colourful ‘Welfairies’ throughout the week who will be giving out HUNDREDS OF DUREX CONDOMS. I hope you all have a fantastic week, learn loads about SAFE Sex and how to have Great Sex, and enjoy all the fun and games along the way! Love and light, Vicki
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Have you lost a loved one? You Are Not Alone.
CIT Student Bereavement Support Group
A confidential, safe and supportive space is provided for students who are coping with the death of a loved one. You can get support while learning about the process of grief and loss. Group size limited to 8 students. If you are interested in talking about joining us, or need more information or would like to secure a place in the group, please contact: Careers and Counselling Tel. 021 4335773 Email: kay.walsh@cit.ie Or Chaplaincy Tel. 086 4080644 Or 087 2055595 Email: dave.macauliffe@cit.ie (Before Thursday 28th October 2010) Group Dates: 4 afternoons – November 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. Proposed Time: 4.15 – 5.30. Venue: Contemplative Room, Student Centre, CIT. Facilitators: Fr. Dave McAuliffe, Chaplain CIT and Psychologist Kay Walsh, MIACP Student Counsellor. This is a joint project by Student Counselling and Chaplaincy – it is not a therapy group or a religious group.
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Need a quiet space? Need somewhere to sit and gather your thoughts? Why not use the Reflection Room. Call into the Chaplaincy Office if you wish to use the Reflection/Contemplative Room.
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Mass is celebrated Mon, Wed & Fri mornings at 8.40am in the Chapel/Prayer Room (D155). You are most welcome to join us.
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The Student Info Desk opens each morning at 8.30am. Christine, Charlotte and Ross are at the Info Desk daily to respond to whatever needs/questions you might have.
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Get What’s On’ every Monday morning from the Info Desk & you’ll be up to date on what’s happening at college for the week.
Q&A
Brian O’Regan
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recently sat down and had a chat with ALL IRELAND winning Cork player Brian O’ Regan, who is a mature student here in CIT. I wanted to find out all about how he is finding college life after being out in the working world for many years, how the success of winning the All Ireland has affected him and what drives him to be successful in sports, college and life. Thanks to Brian for an entertaining hour, What’s your Favourite thing about CIT? I really like my course recreational leisure and the sports side of things. I’ll be playing in the Sigerson cup this year. Did you find it hard coming back to college as a mature student? I am 27 so I found it very hard going back to college. I left school in 4th year so it’s strange being back studying. My classmates were discussing their grads in the canteen the other day, which really highlighted the age gap!!! Im really enjoying the course though and the college lifestyle Best moment of the day? When I eventually find a car parking space ... Who are your Influences/heroes? Billy Morgan (a past cork manager) he managed us in Nemo when we won the All Ireland in 2003. AND Michael Jordan! He won 7 championships with the Chicago bulls & Wolverine Favourite holiday? Best holiday was when I went to Vegas, Honolulu, Chicago and Australia for 4 months. I Went wit 3 friends and we have a fantastic time. Funny story was when one of the lads was with an American girl, who was shocked with his “bush” so shaved him bald in the shower. He also forgot to use protection so had to get tested for STI’s. (All clear) Best piece of advice? Keep smiling and Don’t eat yellow snow How would you describe yourself? Outgoing, very talkative and approachable Does playing for cork affect your social life? YES!!!!!!!!!!!! No social life at all. But we do try to make up for it in the winter, as it’s our drinking season. We are back training in January which will run until September, all going well! We also have a holiday to look forward to in January, either Vegas or South Africa! Are ye still driven to win all Ireland next year? Oh ya we are going for the five in a row. We have achieved what we wanted to all along, the Holy Grail, it’s not the penicle though its not about winning one and dropping off, its
Interview
about the drive and continuing to succeed.
and cycling. I also play guitar and sing.
Was playing for Cork something you had dreamed about all your life? Have you any other dreams you want to achieve? I was actually more interested in rugby and soccer when I was younger. I gave up when I was 14 though, as more of my friends were into GAA! Dreams I still want to achieve…. I want to visit every continent and swim in every ocean. I also hope to be married when I’m 35. My brother got married when he was 21 and that put me off marriage and kids until I’m older. He is happily married but not for me. .Yet!
How do you motivate yourself (in football/ college/day to day?) Well we worked with Kevin Clancy a sports psychologist during the preparation for the All-Ireland. He talked to us a lot about the importance of goal setting and how to motivate ourselves intrinsically. I find my friend (Brian Twomey) a good motivator in college as he failed first year three times!! The continuous assessments are also good for keeping you on top of the work load.
Do you find you get a lot of female attention because of playing for Cork? Not really, but I’ve been told I have a flirty personality, ha! Do you have a girlfriend? (For all the girls!)? Yes, four years! What the most romantic thing you have ever done or ever been done to you? As a surprise I brought my girlfriend to the West End to see Dirty Dancing the musical. My birthday is also on Valentines Day so I usually get all the attention! Do you have any funny dressing room instances you want to share? The funniest has to be when Aidan Walsh was first introduced to the gym instructor (also called Aidan) and corrected the instructor, saying “No, Aidan is my name” One player also pissed up on another player in the showers once… no names going to be mentioned though. The usual carry on would be robbing shoes, towels, clothes of the other players and managers! Do all the players get on? Yes we do. A few lads don’t drink because of championship, but most of the others are sociable. Off season we wouldn’t really see each other much as we are all spread out around the county. When we beat Kerry in the 2008 Munster final, we were allowed go out one night but then went on the dog the next day and night and got caught and f***ed out of it! Do you have time for any other activities? Ya, I enjoy golf, going to the cinema, bowling
How do you relax/unwind? I am never relaxed to be honest, I’m always doing something! I don’t watch TV or anything, but I like listening to music a lot. I also find the gym a good place for me to go and unwind. I’ve attended yoga classes in the past and I am qualified in Reiki 1. I find it really relaxing when I do Reiki on myself and my girlfriend also enjoys the hands on healing! Are you looking forward to Shag Week? Can’t wait! Looking forward to faces going red and people getting all embarrassed talking about sex! The highlight of Fresher’s Week for me was the hypnotist, and the “orgasms” he was giving the girls. Have you ever gotten checked for STI’s Ya, of course, doesn’t everyone? I went for an all around health check in the Bons. A lot of GAA players have died with sudden death syndrome so I make sure to get myself checked out for everything regularly! I’ve good health, thank God! If you were an animal what would you be? Wolf. Because they have cool eyes! What’s your favourite Book/ TV show/Film? Don’t read yet, Family guy & The Inbetweeners / The Shawshank Redemption Where do you see yourself in five years time? Hopefully coaching or teaching sports in America. I’m also interested in sports psychology so might do a masters in that at some point! Interview by Vicki Fitzpatrick
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Graduates Flying off for Better Opportunities Abroad
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raduates are now leaving the country at a pace not seen since 1995. Most students now know someone who has finished college in the last twelve months who have flown off to greener pastures, be it Australia, Canada, the USA or the UK. In fact, almost 10% of all students who finished level eight degree courses in 2009 are now working abroad. I finished a level eight degree course in 2009… I want to work abroad!!! This is over double the 2007 figure. So we need to ask why. Well, aside from the obvious, that jobs are not as plentiful as during the Celtic Tiger era, there is much more to it than just that. Canada has an economy that was not as negatively affected as others during the worldwide economic downturn. Australia has the golden beaches, great weather, and now a vibrant, young Irish community that is expanding at a huge rate. But surely there is more than that? There is…
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We are the generation that, as teenagers,
ened some people so much that I have, in the past six months, seen a good friend of mine crying because he didn’t know what the next step was when he finished college last June. An additional problem for the Irish economy is that of “Brain Drain”. Each year, billions is pumped into third level to educate students. Then, when students leave, so too does the money invested in training them. In economic terms, it is an invisible import. We need to keep graduates in the country. We need new ideas, new ways of thinking, and highly educated and a highly trained workforce if we are to ever become the “Knowledge Economy” that everyone is talking about. Our politicians keep talking about it, the “Knowledge Economy” being the buzzword for the past year or so, but they are doing absolutely nothing to do that. Politicians seem to be full of talk these days, not that it was ever any different. Maybe we need a
We need new ideas, new ways of thinking, and highly educated and a highly trained workforce if we are to ever become the “Knowledge Economy” that everyone is talking about
we had seen all the opportunities. While in second-level, construction was booming. 17-year olds were driving BMW’s their parents didn’t need. We saw the generation 10 years older than us having good jobs, high pay, and everyone speculated about getting on the property ladder. We expected this. Eight years later, the reality is very different. I, for one, when starting my course here in CIT in first year, was told that we would each have at least three job offers the day we finish our exams. And at the time, the graduates did. When I finally graduated in 2009, the reality was very different. Yes, some of my class mates now have very good jobs, but most were forced into mediocre jobs or else chose to do a Masters in the hope to secure a better job. This stark reality has disheart-
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Nicola Walsh, John Sheehy, Student Enterprise Interns and Kieran Moynihan, CIT’s Entrepreneur in Residence
Do you want a share in €10,000?
Do you have a good idea for a product or service that may have commercial potential? Do you want something great for your CV? Do you want to really stand out when you are going that dream job? If you have answered “yes” to any of the above questions then this is the competition for you! The Cork County and City Enterprise Boards CIT Prize for Innovation is a scheme which awards cash prizes to those students whose inventions and business ideas are judged most creative, novel, innovative, and likely to succeed in the marketplace. Further details on the competition is available at: www.cit.ie/ studententerprise
tough S.O.B. to take over. Someone like Haughey… Anyway, before I cause a riot, I would like to finish on a lighter note. People emigrating is like the sea, tide comes in, tide goes out. The last four to five years have seen Ireland go from good times to bad, but we are now in a position where the tide is turning again. By the time our first and second year students are finished college, Ireland will be after changing again. So don’t feel disheartened. As a 2009 graduate at this moment in time, I feel quite optimistic. The night is always darkest before the dawn. John
Pictured at the launch of the 2010/2011 Newstalk 106-108 fm Student Enterprise Competition at CIT are (l-r): Don Crowley, Acting Head, Accounting & Information Systems at CIT; Mary Sherry, Competition Manager, Newstalk 106-108 fm Student Enterprise Competition; Bobby Kerr, RTE’s Dragon’s Den & Chairman, Insomnia Coffee Co; and Lisa Scannell, Dept of Management and Marketing, CIT. Now in its fifth year, the competition is designed to develop an understanding of business management and promote early-stage entrepreneurship among third level students. Using a case study format, the competition encourages participants to research companies and, as part of a team, devise solutions to real life business scenarios. For further information and to enter the competition, go to http://studententerprise.newstalk.ie
How many cuts must we face?
CIT Notes
A
long, long time ago, in an Ireland only vaguely remembered, a Government with foresight and consideration for its citizens introduced a scheme called “Free Education”. This was designed to allow acess to higher education for all the citizens of the country, so as they could earn more, and thus bring prosperity to the country. Free education tied in nicely with the Celtic Tiger, the revolution that is the internet, and because Ireland was well educated, we could exploit these opportunities. Today, the Government wants your money and are willing to do anything to get it. In September 2009, the registration fee was increased from €900 to €1500. At present, everyone who works in any of the student support activities in CIT are very aware that this is putting students and their families under quite a strain. And now, there are rumblings. Rumours that in the December budget this will be put up again. This would affect EVERY STUDENT IN THE COLLEGE. Every student may have to pay in excess of €2000 next September to attend college. We all agree, this is a stealth way to slowly introduce fees again into third level. This cannot happen. Coupled with this, it does look like down the line, some form of official student contribution may have to be paid. The reality is this – students are inherently poor. They cannot afford to pay thousands of euros in fees of any form while also trying to cover their day-to-day costs of food, accommodation and travel. CITSU representatives, along with UCCSU representatives, are currently trying to preempt anything that may be thrown our way in Decembers National Budget. We know that if Registration Fees reach in excess of €2000, and that will be it for many students. CITSU are organising events whereby students’ stories will be able to be brought to the attention of the people who matter. We are organising events on campus, informing people of what changes may be coming that will affect them directly, and also organising a large scale protest march on the 1st of December going from CIT to UCC and then into the city centre.
Grants
Fees aren’t the only thing on the Governments mind – so are the Grants. This year there was a 5% cut in grants. If another cut is announced in December, this will affect grant payments from January – the next payment. The only way to influence the Government on the Budget is to be loud. Very loud. Very really loud.
Quality
So far this year, CIT has had to implement a 2½% cut across all department budgets. We are now at a position whereby anymore cuts will affect the quality of your education, and thus, your employability when you are finished college. No more cuts can be allowed as we are currently after cutting as close to the bone as is “acceptable”. At the moment, some contact hours have been reduced in a lot of modules across the entire college, staff are not being paid for hours that, last year, they would have. What is the point of paying money to go to college if when you are finished, employers don’t think you are educated enough to work for them. If we are to face rising costs of attending college, we should also expect an improved service and delivery system. What the Government are proposing is the opposite, to get students to pay more while receiving less. Only in Ireland could this even be proposed, and it is vital that students do not allow this to happen. If you do, it will lead to the death of education in Ireland as we know it. Don’t let this happen. When CITSU give you the opportunity to have your voice heard, make sure to be heard. At the end of the day, it is your life and your education. The only person who will fight for you is yourself, and the Union representatives can only help you. If you do not fight for yourself, that will be the final nail in educations coffin.
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We know that if Registration Fees reach in excess of €2000, and that will be it for many students.
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Movember... Grow a tache for the month of November
We need your help!
(Funds are donated directly to The Irish Cancer Society and their men’s health programme Action Prostate Cancer) 1. Register at movember.com and become a team captain. For the rest of the month, get your crew to register & join your team. Remember Mo Sistas can register as team captains or to join your team. 2. Order a free poster pack from the merchandise area on the website to promote Movember in your halls or student union. Raise awareness using email and the university intranet. 3. Put the challenge out to rival unis, sports teams and lecturers to see who can grow the best mos and have the biggest team. 4. Bring everyone together on Sunday 31 October or Monda y 1 Movember to celebrate the start of the Movember journey and kick off the month with a launch eventMake sure everyone comes clean shaven or even shave people down at the party. The Rules 1. Register online from Mid-October before Movember starts. 2. Once registered, each Mo Bro must start 1 Movember clean shaven 3. Then, for the entire month of Movember each Mo Bro must grow and groom a moustache according to Mo Bro Law: There is to be no joining the mo to the side burns. That’s a beard. There is to be no joining the handlebars on the chin. That’s a goatee. A small complementary growth under the bottom lip is allowed. (AKA The Tickler).
W: movember.com E: moteam@movember.com
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THE FACTS ABOUT SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS! Genital Warts These are flesh colored growths found in the genital area. They are EXTREAMLY CONTAGIOUS. Although the warts are painless, they can be itchy, and cause irritation because of their location. Because the warts are infectious aviod touching, squeezing or itching them! Prescribed creams and freezing treatment can be used to get rid of the warts however no treatment can guarantee against the warts coming back. Genital warts can be contracted through physical contact, vaginal, anal, oral sex (both protected/unprotected). Using a condom is the best protection against getting the warts however its not entirely effective. If you have warts, don’t wait for them to go away, be responsible and go to a doctor ASAP!
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k, so I know it’s a topic no one wants to talk about but in the space of ten years, there has been a 700% increase in cases of Chlamydia in Ireland. 69% of reported sti are between 20-25 year olds!! It’s up to me as your welfare officer to ensure ye know all about sti’s, the symptoms, the causes and most importantly the cure!
time and get yourself to a doctor ASAP...
Herpes
Unusual discharge from penis or vagina; pain when passing urine; unusual sores or blisters in the genital area; itching or irritation in the genital area; pain during sex. There are loads of different types of sexual transmitted infections, for information on each type visit www. thinkcontraception.ie
This is a virus which can be contracted from unprotected sex or direct skin to skin contact. Most people who carry the virus have no symptoms, however during an outbreak one may experience: Flu-like symptoms, painful blisters or ulcers on your external genitals and rectum, a burning sensation when you pass urine.
What is an sti?
WARNING: GENITAL WARTS AND CHLAMYDIA are RAMPant IN CIT AT THE MOMENT!
STIs are infections that are passed on from an infected partner(s) during unprotected sex (vaginal, anal and oral). They are caused by specific bacteria and viruses. It’s a common myth that you cannot get a Sti if you’re not having sex… WRONG!! Kissing and touching each other’s genitals may pass on certain Sti’s.
How do I prevent getting a sti?
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Abstaining from sex altogether is a sure fired way to prevent catching a sti… however I know that’s not the most practical option! Practice safe sex! ALWAYS use a condom and don’t be shy about talking about contraception options with your partner as well as STI check ups. Ideally if you are sexually active you should go for a STI screening every six months. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and the relief you will feel afterwards is brilliant.
Chlamydia This is one of the most common types of STI, it is a bacterial infection. If left untreated it can lead to infertility. Chlamydia often has no symptoms. It can be passed on by having sex without a condom or with someone who is infected. Having a Chlamydia test is simple. A urine or swab test is all that is needed! Chlamydia is treated by a short course of antibiotics. Although many people experience no symptoms from Chlamydia the following have been experienced by some infected women; pain when going to the toilet; bleeding after sex or painful sex, unusual vaginal discharge, pain low in the abdomen, the need to go to the toilet more often.
More than 5,000,000 people are infected with Hepatitis B (HBV) each year. HBV is also known to be the cause of cervical cancer. Are Sti’s curable? Most STI’s are completely curable however the key to getting rid of a STI is all about timing! There is no time for embarrassment or putting your head in the sand! As soon as you notice any of the following symptoms, don’t waste
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Men should go for a chlamydia test if they experience: Painful testicles, pain when going to the toilet, discharge from the tip of the penis.
In the space of 10 years, there has been a 700% increase in the number of cases of Chlamydia in Ireland
Treatment
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Prescribed medication can reduce discomfort during an outbreak. The virus will stay in your system, so you may have further outbreaks. These outbreaks are usually less severe. To prevent against herpes: Don’t have sex while you or your partner(s) has an outbreak. Always use a new condom correctly and put it on before you have sex!
Pubic lice They are tiny insects, like head lice, that live in pubic or body hair. The lice are contracted from close body contact with an infected person, infected bed linen or clothes may also pass on the lice. Symptoms include: Itching in your pubic hair, and you may be able to see the lice! It can be treated with creams and lotions – for you and your partner(s). You can buy these at a chemist, but I’d advise you to visit your doctor first to be 100% sure and also for support. Trust me, they have seen it all before and can be very reassuring to hear you’re not the only one!
Medical Services available to you in Cork MEDICAL CENTRE CIT
YOUTH HEALTH SERVICE
The medical centre in CIT, offers numerous specialist doctors who can look after all your health needs. For STI testing, or treatment for a STI infection, make an appointment ASAP with Dr.Jackie Cantillon, who comes into the college on Tuesday afternoons, 2-4 pm. The testing only costs €10 with your student card and as with all the services provided by the medical centre it is completely confidential. No one in the waiting room will know what you’re going in for, and trust me the relief is fantastic when you get the all clear and/or treatment for the infection. Dr. Cantillon is highly trained in the area and offers great support and advice!
73 Shandon Street, Tel: 0214220490 This service is only for people under 21 years. Services offered are FREE STI screening and medication. There is however a lengthy waiting list so book ahead if you want to have a check up. They also offer free contraception!
Other specialist doctors available in the clinic include: Dr. Hilda O’Shea Dermatology & GP (MondayFriday) Dr. Frank Hill G.P Men’s Health (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) Dr. John O’Riordan Sport’s Medicine (Wednesday) Dr. Paul Deasy Mental Health (Thursday) Dr Joe Hartnett G.P Men’s Health
GUM/ STI CLINIC Located in the South Infirmary, Victoria Hospital. 0214966844. This clinic offers a FREE service; both the examination and treatment are free. You are not asked for your name and are identified by a number so it is completely confidential. The testing may take up to two hours, and you do have to disclose your sexual history, but don’t worry they are completely professional and have heard and seen it all before! There is about a three week waiting list, but often if you contract an STI virus it may take a few weeks to emerge, e.g. Herpes or Genital Warts. Other services provided by the clinic include: Health advice, telephone query line, contact tracing, counsellor
SEXUAL HEALTH CENTRE This is located near the Mercy hospital, 16 Peters Street. The contact number is 0214275837 Web: www.sexualhealthcentre.com Services provided here are FREE pregnancy testing, counselling for unexpected pregnancy so you can explore all your options, HIV support service, and training and support on sexual health and drugs.
CURA 1850 622626. 34 Paul Street 021-4277544 CURA offers a free and confidential service that helps those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Supports provided include: • Free pregnancy testing. • Crisis Pregnancy Counselling at any time during pregnancy. • Information on social welfare and other rights and entitlements. • Support with accommodation if required. • Support for Mums after the birth of a baby. • Support and counselling to fathers. • Counselling after an abortion. • Fostering and Adoption information
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Shag week Up to 70% of women and 50% of men with Chlamydia have no symptoms
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Rape Crisis CentrE, 01 6614911 Womens Aid Help Line, 1800 341900
Irish Association of Victim Support, 01 6798673 RAPE
Another tuff topic to discuss but is totally relevant in sexual health and awareness week is Rape. If any of the following happen to you WITHOUT your consent then it is RAPE: Sexual intercourse, Oral sex, Anal sex, or penetration of the vagina by any object help or manipulated by another. 9 out of 10 rapes in Ireland are NOT reported to the police! I read a shocking statistic that one woman every day of December 2007 was raped in Ireland If you are raped please remember that you are NOT to blame. The rapist is the person who commits the crime, NOT YOU. Help is on hand 24hrs a day either contact the Gardai, the Rape Crisis Centre. Please don’t feel afraid of coming forward, help is available to you and you could possibly prevent someone else from being attacked by coming forward.
SAMARITANS
Tel: 1850 60 90 90 The Samaritans offer a 24hr a day free and confidential support, for anyone experiencing distress or despair including those which could lead to suicide. No matter how big or small the problem is, there is always someone available at the other end of the phone to talk to you. Don’t carry the burden alone, speak up and talk to someone.
LGBT Society: Are you gay, bi-sexual, lesbian, transgender, or just plain confused? Are you planning to come out, or just don’t know what the f*** is going on? If you feel like any of these right now, trust us, you are not the only one. A lot of us have been there, or have friends that have been through this. Some of us are now out and happy while others still feel coming out is just a big NO!! Whichever one you choose, it’s up to you, but there is a group here that can help. If anyone reading this wants to make contact, it will be in total confidence. Contact either male or female committee members at lgbtcit@gmail.com and suwelfare@cit.ie
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Photos
Sam Comes Home to CIT
Orientation Ball
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Freshers Week & Ball
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Shag week
The Check up BOYS CHECK It’s a scary sight. Waiting in the doctors waiting room for the dreaded STI check. Aside from the fact that I had been told that it was slightly painful, I was even more concerned about what the result may be. I chose to go for the test not because I was showing a rash, or it was hurting to pee. No, I was doing this because of the fact that over 50% of students in Munster are believed to have Chlamydia, and there can be no symptoms at all. This freaked me out more than anything. I have spent nights awake rethinking and reguessing all my exploits over the past year or so. Remember that time… What about when… Oh my god, did I… Self diagnosis is a killer – Chlamydia has no symptoms??? I HAVE NO SYMPTOMS!!! What you mean I could be infected?!? From my own point of view, I don’t want to have kids soon, but some day maybe. I just want the option. Maybe I will find a woman one day who will love me enough to adopt and keep her body as it is, but maybe she will want to have her own kids and if I can’t provide that could break her heart… Anyway. Doctors surgery. 2pm. Watching Jeremy Kyle or some other useless daytime tv like that. I couldn’t even concentrate I was so nervous. Next thing I got the call from the doctor – “Mr. ******, could you come this way please”. Like a sheep I followed, even though I think my eyes darted up to heaven to ask The Big Man above was this a good idea. I think the conversation went something like this:
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So… the awkward questions out of the way, now just the test. Never have I felt so conscious about taking off my clothes in front of a girl. Did I mention the doctor was a girl? So – sat up on a table behind a screen. Pants and jocks down and a disturbingly see through plastic / paper towel thingy over my manly hood. In she comes anyway and cool as a breeze gets a swab, kind of like a cotton bud, and lifts up the paper like sheet and sticks it about a centimetre down my Mr. Man. I’m not going to lie, it didn’t feel right. That is most definitely a one way system! So that was it, or so I thought, until she did it again. The pain was unexpected. It wasn’t excruciating or anything, just definitely did not feel right. This was followed by a blood test and off I went. Bought myself a Lucozade and a bar of chocolate and went back to class and said nothing to no-one. I am not embarrassed about doing it, in fact, I am kind of proud. Proud I did something that has taken a weight off my mind. It’s just a pity that most people think that you are dirty to get it done, or there is something wrong with you. In fact, it’s the opposite – you are just making sure that you are healthy and clean. The last thing I would want would be to infect someone with something, then have to ring them up and tell them – “Oh, just found out I have herpes, might want to get tested”. That would be WAY worse. So off I went back to class anyway and home that night. Got a phonecall the next week saying call in for my results and all was good. It’s a weight off my mind and
I was doing this because of the fact that over 50% of students in Munster are believed to have Chlamydia
Doc: So, any symptoms? Me: No. Doc: Any Discharge? Me: No. (discharge?!?) Doc: Have you had unprotected sex? Me: No. Doc: Any reason to believe you may have come in contact with HIV or Hepatitis? Me: No! Doc: When was the last time you had intercourse? Me: Ehhhh… A few days ago??
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now I can go back to my girlfriend and tell her she’s all clean too. Even though she may question why I went for one in the first place… Signing off, One happy fourth year.
GIRLS CHECK I decided to get an STI check, not because there was anything wrong with me (I hoped) but because there had been one or two instances in the past where I had unprotected sex, not intentionally, but condoms that ripped in the most inconvenient of times! Anyway, I made an appointment with my local G.P for an all-over health check. I was nervous making the appointment and did not want to mention STI check to the receptionist! When I met the doctor I told her about my concerns… she explained that it is unlikely to have caught anything if more than three months had passed since the unprotected sex, but that Chlamydia has NO symptoms so better to be safe than sorry! Ok, so the initial undressing and covering yourself up with a paper like sheet was cringe worthy, but the doctor was an absolute professional, and had clearly seen it all before. She explained first exactly what she would be doing. Two cotton wool like swab thingy’s were taken and it wasn’t painful at all, just uncomfortable! It was exactly like getting a smear test actually! She then shocked me by saying “now we will check for HIV”. HIV had never in a million years crossed my mind and I was now terrified I might have that! After much struggle, the doctor eventually got enough blood (apparently you have to be breathing in order for the blood to flow). And that was it! The whole ordeal took a maximum of twenty minutes! I was told I would get a phone call within two weeks if the results showed up anything, I knew I’d a long two weeks ahead so simply asked the doctor if she could ring me either way! I got the all clear about 12 days later (not that I was counting or anything) and the relief was fantastic! The more you hear about STI’s the more you can convince and terrify yourself about having them. The easiest thing to do and the best advice I can now give any of my friends is to just go any get one done! I am also going to be asking future partners if they get regular STI check’s before getting close! Your health is your wealth after all!!
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CIT Notes
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t was announced recently that for the class of 2010, the prospect of getting a grant on time is much improved because of major changes recently introduced in the grant application process. Key among these changes was a simplification of the grant application form and a streamlined administrative process. These developments were said to ensure a quicker turnaround time and less delay in getting a payment. However in the past academic year alone, there has been a huge surge in the amount of students seeking financial advice due to the difficulties they were experiencing in meeting payments, such as the €1500 registration fee. Due to the incalculable back-log of grant applications, which caused huge delays in the grant approval process, some students did not receive their payments until completing their summer exams. And this year the delay is set to continue. Some students will continue to have to wait up to 45 days for an initial decision on an application, then up to 90 days more if the independent board considers the application. That’s four and a half months without even seeing a single penny. If the current government were to go as far as introducing this ‘improved’ system, why didn’t they go all the way and see through on their decision to introduce the Student Support Bill. On February 5th 2008 the then Minister for Education Batt O’Keefe launched the Student Support Bill. The purpose of this bill was to streamline the administrative procedures for the management of the student grant awarding process. By simplifying the range of different grants and awarding authorities which students must currently negotiate in order to apply for a grant, information would be more accessible and the whole process of obtaining funding would be much simpler. Under the new Bill, Vocational Education Committees (VECs) would have sole responsibility for the administration of students’ grants, whereas currently students, who are pursuing a Degree or a Post-Graduate course, have to apply to their local authority, and if they are a Trainee, pursuing a Post Leaving Cert (PLCs), Cert or Diploma, they have to apply to their VEC. The new arrangement would also include guaranteed time frames for more timely payment of grants and more efficient arrangements for handling applications and making payments. The Bill also provides for a new independent appeals board for people who are refused support, and tougher sanctions for those who make fraudulent claims. At the time when the Bill was published Minister O’Keefe stated that, “This will significantly simplify the range of different grants and awarding authorities which students must currently negotiate in order to apply for a grant”. This Bill was expected to take effect in the 2009/2010 academic year. However, as we’re now in the 2010/2011 academic year, no signs have yet been shown of any progress in the matter. Since the publishing of the Bill the government has gone through two Cabinet reshuffles and it is fair to say that issues affecting the students of Ireland have been put on the backburner during these transitional periods, including the Student Support Bill which has been continuously sidelined. This can no longer be an excuse for the government, however. Students of Ireland should not stand for it any longer. We the students of CIT will not stand for it any longer.
Whats the delay? There have been two education ministers since the publication of the Bill who have both failed to implement it. As a result, thousands of students were left without grant payments due to the enormous delays in the processing of grant applications last year and currently we are seeing more of the same problems. And this is also set to continue during the next academic year 2011/2012, unless we do something about it. The numbers entering higher education have increased by 15% in the past two years. This coupled with the impact of the recession on employment levels and wages across all economic sectors, has seen a record number of students apply for grants this year. The number of those who will qualify for a grant is expected to rise by 5,000 students this year, raising the total to an estimated 62,000. This situation will only put
extra pressure on the already heavily stressed grant system. So why not do a complete overhaul of the system? While the Student Support Bill does show some imperfections, it is the best option to alleviate the problems within the current grant system. As Projects Officer of CITSU, I have written to the Minister for Education, Mary Coughlan, on behalf of every single CIT student to request the current status of the Student Support Bill. When this matter is seen to, I will then further my campaign to push the Student Support Bill into law. Although it is too late to solve the problems this year, it is essential that the students who will be dependent on grants next year will receive them on time. Niamh Hayes
Mobile4Cash will be at CIT on October 21st from 11am to 3pm in the main corridor.
Overheardin CIT
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WHAT DOES SEX MEAN TO THE STUDENTS OF CIT
A survey was conducted in the canteen on Tuesday 5th October to see what exactly the word sex means to ye the students. To our amazement the most confident looking groups of males and females went completely shy when asked the question! No sentences were clearly formed, but luckily we did get words! Enjoy reading YOUR comments... Going to sleep with a smile on your face - and cuddles after... Mutual pleasure... Worrying the next day if it broke or not... Once I’m done I’ve had my fun... Anything goes... Love... Mad, passionate, love... Penetration... A gender (smart ass)... Good fun times... Passion... Expressions of love & feelings... Don’t get much of it... Its means everything... One night stands - the way forward... Babies... A good finish to a Thursday night, out on the piss... The Holy Grail... Being in love... Experimenting... Contraception (finally thank god!!)... Great craic... Alcohol related... Jay from the inbetweeners (this from a male!)... Orgasm... Big boobs, nice ass and lots of pleasure...
Kinky shit... Durex featherlite all the way... Down a hundred euro... Two minutes... Intimate... Trust... Responsible... Privacy... Stranger (worrying!)... Morning after... Before marriage... Virginity... Pain!... Romance... Toys... Love eventually... Passing time!!??... Closeness... Bondage... STI’s... Gorgezzzzzzzz.... Sensual... Unusual... Energetic... Wahoo, result... Relief...
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And our favourite: a meaningful connection between two loving partners
Graduation Balls 2010 Cork Institute of Technology Conferrings will take place on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th October. CITSU will be organising Graduation Balls for each night. Thursday 28 Oct - Business and Humanities Grad Ball - J90 plus DJs Friday 29th Oct - Engineering and Science and CCAD Grad Ball - Point Blank plus DJs Ticket price includes bus to and from hotel. Pre Parties at Bailey and Mc Cathy’s Bar and Bistro. Buses leave from The Bailey (City Centre) and Mc Cathy’s Bar and Bistro (Bishopstown) at 9.15, 9.45 and 10.15pm. Buses will leave Rochestown from 1.30am onwards Tickets are €17 each and complimentary buses will run from Bishopstown and the City Centre to the venue and return to Bishopstown from the hotel. We advise early purchase of tickets in order to avoid disappointment, as they are limited. To order tickets please call to the SU office or post a cheque/postal order along with the form that was posted to your home address. For further information please contact CITSU Entertainments Manager, Mick O’Mahony, on 021 433 5270 or email event@cit.ie
The management and staff of Rochestown Park Hotel would like to wish all new and returning students to CIT the best of luck for the year ahead. Thank you for making us your number one ball venue.
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FLIRTING, DATING AND RELATING WORKSHOP
A Guide to Great Sex
Weds 20th Oct, Four sessions Lasting one hour between 11-4pm. Contact Vicki - E: suwelfare@cit.ie to book your space. Limited seats! FREE LUNCH PROVIDED
Student Centre
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Thurs 21st, 1-2pm
The Good Study Guide
Study
By Chris Scanlon
Things you need to know
Study skills
• College textbooks can be expensive, it is often more cost effective to purchase them from second year students. Or via our second hand book shop. • Many courses require you to attend labs. Failure to attend a certain percentage of labs may result in failure of a course. • Mandatory projects may form part of your overall result for the year. Failure to complete projects can lead to failure of the year. • If you are unable to meet a deadline due to unforeseen events you should contact the lecturer immediately, explain your situation and ask extension. • Computers with Internet access are available to all students in Open Access, which can be found in the Library Building.
• Find a quiet place to study and work on assignments. You shouldn’t listen to the radio or TV, as this will only distract you. • Always study in the same place, preferably in a well-lit and well-ventilated area. • Assemble and keep your study supplies to hand. These may include a dictionary, post-its, refill pads, index cards and highlighters. • Keep your study area clean, tidy and well organised. • The library is a great place to study, but it will be really crowded around exam times, so come early to beat the crowd.
Time Management • Keep your planner with you at all times and record assignments Handups and appointments as soon as you get them. • Work on long-term projects whenever you have the chance; avoid having to “cram” and “pull all nighters” the night before a deadline. • Make a schedule for long term projects make checkpoints and list what work has to be completed at each of these checkpoints and give a date to each of these. This will help keep you on track and reduce stress. • Every night before you go to bed create a list of tasks for the following day. Rank tasks by there priority and complete them according to this rank. Any unfinished tasks from one day get high priority in the following days list.
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How to study • Set aside a specific time to do projects/study every night, as this will help establish a routine. • Study in one-hour blocks, and then give yourself 15mins of a break. • Studying in groups can help focus on areas of importance and facilitates access to more information and may afford the opportunity of a better understanding of course content.
Learning while you read • Try to actively learn while you read, and think about what you are reading. If the material is hard to understand, stop after a few paragraphs and summarise, either loud or by taking notes. • Don’t follow the text with your fingers, as this also slows you down and can make it harder to understand the material. • Summarise the materials you read in your own
I have had a lot of students coming to me asking me how do I study? or telling me they can’t study. Therefore I decided to write this article I hope these few tips help
Lectures • Listen out for tips from lecturers during class i.e. “This is an important topic”, “This is a examinable topic”, “Pay particular attention to...” and so on. • Listen intently during lectures, try not to let you mind drift to last nights antics. If you don’t understand something ask a question and make footnotes on what the lecturer says.
Note Taking • Use a pen or pencil that doesn’t smear. • Write the page number, subject, and the date on each page of the notes. • Keep all your subject notes together, preferably in a folder. • You should visibly mark different topics in your notes. • If you miss out on a lecture make sure you find out what happened and get any notes. • You should retain notes from previous years as they may form a foundation for future study topics.
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words, as this will help you remember the content when you are revising the notes later on. • Memorise diagrams or illustrations that accompany the text to help you understand and remember the material. • Before you begin a case study assignment, look at the questions, and you will then be able to focus on finding the answer as you read.
The Index Card Method • This is a method for helping to commit material to memory. This method is especially useful when revising for an exam. • Review your notes and readings frequently, so the material is “fresh”, as you’re reading your text or reviewing your notes, generate and write down questions about the material. • Write each question on the back of an index card and on the front write an answer for the question. • Shuffle the index cards (so you can’t figure out any answers based on their location in the deck).
• Look at the card on the top of the deck and try to answer the question. If you know it, great! Put it on the bottom of the deck. If you don’t know it, look at the answer, and put it a few cards down in the deck (so you’ll come back to it soon). • Proceed through the deck of cards until you know all of the questions
Pre Exam Time • Be aware of examination regulations. • Examinations often follow the same format as the year before. Exam papers are available on-line from http://exam.cit.ie. The library also has hard copies of past exam papers. • A healthy diet and exercise will help you to concentrate around exam time. • Eat a good breakfast and get a good night sleep before an exam.
During The Exam • Read directions carefully. • Listen to the directions given by the examiner. • Divide time out evenly between all questions. • Change answers only if you are certain they are wrong. • If you don’t know the answers, guess it. (As long as negative marking is not being used). • Use all the time allowed; check over answers and re-read directions if you have spare time. • Look for answers within the test; sometimes one question will include the answer to another.
Post Exam A result of 40% is the minimum requirement to progress from higher Certificate to ordinary degree and a result of 50% from ordinary degree higher to Degree. Other requirements may apply depending on the course. If you want to appeal a result of a summer examination do it straight away. The appeals deadline is usually 10 days after you get your results. If you fail the summer exams and pass in the autumn you will usually be accorded a pass result regardless of marks achieved. If there are extenuating circumstances during the summer exams or academic year, inform your department immediately so these may be taken in to account (e.g. illness).
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sess any other options available. Very often, students are disencouraged from college by a lack of interpersonal contact. Try out some kind of sport or join a society. This will make your view on the college more positive and it may make your studies easier to manage
So You think you have problems? Our male & female problem solvers are here to answer your questions...
Q
Hi, i just started my second year of my course in cit and really scared that it’s not for me. I really have no interest in the course and feel like i am wasting my days sitting in a lecture room totally bored! I’m really starting to get down about it, but don’t know what else I could do that I would prefer. I feel really lost and don’t know who to turn to. There’s no way I can turn to my dad for advice and I think he would kill me if I drop out no. please help! I can relate to what you are experiencing and I’m sure a lot of students are in similar shoes as you are in now. Its normal to feel apprehensive and a little scared at the start of a new college year. Please don’t feel like your wasting your time, the beauty about college is that you start realising what it is you like and do not like! Perhaps you should visit the guidance counsellor on campus and talk through some of your concerns and look at all your options! Have you joined any clubs or societies in college? It’s a fantastic way to make new friends and to see the college in a new light! I think your dad would appreciate your honesty and would only want to see you happy so you should try pick up the courage to talk to him. I think the most important thing is that you don’t rush into any decision without a lot of thought. Also try think back to why you decided on your course in the first place and what you liked about it. Your class coordinator, as well as the Education Officer and Welfare Officer
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in the Students’ Union are also all available to help you in any way they can and hopefully you will decide on a decision that will make you happy The first thing you need to do is concentrate on your long term goals – what do you want to do when you are older? Is the course going to help you achieve your desired goal? If not, well
then there isn’t a whole lot of a point in staying in the course, unless you are going to get a cert after this year. Unfortunately at this stage, an internal transfer is out of the question, and if you are to re-apply through the CAO you will be restricted by your points and also will have to pay tuition fees for first, and possibly second year. It could be worth your while contacting careers and counselling also to as-
Q
I find myself in a really sticky situation... one of my good friends is going out with her boyfriend four years and living together. I’ve recently found out he has cheated on her a good few times in the past. I have never seen this myself but have heard it from loads of reliable sources. I am worried if I tell my friend that she will think i am just trying to break them up. I have never liked him and have confronted her in the past for neglecting our friendship and spending all her time with him. Should I turn a blind eye or should I tell my friend. I don’t want to loose her as a friend but don’t want her being taken for a fool either! Ok this is a sticky situation! The last thing you want is to damage your relationship with you and your friend,
however I know if it was me, I don’t think I’d be able to forgive my friend if she held information like that from me. It might be pretty awful having to confront your friend about what her boyfriend has apparently being doing but I’m sure she will thank you for it in the long run. However, if you say nothing and her boyfriend continues to cheat it will hurt her a lot more! You should
Problem page try getting some one who has witnessed him doing the dirt to confirm the allegations to your friend also. I know it’s a hard situation but no one said friendship was always going to be easy. Do the right thing and tell your friend. If she chooses to believe her boyfriend over you, then that’s her decision and you no longer need to feel sorry for the burden of the info! Best of luck Not jealous of you. Best thing I can say is to follow your moral compass. If your gut says tell them, then tell them. Bear in mind that they are in a long term relationship however and will be very very close. If his cheating was in the past, I would let it lie. If, however, it is a continuous thing, I would tell her, but that is just me. Don’t tell her without forewarning that you want to have a very serious conversation, and bring another mutual friend to back you up. At the end of the day, it is your friends well being that you are looking out for. Now, just because she knows, does not mean they will definitely break up. This may be a kick in the ass that he needs to cop himself on and that, in the long run, will strengthen your relationship. On the topic of you not liking him all along, you really should make more of an effort in future, or else just don’t make this common knowledge. If your friend really likes him, you should support her and make an effort too. He is a very important person in her life, and you should make it as easy as you can to make her life that little bit easier.
Q
Hey. I’ve recently started going out with a guy for the first time. Things are starting to get quite serious already and i am worried that if I don’t go all the way with him soon, he’ll dump me. I am not his first girlfriend and I know he’s slept with a few people. My older sister got pregnant in secondary school and i am absolutely terrified of the same happening to me. I really really like him though and don’t want to mess up what we have. What do you think I should do?
take such a big step. Having sex has to be a mutual desire and should only happen when ye both feel ready and more importantly both want to! If he is the right guy for you, then he will respect your wishes to take things slow. You don’t need to feel terrified about getting pregnant as long as you take proper measures to prevent pregnancy. Visit thinkcontraception.ie to find out all about different methods of contraception. You need to tell your boyfriend straight out about your fears and that your not ready to “go all the way”. Don’t forget the old saying “the man that make’s you cry is not worth your tears, and the man that is won’t make you cry”. Be proud for standing up for yourself Best of luck If he likes you, he will wait. Never feel pressurised into sex, and it would be extremely wrong of him to pressurise you. Sex is not the be all and end all in a relationship, although it is a healthy part of an adult relationship when the time is right. Not all guys are just in it for sex either – and there are also other things you can do which are just as good, and sometimes better! I know myself, many guys think that oral is an even better sensation, but again – when the time is right. If you are ready to have sex, you should also be ready to have a mature conversation about it, so sit him down, tell him how you feel, and I am sure he will understand. With regards to your sister, the only advice I can give is to be careful. There are a whole variety of contraceptives available, all with their own pros and cons. This should be considered also. Be is condoms, the pill, an IUD, whatever. Do your research and make whatever decision is right for you. If and when you do decide to finally have sex, make sure it is the right time and in the right place, under the right circumstances. Your first time should be special, and you will always remember it – trust me!! Make it memorable for all the right reasons! Good Luck!
Ok. You cannot feel pressured into having sex! That it not the right reason for you to get that intimate with someone and
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Clubs and Societies
New Year, New Society the C.I.T. D.J’s are back with a bang!!! Playing to a sell out Freshers Ball at the Clancys Complex. A big thank you to the Students Union for the opportunity to showcase our DJs. This years society includes a range of dj’s to suit all your styles of music so don’t be shy drop in and say hi in the radio station upstairs straight across from the common room in the students centre (when the lights are on the Dj’s are home). Beginners welcome and no experience required, weekly workshops are held 1-2. Hope to see you all there
Send your Clubs & Societies news to: supublications@cit.ie. Check explicit.ie for publication dates and further information.
CIT’s Photographic Society
Last year was a great success with the society taking the Best Event award for its exhibition ‘Vertical’. We have even bigger and better things planned for this year. Plans for the year include an exhibition in both semesters, loads of trips, workshops in lomography, photoshop, photography basics and developing your own photos! This year we’ll also be working in conjunction with other societies, so if your society has an event it would like photo-documented let us know. With the new addition of the Fashion Society in CIT we’ll be doing more fashion shoots this year. So, it looks like it’s going to be a great year and we look forward to sharing it with all our members, new and old! For more information, please visit: Facebook @ Cit Photosoc or on Tumblr @ http://citphotosoc.tumblr.com/
Business & Accounting Soc means more
than just academic learning, it’s about interacting, socialising and sharing experiences with other students. Our events have already commenced with the success of our first guest speaker, Bobby Kerr from the Dragons Den. We also have another Dragon visiting CIT in the coming future. We have three more well known guest speakers visiting CIT, as well as our past graduates from CIT returning to give their experiences in February. Please keep a look out for our posters of events around the college and in the What’s On for events happening through the year. So be active and get involved… Planned Events: Guest Speakers: Eddie Hobbs - Celebrity Financial Advisor - Nov 16; Sean Gallagher - Dragons Den; Darina Allen - TV Personaily/Chef; Brody Sweeney - Founder of O’Brien Sandwiches; Past Graduate Speakers Social Events: Halloween Party, Fun Day BBQ, Casino Night, Date Night with a twist, Hunks n Trunks Night, Ice Skating, Business Ball: February 10th E: businessaccounting@citsocieties.ie Facebook: CIT Business & Accounting Society. ¸Web:www.citsocieties.ie
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Health
Give yourself more energy
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ith a long weekend coming up as well as Halloween and Graduation Balls, not to mention increased workloads and darker evening, energy is needed to keep the active student going. Eating well allows our bodies to burn energy efficiently, and when you have more energy, you will definitely look better and more attractive than your dull, drained counterparts. This time of the year we are all hopefully meeting new people on a regular basis, so it is important to look your best. And contrary to what people think, eating more will not make you put on weight, in fact, the opposite is actually true. Having breakfast speeds up your daily metabolism, which in turn gives you more energy, which in turn burns off more food (or calories as the science-y people may call them). The Special K ad always says this but we all know that tv cannot be trusted since the Haughey administration. So – Energy. Caffeine – good or bad? The answer is the same as all answers are in relation to food – Good in moderation. Caffeine should be limited to a max of two portions per day. This includes tea, coffee, red bull, and other high caffeine drinks. Too much caffeine can actually make you jittery and you may find it difficult to concentrate and focus.
Energy Sappers: Tobacco – Smoking reduces the amount of oxegen carried by the blood around our bodies. For this reason, the body must use more energy sustaining itself and thus less can be used for more pleasurable pursuits Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption can make you tired and lethargic. This is not just a hangover, but your energy levels can be affected for up to a week after a heavy session Anaemia – A lack or deficiency of iron in the body reduces the oxegen levels and once again the bodies energy must be focused on other areas rather than on external expenditure Stress – Underlying stress affects our moods and hormone levels. This in turn puts our bodies out of sync and our energy levels are impacted negatively
Energy Boosters: High Carbohydrate Breakfasts - like porridge or muesli. Alternatively a bowl of a low-sugar cereal and a banana will set you up for the day Balance your meals right - Well balanced lunch and dinner which include carbohydrates, proteins and fresh vegetables Fruit – Natures natural sugars Sports drinks - Drinks that contain glucose as opposed to sugar or caffeine Exercise – Exercise speeds up our metabolism, so the more energy you burn, the more energy you will have! Plenty of water – Staying adequately hydrated is vital Fresh air – Take a breather during breaks and over lunch. Ten minutes outside in the fresh air can give you a natural boost that no food or drink can provide you with.
Chicken Stir-fry 250g rice 500g skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into thin strips 2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 large onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce 100g bean sprouts 1 carrot, finely sliced 1/3 cup chicken stock 1 tablespoon olive oil Cut the chicken into small chunks or strips. Add oil to a hot wok and insert chicken. Put rice into boiling water. Allow to simmer for at least ten minutes. When chicken is brown, add incarrots, peppers, onions and bean sprouts. After 2-3 minutes, add in garlic, ginger and chicken stock. Then add in sauce if desired for another 2-3 minutes and simmer. Drain rice, and serve stirfry on top of a bed of rice. A very simple dish, very simply done. Always a students favourite. Any kitchen fires should be reported to: Aiken Promotions, 24 Holles Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 - 7755800
Spice Of India Indian Restaurant
Monday - Saturday Lunch: 12pm - 2.30pm Dinner: 5pm - 11.30pm Sunday: 2pm - 10pm
10%
discount
for col le
ction
Indian food at The Spice Of India is uniquely prepared with health in mind. The spices are used to give flavour and much more. They are used for the medicinal upkeep and harmony of the body which is often ignored in the west.
Free Delivery Minimum delivery order €15 Every day from 5.30pm - 11.30pm
Looney’s Cross, Bishopstown, Cork Tel: 021 - 454 6838 or 021 434 8348
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Crossword is sponsored by CIT Societies – www.citsocieties.ie (Prize €30 for completed entries into SU shop) Crossword is sponsored by CIT Societies – www.citsocieties.ie (Prize €30 for completed entries into SU shop)
Games GAMES 1
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Correctly complete the crossword and return to Students’ Union office before next issue deadline to enter competition
C D D B P S T E W Y X E C Y T
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I L R U I N G O L K R X U G N
T S X A E S R N U Y B M R O A
S R E D C L H S I B L D R L T
BISHOPSTOWN CITSU CREDITUNION CURRAHEEN DEBITCARD EXPLICIT FRIENDLY INSTANT INSTITUTE LOANS
U W U X D T E O E V R M A O S
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J D D R C I I R E K T G E C E
C D D B P S T E W Y X E C Y T
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E T T W P C I E P A A F H N N
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C R E D I T U N I O N G W T V
R O A D S G O L R T A Y G N G
W K C A E T U T I T S N I Y T
P K M P S Y J Q N Q A C S H Z
october2010 E E E Q J X E C L D U O N E W
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F R I E N D L Y L S U J Q J F
T C O T B T F X P E D
BISHOPSTOWN CITSU CREDITUNION CURRAHEEN DEBITCARD EXPLICIT FRIENDLY INSTANT INSTITUTE LOANS MASTERCARD OCTOBER ROAD SAVINGS SECURE STUDENT TECHNOLOGY WORLDWIDE
Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com
Last Months Winner: Lisa Fray BS4
SHAG WEEK 19th, 20th, 21st Oct 2010 FLIRTING, DATING AND RELATING WORKSHOP
A Guide to Great Sex: Weds 20th 11-4pm Limited seats! to book your space: Contact Vicki - E: suwelfare@cit.ie Meeting room 1, Four sessions lasting one hour between 11am-4pm FREE LUNCH PROVIDED
A safe space to be yourself
Coming out talk
7pm in meeting room 1, Weds 20th Oct Free Pizza
Sexual Health Magician
Thurs 21st @ Student centre, 1-2pm. Lots of DUREX toys & goodie giveaways
Blind Date Pre shag party THurs 21st in the BTown Bar @9pm
SHAG WEEK BALL
at Clancy’s & Liquid Lounge Thurs 21st, Doors @11pm
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Curraheen Road, Bishopstown www.herlihycentra.ie
€3
Only €2.50 Hot Chicken Fillet Roll 1 Salad Filling
Only €3.50 Chicken Curry & Boiled Rice Hot Dinner
e ceiv nce e r a to rts h a ch e l t i ta tex e in w t n b de stu ffers & r u r o nt o p fo stude u n Sig latest ipad the in an to w see instore for details offers valid until October 30th
Only 50c 7up 500ml Bottle only