BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY IN 2022
Issue 4 | February 2022
Contents Welcome from the Editor
1
Minister Simon Harris Announces Progression of Incorporation of St. Angela’s College, Sligo
3
Corporate Services Prepare for TU Designation Day
4
Meet our Finance Managers
5
Meet our Human Resources (HR) Managers
9
CUA Buildings and Estates Key Figures
14
Meet our Buildings and Estates Managers
15
Interesting Facts about our Campus Buildings
20
Transitioning towards a Climate Action University
23
Meet our Information Technology (IT) Managers
28
What our Students and Staff say
32
CUA Digital Capacities Enable Staff Development
34
EDITOR Anne Donnelly LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK Email: anne.donnelly@cualliance.ie
EDITORIAL BOARD Dr Seán Duffy Dr Shirley Wrynn Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin Ann Higgins
DESIGN & LAYOUT Seán Clancy
Welcome from the Editor
Dear Reader, Welcome to Issue 4 of our newsletter for the community. We are delighted to bring you an update on Minister Simon Harris’s announcement of his approval in principle for the incorporation of St. Angela’s College into IT Sligo and subsequently into our new technological university (TU). Preparations for designation day on the 1st of April are gathering pace. In this issue, we look at the behindthe-scenes work currently underway in Finance, Human Resources (HR), Buildings and Estates (B&E), and our Information Technology (IT) departments. We also meet some of the key managers in these areas. The new TU’s operations, activities, and infrastructure will affect our natural environment and the wellbeing of our planet. We want to do everything we can to reduce our impact and create a more sustainable society.
In this issue, we feature some of the work currently in progress to embed sustainability in our new TU. The last word goes to students and staff who tell us how our state-of-the-art facilities and digital capacities support student learning and staff development. I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any queries. Best wishes, Anne Donnelly anne.donnelly@cualliance.ie
1
Issue 4
Flying Swiftly towards the new Atlantic Technological University (ATU) When the swifts return to Ireland in Spring, it will be to a new TU in the west and north-west. Swifts nest mainly in tall buildings, usually under the eaves. One of their favourite spots in Ireland is the Mayo campus. The Swift is a bird of conservation concern in Ireland due to the loss of breeding sites.
Excitement Builds as ATU Launch Planning Commences
On the 13th of January, Martin Cronin, Chair of CUA, Dr Orla Flynn, President, GMIT, Dr Brendan McCormack, President, IT Sligo, Paul Hannigan, President, LYIT and Dr Seán Duffy, CUA Executive Project Lead held the first all-staff meeting to discuss the event planning for the launch of the Atlantic Technological University (ATU). Nearly 400 staff attended the event, and the excitement was palpable, with many suggestions on how we will mark designation day on the 1st of April.
2
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Minister Harris Announces Progression of Incorporation of St. Angela’s College, Sligo Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris has announced his approval in principle for incorporating St. Angela’s College into IT Sligo.
Dr Edel McSharry, Acting President, St Angela’s College, and Dr Brendan McCormack, President, IT Sligo.
St. Angela’s College has a strong reputation of third-level education in the west and north-west. The college’s focus and expertise in delivering professionally accredited programmes of Home Economics, Teacher Education, Nursing and related disciplines will enhance the TU’s brand and portfolio in the region. The college had previously been working to incorporate into NUI Galway, but now that a new TU is being established in the west and north-west, the focus has moved to incorporating within a university campus in Sligo. Minister Harris said: “St. Angela’s College, Sligo has long been an important provider of initial teacher education and home economics, both in A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
the west and north-west and nationally. It provides higher education across a range of other disciplines, too, including food and nutrition, health sciences, nursing, disability studies, textiles, fashion and design, science, biology and business. As such, it makes a lot of sense for the college to incorporate into the other higher education powerhouse emerging now in the west and north-west in the form of the new TU.” He added: “My officials are working closely with both higher education institutions to advise and ensure that relevant issues around the legislative and other processes required for incorporation are observed. Of course, ultimately, incorporation into the new
TU will be a matter for the university’s governing body upon establishment”. Acting President at St. Angela’s College, Dr Edel McSharry welcomed the announcement and said: “For seventy years, St. Angela’s has grown and developed beyond what was ever imagined, pioneering through challenges and embracing opportunities. It’s through these opportunities that we can grow stronger and continue to deliver education at exceptional standards. We look forward to sharing our ideas and our vision and intensifying our collaborative efforts to progress this incorporation into the Sligo campuses of the new TU, together making Sligo, Ireland’s next university town.” 3
Issue 4
Corporate Services Prepare for TU Designation Day Professional Management and Support Services (PMSS) staff across the three institutes continue to integrate services such as administration, finance, information technology and estates. Their combined expertise, willingness to change and embrace new challenges is a testament to the level of professionalism within the CUA. Nine PMSS subgroups have been established to support the transition. These subgroups comprise of members from across the CUA and have developed a shared understanding of the practices and structures in place and how these will be integrated to support the new TU. The breadth and value of the PMSS functions and services provided are a vital component to the success of our TU.
CUA Corporate Services Subgroups
4
Finance
Buildings and Estates
Health and Safety
Human Resources
Information Technology
IT Governance
Corporate Procurement
Corporate Governance and Data Protection
Corporate Services Integration
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Meet our Finance Managers Louise Kinane, Finance Manager, IT Sligo I am delighted that IT Sligo will become the ATU on the 1st of April, and I look forward to working with my colleagues across the new university as we get to grips with all the changes that will be coming as we merge into one entity.
What does your current role involve? I manage the Finance Department within IT Sligo with a team of 13 staff members. We process all institute payments including staff salaries and payments to suppliers. The department is also responsible for the Agresso Financial Accounting System, Research Accounting, Statutory Accounts, Management Accounts and Goods Inwards. What is the CUA Finance subgroup working on to be ready for designation day? We are working to ensure we have all processes in place, particularly regarding payroll, so that staff will get paid in April as part of the new TU while keeping our respective Agresso and CORE HR systems in place. The Finance Managers work very well together. The subgroup is an excellent forum for liaising with each other as we all face the same issues and questions. How will the TU improve the staff and student experience? Students will benefit from graduating from a technological university. It will certainly be good for their CVs. There will also be great opportunities for all staff in the TU with potential for advancement or movement to new roles.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
5
Issue 4
Meet our Finance Managers (contd.) Paul McEldowney, Finance Manager, LYIT We now have the opportunity to be part of one of the largest multi-campus universities in Ireland. There is a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise in the three institutes that can be shared amongst a wider group of staff and students. This will enable us all to benefit and allow us to grow and develop our educational and professional careers.
What does your current role involve? I am responsible for managing LYIT’s finance function, ensuring that we meet all regulatory and reporting requirements. What are the critical successes of the Finance subgroup to date? We have worked together to create a project plan, identify the tasks that need to be prioritised, and have formed a team with staff from each of the institutes. What will be done post-designation day to harmonise policies, processes, and systems? The policies and procedures have been shared, and we can begin to review these to understand the different practices in each of the institutes. We have already seen many similarities. Where there are differences, we want to identify the best practices or system enhancements to ensure we meet our overall objectives of supporting staff and students in the new TU. What are you looking forward to most about working in the new TU? I am looking forward to learning from a wider group of colleagues and sharing knowledge to adopt best practices. I am also looking forward to the many challenges that face us in the years to come. It’s an exciting time for everyone.
6
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Meet our Finance Managers (contd.) Bríd Prendergast, Finance Manager (jointly with Edel O’Connor), GMIT I am looking forward to enhancing what we currently do and taking what’s best of the three institutes to form the new TU.
What does your current role involve? I work with Edel O’Connor to jointly manage the finance function of GMIT, including management and financial reporting, budget preparation and management, and implementation of appropriate systems of control. What do you see as the main priority of the Finance subgroup to be ready for designation day? To ensure that staff and suppliers continue to be paid seamlessly by the new entity. What are the critical successes of the subgroup to date? We have been working well together since September 2019 on several activities. These include creating a consolidated financial plan, review of policies, joint plans for Phase 2 of the Financial Management System (FMS) upgrade and sharing best practices. What will be done post-designation day to harmonise policies, processes, and systems? The complete integration of our financial and payroll systems. We are aiming to complete this over the next 20 months. An ATU Finance Integration Team will assist with these processes. How will the TU improve the staff and student experience? The TU will enhance the opportunities available to staff and students and enable exposure to a wealth of expertise.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
7
Issue 4
Finance Subgroup Key Actions 2019-2021
Created a consolidated financial plan including a plan for the integration of systems and procedures.
Reviewed policies and procedures across the three institutes.
Created joint plans for Phase 2 of the Financial Management Systems (FMS) upgrade.
Shared knowledge, expertise and best practice across the three institutes.
Identified the key requirements for designation day which include creating a new employer tax registration to facilitate payroll.
8
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Meet our Human Resources (HR) Managers Helen McGrandles, HR Manager, LYIT I am looking forward to being part of an environment that will constantly be evolving and growing into the future and also having the opportunity to collaborate across the CUA, share experiences and contribute to the success of the transition period for the HR Function.
What does your current role involve? In addition to my responsibilities as HR Manager for LYIT, I am the chair of the CUA HR subgroup. I was also recently appointed as the chair of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) working group for HR negotiations. I was previously a dedicated member of the management negotiation team with the TUI representatives, who successfully negotiated the MOU to ensure academic staff support for the TU merger. I worked on the LYIT EDI steering committee, which undertook the completion of the gender task force report and initiated steps towards gender equality. I was also a member of the tender evaluation group for the new TU President’s recruitment process. What is the CUA HR subgroup working on to be ready for designation day? Our current priorities include working on a cease and rehire project for designation day. All staff must be closed off on our HR systems and rehired. The three HR managers are also working together on a new TU organisational structure using a shared service model. What will be done post-designation to harmonise policies, processes, and systems? We need to collate and review existing HR policies and procedures across all three institutes and develop new TU policies in collaboration with colleagues and staff unions. How will the TU improve the staff and student experience? The TU will attract students from a wider geographical area as well as high calibre research candidates and staff in specialised areas with diverse backgrounds.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
9
Issue 4
Human Resources (HR) Subgroup Key Actions 2019-2021
Collaborated with EDI Managers on the gender action plans and the delivery of significant training seminars.
Shared best practice on HR policies and procedures.
Collaborated on the CUA risk registrar.
Worked with EDI Managers drafting the new TU’s policy and procedure on sexual misconduct.
Collaborated on the preparation of the designation day plan.
10
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Meet our Human Resources (HR) Managers (contd.) Sinead Donnellan, HR Manager, GMIT A shared purpose will make us stronger. I am looking forward to working in collaboration with my LYIT and IT Sligo colleagues to achieve our goals.
What does your current role involve? Supporting the growth and development of GMIT through the management of HR activities, including resourcing, pay and benefits administration, pensions, and employee relations. What is the CUA HR subgroup working on to be ready for designation day? To ensure we are ready for designation day in April, we have set up a dedicated project team to lead the work on integrating our systems and aligning the work practices of each partner institute of the TU. What are the critical successes of the HR subgroup to date? Managers have worked together to create job descriptions, advertise and recruit team members, agree on working roles and consult with external service providers. What will be done post-designation to harmonise policies, processes, and systems? This is a substantial change project. To be successful, we need to focus on “Define, Design and Deliver” so that we clearly define what is required of HR in the new TU. We need to design a model of how this will look and fit to best serve the needs of the TU, and also deliver on that change in conjunction with all stakeholders.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
11
Issue 4
Meet our Human Resources (HR) Managers (contd.) Rod Toner, HR Manager, IT Sligo I am looking forward to actively contributing to building upon the individual strengths of each partner institute to become a technological university of distinction.
What does your current role involve? As HR Manager, I am a member of the IT Sligo senior management team with overall accountability for all aspects of human resource management in the institute. I am interested in EDI, so I was delighted to be part of IT Sligo’s SAT team, which achieved Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation in 2020. Aside from IT Sligo-specific activities, since joining the institute in September 2019, a significant facet of my role has involved partnering with colleagues in GMIT and LYIT and actively participating in a variety of fora related to pre and post TU designation activities. This has also included engaging with peers in other TU consortia for shared learning. What is the CUA HR subgroup working on to be ready for designation day? The current focus of the subgroup is ensuring updates to the HR system (CoreHR) are completed on time. CoreHR is the data repository for all staff information. A dedicated project team of HR and Finance staff from all three institutes was formed to work on system integration for the new TU. Payroll integration is the first project for completion. What will be done post-designation to harmonise policies, processes, and systems? In merging the three institutes into one university, we will adopt best practices in policies and processes from all three organisations. As with all large-scale change projects, it is essential to engage and consult with staff to solicit their ideas, keep them informed and address their queries and concerns at the earliest opportunity. How will the TU improve the staff and student experience? The new TU will broaden the breadth and composition of study and research on offer, attract a more diverse range of students and staff and lead to enhanced career opportunities for staff.
12
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Human Resources (HR) Subgroup Key Actions in Preparation for Designation Day
Consolidating the checklist for all activities to be completed for designation day.
Cease and rehire project. All staff to be ended on the HR system (CoreHR) and rehired.
HR Managers are working together on a future TU organisational structure using a shared service model.
A dedicated project team is leading the work on integrating HR systems, and aligning the work practices of each partner institute of the TU.
Updating the HR system (CoreHR) in order to run a successful payroll in the first month (April 2022) of the new TU.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
13
Issue 4
CUA Buildings and Estates Key Figures
8 Campuses
6
132,020 m2
Match and Training Pitches
Total Building Space
1
3
Astroturf Pitch
Running Tracks
9
1
Construction/ Refurbishment Projects (2020)
Astroturf Tennis Court
26,000 km2 Geographic Hinterland
14
2 Multi-Purpose Indoor Sports Centres
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Meet our Buildings and Estates Managers Mary Daly, Estates Manager, LYIT A well-resourced buildings and estates function, working in collaboration with other ATU functional areas can deliver the built environment infrastructure necessary to the delivery of the requisite excellent TU teaching, learning and research experience. It can also provide excellent estates services in support of core business.
What does your current role involve? I play a strategic role in the planning, development, refurbishment, maintenance, upkeep and operation of LYIT physical facilities, rented premises, land and infrastructure, including the formulation, implementation and management of the institute’s development plans and the institute’s wider development function. Over recent years the role has expanded to include becoming a key contributor to the preparation of business cases in support of funding applications for strategic developments and property acquisition, in addition to extensive additional reporting responsibilities, both internally and externally to funding agencies and other statutory organisations. What is the CUA Buildings and Estates (B&E) subgroup working on to be ready for designation day? We have engaged consultants to provide professional consultancy services for an expert review and recommendations for an appropriate and effective management structure and resources for the B&E function of the emerging ATU. We are also engaging with CUA Graphic Designers and the Working Group 4 Corporate Procurement subgroup to develop a coherent approach to ATU headline signage for all campuses across the ATU. This will be followed by engagement with architects for the design, planning, procurement and installation of permanent signage for each campus. What are you looking forward to most about working in the new TU? Working collaboratively with B&E colleagues, faculties and departments to elevate our campus facilities to university level standards and make a strong contribution to the development, maintenance and operation of an excellent TU estate.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
15
Issue 4
CUA Buildings and Estates (B&E) Subgroup Key Actions 2019-2021
Contributed to the due diligence process conducted by consultants Kosi and Mazars.
Contributed to the CUA TU application submission document including identification of key deliverables for the transition period.
Conducted preliminary research and analysis on B&E structures and metrics in other universities.
Applied for TUTF 2021 funding for consultancy services for the development of an overarching B&E structure.
Completed CUA work plans and designation day checklists.
16
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Meet our Buildings and Estates Managers (contd.) David Lee, Buildings and Estates Manager, GMIT I am looking forward to working constructively with Buildings and Estates (B&E) colleagues, and all faculties and departments, across the campuses to make a positive contribution to the development, maintenance and operation of an excellent TU estate.
What does your current role involve? I am the B&E lead in the planning, development, refurbishment, maintenance, upkeep and operation of GMIT physical facilities, land and infrastructure, including contributing to the formulation, implementation and subsequent management of GMIT’s capital development plans and the institute’s wider development function. I also contribute to funding applications for capital developments and property acquisitions, as well as wide-ranging reporting and briefing responsibilities, both internally and externally. What are the critical successes of the B&E subgroup to date? The managers in each of the institutes have built strong professional relationships which will support future collaboration. We have been meeting regularly since the establishment of the subgroup in 2019 and are working towards developing recommendations for an overarching B&E structure commensurate with the vision and ambition of the CUA while recognising the geo-diversity and the many and various challenges which the CUA will face. How will the B&E function improve the staff and student experience? The quality of the built environment infrastructure is widely recognised as essential to improving the student and staff experience. A B&E function resourced and structured commensurately to deliver on the vision for the university’s built environment, working in collaboration with other TU functional areas will better enable and facilitate the TU’s teaching, learning and research experience. It will also provide some of the services necessary to enable an outstanding university experience.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
17
Issue 4
Buildings and Estates (B&E) Key Actions in Preparation for Designation Day Develop a Buildings Operational Strategy to include maintenance and facilities management support services such as cleaning, caretaking, security, energy management and special events.
Develop a Capital Development and Master Planning strategy for the TU with a sub-master plan for each campus.
Develop a strategy for resourcing and management of the structural changes necessary for the new TU to facilitate the delivery of the new Capital Development and Buildings Operational strategy.
Develop a strategy and resource plan to achieve the 2030 carbon reduction targets.
Develop a strategy for the appraisal and management of capital works projects.
Develop streamlined B&E policies, procedures and protocols across all campuses.
18
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Meet our Buildings and Estates Managers (contd.) Noel McLoughlin, Buildings and Estates Manager, Sligo IT The provision of an estates department properly resourced to provide and maintain the new TU’s infrastructure will allow students to have the best possible student experience.
What does your current role involve? I manage all operations within the estate’s department in IT Sligo. What is the Buildings and Estates (B&E) subgroup working on to be ready for designation day? We are working on the proposed new structure for B&E within the new TU. We are also working on procuring an external consultant to review best practices for the proposed B&E function. What are the critical successes of the subgroup to date? We have provided the CUA Project management team with detailed insight into the challenges of managing the B&E function across eight campuses. We are currently reviewing and proposing new structures to successfully manage the new TU’s B&E function. What are you looking forward to most about working in the new TU? The amalgamation of the three institute’s estates teams and working together to provide the best-in-class student-centered university experience.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
19
Issue 4
Interesting Facts about our Campus Buildings GMIT, Cluain Mhuire Campus The Cluain Mhuire campus, otherwise known as the Centre for Creative Arts and Media (CCAM), is housed in a former Redemptorist Monastery, which has been home to the Department of Creative Arts and Media since 1998.
GMIT, Galway (Dublin Road) Campus The campus building is one of Galway City’s iconic landmarks due to the distinctive three sail-shaped copper panels at the front of the main building. This unique design also serves the practical purpose of housing the Library and IT Centre.
LYIT, Killybegs Campus The Killybegs Campus building has had an interesting history as an Industrial School, a TB Sanatorium and a Hotel, before becoming the Hotel Training and Catering College in 1969, making it our longest running educational campus across the region. In more recent years it has become home to a Seafood Innovation Centre and to a 27m Turbine Training Tower, the only GL approved training tower in Ireland.
20
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
LYIT, Letterkenny Campus The Letterkenny campus is one of the original network of Regional Technical Colleges established in Ireland. The campus was also referred to as the Donogh O’Malley Regional Technical College, Letterkenny, until 1992, in honour of Donogh O’Malley, the reforming Minister for Education.
GMIT, Letterfrack Campus The Letterfrack campus building was originally built as St Joseph’s Industrial School in 1887 after the designs of the Cavan architect William Hague. In 1987 Connemara West began running furniture courses there. The campus is now the National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology.
GMIT, Mayo Campus The Mayo Campus occupies a building that was previously used as an asylum. In the Census of 1901, 609 patients were recorded as being present in the hospital. The building’s Victorian architecture contains many hints about its earlier use. The campus now offers programmes including Nursing and Social Care, which adopt very different ways of dealing with conditions that were often stigmatised in the past.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
21
Issue 4
Interesting Facts about our Campus Buildings (contd.)
GMIT, Mountbellew Campus Mountbellew was the first agricultural college in Ireland, set up by the Franciscan Brothers in 1904. The original college was demolished in 1971 and replaced with a new building in 1975. In 1986, the Franciscan Brothers’ Agricultural College established a link with GMIT to deliver a Higher Certificate in Business Studies (Agribusiness). As a campus within the new TU, it will cooperate with Teagasc and the Galway/Roscommon Education and Training Board.
Sligo IT, Sligo Campus A striking mural was unveiled at the Sligo campus in September 2021. Created by Friz, a wellknown local artist, she said: “What a beautiful blank canvas IT Sligo asked me to paint. After mulling over the concept of a place of learning, where people seek education and knowledge is passed down, I decided on the symbol of the owl, a symbol of wisdom and associated with the counterpart Goddesses Minerva and Athena.”
22
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Working towards a Climate Action University Last November, the CUA Climate Action Workshop Series was the first jointly organised event since our official TU designation approval. These workshops were funded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education as part of their VITAL week. The first workshop held on November 9th, entitled “Transitioning towards a Climate University,” included an engaging panel discussion with contributions from Dr Orla Flynn (GMIT President), Dr Brendan McCormack
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
(IT Sligo President), Paul Hannigan (Letterkenny IT President), Professor John O’Halloran (University College Cork President), Jennifer Boyer (Vice President of Sustainability in Technological University Dublin), David
Minton (Director at Northern and Western Regional Assembly), and Tomás Ó Síocháin (CEO of Western Development Commission). A recording of this workshop is available to view here.
23
Issue 4
Working towards a Climate Action University (contd.) The subsequent workshops on the 11th and 16 th of November explored CUA staff and student opinions on what a Climate Action University may look like in 2030. The workshops proved to be very successful. The feedback from staff and students will significantly assist in becoming a Climate Action University.
24
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Celebrating CUA’s Sustainability Successes in 2021 Launch of IT Sligo’s Sustainability Strategy and Charter Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, launched IT Sligo’s Sustainability Strategy and Charter on Friday the 15th of October. The charter states the institute’s commitment to meet, or exceed, environmental compliance obligations, de-carbonize its activities and include sustainability in all decision making. The institute has also committed to sustainable management of materials and resources, including energy, water, waste, hazardous substances, chemicals, and the elimination of single-use plastics, where feasible. Click here to read more about the charter and here to read about the sustainability strategy.
Staff and Students at the Launch of IT Sligo’s Sustainability Strategy and Charter
Minister Martin said: “It is commendable to see the institute launch their sustainability strategy and publicly commit to ambitious sustainability targets. The higher education sector has a huge role to play in catalysing change – right
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
across our society – to more sustainable practices. This is essential if we are to meet our commitments to Europe and the World by 2030. I am particularly encouraged to see such a collaborative approach – we understand that our climate crisis affects
everyone. It is wonderful to see such an inclusive strategy that reflects the importance of collaboration and partnership. I look forward to following how it progresses over the coming months and years.”
25
Issue 4
Fiona Britton, IT Sligo’s Sustainability Officer
It is a proud day for the institute and our Green Campus student committee, who have worked so hard to build a culture that supports and integrates sustainability right across our campus. Two years ago, we started this process with a workshop, asking all our stakeholders to share their vision for a sustainable campus at IT Sligo, and here we are today, putting that vision into a solid plan – a plan that is supported by our students, staff and management. We know it’s just the beginning and it isn’t going to be easy, but it feels positive to have a common commitment and vision for change.
Launch of GMIT’s Centre for Sustainability The Centre for Sustainability was launched in GMIT in September 2021. It aims to embed sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core guiding principles across all activities in the institute, with a particular focus on curriculum, campus management and operations, community engagement, collaborative research, and culture. In April 2021, GMIT won the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) Honorary Member Award for an ongoing project entitled ‘Sustainability Literacy to Leadership,’ which aims to support staff in becoming recognized sustainability champions and leaders.
In December 2021, we successfully applied for funding from the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education to develop a national Digital Badge on ‘Introducing Education for Sustainability. This will be a collaborative effort with GMIT leading a team from IT Sligo, DCU, UCC and TU Dublin.
Dr Mark Kelly, Head of Centre for Sustainability, GMIT 26
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Did you know? GMIT Mayo was the first Institute of Technology campus in the world to achieve the Green Flag designation.
LYIT races ahead in EV charging rollout LYIT becomes one of the first third-level campuses to showcase renewablepowered, onsite, EV charging infrastructure. Donegal County Council has approved planning for two renewable, solar-powered, electric vehicle charging stations with additional energy storage capacity at the LYIT’s Letterkenny campus car park. The pioneering project, funded under the EU Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme, project SMARTrenew, aims to showcase renewable
energy in the community and tackle Ireland’s lagging performance in the move to the transition electrification of transport. The pilot will see LYIT become one of the
Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Funding LYIT has secured HEA funding under the first EEDPP Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme (EEDPP) funding call in 2020 for a deep retrofit of a 1,200m2 rooftop extension and has been shortlisted for funding in the second call in 2021 for a medium fabric retrofit of a 450m2 research building and a Biomass district heat project. Design is progressing to complete the construction works on both projects in 2022. The wood harvested from LYIT’s 23-acre willow plantation, established on LYIT lands in 2014, will help offset carbon emissions. A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
first third-level campuses to showcase Ireland’s renewablepowered, onsite EV charging infrastructure. Click here to find out more about project SMARTrenew.
LYIT Estates has been a leader in reducing energy consumption over many years. The institute’s annual energy performance data is reported to the SEAI via the Public Service Monitoring & Reporting process. Monitoring, control and energy-saving projects have culminated in a reduction of 52.4% in energy use for the period 2008-2020, i.e., almost 20% more than the 33% by 2020 savings target for public bodies.
Mary Daly, Estates Manager, LYIT 27
Issue 4
Meet our IT Managers Donal McGinty, IT Manager, GMIT The opportunities presented by three respected Institutes of Technology’s aligning goals and collaborating as a new TU are exciting. The university title is deserved and will assist in attracting global talent that will positively impact our region.
What are you currently working on? I’m the IT manager for GMIT. However, I have recently agreed to transition into a project management role for the TU to set up the identity and authentication systems necessary for the new TU. What is the IT subgroup working on for designation day? We are working on supporting the legal obligations of the new TU while also ensuring that a website and essential email services will be available to deliver the initial marketing and branding requirements for the TU. What are the critical successes of the subgroup to date? One of the most significant successes to date has been aligning systems and processes that have already benefited staff and students, such as Microsoft Teams and other identity protection systems that keep our institutes secure from cyber threats. What will be done post-designation day to harmonise policies, processes, and systems? We will be focusing on aligning our business processes and setting up IT systems to meet the TU’s business requirements while also maintaining our IT services to students and staff. What are you looking forward to most about working in the new TU? I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to continue delivering reliable IT services to support innovation, collaboration and learning.
28
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Meet our IT Managers John Gannon, IT Manager, IT Sligo It is exciting and very rewarding to be working with CUA colleagues on substantial IT projects that will support the strategic objectives of the new TU.
What are you currently working on? I’m the IT Services Manager in IT Sligo. However, I have recently moved to a TU project management role with responsibility for the overall planning and coordination of the IT integration and merger projects, as well as liaising with the other project groups. What is the IT subgroup working on for designation day? One of the main projects is our work with our marketing and communications colleagues to plan for the designation day website and communication requirements. What are the critical successes of the subgroup to date? The subgroup has worked closely to align the three institute’s IT policies. The closer collaboration and sharing of information have been beneficial from a day-to-day operational context. We have learned a lot from each other. What will be done post-designation day to harmonise policies, processes, and systems? We need to ensure that we operate consistently and effectively across all campuses. The harmonisation and standardisation of existing processes, policies and systems are essential. This will support our ambition of having a single Information and Communications Platform (ICT) for the new TU. How will the TU improve the staff and student experience? The new TU will provide a broader range of education options for students. The harmonisation and standardisation of processes, policies and systems will facilitate improvements in the existing IT services available to students and staff and the development of new ones.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
29
Issue 4
Meet our IT Managers (contd.) Liam McIntyre, IT Manager, LYIT I look forward to working with my colleagues as we transition into a technological university. The new TU will bring innovation and significant change as well as many challenges ahead.
What are you currently working on? I’m the IT Manager in LYIT. However, I have recently agreed to transition into a project management role to coordinate the development of information and cyber security strategy for the new TU. What is the IT subgroup working on for designation day? We are aligning Information and Communications Platform (ICT) policies across the three institutes. The remit is to ensure a consistent approach to IT and cyber security across the new TU. Security by design principles will be incorporated into all new ICT systems required for the 1st of April and beyond this date. The subgroup are also implementing a common set of ICT procurement frameworks for goods and services across the new TU. What are the critical successes of the subgroup to date? The CUA IT working group has achieved several critical successes. These include: ● Enabling
of Microsoft Teams meeting rooms across the various campuses within the CUA.
● Setting
up procurement frameworks for services such as a virtual desktop solution, audio-visual services, and voice services\Microsoft Teams.
● Alignment
of Microsoft licenses to ensure a common approach to security and services.
● Alignment
of our central ICT policies.
● Collaboration
and sharing of knowledge among some of the technical teams.
How will the TU improve the staff and student experience? The TU will create a culture of change and innovation. This innovation from an IT perspective will focus on how to approach IT systems for the new TU, focusing on the student and staff experience by providing a unified seamless user experience accessing IT services across the TU. 30
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
IT Subgroup Key Actions 2019-2021 Collaborated on IT strategy and created a resourcing and governance plan for the IT TU projects.
Worked closely to align IT systems and policies across the three institutes.
Set up systems to keep the three institutes secure from cyber threats.
Supported the CUA project by setting up web platforms, communication systems and portals.
Set up procurement frameworks for services such as a virtual desktop solution, audio visual services, and voice services\Microsoft Teams
IT Subgroup Key Actions in Preparation for Designation Day Working with marketing and communications colleagues to plan for designation day website and communication requirements. Working to ensure a consistent approach to IT and cyber security across the new TU. Security by design principles will be incorporated into all new ICT systems.
Setting up the identity and authentication systems necessary for the new TU. Planning and coordinating the IT integration and merger projects. Working towards establishing a single Information and Communications Platform (ICT) for the new TU.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
31
Issue 4
What our Students and Staff say State-of-the-art Facilities Gavin McLaughlin, Letterkenny Campus, LYIT, BSc in Bioanalytical Science The facilities are state-of-the-art. LYIT have built several new laboratories for teaching and research, including a modern instrumentation suite with some of the best and latest technologies around. Each discipline now has its dedicated lab. This means you get hands-on experience in the lab you can’t get in the traditional university setting. Each student has time to develop their laboratory skills and become competent with scientific instruments. After graduation, Gavin moved to Ulster University at Coleraine to study for a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Thanks to a collaboration between the two institutions, he conducted his research in the science laboratories at LYIT.
Digital Capacities Audrey Colreavy, IT Sligo, MSc Health Promotion, Physiotherapist, HSE Having worked with the HSE for over 20 years as a physiotherapist, I choose to do the online two year master’s in Health Promotion in IT Sligo. The course allows me to continue working full-time. I can attend the lectures online from my home. If I can’t attend live, they are recorded so I can work around family, work and life commitments. The online library access and Moodle platform are fantastic. There is no time lost traveling to lectures or reduced working hours needed. The modules are all applicable to my learning needs and the continuous professional development requirements of CORU, as a health and social care professional.
32
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
Staff Development Opportunities Dr Martin Taggart, Lecturer, GMIT I am hoping that the new TU will open more opportunities for collaborative research work as the three construction departments certainly have many common interests, particularly in sustainability, process improvement and digitalisation. Tell us about your career to date I started my career over 40 years ago in the construction industry working as a construction project manager for an international company. I joined the Building and Estates (B&E) Department in GMIT in 2000 to help with the increased workload from major capital projects like the Library/IT building. I applied for a lecturing post and joined the Department of Building and Civil Engineering in 2007. I have taught on various programmes including the MSc in Environmental Systems and the Higher Diploma in Building Information Modelling (BIM). How were you supported in your career path? There has always been a good culture in GMIT of supporting all staff in pursuing their career paths, especially concerning support for formal study. There is also great support for lecturers in Teaching and Learning practice What are you currently working on? I retain a leadership role in the GMIT Construction Management programmes and coordinate and chair the annual Department of Building and Civil Engineering International Construction Management Day Conference. My doctoral work ignited a deep interest in action-orientated research methodologies. I now teach research methodology and supervise student research work at master’s level on various School of Engineering programmes. What are you looking forward to most about working in the new TU? I already know the construction Heads of Department, Trevor McSharry at Sligo and Anne Boner at Letterkenny well and many of their staff from projects and activities we have been involved in over the years. So that should make for an excellent and easy start to the new relationship. I hope that the new TU will open more opportunities for collaborative research work as the three departments certainly have many common interests, particularly in sustainability, process improvement and digitalisation.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
33
Issue 4
CUA Digital Capacities Enable Staff Development A Professional Services Learning Pathway has been developed for Professional, Managerial and Support Staff (PMSS) in the CUA to help build digital skills and support online and blended learners. The pathway involves the completion of the Digital Discovery Tool, where learners self-assess their digital capabilities, identify their strengths and opportunities to develop their skills further to enhance their practice of learning. Additional training resources (e.g., Microsoft apps, All Board mini-courses) have been embedded into this pathway to cover digital and soft skills. By offering a variety of learning resources for learners to engage with, this pathway remains open and flexible and encourages learners to revisit the learning platform for further professional development.
Paul Walsh, Assistant Instructional Designer, HE 4.0 Project, IT Sligo The pathway is easy to navigate and learn in your own time. The learning material is delivered in engaging and interactive formats that keep you engaged. The course helped me to be aware professionally of the great cloud and digital platforms which we are increasingly using to do our work and deliver our services as educational providers.
Emma McDonald, CUA Research Assistant I really enjoyed doing the Professional Services Badge. It’s so easy to follow, everything is self-explanatory. There’s so much flexibility in the course, such a good bank of mini courses and you can pick and choose what you like. The course also helped me in my research work, imporved my presentation skills and showed me different digital tools and resources I can use.
Aisling Sweeney, PMSS Staff, LYIT One of the benefits for me was doing the Microsoft Digital Badge courses and the short mini digital courses. Some of the courses also helped me increase my interpersonal communication skills through courses on open university like leadership and management skills and facilitating group discussions.
34
BECOMING ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
February 2022
An Academic Digital Badge has also been developed under the DigitalEd Academic Learning Pathway. The programme helps to build digital capabilities across the new TU. The four steps to completing the pathway are: 1. Completing the Digital Teaching & Learning Online Course from SUNY and GMIT 2. Completing the OpenTeach course by DCU 3. Choosing and completing four Microsoft Education Badges 4. Completing a skill-sharing activity to demonstrate skills acquisition. Academic colleagues also have an opportunity to move on to complete a Level 9, 10 ECTS module certificate in Digital Teaching and Learning.
Trevor Clohessy, GMIT, Academic Digital Champion Being a digital champion aligns nicely with doing this course as I can share my knowledge with colleagues so that they too can be comfortable teaching online. My experience has been highly positive and the DigitlEd website is a fantastic resource. I can see the project growing more and more as we become a new TU.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
35
Our new university will significantly contribute to the transformation of the educational landscape of the west and north-west region, driving innovation, research and development and propelling the region onto an international stage.
Becoming Atlantic Technological University in 2022
