GMITSU Handbook & Diary 2012

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CONTENTS 1

YOUR UNION

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An introduction to your Students’ Union, including information on your SU Team, how the Union works and how to get involved. This section also looks at new offerings from the SU for 2011-12.

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STUDENT SERVICES

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Student Services provide professional advice on issues such as student health, students with disabilities, counselling, careers, chaplaincy, and financial support.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

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Here you’ll find information on things such as entertainment, parking, exams, the canteen, I.T. centre, and the International office that should make day-to-day life at GMIT that but easier.

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WELFARE

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This section offers advice on areas such as mental & physical health, drinking sensibly, the dangers of drug abuse and there’s a breakdown of support services available to you.

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THE DIARY

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The diary chapter includes a handy view of all the main dates to look out for throughout the year, the Diary section itself, Timetables, Financial Planner, Bus Timetable and Useful Contacts.

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©2012 A GMIT Students’ Union Publication

CREDITS Compilation and Editor Brendan Kenny, Students’ Union Art Direction Fuerty Ventura :: Design Detective

With thanks to Students’ Union Staff : Noodle Salad : Students’ Union Sabbaticals. Photography: Ros Kavanagh, Andrew Downes, Aengus McMahon and Joe O’Shaughnessy, Darachphotography.com and Joe Travers. All other contributors Print Snap Galway Disclaimer While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material printed within, GMIT Students’ Union cannot accept liability in respect of any errors or omissions.

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GMITSU

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A Welcome Message from

the President of GMIT

Michael Carmody You are very welcome to GMIT and I want to thank you for choosing to come and study with us. First year at college is one of the most interesting and stimulating times in our lives. You will have opportunities to study new subjects and disciplines, get involved in a wide range of clubs and societies and enjoy the general atmosphere of campus life. The most important thing you can do in the first few weeks is to get to know your fellow students who will become your friends in the years ahead; many will continue as friends during your working life. Take the time to familiarise yourself with the layout of the campus and the facilities available. Attend as many events as possible during the induction programme and sign up for something that is very different or that you never considered doing; it may turn out to be the start of a life-long interest. The Students’ Union officers are also available to assist you during the year should the need arise and they keep close contact with the Institute’s management and student services teams. During your first few weeks, make sure that you get an overview of all your subjects and the examination requirements. The biggest difference between the examinations systems at second level and third level is the continuous assessment component. You can accumulate a substantial element of your final grade by doing well in the continuous assessment. Our business here in GMIT is learning, and we see learning as an active collaboration with you. Talk to us about what is working or not working for you in GMIT so that we can improve our service and meet your needs. Above all else, enjoy your time here as a student and I hope that in one way or another, you will be a GMIT student for the rest of your life.

Michael Carmody President, GMIT HANDBOOK & DIARY

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GMITSU

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YOUR UNION

www.gmitsu.ie @gmitsu

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gmit students’ union

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A WelCoMe MeSSAGe FroM THe

SU PRESIDENT

Hi everyone, My name is Joe O’Connor and I’m your Students’ Union President for the upcoming year. Welcome back to those of you returning to GMIT, I hope you all had a great summer. For those of you who are starting in GMIT for the first time, you’re coming to one of the finest IoTs in the country, in the best city in the country, with plenty of friendly people and a great night life, so I’m sure it won’t take you too long to settle in! The Students’ Union provide a range of different services to students on all campuses in GMIT. This handbook will outline many of these services which we hope will enhance your student experience during your time here at GMIT. If you have any suggestions over the course of the year, please feel free to get in contact with us, because after all, it is YOUR Union, YOUR voice, and YOUR call! As SU President, I am responsible for the overall running of the Students’ Union. Throughout the year, I will be representing your needs, raising your issues and voicing your concerns in a number of different ways- On a national level through the USI (Union of Students in Ireland), at an Institute level on various different boards and committees and in dealing with college authorities and management, and I also act as the media spokesperson for the Union. Along with my role as President, I also serve as the Education Officer of the Union. Any issues or problems you face throughout the year academically, in relation to areas such as grants, exams, lectures and timetables, be sure to get in contact with me. We will also be putting on entertainment for you throughout the year - be it on campus in our Student Common Room ‘Red Square’, in our new local student bar ‘UNION’, or in Galway City in our official late bar and nightclub, Coyotes. Be sure to sign up for GMITSU text alerts and our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter @gmitsu, and keep an eye on www.gmitsu.ie for the latest updates on upcoming GMITSU events! Finally, GMIT also offers a wide range of clubs and societies to cater for your skills and interests, which are also ran through the Students’ Union. I would encourage each and every one of you to sign up for a club or soc at our Exhibition stands in the opening weeks of college, as it’s a great way to meet new friends, share common interests, keep fit or even represent your college. If you are interested in setting up a new club/society which isn’t currently on offer, get in touch with us and we’ll see what we can do to help! So if you’ve got any problem or query, big or small, be sure to call down to our offices beside the banks on the Dublin road campus, and we’ll do our very best to help! Good luck with the upcoming year and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Joe

ConTACT joe

Tel : 091 742316 / 087 2191862 eMAIl : supresident@gmit.ie @jocser99 6

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qUICk q & A

your SU President From: Age: Movie: TV: Music: Band: Sports:

Kilmore, County Roscommon 23 Pulp Fiction/ Dark Knight & DK Rises Breaking Bad/ Mad Men/ South Park Indie & Alternative/ Hip-Hop/ Dubstep The National/ Bon Iver/ Muse Running to keep fit, Watching- Soccer/ American Football Sports Teams: Chelsea FC/ Buffalo Bills Food: Almost anything but mushrooms!!! Drink: Coffee (Non-alcoholic) Jameson & White (Alcoholic) Desert Island: Mila Kunis

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A WelCoMe MeSSAGe FroM THe

SU VICE-PRESIDENT

Hi all, My name is Sam O’Neill and I am the Vice President & Welfare Officer of YOUR Students’ Union for the coming year. To all returning students I’d like to welcome you all back for another great year here in GMIT. To all the incoming 1st years, I’d like to firstly say congratulations on being accepted to your course. You have made a great choice coming to not just Galway but also GMIT. I would like to extend to all of you a very warm welcome to the college. I have spent 3 years in GMIT. These years have been some of the best in my life and I hope this will be the case for you too. I will hopefully get the chance to meet all of you over your time here. Feel free to call to the office for a chat and introduce yourself if you like! I am here to serve you all to the best of my ability so if there is anything at all I can help you with, don’t hesitate to give me a shout. I will be running campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness and provide information on many areas of your welfare such as mental health, alcohol & drug abuse, road safety and sexual health. I would encourage everyone to get involved with the Students Union in any way you can. It is a great way to meet new people and develop your skills. One way in which you could do this is to put yourself forward for election as Class Rep. This is where I started and it helped me settle into college life easily. If this doesn’t interest you then watch out for Clubs & Societies that you may be interested in. If we don’t have what you are looking for, then you can by all means set it up. Taking part in these activities are again great ways to meet new people who share the same interests as you. There will of course be plenty of entertainment provided by us down in the SU. We hope to cater for all students in this area just like we would in all other areas of college life. Lastly I would just like to say best of luck in the coming year, I look forward to seeing you all!

Sam O’Neill

ConTACT SAM

T: 091-742316 M: 085-8215029 eMAIl : suvpresident@gmit.ie @Same120 HANDBOOK & DIARY

qUICk q & A

Vice President & Welfare Officer

From: Age: Movie: TV:

Ballaghaderreen, Co.Roscommon 22 Forrest Gump/ ScarFace/ Adam & Paul Entourage/ Breaking Bad/ Match of the Day Music: Indie/ Most Types Band: Babyshambles/ Bon Iver/ Foo Fighters Sports: Football/ Gyming / Rugby / F1 Sports Teams: Manchester United (19) Food: Chicken & Mushroom vol au vents Drink: Lucozade Sport / Double Vodka & Redbull Desert Island: Kate Beckinsale

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THE STUDENTS’ UNION What We Are?

The union is a democratic organisation run by students for students. We are here for YOU. Decision making within the union takes place on three levels: A Student Body B The Assembly C The Executive Every registered student at GMIT is automatically a member of the Students’ Union.

Student Body

The Assembly

The student body is just another word for all of the students of the Institute together. The student body is the supreme decision making body within the union and has final say on all matters of importance affecting the union.

The Assembly is the ‘parliament’ of the students union and is made up of all class representatives and executive officers. The Assembly meets once a month and adopts policy for the union as well as holds the executive officers accountable for the work they do.

How does the student body have its say? This is done in two ways; firstly, by voting in elections for class reps, part-time, and full-time sabbatical officers.Secondly, by voting in referenda which take place on various different topics throughout the year.

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The Executive The Executive is the ‘cabinet’ of the students union and comprises both full time sabbatical officers (the president, deputy president, and campus president for Castlebar) and part time officers who continue as full time students while serving the union on a part time basis.

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SU EXECUTIVE SU Part-Time Executive Officers • • • • • • • • •

Entertainment Officer: OPEN/VACANT Equality Officer: Katherine Long / 085-1700693 Irish Language & Culture Officer: Jess Nic an Iomaire / 085-7489166 Head Rep (Business School): Catriona Boyle / 087-9504980 Head Rep (Engineering School): Fiachra McGinley / 086-0667392 Head Rep (Hotel School): Doreen McDowell / 085-2745478 Head Rep (Science School): Patrick Mannion / 087-9086366 Head Rep (Humanities School): Niall Farrell / 083-3465211 Centre for the Creative Arts & Media Head Rep Art & Design: Edel Power / 087-9194567 Film & TV: Tommy O’Donnell / 085-8408836 Head Rep (Letterfrack Campus): Caoimhin Conneely / 087-6824282 Head Rep (Mountbellew Campus): OPEN/VACANT

• •

NON-EXECUTIVE ROLES: • • • • • • •

USI Ambassador: Grace McEwen Equality Working Group LGBT Officer: Dale O’Connell Disability Rights Officer: Ryan Preston International Student/Erasmus Officer: OPEN/VACANT Gender Equality Officer: OPEN/VACANT Mature Student Officer: OPEN/VACANT

The President The President is the chief executive officer and principal spokesperson for the Students Union. He/she is responsible for administering the Union on a day to day basis and for negotiating on its behalf with external organisations. The President represents the students on all of the major decision making bodies within GMIT including the Governing Body and the Academic Council.

Vice President / Welfare Officer The Deputy President/Welfare Officer is responsible for welfare services on all campuses with the exception of the Castlebar Campus. The Deputy President provides advice and referral services on issues such as health, accommodation, and general safety while at college. The deputy president also acts in place of the president during his or her absence.

GMIT Students’ Union Galway is specifically responsible for students at the Dublin Road, Cluain Mhuire, Letterfrack, and Mountbellew campuses.

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THE STUDENTS’ UNION What We do...

The Students’ Union assists students in areas including: • Grants • Accommodation • Timetables

• Exams • Lectures • Personal issues

The Students’ Union is also responsible for managing extra-curricular activities and facilities that enhance the student experience such as: • • • • •

Clubs & Societies Welfare Campaigns Entertainment The SU Shop The Gym

• • • •

USI Plus Card Binding Laminating Common Areas (Red Square / Union Square)

The SU also provides Barbarista, the on-campus cafe at Union Square

SU Communications You can keep up to date with Students‘ Union activities through... • • • • •

SOUP the monthly newsletter The new SU website www.gmitsu.ie GMITSU Facebook (become a friend today!) GMITSU Twitter Plasma screens

• • •

Information points & noticeboards The Handbook & Diary (free to all 1st years) You can also sign up for the SU text service at the start of the college year

You can keep in touch with the goings on in GMIT and the Students’ Union in a number of ways. ‘Like’ our Facebook page which has constant updates varying from entertainment, academic news and special offers. We also have a newly established Twitter page, @GMITSU which will at certain times in the year have a feed to plasma screens around the college where the tweets can be shown. Keep an eye out for regular hashtags to use to get your tweet on the screen. Between social networks, notice boards, promo teams and our newsletter, SOUP, we have every angle covered to keep you all up to date. To have anything communicated through these medium to the student body, please email sucommunications@gmit.ie 10

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CAMPAIGNS Don’t Walk Home Alone GMIT’s official cab company for the year, Pro Cabs, will be running the Don’t Walk Home Alone Campaign. This campaign allows students, who do not have enough money to pay for their taxi fare, to leave their GMIT student card with Pro Cabs, and they will be brought home safely. They can then call back to the Pro Cabs office to collect their card and pay the fare they owe.

Sshhh!! Campaign & Student Patrol Scheme This year the Students’ Union will be hiring members of the student body to become paid student patrollers, who will provide a hotline service to local residents to report anti-social behaviour disturbances, and a clean-up service of local residential communities. You wouldn’t terrorise your own grandparents, why terrorise someone else’s? Respect Your Community, Respect Your Neighbours Thank you for your co-operation for this campaign.

Look out for more campaigns throughout the year, including Road Safety Week, SHAG Week, Less Stress, More Success and Positive Mental Health Week CONTACT Sam O’Neill IN THE STUDENTS’ UNION FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON THESE AND OTHER WELFARE CAMPAIGNS

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Get Involved!!! It couldn’t be easier to volunteer and get involved with the Students’ Union and our events and campaigns! Just drop off a CV and cover letter to the SU outlining whether you want to join up with the entertainments team or welfare working group, or just volunteer for a specific event or campaign such as SHAG or RAG week, and we’ll be in touch about our next meeting! Alternatively, you can apply via our website, www.gmitsu.ie, just click on the GMITSU Galway page and then on the ‘Get Involved!’ tab in the top right hand corner. The Entertainments & Promotions Team is involved with the organisation, running and promoting of the various entertainment events & activities ran by the Students’ Union both on and off campus. They will assist Joe over the course of the year in providing GMIT students with the best quality entertainment at affordable prices! The Welfare Working Group will assist Alan in organising, running, and promoting the many welfare campaigns ran by GMIT Students’ Union over the course of the year, such as Mental Health week, Road Safety Week, and SHAG Week. They will ensure that vital information relating to their welfare is communicated to students in GMIT.

Students who volunteer with the Union will find that it’s a great way to meet new friends, develop new skills, and just have a great time in college in general! Student Membership & Liaison Officer Adrian Durr is the SU Student Membership & Liaison Officer. He will be responsible for the following areas: • • • • • • 12

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Building links of communication between the SU and the student body as a whole Developing the class rep structure in GMIT SU Increasing integration of all GMIT campuses Promoting the message and functions of the SU and our events and campaigns on all campuses Promoting active membership in the Students’ Union Assisting in the development of clubs and societies

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A WelCoMe MeSSAGe FroM THe

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP & LIAISON OFFICER Hey there everyone My name is Adrian Durr and I’m the Student Membership and Liaison Officer for GMIT Students’ Union. For those of you beginning life in GMIT I’d like to welcome you on the first step in your college life and Ihope you thoroughly enjoy your time GMIT. For those returning I hope the coming year is as good as the last! As a previous student of Business in the Dublin Road campus and a class rep for all four years of my studies I also was a part of the part time exec of the Students’ Union I hope to be able to answer any question you may have. My role within the SU is to in essence facilitate the lines of communication between the satellite campuses of GMIT which are Cluain Mhuire, Letterfrack, Castlebar and Mountbellew. I am also monitoring the Class Rep structure as well as representing the SU across these campuses as well. This will mainly include the promotion of events, all types of campaigns, the services offered by the SU and GMIT itself while along with the development of clubs and societies with a specific emphasis on the satellite campuses. Over the summer the class rep system has been developed further and this will ensure that your class has an active rep making sure your classes’ needs are heard. As a class rep for all of my years as a student the skills gained are invaluable and transferrable for when you leave GMIT and further your career. It doesn’t take a lot of time to be an active class rep and by becoming a rep you have the ability to change things, both academic and non academic. I will be working closely with the Class Reps and I will be making your job as easy as possible so if you plan on becoming a rep or what it involves, drop me a line! That’s me in a nutshell basically, so if you have any questions or anything regardless of what campus you’re in, I’d be only happy to answer! All the best for the year

Adrian ConTACT ADrIAn

Tel : 087 775 5143 eMAIl : sumembership@gmit.ie

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CLASS REP NOMINATION FORM Please print clearly - you require 2 people to second from your class. name : Anim : Course : Cursa : email : riomphost : G00 number : Uimh G00: Course year : Bliain : Hoodie Size : Seconded Print name:

Signature:

Print name:

Signature:

Contract I wish to stand for the position of Class representative. I understand there is a commitment to attend the 7 class rep meetings and to attend rep training. There will be an attendance of reps taken at each meeting and also the minutes of the meeting. These minutes will be available on the GMITSU website. If I am unable to attend any training or meeting I will organise a substitute to represent the classes views, concerns or questions in my absence. I acknowledge that the class will be made aware of my name and number and I will endeavour to work on behalf of all of my class for the academic year.

Signed : Sinithe :

Date : Data :

Please remove this page and return it to the Students Union no later than the 24th of September. Please ensure that you are available for class rep training (date and venue to be confirmed). letters and emails can be sent to lecturers to excuse your absence from class. If you are a student with a disability or a special requirements need to be made please contact Adrian Durr on 087 7755143. This information will be kept confidential at all times. If you have any questions about becoming a rep or anything else please call into the SU.

Class Reps must attend a minimum of 75% of meetings. CLASS REP TRAINING IS TAKING PLACE ON WED 26TH SEPTEMBER. UNLESS ExCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES OCCUR, IT IS MANDATORY FOR PEOPLE PUTTING THEMSELVES FORWARD FOR CLASS REP TO BE AVAILABLE TO ATTEND ON THIS DATE.

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CLASS REPS Your Class Rep (Class Representative) is the spokesperson for your class within the Institute. The Class Rep is the first point of contact for all Institute authorities with your class. The Class Reps are collectively responsible for deciding the policy of the Students’ Union. The Class Reps also hold the elected full-time and part time officers of the Students’ Union to account. What you stand to gain by becoming a Class Rep: •

Leadership skills// your classmates may look to you for leadership on issues that face your class such as, issues with timetables etc.

Negotiation skills// you may be required to negotiate with your department head or a lecturer on matters such as re-arranging a class or extending an assignment deadline etc.

Advocacy skills// This means that you will learn to speak on behalf of your classmates at a number of different levels, i.e. class rep meetings, course boards, etc.

Organisation Skills// as class rep you will be responsible for the organisation of class parties, trips away, etc. Class outings such as these are crucial to developing a group spirit among your class and ensuring that nobody is left out.

Class reps are the means by which you and your class have a chance to raise any issues you are both happy and unhappy with, of both an academic and non academic nature. They are there to provide constructive input and also inform us in the Students’ Union of what is working well. Issues can be as broad as car parking to exam timetables. The class rep can express its class’s opinion at class rep council. This will mainly be related to the agenda topics which the class rep will be informed about a day before a meeting via the SU website and the rep should refer these topics to the class for their views. Reps can also express opinions to lecturers and heads of departments but if they feel uncomfortable doing so they should contact the SU. All agenda topics, minutes and a timetable of meetings will be available via the SU website. There will also be a section on the website listing attendance records of reps who attend meetings and a prize awarded for Semester 1 and Semester 2 best reps. Class reps will come up against both academic and non academic queries. It is an important duty but also it will only take approximately 20 hours over the academic year so isn’t that taxing and the benefit definitely outweighs the cost. By becoming a class rep you are gaining skills that are highly transferrable in today’s workplace and these skills are sought after by employers.

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SU @ Letterfrack Letterfrack will host many events throughout the year in conjunction with the Students’ Union. The Student Membership and Liaison Officer (see pg.13) will be coordinating the activities on this campus ranging from Entertainment, Clubs & Socs, Class Rep Council and Welfare Campaigns to name but a few. The new Student Area in the Café has seating for 14 people and has a 42inch plasma screen, a PS3 and an I-pod dock for students to relax. This area will also host evening entertainment every Thursday. We will also run events in the local bar Molly’s. There will also be buses ran to all the major SU ran events in Galway. These events include Freshers Fest, Hallowe-en Party, Moxegen and the End of Year Ball. Some past events ran in Letterfrack which were a major success like Christmas Day, End of Year BBQ to name but a few will be improved upon this coming year. The new Student Area will facilitate evening entertainment every Thursday ranging from Quizes to Competitions to Poker Nights among many other events. There will be Welfare Campaigns such as Road Safety, Mental Health, Less Stress More Success and Money Matters amongst others ran throughout the year on the Letterfrack Campus. These Welfare Campaigns will be rolled out throughout all campuses in GMIT. The Class Rep Council in Letterfrack will take place every two weeks and will be chaired by the Student Membership and Liaison Officer.

SU CHARITIES 2012/2013 •

The Irish Cancer Society is Ireland’s national cancer charity, providing support, care and information, creating awareness, providing information and influencing decisions about cancer.

The Irish Heart Foundation is the national charity fighting stroke and heart disease.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation have one simple aim - To grant the wishes of children aged between 3 and 17 years, living with life-threatening medical conditions, to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

The RNLI (Galway Lifeboat) is the charity that saves lives at sea. They provide, on call, a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service, and a seasonal lifeguard service.

SOSAD (Save our Sons and Daughters) is an organisation helping those dealing with suicide.

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Students’ Union Logo Introducing ‘Bright Spark’... The SU logo signifies a youthful, vibrant student, while the five segments of the logo represent the unity between the five campuses of GMIT. Five Campuses; One Union. Look out for the logo around campus, including on signage, at the SU Shop, SU office, Union Square, Red Square and other locations.

Red Square The Students’ Union common area, now titled Red Square, is located in Room 509 beside the GMIT canteen. Red Square is an area for students to watch TV, play games and participate in activities, or just chill out on a break from class or after a hard day’s study! It will also be a hub of on-campus entertainment as part of GMITSU events and campaigns all year round. Red Square boasts an extended games area with an air hockey table, table football game, dartboard and table tennis game. ‘Giant’ board games are also available for rental from the SU Office!

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GMIT Campuses LETTERFRACK The Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology’s courses in Letterfrack are run in partnership with Connemara West (a community and rural development organisation based in North-West Connemara). Since 1987, the partnership has managed and run furniture courses. Letterfrack will host events throughout the year in conjunction with the Students’ Union.

CLUAIN MHUIRE The Department of Art and Design/Film and Television at Cluain Mhuire campus is rapidly gaining a reputation for high standards in the fields of Fine Art and Design and Media. The Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design is offered in Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textiles, and Ceramics. Painting is also offered through the part-time mode over a six-year period. The Students’ Union will work with Head Rep Dawn O’Loughlin throughout the year.

Mountbellew Galway Mayo Institute of Technology offers two programmes of study in Agriculture in conjunction with Mountbellew Agricultural College. Students pursuing these courses attend both GMIT and Mountbellew Agricultural College. Mountbellew itself is a quiet market town East of Galway City.

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UNI N S T U D E N T

New fo 201 2/20 r 13

B A R

Be SUre To FInD US on FACeBook, FolloW US on TWITTer, AnD #UnIonBAr WHen ATTenDInG oUr evenTS!

FRESHERS FORTNIGHT @ UNION Wednesday 5th September: First Year Welcome Night with promotions/ DJ & Finger food, welcome promo’s Thursday 6th September: Official Opening with Stonefree Monday 10th September: Myles Kelly Tuesday 11th September: County Colours Night Wednesday 12th September: Silent Disco Thursday 13th September: Amazing Apples Monday 17th September: Mickey Joe Harte with support from Myles Kelly Tuesday 18th September: Champions League Night, DJ After Wednesday 19th September: Champions League Night, DJ After Thursday 20th September: Fresher Fest Afterparty (Open for 2 hrs.) Finger food/ Shot/ Games/ Passes to Coyotes (9:30 – 11:30) *schedule subject to changes

YOUR Student Venue • • • • • • • • •

Student food menu Plasma TV’s & Big Screen/Big match nights Stage and live bands/music Cocktail menu/ Great drinks promotions Theme Nights DJ’s Variety of music Class/ birthday parties Shuttle buses to and from Coyotes

IT’S HAPPENING @UNION!

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AFTER HOURS IT’S More THAn STUDy?

Each year GMIT Students’ Union works along side local businesses to provide quality entertainment. Here is just a small selection of just some of the highlights to look forward to. There will be a number of events run by the Students’ Union throughout the year, many of which will incorporate fundraising activities for our chosen Union charities for the year (Irish Heart Foundation, RNLI Galway Lifeboats, SOSAD, Make a Wish Foundation and Irish Cancer Society). ON CAMPUS ENTERTAINMENT FOR WELCOME PROGRAMME

6th September Adrian Knight Hypnotist // 1pm Canteen First Year BBQ

7th September Comedy Magician Jack Wise // 1pm Canteen

FRESHERS FORTNIGHT

This year, the welcome for new GMIT students runs over two weeks, including Welcome Back Party, SHAG Day, Clubs & Socs Fair and Freshers Fest!!

FRESHERS FORTNIGHT @ COYOTES Monday 10th - UV Party - Free Glowsticks and Face Painting // €2 entry Tuesday 11th - GMITuesday - free entry for GMIT students Wednesday 12th - Writeoff Wednesday with Mojo. DJ Hype and MC Daddy Earl/Rhythm Scheme // €2 entry Thursday 13th - Geordie Shore // €5 entry Monday 17th - Foam Party // €2 entry Tuesday 18th - GMITuesday - free entry for GMIT students Wednesday 19th - Pre Freshers Fest Party // €2 entry Thursday 20th - Freshers Fest After Party. Guest DJ Scribble Sound System on the decks

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Fresher Fest

Didn’t make it to Electric Picnic? Don’t worry, Fresher Fest included big National Act’s, jugglers, face painters, dancers, food stalls to name but a few so get your tickets early for this sell out event!!

Halloween @ GMIT

Prepare to be spooked this Halloween with a great Halloween party so get them costumes early to win a prize for the best outfit!

Christmas @ GMIT

Launched in 2008, each December sees hundred of GMIT students get into the festive mood by attending the GMIT Students’ Union Christmas Day. The event includes Christmas dinner, festive music, sweet treats, live bands and DJ, an appearance of the odd bearded man in red, and...a partridge in a pear tree. This December will see the SU Christmas Day take place for just the fourth time, so watch out for more information on it in mid November! December also sees the Christmas Kiddies Party hosted by Students Services and the Students’ Union. This event gives students with young children the opportunity to bring them on campus and even meet up with a very special guest from the North Pole.

Moxegen

Over 1700 students attended Moxegen 2012 and this year’s Moxegen will be even bigger! Join us for the biggest event of the SU calendar with an expected crowd of over 2,500 students enjoying some of the best entertainment around!

End of Year Ball

The End of Year Ball is one of the best established events on the SU calendar, which last year saw RoySeven and The Saw Doctors steal the show, wrapping up the academic year.

Keep an eye on www.gmitsu.ie and the SU Facebook page for further details.

HANDBOOK & DIARY

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GMIT SU Bus Scheme This year, the Students’ Union, in association with Farrell Travel, Gleann na Ri, Tir na gCapall and Cuirt na Rasai, will be operating a student shuttle bus scheme. The bus will operate every 15 minutes from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday, covering a circular route of the GMIT Dublin Rd. campus, Cluain Mhuire campus, Gleann na Ri, Tir na gCapall and Cuirt na Rasai.

The following rates will apply for the student bus service: Single Day Rate: Day Return Rate: Unlimited Weekly:

€ 1.00 € 1.50 € 5.00

Nightlink service from GMIT, Tir na gCapall and Cuirt na Rasai student villages and UNION Student Bar to Coyotes late bar & nightclub in Eyre Square at 11pm, 11.30pm and 12pm. Also to UNION Student Bar from GMIT, Tir na gCapall and Cuirt na Rasai from 9pm-11pm. Bookings available. Look out for special UNION promotions throughout the year. €2.00 a head for nightlink service with free passes to Coyotes late bar and nightclub available. So keep an eye out for buses with the new GMITSU logo for unbeatable convenience and value!! TIMETABLE, RATES & ROUTES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON WWW.GMITSU.IE AND THE GMIT STUDENTS’ UNION FACEBOOK FOR UPDATED AND ACCURATE INFO You will find a Bus Timetable at the rear of this diary!

Laundry Drop off Service The Students’ Union office will now be operating a laundry drop off service for GMIT students. Students can drop off a standard laundry bag at the SU office, which can then be collected the following day. The extremely low-cost rate of €8.50 per bag will apply.

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Gleann na ri A5 student diary

ad:Layout 1

24/08/2012

13:48

Page 1

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Reception • Laundry Service Shop • Fast Food • 24 Hr. Security

2 Bed Apt from €700 mth • 3 Bed Apt from €950 mth Murrough, Renmore, Galway. T: 091 746000 , E: info@gmitstudents.com W: www.gmitstudents.com

HANDBOOK & DIARY

2012/2013

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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES Clubs and Societies at GMIT promote community, personal development, and student involvement. Joining a club or society gives you a chance to explore and participate in interests you might not encounter in your studies. Meet like-minded people and make your college experience something to remember!

HoW To joIn A ClUB Joining a Club or Society simply entails signing up at the desk, and going along to the meetings or gatherings. The degree of involvement is entirely at the discretion of the student. Information on Clubs and Societies is widely publicised on campus, particularly on the SU website, Facebook and in Soup. If you miss Clubs and Societies Day, you only need to get in touch with the group and find out when they meet.

WHAT’S on oFFer: • • • • • • • • • • • • • 24

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Archery Athletics Basketball Badminton Camogie Cricket Diving/subaqua DJ Society Engineering Society Equestrian Gaisce Gaelic Hotel & Catering

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Heritage Hurling Indoor Soccer International Society Karate Kayak Ladies Gaelic Football Ladies Soccer Letterfrack Mens Gaelic Football Mens Soccer Photography Surfing

• • • • • • • • • •

Rowing Rugby (Men & Wom) Russian Table Tennis Tag Rugby Trampolining Theatre Volleyball Windsurfing Yoga

and much much more...

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noT WHAT yoU’re lookInG For? Start your own Club or Society! Starting your own group is easy! Come into the Students’ Union for a chat and we can get you on your way to starting a new club or society. The process is short and relatively easy. We can help you brainstorm ideas, get them down on paper, and set up your first meeting. We can also help with ideas on fundraising, activities, organisation, and publicity. Contact Molly or Antoinette in the Students’ Union for more details.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES FAIR TUeS 18TH & WeD 19TH SePTeMBer

SPORTS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER The Sports Development Officer’s role is to provide opportunities for GMIT students to participate in sport and recreation. Molly will distribute information and organise sport-related projects, classes, programmes, coaching, club development and training for those who want to participate for fun and those who are interested in competition at all levels, from very local to national and international competition. The Sports Development Officer is also at hand to support and assist all Clubs, at all levels, within the institute. ConTACT Molly DUnne

Tel : 091 742579 eMAIl : molly.dunne@gmit.ie Sports office room 631

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATOR The Student Activities Co-Ordinator has the responsibility for coordinating GMIT societies and liaising with students with regard to all official GMIT activities. Antoinette will assist students in organising their own activities across a whole range of areas, and also in the setting up and development of GMIT societies. Her role also encompasses the overall management and oversight of the Students’ Union office, and she also has special responsibility for acting as the SU’s liaison and point of contact for International Students, assisting them in adapting to campus life both socially and culturally and to offer advice on any other difficulties they may be experiencing. ConTACT AnToIneTTe CAnAvAn

Tel : 091 742008 eMAIl : antoinette.canavan@gmit.ie

GAA DEVELOPMENT OFFICER GMIT has a full-time GAA Development Officer to deal with the administration and development of Gaelic Games within the Institute. Gaelic Games as a whole have the largest club membership within the Institute. Gaelic Games compromises of Men’s and Ladies Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie and Handball. For further information on Gaelic Games in GMIT please contact: ConTACT DAMIAn CUrley

Tel : 091 742062 eMAIl : damian.curley@gmit.ie

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SOCCER Sinead McCormack is our FAI Recreational Soccer Facilitator. The aim of this position is to increase student participation through recreational football. Sinead will be running Futsal and 5-aside leagues, referee and coaching workshops along with inter-college competitions. She can be contacted through the SU Office or by e-mail at susoccer@gmit.ie ConTACT SIneAD MCCorMACk

Tel : 091 742579 eMAIl : susoccer@gmit.ie

RUGBY The RDO’s job is to facilitate the continued development of Rugby at GMIT, by working with the men’s and women’s clubs to increase participation and sporting opportunities at recreational and performance levels. Emer organises and over sees all rugby activity at GMIT. We currently have men’s teams, women’s teams and tag rugby leagues at GMIT. The Rugby Development Officer is contactable through the Students’ Union Office ConTACT eMer o’DoWD

Tel : 091 742579 eMAIl : surugby@gmit.ie HANDBOOK & DIARY

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THE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS The Student Achievement Awards are an ideal forum for a celebration of all those who have contributed and excelled in extra curricular activities of the college over the last year. The annual award ceremony commemorates both individuals and teams that have surpassed themselves in academic, personal, and sporting practices. While it is impossible to remember everyone that has contributed, the Awards are an ideal opportunity to highlight all those that have devoted so much of their time and energy to their respective clubs and societies. The 2013 Student Achievement Awards Ceremony and Ball will take place at the end of the college year. The Ball is one of the highlights of the GMIT social calendar and always proves to be a great night out.

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THE GYM The Fitness Centre (gym) is located upstairs in the Sports Hall. This facility is equipped with the finest treadmills, resistance equipment, cardiovascular machines, and free weights available. The gym is the green and red building located on the city side of the Galway campus. The current opening hours are Monday – Thursday from 8:30am to 9:30pm and Fridays from 8:30am to 3pm.

Prices for Students are as follows: Student Membership GMIT Gym (only) September - May Student Membership GMIT (only) September - December Student joint Membership of GMIT Gym & kingfisher

€80 €50 €200

September To May Daily & Weekly Membership Available In GMIT Gym All New Members Must Complete A Fitness Test & Induction Prior To Using The Gym. Training Programmes Are Free And Included In Membership.

Any Queries Contact The Gym On 742194 GMIT Students’ Union are pleased to announce that we will be liaising with the Kingfisher Gym in Renmore, which provides classes and has the added facility of a 25m swimming pool, thermal suite including sauna, as well as a steam room & jacuzzi. Joint membership for the academic year is €200.

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FRESHER’S WEEK

LOOKING BACK@

11.12

A quick look back at some of the highlights from last year’s students’ Union activities

FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

GMIT SU + USI

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MOXEGEN

LOOKING BACK@

WELFARE CAMPAIGNS

11.12

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CHRISTMAS & HALLOWE’EN

LOOKING BACK@

END OF YEAR BALL

11.12

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THe STUDenTS’ UnIon SU SHOP Many items are on sale there, including pens, pencils, paper clips, newspapers (at student rates), refill pads, greeting cards, phone credit, international calling cards, confectionary, drinks, painkillers, photocopying cards (located in the SU office), Bus Eireann tickets (at student prices), rubbers (all types available), and much much more! The SU Shop will also be the location of the post box while construction continues.

PHOTOCOPYING There are photocopying machines available at the SU Office (as well as the library). Cards cost €2.00 and are available from the card machine and in the SU Shop.

LOCKERS Get your locker keys in the SU office. There are a limited amount for each department, so get in early to get yours! The cost is €20.00 for the year, of which you will receive €5.00 back on return of the lock and keys at the end of the year.

BINDING :: LAMINATING :: TYPING The SU office provides binding, laminating and typing services throughout the year. Do come in in plenty of time though (particularly at the end of each term) so that we have time to get it done for you! Don’t give us something to bind at 11:05 if it’s due at 11:00 as we’ve had to sell the time machines due to cutbacks! In General: If you require something by the afternoon, bring it in by early morning.

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2

STUDENT SERVICES WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU

Follow the yellow feet on the floor that link Student Services & SU Office. HANDBOOK & DIARY

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STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION The Student Services administration staff provides a variety of services to students. Appointments for the Student Health Unit, Counsellors, Careers Advisor and Chaplain are made through the Student Services Secretaries, Nora Walsh and Anita Mahony. Head of Student Services: Monica Megraw T: 091 742157 E: monica.megraw@gmit.ie

Student Services SECRETARIES E: studentservices@gmit.ie

Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm Mon – Fri

Student Services Office Opening Hours Opening hours are from 9am to 5pm including lunch, Monday to Friday. The office is located in Room 128 on the ground floor of the old building. Yellow footsteps on the floor lead to the yellow door of the Student Services Office. For appointments/information/funding forms, call in person to the office, phone 091-742118 or email studentservices@gmit.ie. Student Services are also on Facebook so become a fan of GMIT Student Services to receive regular updates from all the service providers including careers information and job specs, special events, availability of funding etc.

Student Support Fund The Student Support Fund and the Student Assistance Fund are also administered in the Student Services Office. These funds are designed to tackle disadvantage by providing limited financial support or loans to students to assist them to complete their studies. Students applying for partial fee waivers must apply through the Student Support Fund. Application forms and guidelines for both funds are available from the Student Services Office.

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Counselling All of us at times can feel overwhelmed or stuck. While it’s good to talk with family and friends, sometimes it can be useful to talk with an objective outsider who will listen and can help clarify things. This can help to get us back in control of our life.

What issues would students talk about with a counsellor? You can consult the counsellor about any issue, big or small, that is a source of worry or confusion to them. Concerns are very varied and may include: • Academic concerns: Course difficulties, study skills, motivation, exam stress • Personal concerns: Stress, depression, self-esteem, anxiety, addiction, family, issues, relationship issues, relationships, loneliness, shyness, sexual issues, pregnancy. • Welfare concerns: Financial issues, child care issues.

How long does it normally take? It depends on the individual. The counsellor can provide a once off session, short-term counselling or longer term therapy if required. Never feel that you are helpless and on your own in college. Contact the counsellor to get help and support in total confidence.

Counselling is free and confidential Counselling is available one day per week in Cluain Mhuire and Letterfrack campuses.

For more information

www.gmit.ie/Life-at-GMIT/counselling

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careers service The Careers Service is available to all students and recent graduates of GMIT. We aim to support students and graduates in developing and implementing successful careers plans, and to facilitate the recruitment process for students and employers. We can assist you with the following:

Look out for:

• Career Counselling: to assist you to know and evaluate the many possibilities available.

• Careers Information Area: located in 1st floor Main Library. Here students and graduates can access information themselves (both take-away and reference material) occupation files/ employer files/job search material/college prospectus/reference books.

• Pyschometric Testing: Access to computer assistance guidance systems and aptitude tests. • Job Vacancy Information: Email: careers@gmit.ie with your name and course. • Book a career workshop for your class: Email bridie.killoran@gmit.ie. • Further opportunities: For study and transferring to other colleges both within Ireland and abroad. • Employment: job seeking strategies/ employer information/job news/interview skills & techniques. • Postgraduate opportunities. • Working and travelling abroad.

• Careers Service Newsletter: produced weekly and on careers page of www.gmit.ie. Email: careers@gmit.ie with your name and course if you want to be included on our careers database & emailed relevant jobs each week. • Employer Presentations on Campus • Jobs Notice Boards • Careers Talks/Workshops • Careers Fair - Tuesday 9th October 2012 • Careers Week - Monday 1st October to Friday 5th October 2012

For appointments, call in person to the Student Services Office, or email studentservices@gmit.ie or phone the careers office at 091-742392.

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health unit Welcome to the Student Health Unit. We are a team of doctors and nurses, who provide health care for the body and the mind during your transition through the college year; however, we do not replace your family doctor. Doctors attend for 20 hours a week and provide a GP service by appointment. These appointments are from 9am to 1pm Mon to Fri, contact the student services secretaries on 091 742118

THE SERVICE IS FREE & CONFIDENTIAL

What can we do for you? The Doctors and Nurses can help you with a variety of health issues, for example:

Where are we? • • • • • •

Accidents and Emergencies First Aid treatment GP service - treatment of medical complaints arising during the college year Contraceptive advice and information Pregnancy Testing Sexually transmitted disease screening

• • • • • •

Cervical screening Physiotherapy referral Wound dressings Prescription service Health promotion information and literature Health and well being events

The Student Health Unit does not offer a comprehensive medical service. Its purpose is to deal with health issues that arise with students during the course of the college year. Students who have special medical needs are encouraged to register with the Student Health Unit staff as soon as possible and provide details of their condition/medications etc. Students with long-term illnesses such as Asthma, Diabetes, Epilepsy etc. who require emergency treatment in relation to these illnesses will be seen in the Student Health Unit but should attend their own GP’s for long –term management. T:

091 742118

Nurse is available:

9:00am – 6:00pm Monday – Thursday. 9:00am - 5:00pm Friday

If you have an urgent issue, feeling unwell, can’t wait for an appointment? Come to see the nurse who will ‘Triage’ you (assess and prioritise your needs according to urgency.)

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ACCESS OFFICE The Access Office provides a range of supports and services for students applying to GMIT and attending full-time and part-time courses within the Institute. It facilitates equality of access and participation for all students.

Students with Disabilities The Office supports students with physical, sensory or specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Students with disabilities should contact the Access Office in advance of commencing their course or as early as possible in the academic year so that supports can be put in place. The following supports are available: • • • • • • • •

Alternative induction Application for the fund for students with disabilities Alternative print format Loop system Accessible class location Referral for psychological assessment Personal assistants Interpretation services

• • • • • • • •

Note takers Mentoring One-to-one learning support Assistive technology Assistive technology training One-to-one academic support Examination support and examination accommodations Photocopying service

It is vital that students requiring examination accommodations register with the Access Office. The Access Office approves readers, scribes, use of I.T, extra time etc. for end of semester examinations.

Mature Students Access Support The Access Office provides supports for mature students in the following areas: • • • • •

Assistance with application process (CAO) Information and advice on funding Pre-entry training Mentoring Study skills workshops and courses covering: effective study techniques, effective note taking, essay writing, examination techniques, IT (beginners)

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Deirdre O’Connor

Access & Disability Officer T: 091 742129 E: accessoffice@gmit.ie

PEIGÍN NÍ CHÉIDIGH

T:

091 742182

Mary Conway

Learning Support Tutor T: 091 742497

Jenny Gill

Learning Support Tutor T: 091 742543

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Chaplaincy The chaplain • invites students and staff to liturgical celebrations, opportunities for spiritual nourishment and expression • responds to, intervenes and is present at times of trauma, crisis, illness, and bereavement • the Chaplaincy is representative of ALL Faiths and will help students of all Faiths to make contact with their spiritual leaders

• provides community building projects including: Opportunity to Volunteer in the wider Community AND Opportunities to be involved in different aspects of college life • offers a pastoral counselling bridge to, and support for professional counselling • helps with Student Support • the Chaplain visits the Cluain Mhuire campus on a weekly basis

Location: Beside the Medical Centre and Counsellors Office on the corridor to the Students’ Union and banks.

Fr. Tom PLower

T: 091 742226 E: tom.plower@gmit.ie

Hours: 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday or by appointment with Student Services Secretaries

Students and staff are welcome to call into the Chaplain’s office each day between 9am – 5pm.

Other Churches Church of Ireland Tel 091 521914

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Islam Imam Khalid Sallabi Tel 091 751621

Methodist Tel 091 591494

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3

GENERAL INFORMATION

Check the ‘Education’ section of the SU website for information on: • • • • •

Deferrals and Impaired Performance Student Complaints Procedure Exam Rechecks, Reviews and Appeals Exam Compensation Referencing & Plagiarism

• • • •

GMIT Student Code of Conduct GMIT Academic Code of Practice GMIT Fees Schedule Many other important forms & documents

For questions on any of the above, or any other academic issues which you encounterduring your time at GMIT, feel free to contact Joe on supresident@gmit.ie

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How to get through college Brought to you by the Office of Academic Affairs Keep your code of conduct close at hand. This is your guide to rules and regulations for your time at GMIT (how to stay out of trouble!!). It outlines your responsibilities as a student. It gives you information on many aspects of student life including disciplinary procedures, exams and registration regulations. You will receive your code of conduct in your registration pack. Alternatively it is available from the Office of Academic Affairs (across from the old reception). Once you have registered with GMIT ensure that your mailing address (usually home address) is kept up to date on the GMIT system. All correspondence from GMIT will go to this address and the information is important. If this mailing address changes throughout your time in college please inform the registration office (located across from the old reception). Check your college email account regularly for information updates throughout the year. Important information such as details on how to access your exam results will be sent to this account. If the login proves difficult why not forward all emails that reach this account to your own personal email account e.g. gmail or yahoo. This way you never miss out on relevant information.

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Parking From September, all staff and students must display a parking permit. You can obtain your obtain your official parking permit at www.gmit.ie/parking-management. You will need your laser/visa card and it costs €10.00.See www.gmitsu.ie for details on this. • You’ll need proof of address, drivers license, and insurance certificate. •

Students / Staff living within 1000-1100 meters of the campus are not entitled to a parking permit (see www.gmitsu.ie for the full list of addresses not permitted). From September all vehicles will be liable to be clamped if in breach of GMIT Car Parking Policy. The possession of a parking permit does not guarantee parking.

What about drivers with disabilities? Drivers of vehicles requiring the use of universally parking accessible bays may only do so if their vehicle displays a valid and registered “blue badge”. Universally accessible bays are marked with a sign on the ground and/or on a nearby pole. If drivers display a blue badge, they may use these bays for free.

There is now additional parking at Galwegians on the dublin road from September with 200 extra parking spaces for GMIT students and staff - permit holders only.

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SU ADVISORY :: EXAMS FAQs for First year students Below are some frequently asked questions that we hope will make the examinations process easy to understand. How do I access the Exam Timetable? The timetable is published on the GMIT website one month prior to the commencement of exams. Go to www.gmit.ie Study at GMIT>Exams>Timetables. Who do I contact if I have a problem with my Timetable? Contact your Head of Department – via the School Office. What do I need to access my results? You need your Student ID number and six digit PIN number. How and where do I get my Student ID number and PIN number? Your student ID number is located on your registration form which is issued to you by the Registration Department prior to registering with GMIT, and it is also located on your Student Card when issued by GMIT. The HEA require students to complete an online survey prior to registering with GMIT. Your registration pack contains the information you will need to access this survey; your PIN number is part of the information contained in this pack. Note: The reset PIN is used to access your exam results. Please keep this PIN in a safe place. This PIN once reset by you WILL NOT EXPIRE and you will need it to complete future Online Admissions, Registration and to access your European Diploma Supplement HANDBOOK & DIARY

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following graduation. This PIN will not give you access to MOODLE, College email or the computers within the Institute. This PIN is issued by the IT Department and expires annually. Who do I contact if I have forgotten or mislaid this PIN? Contact Webforstudent@gmit.ie ensuring you have included your student ID number and Date of birth. Who do I contact if I have to defer an exam? If you become ill, for example, and you need to defer an exam, you should contact your Head of Department – via the School Office. How do I get my exam results? Exam results are only issued online through Web for Student and not posted out to students. (This is the same system you used to complete the HEA Online Survey). To access your results go to www.gmit.ie Click onto: Study At GMIT > EXAMS > Online Results > Access your online results > Enter Secure Area: Enter your student ID number and six digit PIN number and login. To proceed to your results Click onto: Student Services and Financial Aid > Student Records > Provisional Grades > Submit on the Academic Term displayed, eg 2012/2013. Your results will then appear. What do my results mean? Your results page is composed for 2 parts Part 1– Student Information - contains information about the programme you are undertaking; it also contains your academic

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SU ADVISORY :: EXAMS standing, which means the overall result for the current year. Part 2 – Overall Results to Date – contains the marks achieved for each subject (otherwise know as Module or Course Title) Why are my results Provisional? All results remain provisional until they are ratified at the Exam Boards meeting held in September of the following academic year. What does Academic Standing Mean? This is the overall result for a year (stage) in all years other than award years, the result will be either: PS (PASS) EX (EXEMPTIONS Granted) FL (FAIL) DE (DEFER) AB (ABSENT) WH (WITHHELD) What do these mean? PS – means you have passed everything and you can progress to the next year EX – means you have to resit or repeat subjects (modules) FL – means you have failed and you are required to resit or repeat subjects (modules) DE – means you have deferred subjects or the programme AB – means you did not attend for examination WH – means you have something outstanding that must be completed, e.g. continuous assessment, project, practical or final exam. How do I know if I have to repeat an exam? If you have to repeat an exam you will see

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“exemptions granted”. If the pass mark in your subject (module) is 40% and your mark is less than that, you are required to resit or repeat this subject (module). The same applies for subjects that have a pass mark of 50%. You will receive further notification regarding the repeats process during the academic year. Please ensure you have activated your college email account. It is your responsibility to ensure you are fully aware of your repeat requirements as the Institute will not be writing to you. Note: You are obliged to resit any failed exams at the next available sitting. Who do I contact if I have a problem with my results? Contact your Head of Department (through your School Office) How do I get an exam rechecked? Please refer to your Code of Conduct Handbook for detailed information on Rechecks, Reviews and Appeals. All rechecks must be in writing (email is acceptable), and submitted to your Head of Department within seven days of the results being published. Note: Requests for rechecks of Winter Exam results are not considered until after the Summer Exams. How do I print out a copy of my results with the Institute logo? Will you are viewing your exam results, click onto: Tools > Internet Options, Advanced, Scroll down until you see the printing symbol

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SU ADvISory :: exAMS and tick Print Background colors and images > OK

Contact the Registration Desk, which is opposite the reception desk in the main lobby.

You will also need to go to File > Page Setup….. Click onto Print Background colors and images > Ok.

The opening hours for the Registration Desk are:

Note: Students who are applying for grants should print out their results with the Institute Logo.

NB: Under the Data Protection Act 1998 as amended in 2003, Institute Personnel cannot discuss your results, registration status etc. with anyone other than yourself.

10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm

Who do I contact if I need a letter to con- It is your responsibility to adhere to Institute Policies and Procedures as outlined in the firm that I am a student, e.g. for grants, department of social welfare payments, Code of Student Conduct. etc?

Shuttle every Bus minut 15 es

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MONEY DrAWInG UP A BUDGeT Few things sound as boring or as mean spirited as counting every penny in a weekly table of what is coming in and going out. However, if you want to make sure you have that little bit extra for your nights out then you should be prepared to spend just a few minutes a week on a simple, honest budget and a little bit of effort making it work. To put it simply you add up all the money that’s coming in to you and calculate how much that leaves you with weekly. Then you compare that to how much money you are spending every week. Include everything from chocolate bars, to TV license to money spent on clothes and alcohol. You should have more coming in than going out and if not you need to find ways to realistically cut down on some of your less important outgoings.

BAnkS on CAMPUS Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland are on campus next to the Students’ Union Office. Their opening hours are 10:30am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday (except Wednesday; open at 11am). Both banks close for lunch each day from 12:40pm to 1:40pm.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND ADVICE: www.studentfinance.ie Money ADvICe BUDGeTInG ServICe (MABS) www.mabs.ie T : 091 569349

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Union of Students in Ireland +353 (0) 1 709 9300 www.usi.ie

YOUR ONLINE GRANT AwARds AUThORITY Visit www.studentfinance.ie to apply

online

SUSI - Student Universal Support Ireland - Single National Student Grant Awards Authority

4 CRITERIA TO QUALIFY FOR A STUDENT GRANT: 1. COURSE

2. RESIDENCY

3. NATIONALITY

4. MEANS

You must be studying a full time approved course in an approved institution. Check out facebook.com/susisupport and www.studentfinance.ie.

You must have been resident in Ireland/EU/ EEA / Swiss Federation for 3 out of the last 5 years.

You must hold: (1) Irish / EU, EEA or Swiss nationality; (2) Humanitarian leave to remain in the state; (3) Official refugee status; or (4) Permission to remain in the state due to marriage to an EU national employed here.

The gross income being assessed must be at or below the reckonable income limits outlined below on this poster.

RECKONABLE INCOME: NUMBER OF DEPENDENT CHILDREN

4

STUDENT CONTRIBUTION CHARGE

HALF

STUDENT CONTRIBUTION CHARGE

FULL

OF GRANT & FULL CHARGE

25%

OF GRANT & FULL CHARGE

50%

OF GRANT & FULL CHARGE

75%

100% OF GRANT & FULL CHARGE

SPECIAL RATE 1

€22,703

€55,920

€51,380

€47,205

€44,720

€42,235

€41,110

4 TO 7

€61,440

€56,640

€51,880

€49,145

€46,415

€45,165

€22,703

8 OR MORE

€66,700

€61,295

€56,320

€53,360

€50,400

€49,045

€22,703

LESS THAN

CURRENT GRANT LEVELS (2012):

25%

GRANT

ADJACENT 2 NON-ADJACENT

3

STUDENT CONTRIBUTION CHARGE

OF GRANT

OF GRANT

50%

OF GRANT

75%

100% OF GRANT

SPECIAL RATE 1

€305

€605

€910

€1,215

€2,375

€755

€1,515

€2,270

€3,025

€5,915

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Change of Circumstances If you have been awarded a student grant or did not apply for a grant or did not satisfy the eligibility conditions to be awarded a full or part grant (i.e. for maintenance, student contribution or tuition fees) and during the year changes of circumstances in relation to reckonable income or other eligibility conditions occur you may become eligible to have your grant application assessed or re-assessed during the academic year to reflect these changes. (1) In order to qualify for the Special Rate of grant the applicant must have been in receipt of one of the eligible payments as listed in schedule two of the Student Grant Scheme 2012. (2) Adjacent = 45km or less from permanent residence to place of study. (3) Non-Adjacent = >45km from permanent residence to place of study. NB: this document does not purport to be a legal interpretation of the Student Grant Scheme 2012 and it does not cover all aspects therein. Copies of the Scheme and Regulations 2012 can be downloaded from www.studentfinance.ie. The Student Grant Scheme and Regulations 2012 are liable to change during the academic year.

sUsI support desk support@susi.cdvec.ie HANDBOOK & DIARY

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facebook.com/susisupport

0761 08 7874

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10 Budgeting tips to survive college 1. Put pen to paper Write down all of your sources of money and all the things you expect to have to fork out for. Don’t forget costs like transport alongside rent, food and books. In essence your making a budget. Being aware of how you spend your money can also show you where you could be saving, such as cutting down on coffees or making your own sandwiches.

2. Organise your income While expenses will crop up on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, your income may come in a lump sum. If you get a grant, for example, it will arrive in large amounts over the academic year. You need to manage that money and make it, along with other sources of income such as part time or summer work, “elastic”, i.e. make it stretch for as long as possible. It can be a good idea to put the money to cover your rent into a separate account that you don’t touch on a day-to-day basis. That way you know how much you have left to spend for the rest of the term. Divide up any money you have left so you know how much you have to spend each week. Whether income is in the form of a loan, parental contribution, bursary or wages know where it’s coming from before it arrives. Work out how it breaks down week-by-week or term-by-term.

3. Maximise your income Some students have a job while they study. But you shouldn’t work too hard, say the experts. Try to keep it to less than 12 hours a week in term time. Full-time work in the holidays can be good for your CV as well as your bank balance.

4. Get help The college bank branch will most likely have a student advisor. Take advantage of them - the advice will be free and they can help you manage your money better. Ask about free student banking, interest rates and charges, and any student loans they offer. Your student welfare officer, Sam O’Neill will have seen it all before and might be able to help accessing the college hardship fund. 54

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5. Get a discount Look out for deals; such as special offer haircuts and take advantage of “money off” vouchers, BOGOFs – buy one get one free offers - and student deals in restaurants, bars or at the cinema. Use the student ID card to get money off at your favourite retailers.

6. Learn to cook Even the college canteen will charge a couple of euro for something you can make yourself in a matter of minutes. Make your own sandwiches, refill your water or juice bottle, nick your granny’s flask and make your own tea / coffee for lunch. Use markets to buy cheap vegetables and fruit, buy ownbrand labels in the big stores, buy a decent cookbook in the sale, or at a secondhand shop, and get staples like rice in bulk and you can eat well for €30 a week.

7. Turn unneeded things into cash Amazon is a great place to buy and sell used textbooks. Worth knowing when faced with a €150 reading list. Auction sites like eBay are also good for getting rid of unwanted Christmas presents or misplaced purchases. If not online, use campus noticeboards and bookshops.

8. Manage your debt You will be offered student overdrafts; student credit cards and student store cards but think carefully before you accept any of them. A low-interest overdraft can be a useful tool to help stretch the term’s money, but watch the fees and the interest rate. An introductory offer of a 0% interest credit card

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can also be useful for paying off big-ticket items or short-term borrowing, but don’t keep money on it for longer than the 0% offer lasts – you will then be hammered with interest!!! If you don’t have a 0% card, remember to include the card repayments in your monthly budget.

9. Keep tabs on your spending Bank online, read your statements, look at receipts, save your coppers in a jar, compare prices in the supermarket and don’t take out more than you need from the cash machine. It all helps you keep control of what you’ve got.

10. Avoid unnecessary expenses Don’t smoke! Obviously, it is bad for your health and is very expensive. A 20-a-day habit will cost you €9.10 per day, €63.70 per week, €254.80 per month and that’s whopping €3057.60 per year. When you consider that currently the standard 100% maintenance rate is €2250, you need to ask yourself: can I really afford to smoke? Car owners - consider the cost of tax, insurance, servicing costs, initial purchase cost, car loan repayments and of course, the rising price of fuel at the pump. Yes, you may love your runaround but can you really afford it when you are a struggling student?

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Mature Students Information Free Fees Initiative This is a state sponsored scheme. The state pays for the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending full-time third level education for the first time. Learners must be taking a full-time course that is more than two years in duration and they must be an EU national. However you may have to pay a Student Service Charge (Student Registration Fee). If you meet the criteria to have this paid for, you must submit a grant application form. This applies even if you will not be eligible to receive the maintenance grant. Non-Irish nationals should visit www.education.ie to find out if they meet the eligibility criteria. The Free Fees Initiative only applies to full time courses, if you intend on taking a degree part time, then you will be required to pay full fees. The government recently announced a number of free places in further and higher education. These Labour Market Activation Measures include a number of free places in third level institutions; visit http://www.aontas.com/ information/accessmeasuresm.html to find one near you. Higher Education Grants These grants are administered by your local VEC or local authority. Check with GMIT whether it is the VEC or local authority who is administering your grant. A Special Rates Maintenance Grant also known as the Top Up grant is also available to more disadvantaged students in further and higher education. From budget 2011, mature students are now longer automatically entitled to the non-adjacent (higher) rate of the maintenance grant. They must now be assessed under the same distance criteria (45KM) as all other grant applications. Full details and application forms are available on www.studentfinance.ie The Student Assistance Fund This is specifically aimed at students that are experiencing financial hardship while in college. Students are recommended to contact the Students’ Union or Student Services. The NOVA Fund Nova stands for the National Office for Victims of Abuse. To date ₏12.7m has been made available to provide educational programmes to Former Residents and their families. This fund is being administered through NOVA, application forms can be obtained from NOVA and you, your spouse and your children may qualify for funding under the Criteria of Eligibility that has been set down by the committee. Contact NOVA on 1800 252524 56

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St Vincent De Paul This organisation provides financial assistance for education and training. Applicants can apply to the Education Officer in the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. In order to apply applicants need to enclose a letter, outlining what they are studying and what factors are inhibiting their studies. Generally this fund is reserved for learners who have not been successful with other agencies. For further information see www.svp.ie Tax Relief Tax relief can be claimed on tuition fees up to a maximum fee limit of roughly €5000. Learners can claim up to 20% of course fees back through tax relief. Applicants are advised to contact their local tax office in relation to this and to note that the course must be delivered through or in conjunction with approved institution. To get a full list of approved courses students should visit www. revenue.ie Back to Education Allowance The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) allows people in receipt of certain social welfare payments to retain those payments whilst participating in approved full-time courses in further and higher education. Qualifying payments for BTEA include JobSeekers Allowance, Job-Seekers Benefit, Farm Assist, One Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance and Carer’s Allowance. The Back to Education Allowance replaces an applicant’s existing social welfare income and, in addition, participants qualify for an annual €500 cost of education allowance. The cost of the Student Registration Fee will also be met by the Exchequer on behalf of BTEA applicants, but they must submit an application for a Higher Education Grant.

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You can apply for the Back to Education Allowance under a number of different categories including second level and third level. For more information on categories and the Allowance in general visit www.welfare.ie. The qualifying period to access the allowance was recently changed to 9 months for those on a social welfare payment and who want to do a 3rd level course. People awarded statutory redundancy may access the scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study. Budget 2010 eliminated the dual entitlement to the Back to Education Allowance and the maintenance grant for further and higher education students entering a new programme. From 2010-11, eligible students entering a new course of study in higher education can apply for BTEA or the maintenance grant, but not both. Please note that if you are eligible for the BTEA and not the Maintenance Grant, you must still apply for the Maintenance Grant in order to have your registration fee paid for. For certain social welfare payments (e.g. the lone parent allowance), you can continue to receive the same social welfare payment (and not the BTEA), and be eligible for a maintenance grant. Please contact your local welfare office and explore which is the better option for you, as various allowances may also be affected. This will not apply to those in receipt of the Jobseeker’s Allowance. For more information on this scheme visit www.welfare.ie

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SU ADVISORY :: accommodation Tenants’ rights and duties Tenants have legal rights and duties. Your legal rights derive from general landlord/Tenant law as well as from any written or verbal tenancy agreement between you and your landlord. Duties include paying your rent, keeping the place in good order, avoiding damage or nuisance and complying with any special terms set down in your tenancy agreement, verbal or written. It may be more difficult to assert your rights where you have broken conditions of your tenancy.

Rent books Your landlord by law must provide you with a rent book, written letting agreement or lease. All payments made to the landlord, must be recorded either in the rent book or by written statement. In addition, the rent book, or letting agreement, must contain other information about the tenancy, specified by the Rent Book. A limited number of ent books may also be got by visiting Sam O’Neill’s office in the Students’ Union.

Regulations: • The address of the rented dwelling • The name and address of the landlord and his agent (if any) • The name of the tenant • The term of the tenancy • The amount of rent, when and how it is to be paid, (e.g. cash, cheque, standing order) • Details of other payments (e.g. telephone, TV) • The amount and purpose of any deposit paid and the conditions under which it will be returned to the tenant • A statement of information on basic rights and duties of landlords and tenants

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SU ADVISORY :: ACCOMmODATION

Threshold

www.threshold.ie T : 01 6707000 E : advice@threshold.ie

Daft.ie

www.daft.ie E : info@daft.ie

Collect your USI Rent Book & Accomodation Guide from the SU office. Here you’ll find information on everything from Types of Accommodation to Tentant’s Rights and Duties

Glasán www.glasan.com / (091 773333 / 779872) Gleann na Rí www.gmitstudents.com / (091 746000) Cúirt na Rásaí www.cuirtnarasai.com / (091 764131) Tír na gCapall www.tirnagcapall.com / (091 763328) Ceann Boirne www.gmitstudentaccomodation.com / (086 9671249) CLARIN CAMPUS www.clarincampus.com / (091 381265)

GMIT SU

www.gmitsu.ie (click on accommodation page - updated weekly)

Galway Advertiser

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IQ BAR The IQ Bar is available for drinks and speciality food. It is located just around the corner from the canteen, and is open from 6pm to 9pm Monday to Thursday. You can celebrate a birthday there, watch a big match on the widescreen TV, or hold a class party.

I.T. CENTRE Networked computing laboratories are available on all campuses with access to internet and email are also available throughout the Institute. Desktop PCs are used to provide access to a range of applications and services such as word processing, spreadsheets, database software, a wide variety of programming languages, and discipline specific applications such as computer aided design. Specialist computing resources are also available for research and project work.

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SU ADVISORY THE library GMIT Libraries provide a wide range of services and facilities to support learning, teaching and research in the Institute. There is a library in each of the four campuses. On registration, all students automatically become library members and use their GMIT ID cards as library cards. On the shelves in our libraries you will find over 100,000 books covering all the subject areas studied in the Institute. We also subscribe to 500 printed journals and have a wide range of CD, DVD and other multimedia material. Online via the library website http://library.gmit.ie you can access over 50,000 ebooks, 10,000 full-text journals and past GMIT exam papers. An Inter-Library Loan service is provided for items not available in our libraries. The library on the Dublin Road includes an Independent Learning Unit for students with special needs, an IT Training Room, Multimedia Room, Research Unit, Archive Room, Photocopying Room and 15 Group Study Rooms.

Website & Catalogue ~ http://library.gmit.ie Term Time Opening Hours Mon – Wed

09.00 – 22.00

Thur

09.00 – 21.00

Fri

09.00 – 17.00

Saturday opening prior to exams Times subject to change. Please contact us for more information T: 091 742785 E: library@gmit.ie

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BARBARISTA Located at Union Square, this is a great GMIT meeting place. • Gourmet quality at student prices • Top quality ingredients Served all day • Smoothies • Speciality teas and coffees • Toasted sandwiches & paninis • Tasty breakfast rolls

THE FOOD ZONE Located just off the central hub “Union Square”, The Food Zone caters for all tastes and includes hot and cold breakfast buffets, sandwich bars, a freshly prepared self service salad bar, a hot food counter offering carved roasts, curries, fish, chicken and many other hot choices prepared freshly on-site. A Takeaway service is available and gluten free, vegetarian and speciality diets are catered for. Hot & Chilled beverages, homemade scones, confectionery and fruit are also available. The Service is fast, fresh and friendly and the experience offers a social meeting point for students, staff and visitors. Weekly Menus are posted outside The Food Zone; look out for our offers, promotions and Recession Buster Student Specials. Monday–Thursday: 08:30 – 19:00 Friday: 08:30 – 17:00 Saturday: Open at peak times Sunday: Closed

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SU ADVISORY :: INTERNATIONal STUDENTS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE The International Office is located next to Old Reception. The office looks after the concerns of students on Erasmus exchange programmes, US exchange students and non-EU students. The office is open to deal with students from Monday to Friday, 2.30 – 4.30pm. (091-742211 direct or international@gmit.ie). Any student requiring a formal letter will be asked to complete a form and the letter will be provided the following day. Students on Erasmus or US exchange programmes have a learning agreement agreed between GMIT and their home college before they arrive. Students very often want to change the subjects they are taking, once they have had a chance to experience GMIT and discuss their interests with lecturers. Any change has to be agreed by the Head of Department concerned and it is the responsibility of the student to then notify the International Office so that your academic record on the student record system is changed. Failure to do this will result in a student having problems obtaining their examination results and transcripts. Students from countries which require a visa to enter Ireland to study full-time will have their visa stamped (stamp 2) with a one month entry stamp when they enter Ireland at airport immigration. They then have the month to prepare the necessary paperwork for the Galway office of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). The GNIB office in Galway is located at Unit 2 Liosbaun Industrial Estate, Tuam Road (Ph. 091-768002 or fax 091-768003). The opening hours are Monday to Thursday, 7.30am to 12.30pm and 2 – 3 pm and Friday, 7.30 am to 12.30. It is a 20 minute walk from the Galway campus. Enter Liosbaun estate at the Ulster Bank on the Tuam Road and walk straight to the last building on your right. Registration with them costs €150 annually. The documentation required is as follows: • GMIT identification card • Bank statement showing a balance of €1,000 • Evidence of medical insurance

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You obtain your ID card at registration. You can open a bank account at either of the two banks on campus and they will send you a statement to your local address within one week. Medical insurance, unless you have arranged it yourself, can be obtained through the International Office at an annual premium of â‚Ź120, which can be purchased at www.odon.ie/gmit. Registration with the GNIB is compulsory and you will be issued with a GNIB identity card and your passport will be stamped for one academic year. The card is proof that you are entitled to be resident and studying in Ireland. If you change address, you are legally required to notify GNIB of the change within

7 days. Each time you need to have your visa extended, you can obtain the necessary letter from the International Office, provided you produce proof that you have passed your examinations and are eligible to progress. Students holding visas who want to return home for some reason during the academic year must obtain a reentry visa as your initial one is single entry only. This can only be obtained from the GNIB office at 13-14 Burgh Quay in Dublin (city centre) and you require a letter from the International Office. All non EU full-time students are entitled to work part-time during term time for a maximum of 20 hours per week.

As well as the International Office, visiting students can also contact the Student Activities Co-Ordinator, Antoinette Canavan in the SU Office.

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ConTACT AnToIneTTe CAnAvAn

Tel : 091 742008 eMAIl : antoinette.canavan@gmit.ie

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SU ADVISORY :: PEER ASSISTED STUDY SESSIONS (PASS) For most new students, coming to Third Level College is both an exciting new venture and an anxious experience. There are new people to meet, new friends to make, and the opportunity to study in depth a subject you enjoy. At the same time, you’ll probably be wondering whether or not you’ll be able to keep up with your studies, write assignments to an appropriate standard, organise your time effectively, and have the confidence to present your ideas in front of other people. Wouldn’t it be good if there were students from the year above who had been trained to guide you through all this? Now, with the help of PASS, there is.

What is PASS The PEER ASSISTED STUDY SESSIONS (PASS) scheme was introduced to GMIT Programmes in 2009. PASS is a scheme that offers cross-year support between students on the same course. PASS is run by students for students. It encourages you to support each other and learn co-operatively under the guidance of a trained student from the second year of your course. PASS aims to help you adjust quickly to college life, improve your learning and study skills, enhance your understanding of the subject content of your course and prepare better for your assignments and exams. PASS sessions are intended to be supportive and friendly but also purposeful. In PASS, the emphasis is on everyone in the group working co-operatively to share subjectrelated news items, and develop their understanding of course topics or work to be assessed.

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PASS is therefore about exploratory discussion lead by the PASS Leaders. The more everyone joins in these discussions, the better the sessions will work.

How can PASS benefit you? PASS Leaders are uniquely placed to help first years. They are experts in surviving the first year. PASS Leaders receive training in how to run PASS sessions effectively and how to manage group discussions. They are also provided with resources that will help you develop your study skills and better understand the more challenging topics on your course.

How does PASS take place? The PASS session for your programme will appear on your timetable from September – April. There will be a one-hour PASS session timetabled each week.

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What can you discuss in PASS? The most important point about PASS is that you can decide what is to be discussed in your weekly PASS sessions. Ask your PASS Leader to help you: • with accommodation issues, travel or to share information on the best places to go • find your way around campus • locate resources in the Library • practise your referencing skills • avoid plagiarism • discuss how to get the most out of lectures • analyse note taking techniques • explore methods for getting the best from group work • practise presentations • review lectures you’ve found really difficult • analyse assignment questions Anything may be covered, but please remember that the PASS Leaders are not lecturers, so they’re not allowed to teach you - please do not ask them to! PASS will run from the beginning of term when you will meet your PASS Leader who will explain more.

Note: Attendance at your PASS sessions is recorded weekly. Remember that your School Management, lecturers and Course Co-ordinators choose ‘PASS’ to be included in your programme because they understand the benefits PASS sessions provide to their first year students. To find out if PASS is running on your programme check your timetable or www.gmit.ie/pass or email pass@gmit.ie HANDBOOK & DIARY

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This year we will be running a competition for first year students called the ‘Fresher Scavenger Hunt’. The first 15 Fresher students who complete the following tasks, complete with photographic evidence of each presented to the Students’ Union, will receive free full tickets to the GMITSU ‘Fresher Fest’ on September the 20th. •

Get a condom from the SU Welfare Officer

Play a game of pool in the Student Common Room (Red Square)

Follow the yellow feet to the door of the Student Services Office

Take a book out from the Library

Log in to a computer in the IT Centre

Buy a drink in the Library Bar

Enquire about gym membership upstairs in the Sports Hall

Run through the GMIT sports pitches on the Dublin Road

Buy tea/coffee in Barbarista

Buy a GMIT Students’ Union pen in the GMITSU Shop

Hop on the GMITSU shuttle bus

Sign up to volunteer with the Students’ Union

Visit the college nurse at the medical unit

Click ‘Like’ on the GMIT Students’ Union Facebook page

Visit the GMIT administration desk at the Old Reception

Best of luck to all!!!!

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4

WELFARE For questions you would like to have answered, on anything in this section, please contact:

Sam O’Neill

T: 091-742316 M: 085-8215029 EMAIL : suvpresident@gmit.ie @same120

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WELFARE DATES For yoUr DIAry

Sshh & Don’t Walk Home Alone

September 13th

Shag Day

September 17th

Mental Health 1 (Including Money Matters)

october 1th - 4th

Physical Health Week

october 22th - 25th

Road Safety Week

november 5th – 8th

Multi-Culture/ Diversity Week

november 26th - 29th

4oth Anniversary event

november 28th

Less Stress Christmas

December 10th – 13th

Blood Drive

january 22th

Shag Week

February 11th - 14th

Mental Health 2

March 11th - 14th

Less Stress Summer

April 29th - May 3rd

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HEALTH

GENERAL INFORMATION YOU OUGHT TO KNOW!

Mumps You must complete MMR vaccination before registration. As you are probably aware, there have been outbreaks of mumps in third level colleges in the last couple of years, as many adults aged 18-25 years have not received TWO doses of mumps (MMR) vaccine. Therefore, we have large numbers of students at risk of getting and passing on mumps infection. Mumps is an acute viral illness that causes fever, headache, and usually painful swollen saliva producing glands. Mumps often gives an appearance of swollen cheeks or jaws. The mumps virus is spread from person to person by coughs and sneezes. It can also be transmitted through kissing and other direct contact with saliva.

PLEASE ASSIST US IN PREVENTING FURTHER ILLNESS. The mmr vaccine is available through your gp.

1st Year Students will have been offered 2nd MMR in schools a result of the HSE’s control measures. If you didn not receive a 2nd, please attend your own GP prior to registration in GMIT. All other Students if you have not yet received your 2nd MMR vaccine, please attend your own GP prior to registration.

If you are unsure whether you have received 2 MMR vaccines, it is no harm to have another. Contact// GMIT Student Health Unit

Website: www.immunisation.ie

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Your health Healthy Mind How do you explain your feelings and worries? Who can help you if you are too shy to ask for help? Does anyone notice when it feels like your world is falling apart? Suicide and depression are huge problems in Ireland today. 10% of the Irish population suffers from depression. But mental illness is a taboo subject and we often ignore the problem until it takes over. However, there’s nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about if you are stressed out, worried, or are struggling emotionally. Everyone goes through it, and it helps to talk to somebody to set your thoughts straight. Mental health is a way to describe the state of your mind, feelings, emotions and nerves. Mental health is the balance between all aspects of life - social, physical, spiritual and emotional. It impacts on how we manage our surroundings and make choices in our lives - clearly it is an integral part of our overall health. Mental health is far more than the absence of mental illness and has to do with many aspects of our lives including: • How we feel about ourselves. • How we feel about others. • How we are able to meet the demands of life.

In this section you’ll find information to help you understand mental health, tips for staying in good mental health and links to support services. GMIT has counsellors available free of charge, available when you want to talk about what’s on your mind. Call Student Services 091 742228 for an appointment. You can also come in for a talk with Sam O’Neill, the Students Union Vice President and Welfare Officer (091 742316) for peer support and advice. Additionally, you can visit our GMIT Chaplain, whose office is located in the Student Services Area.

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Your health Suicide Awareness The reasons that someone may decide to attempt suicide are complex. Sometimes the decision to attempt suicide might be linked to depression, loneliness, or it may be a cry for help. It may also be a sudden decision (maybe in anger or sorrow), when drunk or after taking drugs. Maybe it is a desperate attempt to escape from reality. However the most common reason is that the person feels despair or hopelessness and can’t find any other way out.

High risk factors: •

There’s a high risk of suicide at traditional celebration times such as Christmas Day or Valentine’s Day. Feeling lonely on these days can push people into despair. If you think someone you know is alone and unhappy at a time like this, remind them that there are people around who care about them and how they are feeling.

Attempting suicide can be a cry for help. Maybe you know someone who has attempted suicide. Perhaps they told someone in time to be brought to hospital. If you or someone you know has attempted suicide then talk to a doctor or support organisation immediately.

• Suffering from depression and not receiving appropriate help or treatment, may increase the risk of suicide. • Going through difficult times such as when a loved one dies or having a long-term or terminal illness can increase the risk of suicide. • Family, relationship and break up problems, abuse and bullying can all be factors in pushing someone towards suicide. • If you abuse alcohol or drugs, you are more at risk of suicide. Both can act as depressants leading to serious problems for your mental health. • Access to a method of suicide, such as harmful medication or a firearm can increase the risk of suicide. • Young men and elderly people are more at risk of suicide.

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If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or self harm, you should immediately contact a suicide hotline: Samaritans 085 60 90 90 available 24 hours a day. Find more information and support:

SAMARITANS

www.samaritans.ie

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Tel: 1850 60 90 90

PLEASE TALK www.pleasetalk.ie/gmit

Email: info@pleasetalk.ie

REACH OUT www.reachout.com

JIGSAW www.jigsaw.ie

Email: galway@jigsaw.ie

Text: 087 7725232 Phone: 091 549252 Drop in: 18 Mary Street, Galway City

PIETA HOUSE www.pieta.ie

Email: mary@pieta.ie

Tel: 01 601 0000

CONSOLE www.console.ie Tel: 1800 201 890

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Email: info@console.ie

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Sexual Health Contraception Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy are the real risks when having sex. More and more young people are becoming pregnant and catching STIs simply because they don’t prepare for sex, or think contraception isn’t necessary. WELL IT IS!! Using contraception should become second nature and a responsibility of both partners. It can be embarrassing, uncomfortable and awkward to deal with but well worth it! Contraception such as condoms is widely available so you shouldn’t have any massive problems. They are available in most supermarkets, chemists and you can also collect one from your Welfare Officer, Sam O’Neill. Keep an eye out for SHAG Week too, a large number of free condoms are handed out then.

Remember...

It’s best to consult your doctor regarding the best contraception options.

If you are going to have sex you should know the risks first!

Without taking precautions, sex can lead to pregnancy or disease.

Unintended pregnancies and sexual infections are on the increase.

Taking the time to learn about, talk about, and use contraception can save you lots of time, worry, money, and give you peace of mind.

Getting and using contraception shouldn’t be embarrassing, its embarrassing for those who don’t use it.

Contraception is the responsibility of both partners!

If you think you might have sex, always carry a condom.

The pill can guard against pregnancy but not STIs, HIV, or AIDS.

The best contraception is using the pill and a condom together.

DON’T BE SILLY, WRAP YOUR WILLY

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GMITSU

26/08/2012 16:21:41


For more information on contraception and safe sex, visit

www.cluedup.ie, www.spunout.ie, www.itssu.ie, Student Health Service, or drop into the students’ Union.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is a secondary method of contraception. It can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. It is more effective if it is taken after sex or as soon as possible. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections!

Unprotected sex?? Contraception failed?? What to do if your contraception fails

Emergency contraception is also known as post coital contraception and can prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or if your method of contraception failed (e.g. burst condom, forgotten pill). It is not quite true to say ‘the morning after the night before’ as it can actually work up to 72 hours of unprotected sex. If you have had sex without using contraception or if you think your method might have failed (e.g. burst condom or forgotten pill) you can use emergency contraception.

A tablet containing a progestogen hormone (levonorgestrel - Levonelle®) is most commonly used. The second option is to have a copper coil (IUCD) fitted. Emergency contraception can be obtained through your GP, local doctor or a sexual health (familyplanning) clinic. The ‘morning after pill’ is also now available in pharmacies. See www.icgp.ie/go/find_a_gp for your local GP.

When can you use it?

It can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but it’s best to take it as soon as possible after having ‘risky’ or unprotected sex. The coil can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex and it must be fitted by a trained doctor.

How effective is the method?

The emergency contraceptive tablet is very effective. The failure rate is between 1 and 3%. It is more effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex. The failure rate for the coil insertion is lower (less than 1%).

How does it work?

The tablet may stop or delay an egg being released (ovulation) or it may stop a fertilised egg settling in your womb (implantation). Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy and does not cause abortion. HANDBOOK & DIARY

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Are there side effects?

1. Some women may feel sick after taking emergency contraception but vomiting is extremely rare. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the tablet you should consult your doctor as the dose may need to be repeated. 2. The tablet can also alter your menstrual cycle. You may have some irregular bleeding after taking emergency contraception. This is not harmful. 3. Your next period may arrive a little early or a little late. If your period is more than 10 days late, you should consult your doctor because of the risk that you might be pregnant. If emergency contraception fails and you find yourself pregnant, there is no proof that it causes any harm to the developing baby. 4. There are other potential complications in having a coil (IUCD) inserted and your doctor will discuss them with you.

Who is suitable?

Emergency contraception is suitable for most women. If you have any medical condition or are on medications, your doctor will be able to advise you.

How often can it be taken?

Emergency contraception should only be used in an emergency. It is not suitable for regular use as other methods are more reliable over time. There are many forms of contraception you can use regularly and you should seek advice from your doctor on a method that would be suitable for you.

What do you do next?

If you were already taking the contraceptive pill you can restart taking it the day after taking emergency contraception. You should also do a pregnancy test at the end of your packet. You can still get pregnant after using emergency contraception if you have further episodes of unprotected sex before your next period.

What other issues should you consider?

Remember that having unprotected sex puts you at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. You can discuss the risks of infection and the need for tests with your doctor. This is also a good time to discuss your future contraception.

There are many different options and your doctor can help you choose a method to suit you and your partner.

With thanks to www.thinkcontraception.ie

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GMITSU

26/08/2012 16:21:42


HANDBOOK & DIARY

2012/2013

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PERSONAL SAFETY Crime Prevention Ireland is still a comparatively safe place to live. Even here in Galway, there is an extremely low rate compared to other major western cities. Having said that, it’s not as safe as it once was. This idea that it is only women who need to be careful has long expired. Men are increasingly likely to be victims of crime, particularly physical assaults when alcohol is involved. There is no point living in fear. As well as using your own sensible precautions follow these top 5 tips to stay safe wherever you are: 1_ Never walk alone at night time. Stick to busy streets, with lots of lighting and traffic. Do not take dodgy shortcuts. If you think you are being followed, go to somewhere busy and flag down a taxi. 2_ Only use licensed taxis and hackneys. Ask the driver’s name and when he/she drops you off; ask that he/she waits until you are safely in the door. 3_ Do not leave keys to your home in an accessible place. Everyone knows to look on top of the door frame, in or under the

potted plant, just inside the letter box, under the mat, under that oddly placed huge rock by the door etc. 4_ Always be aware of who’s around you when you go to an ATM. Do not use ATMs at night on isolated streets. And in the top spot is…. 5 Walk with confidence, be alert and always look like you know exactly where you’re going.

dont walk home alone If you have no money for a taxi, Pro Cabs will bring you home. Simply give the driver your student card and it will be returned to you once the fee is paid! You can then collect your student card from your Vice-President/Welfare Officer for the taxi fare. Don’t forget you need your student ID to sit exams. NO ID. NO EXAM! Pro Cabs 091 565 900 / 091 53 53 53

Contact the Students’ Union for further details 80

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GMITSU

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If you have been a victim of crime, there is help and support available from the Gardaí and Victim Support, as well as the support services in GMIT.

Sexual Abuse/ Assault The Rape Crisis Network gives support to victims of rape, sexual assault and child sexual abuse. They can go with you to the Gardai or police, listen to you or make sure you get counselling. There is also professional help available from your local Health Board.

If you’ve been assaulted or raped (or think you might have been) then report it to the police immediately. Don’t worry if you were drunk or taking drugs, the assault is much more serious.

• You have the right to ask for a male or female garda, police officer, or doctor. • When you’re reporting the attack you can ask for as many breaks as you want and leave the station any time you want.

If you’ve experienced any form of sexual abuse it can be very difficult to talk about it. People often describe feelings of guilt, shame, anger, disgust and even disbelief. There can be worries about what will happen to you or the person involved if you speak out. It is unbelievably difficult for any young person who is the victim of incest (when the abuser is a family member). People who have been abused will often fear that they won’t be believed if they tell someone. However. it is very important not to let this fear stop you from getting help.

Reporting a crime means you’ll be asked a lot of detailed questions and should carefully read through your statement when it’s finished to make sure there are no mistakes.

There are rape crisis centres where you can speak to someone confidentially if you’ve been raped or abused. The centres give support to victims of rape, sexual abuse or child sexual abuse. They can go with you to the Gardai, listen to you or help in any way possible.

If you have been sexually abused or raped:

• Remember that it’s never your fault even if you feel guilty.

• Tell someone you trust, even if you were • If you think you’ve been drug-raped ask abused in the past but never spoke for a medical examination or urine about it. sample to be taken so they can check for traces of the drug.

HANDBOOK & DIARY

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Continued How you react to sexual abuse or rape is different for everyone and it can take a long time for you to deal with what happened. • You might feel disbelief, numb, frightened, powerless, ashamed, disgusted with yourself, or humiliated. • You might feel guilty and responsible for what happened or blame yourself for letting it happen. • You might want to be alone and feel unable to tell anyone that you were sexually abused. • You might have nightmares or flashbacks about what happened and find it difficult to get involved with anyone else. • You might become self destructive or out of control: drinking too much or taking drugs, getting an eating disorder, self-harming, or having sex with more people than usual.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND ADVICE: Rape Crisis Network www.rcni.ie

Tel: 1800 77 88 88

Provides a 24 hour helpline for victims of rape and sexual abuse. Also provides counselling and therapy for victims of rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and sexual harassment in centres throughout Ireland. Contact details of centres throughout Ireland: www.rcni.ie/hlp map.htm In an emergency always call 999 or 112. If it’s not an emergency, call your nearest Garda station. These can be found in your phone directory or by calling directory inquiries on 11811 and asking the details of the nearest station to you.

Millstreet Garda Station, Galway: 091 538 000 82

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GMITSU

26/08/2012 16:21:42


SexUAl HeAlTH InForMATIon SUPPorT If you want a full screen for STI’s you can avail of the free service in U.C.H.G. STI Clinic

T : 091 525200

Mon 2-5 AnD FrI 10-12 By APPoInTMenT only WeD 9-12 AnD 2-4 WAlk In ServICe

SExUAL HEALTH CENTRE w : www.sexualhealthcentre.com

e : info@sexualhealthcentre.com t : 021 42 75 837 The centre provides a range of services in relation to sexual health issues. These include peer support through education and telephone helpline services; personal support & counselling to people with HIV and their families; non directive three option pregnancy counselling and lots more.

IRISH FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION w : www.ifpa.ie

e : post@ifpa.ie t : 01 806 9444 National voluntary organisation promotion sexual and reproductive rights and help. Provides information, support and advice.

THINK CONTRACEPTION www.thinkcontraception.ie www.thinkcontraception.ie is a source of information for men and women living in Ireland who want to learn more about their sexual and reproductive health, especially contraception.

CRISIS PREGNANCY AGENCY w : www.crisispregnancy.ie

e : info@crisispregnancy.ie t : 01 814 6292 The Crisis Pregnancy Agency provides information on Irish pregnancy counselling. Provides info on what to do next and contraception.

HANDBOOK & DIARY

2012/2013

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ALCOHOL

ENJOYING IT SENSIBLY!

SO THE ‘DRINK’ MADE YOU… ACT A BIT CRAZY? TEXT YOUR EX? CRY OR TURN INTO A SUPER-FLIRT? THINK AGAIN The reality, according to the new drinkaware.ie booze myths campaign, is that all booze contained in every alcoholic drink is pretty much the same stuff. Whether it’s beer, wine or spirits, it is really just ethanol with some flavourings. So if you think ‘gin makes you cry?’ and ‘whiskey makes you frisky?’ Then it probably will. The fact is that if you expect to react in a certain way to a certain alcoholic drink, you will, even though all alcohol is pretty much the same. Studies have been conducted where volunteers were told they were being given free booze while in fact half of them were being given alcohol-free substitutes that simply had alcohol rubbed on the rim of the glass, duping them into thinking they too were drinking alcohol. 80% of ‘sober’ volunteers who thought they were drinking free booze started acting like they were drunk; talking loudly, staggering, feeling dizzy and slurring their speech. Each of these ‘sober’ volunteers would have passed a breathalyzer test. But because they thought they were drinking free alcohol and getting drunk, they acted like they were drunk.

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GMITSU

26/08/2012 16:21:44


ENJOYING IT SENSIBLY! Continued We all have them, our boozey beliefs, with some even more widely believed than others. Is your one golden rule ‘never mix your drinks’? Well, as we said ‘booze is booze’. The booze in every alcoholic drink is pretty much the same stuff - so it’s not the number of different types of drinks that will land you with a whopper of a hangover, it’s the number of drinks, full stop. Next time you’re nursing a hangover, watching Dr. Phil and blaming the drink for those embarrassing flashbacks it may be time to consider that it is not the drink that’s the problem but how much you are actually drinking.

Top Tips for a safer night out: •

Plan how you’re going to get home before you leave. Make sure you’ve got numbers for taxis and keep aside enough money to get home safely.

• Eat before you go out, or during the evening. •

Ideally avoid getting involved in a round. Alternatively, limit rounds to 2 or 3 friends. If you find yourself in a round but feel that others are drinking faster than you - or over recommended limits - it’s OK to skip a drink. Also feel free to remove yourself from the round altogether.

• Drink water regularly to stay refreshed and hydrated.

Remember that too much drink will do nothing for your looks - you’re drop dead gorgeous until you drop down drunk.

• And don’t succumb to the beer goggles effect - you might think you’ve met your dream date - until the effect wears off. •

Don’t accept drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended - it’s all too easy for someone to spike your drink… with more alcohol, for example.

Keep an eye out for your friends. Make sure your phone is fully charged and make contact if you get separated over the course of the night.

• Use soft drinks to pace yourself.

Log onto drinkaware.ie for hints and tips on safer drinking plus competitions to win tickets to the best gigs and festivals! HANDBOOK & DIARY

2012/2013

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GMITSU

26/08/2012 16:21:48


DRUGS

the verve were right

The most obvious sign that you (or someone you know) is addicted to something is the feeling that you NEED to have it or do it. There are other signs, which we have listed below. You may have some of the signs and not others. These signs can also be caused by other issues: talking to your doctor is the best way to find out if you have a problem. Psychological signs: • Using drugs to forget your problems. • Withdrawing from your family/friends or keeping your drug use a secret from them. • Your drug use is affecting relationships- with family, friends, or boyfriends/ girlfriends. • Losing interest in activities that used to be important. • Having problems at work, school, or college because of your drug use. • Spending all your time with people who use drugs. • Spending a lot of time planning how to get drugs. • Owing money because of your drug use. • Thinking about stealing so that you can afford to buy drugs. • Not being able to stop taking drugs, even though you have tried. • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression can be linked to drug use. Physical signs: • Changes in sleeping patterns- finding it very difficult to sleep or sleeping unusual hours. • Feeling shaky, with flu-like symptoms or feeling sick when you try to stop taking the addictive substance. • Needing to take larger amounts of the substance to get the same effects. • Losing a lot of weight or putting on a lot of weight. HANDBOOK & DIARY

2012/2013

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the verve were right Treatment for drug dependency There are various treatment options available once you decide that you are ready to get help for addiction. Not all types of treatment are the same and it’s important that you talk to your doctor or the support services in GMIT to find out which treatment is best for you. Never be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help or supportthere are people and services available specifically to help you beat addiction.

Reducing harm If you aren’t able to stop taking drugs yet, there is still treatment available to improve your health and reduce the harm that drugs are doing to you. Or you might need treatment to prevent your drug use from getting worse: talk to the support services in GMIT for advice and information.

Needle

exchange

If you inject drugs then it’s important that you use clean injecting equipment every time you inject. You can get free needles and advice and support from needle exchanges. Ask your doctor or the support services in GMIT about where the nearest needle exchange is.

Alternative therapy Alternative therapies such as acupuncture can help you feel better while you’re coming off drugs. They can also reduce your cravings.

Hospital, residential rehab or clinic treatment

If you are finding it difficult to stop taking drugs while living at home, then consider the option of going into hospital, a residential rehab, or to a clinic that will offer a supportive atmosphere and Counselling treatment. Ask the your doctor or the Talking to a trained counsellor (in GMIT) may support services in GMIT about what option help you realise why you have a drug problem is most suitable for you and where the and help you overcome that problem. nearest hospital, residential rehab, or clinic for addiction treatment is.

Medication If you tell a doctor that you take heroin, he/she might prescribe a replacement drug, like methadone. Methadone and other substitute drugs can help reduce the amount of heroin you take and help you stop taking drugs altogether, or they may just help prevent your drug use from getting worse.

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After

treatment

Don’t be afraid to ask for continuing support after your addiction treatment is finished. A doctor, support service, or counsellor can provide aftercare that will help keep you off drugs and deal with any other problems you might have. It can also help to join a support group such as Narcotics Anonymous.

GMITSU

26/08/2012 16:21:49


5

DIARY

HANDBOOK & DIARY

2012/2013

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IMPORTANT DIARY DATES PLEASE NOTE: All dates are provisional and are subject to change. Get information on additional events and schedule changes throughout the year on www.gmitsu.ie

SEMESTER I 5th September 6th /7th September 6th September 10th September 10th- 20th September 12th September 13th September 13th September 13th September 14th September 17th September 18th /19th September 20th September 24th- 27th September 25th September 26th September 27th September

Freshers’ Welcome Night First Year Inductions ‘UNION’ Student Bar Official Opening Night 1st Year Lectures commence Freshers’ Fortnight All students return Repeat results Don’t Walk Home Alone/ SSHH! Campaign Launch Back to College/ Welcome Back Party Academic Council SHAG Day Clubs & Societies Fair 1 FRESHER FEST Know Your Union/ SUConnect Campaign Class Rep Training- Castlebar Class Rep Training- Galway Governing Body

1st- 4th October 9th October 12th October 13th October 16th October 19th /20th October 22nd- 25th October Week of 29th October 22nd- 29th October 25th October 26th October 31st October

Mental Health Week 1 (inc. Comedy Night) Careers Fair Academic Council USI Mature Students Conference Sports scholarship nomination deadline Open Day Healthy Living/ Physical Health Week Halloween Fancy Dress Student Charity Walk Galway Comedy Festival Governing Body Conferring- Letterfrack Hallowe’en Fancy Dress Party

1st November 5th- 8th November 9th November 15th /16th November 16th November 16th- 18th November 23rd November 26th- 29th November

Movember Launch Road Safety Week Conferring- Castlebar Conferring- Galway / Graduations Party Open Day- Castlebar USI Pink Training Open Day- Letterfrack Culture & Diversity Week (40th Anniversary Culture Event on the 28th)

5th December 6th December 7th December 10th- 13th December 10th- 13th December 10th- 13th December 11th December 14th December 14th December 14th December-21st December

Christmas Day Party 40th Anniversary Event // Family Fun Day // (Sports ‘Try it Out’ Day & Kiddies’ Xmas Party) Lecturing Ends (Most semesterised courses) Study Week for semesterised courses Less Stress, More Success/ Study Skills Campaign 1 SU Christmas Charity Week Santa’s Dash/ Toy Appeal/ Collection in Town Governing Body Lecturing Ends (Non-semesterised courses) Academic Council Winter Examinations

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Welfare Ents Events & Activities College Dates

SEMESTER II 2nd January 7th January 14th January 14th-17th January 15th January 17th January 22nd January 24th January 25th January

College re-opens Non-semesterised students return All students return Know Your Union/ SUConnect campaign Clubs & Socs Fair 2 Governing Body Blood Drive in Sports Hall Exam performance feedback to students Open Day- Letterfrack

1st February 11th -14th February 18th-29th February 21st February 28th February

Academic Council SHAG Week (Valentine’s Day event on 14th) Schedule of Events & Fundraisers (inc. GMIT-NUIG Olympics/ Fight Night?) Governing Body MOXEGEN 2012

1st March 4th- 17th March 9th March 11th- 14th March 14th March 15th March 15th March 21st March 21st March 22nd March 27th March 28th March (1/2 day) -3rd April 8th April 8th April 18th April 18th April 23rd April 25th April 26th April 26th April 29th April- 3rd May 29th April- 3rd May

Deadline for prospectus changes Seachtain na Gaeilge Open Day- All Galway campuses Mental Health Week 2 Student Paddy’s Day Event/ Fight Night Fundraiser Big Heart Fight Night Academic Council Governing Body GMITSU Referendum on New Constitution & USI Affiliation End of term Graduate Opportunities in the West (GROW) Careers Fair College closed GMITSU Election Nominations Close/ Campaign Starts Lectures re-commence GMITSU Elections / Official Elections Party Governing Body Student Achievement Awards* (or 22nd/24th?) End of Year Ball Lecturing ends Academic Council Study week Less Stress, More Success/ Study Skills Campaign 2

7th May-23rd May 16h May 24th May

Summer exams Governing Body Academic Council

14th June 17th June 18th- 20th June 20th June

HETAC Student of the Year nominations to Registrar Results released Student consultation days Governing Body

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SEPTEMBER MONDAY

3

TUESDAY

4

WEDNESDAY

5

6 FRIDAY

7

8/9 92

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SEPTEMBER MONDAY

10

TUESDAY

11

12 THURSDAY

13

FRIDAY

14 SAT/SUN

15/16 93

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SEPTEMBER MONDAY

17

TUESDAY

18

WEDNESDAY

19

20 FRIDAY

21

22/23 94

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SEPTEMBER MONDAY

24 TUESDAY

25

26 THURSDAY

27 FRIDAY

28 SAT/SUN

29/30 95

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OCTOBER MONDAY

1

TUESDAY

2

WEDNESDAY

3

4 FRIDAY

5

6/7 96

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OCTOBER MONDAY

8

TUESDAY

9

10 THURSDAY

11

FRIDAY

12

SAT/SUN

13/14 97

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OCTOBER MONDAY

15

TUESDAY

16

WEDNESDAY

17

18 FRIDAY

19

20/21 98

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OCTOBER MONDAY

22

TUESDAY

23

24 THURSDAY

25 FRIDAY

26 SAT/SUN

27/28 99

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NOVEMBER MONDAY

29

TUESDAY

30

WEDNESDAY

31 1

FRIDAY

2

3/4 100

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NOVEMBER MONDAY

5

TUESDAY

6 7

THURSDAY

8

FRIDAY

9

SAT/SUN

10/11 101

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NOVEMBER MONDAY

12

TUESDAY

13

WEDNESDAY

14 15 FRIDAY

16

17/18 102

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NOVEMBER MONDAY

19

TUESDAY

20 21

THURSDAY

22 FRIDAY

23 SAT/SUN

24/25 103

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NOVEMBER MONDAY

26

TUESDAY

27

WEDNESDAY

28 29 FRIDAY

30 1/2 104

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DECEMBER MONDAY

3

TUESDAY

4 5

THURSDAY

6

FRIDAY

7

SAT/SUN

8/9 105

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DECEMBER MONDAY

10

TUESDAY

11

WEDNESDAY

12

13 FRIDAY

14 15/16 106

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DECEMBER MONDAY

17

TUESDAY

18 19

THURSDAY

20 FRIDAY

21

SAT/SUN

22/23 107

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DECEMBER MONDAY

24 TUESDAY

25

WEDNESDAY

26 27 FRIDAY

28 29/30 108

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JANUARY MONDAY

31

TUESDAY

1

2 THURSDAY

3

FRIDAY

4

SAT/SUN

5/6 109

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JANUARY MONDAY

7

TUESDAY

8

WEDNESDAY

9

10 FRIDAY

11

12/13 110

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JANUARY MONDAY

14

TUESDAY

15

16 THURSDAY

17

FRIDAY

18 SAT/SUN

19/20 111

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JANUARY MONDAY

21

TUESDAY

22

WEDNESDAY

23

24 FRIDAY

25 26/27 112

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JANUARY MONDAY

28

TUESDAY

29

30 THURSDAY

31

FRIDAY

1

SAT/SUN

2/3 113

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FEBRUARY MONDAY

4

TUESDAY

5

WEDNESDAY

6 7

FRIDAY

8

9/10 114

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FEBRUARY MONDAY

11

TUESDAY

12

13 THURSDAY

14 FRIDAY

15

SAT/SUN

16/17 115

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FEBRUARY MONDAY

18

TUESDAY

19

WEDNESDAY

20 21 FRIDAY

22 23/24 116

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FEBRUARY MONDAY

25

TUESDAY

26 27

THURSDAY

28 FRIDAY

1

SAT/SUN

2/3 117

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MARCH MONDAY

4

TUESDAY

5

WEDNESDAY

6 7

FRIDAY

8

9/10 118

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MARCH MONDAY

11

TUESDAY

12

13 THURSDAY

14 FRIDAY

15

SAT/SUN

16/17 119

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MARCH MONDAY

18

TUESDAY

19

WEDNESDAY

20 21 FRIDAY

22 23/24 120

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MARCH MONDAY

25

TUESDAY

26 27

THURSDAY

28 FRIDAY

29 SAT/SUN

30/31 121

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APRIL MONDAY

1

TUESDAY

2

WEDNESDAY

3

4 FRIDAY

5

6/7 122

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APRIL MONDAY

8

TUESDAY

9

10 THURSDAY

11

FRIDAY

12

SAT/SUN

13/14 123

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APRIL MONDAY

15

TUESDAY

16

WEDNESDAY

17

18 FRIDAY

19

20/21 124

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APRIL MONDAY

22

TUESDAY

23

24 THURSDAY

25 FRIDAY

26 SAT/SUN

27/28 125

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MAY MONDAY

29

TUESDAY

30

WEDNESDAY

1

2 FRIDAY

3

4/5 126

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MAY MONDAY

6

TUESDAY

7

8 THURSDAY

9

FRIDAY

10 SAT/SUN

11/12 127

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MAY MONDAY

13

TUESDAY

14

WEDNESDAY

15

16 FRIDAY

17

18/19 128

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MAY MONDAY

20

TUESDAY

21

22 THURSDAY

23 FRIDAY

24 SAT/SUN

25/26 129

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5:00 - 6:00

4:00 - 5:00

3:00 - 4:00

2:00 - 3:00

1:00 - 2:00

12:00 - 1:00

11:00 - 12:00

10:00 - 11:00

9:00 - 10:00

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

26/08/2012 16:21:54

gmitsu_1213.indd 130

HANDBOOK & DIARY 2012/2013

TIMETABLE


gmitsu_1213.indd 131

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pm

am

pm

am

pm

am

pm

am

Monday

Monday

Monday

Monday

Tuesday

Tuesday

Tuesday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Wednesday Thursday

Wednesday Thursday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Friday

Friday

Friday

EXAM TIMETABLE


SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Tues Wed Thurs

01

Fri

02 03

01

04

02

05

03

02

06

04

03

07

05

06

04

08

06

Fri

07

05

09

07

Sat

08

06

10

08

Sun

09

07

11

09

Mon

10

08

12

10

Tues

11

09

13

11

Wed

12

10

14

12

Thurs

13

11

15

13

Fri

14

12

16

14

Sat

15

13

17

15

Sun

16

14

18

16

Mon

17

15

19

17

Tues

18

16

20

18

Wed

19

17

21

19

Thurs

20

18

22

20

Fri

21

19

23

21

Sat

22

20

24

22

Sun

23

21

25

23

Mon

24

22

26

24

Tues

25

23

27

25

Wed

26

24

28

26

Thurs

27

25

29

27

Fri

28

26

30

28

Sat

29

27

29

Sun

30

28

30

Mon

29

31

Tue

30

Wed

31

Sat

01

Sun

02

Mon

03

01

Tues

04

Wed

05

Thurs

gmitsu_1213.indd 132

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JANUARY FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

01 02 03

30

04

01

01

05

02

02

06

03

03

07

04

04

01

08

05

05

02

09

06

06

03

01

10

07

07

04

02

11

08

08

05

03

12

09

09

06

04

13

10

10

07

05

14

11

11

08

06

15

12

12

09

07

16

13

13

10

08

17

14

14

11

09

18

15

15

12

10

19

16

16

13

11

20

17

17

14

12

21

18

18

15

13

22

19

19

16

14

23

20

20

17

15

24

21

21

18

16

25

22

22

19

17

26

23

23

20

18

27

24

24

21

19

28

25

25

22

20

29

26

26

23

21

30

27

27

24

22

31

28

28

25

23

29

26

24

30

27

25

31

28

26

29

27

30

28

31

29

gmitsu_1213.indd 133

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FINANCIAL PLANNER Education Expenses Books Equipment Registration Fee Accomodation Rent Gas/Heating Electricity Telephone Food Miscellaneous Other Expenses Clothes Travel Entertainment Miscellaneous

Sept Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb Mar

Apr

May

Jun

26/08/2012 16:21:55

gmitsu_1213.indd 134

Total Expenses Income Parents Grant Loan Wage Miscellaneous Total Income

GMITSU

134


Ph: 091-844189 E-mail- info@farrelltravel.ie

G.M.I.T - STUDENT ACCOMODATION SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE TIMETABLE Tir na gCapaill

Cuirt na Rasai

GMIT

Cluain Mhuire

08:20

08:22

08:28

08:33

08:40

08:42

08:48

08:53

09:00

09:02

09:08

09:13

09:20

09:22

09:28

09:33

09:40

09:42

09:48

09:53

10:00

10:02

10:08

10:13

10:20

10:22

10:28

10:33

10:40

10:42

10:48

10:53

11:00

11:02

11:08

11:13

11:20

11:22

11:28

11:33

11:40

11:42

11:48

11:53

12:00

12:02

12:08

12:13

12:20

12:22

12:28

12:33

12:40

12:42

12:48

12:53

13:00

13:02

13:08

13:13

13:20

13:22

13:28

13:33

13:40

13:42

13:48

13:53

14:00

14:02

14:08

14:13

14:20

14:22

14:28

14:33

14:40

14:42

14:48

14:53

15:00

15:02

15:08

15:13

15:20

15:22

15:28

15:33

15:40

15:42

15:48

15:53

16:00

16:02

16:08

16:13

16:20

16:22

16:28

16:33

16:40

16:42

16:48

16:53

17:00

17:02

17:08

17:13

Timetable, rates & routes are subject to change. Please keep an eye on www.gmitsu.ie and the GMIT Students’ Union facebook for updated and accurate info.

gmitsu_1213.indd 135

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USEFUL CONTACTS

136

GMIT Switchboard Cluain Mhuire Reception Letterfrack Reception

091 753161 091 770661 091 742650

Students’ Union Office Joe O’Connor - SU President Sam O’Neill - SU Vice President Adrian Durr - SU Membership & Liason Brendan Kenny - Communications Antoinette Canavan - Activities Co-Ordinator Molly Dunne - Sports Development Officer

091 742264 091 742055 087 2191862 091 742316 085 8215029 087 7755143 091 742308 091 742008 091 742579

Anita or Nora - Student Services Office Chaplain Pauline Clancy - Counsellor Bridie Killoran - Careers Officer Gemma Broderick - Health Unit / Nurse Deirdre O’Connor - Access Office Dympna - SU Shop Eimear or Ray - Fitness Centre

091 742118 091 742226 091 742563 091 742392 091 742228 091 742129 091 742041 091 742194

AIB - On Campus Bank of Ireland - On Campus Garda Station - Mill Street

091 752811 091 755347 091 538000

GMITSU

gmitsu_1213.indd 136

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