SIN Vol. 24 Election Special

Student See Student Do: Why to consider voting

By Rachel Garvey

It’s that time of year again; a time where campaign posters decorate noticeboards and lamp-posts on campus outlining who’s running for what Student Union role and why you, the students of the University of Galway, should vote for them. A lot of students don’t partake in voting polls because they either aren’t too into the political side of things or they feel changes won’t be implemented, but there is an importance behind it; that

How to Vote

By Rachel Foster

With the upcoming Students’ Union elections right around the corner, you may find yourself wondering where and how you are able to cast your vote. Luckily, the voting process could not be easier, with options to suit everybody, whether on or off campus.

The voting for the full-time SU officers will take place on Thursday 2nd March

being that every student has a right to a voice and whether or not they want to use it in the voting process is entirely their decision, but we all have a right to vote for those who we want representing us when it comes to certain changes that need to be made. Every student has needs, every student has views and worries about certain subjects and they approach their chosen Student Union representative with these worries and the hope that they can bring about change even if it’s a small one.

2023, and you will have the option of voting online between 10am and 8pm on this day via Yourspace. You can access this by logging in to your Yourspace portal, and links and reminders will be made available throughout this day across SU social media platforms and your student email. Alternatively, there will also be in-person voting stations across campus at the following locations and times on Thursday 2nd March: Síbín (10am-8pm)

• Áras na Mac Léinn (11am-7pm)

• Alice Perry Engineering Building (12-4pm)

Student ID is required for in-person voting.

How would we bring about change for the things we want to correct if we don’t have people to go to that can help us bring about that change? Who would we talk to in regards to these worries in the first place if we didn’t have a Student Union? The Student Union President, the Student Welfare Officer, the Student Education Officer and every critical role in that office is vital to students and that is why we need to vote. Voting exists for a reason, doesn’t it? Yes. To make a change for the greater good.

Voting will be done via secret ballots and will use the system of Proportional Representation, which means you will provide a list of the candidates you are voting for, in order of preference, and the candidate with the most votes will win.

There will also be the option to vote RON (reopen nominations) if you are not happy with any of the candidates. If RON receives the most votes, nominations will be reopened to new candidates and another election will take place.

The counting of votes will begin on Friday 3rd March at 9am in Síbín.

Also running for office, but unavailable at the time of main photo, are:

Photo by Lisa Hamilton

Candidate for Students’ Union President: Tanvee Kalra

Candidate for Students’ Union President: Danny Valentine

Candidate for Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge: Seánie Ó Gáibhín

Tanvee Kalra

What made you apply for the role?

The position comes with responsibility, but this is what excited me to apply for the position. Having said that, I love taking up responsibilities and fulfilling them.

Talk us through your manifesto, and the main thing you’ll work on if elected.

If elected, I would love to work on the problems that students face. I would make this process more transparent with the students so that they come up with the problems and discuss them openly.

What do you think the greatest obstacle will be in your term, if elected?

If elected, the greatest obstacle would be believing the fact that I am elected. Jokes. I feel like obstacles are the way to success. The obstacles would be there, but I do not believe in making them dominant in the process.

What is something you hope to carry on from the previous officer, if elected?

I take a lot of inspiration from the previous officer. I would love to take on the position and learn the way he handled the position in the long-run and how did he actually manage everything!

Finally, why do you think people should vote for you?

I am the new face to the people, and that makes voting me a question! But, if you are really interested in my answers, then I would love to meet you and know you more.

Danny Valentine is running for Students’ Union President. They were unavailable before our deadline.

Danny Valentine

I feel like obstacles are the way to success. The obstacles would be there, but I do not believe in making them dominant in the process.

Antoinette Peyton

What made you apply for the role?

I decided to run for President because I believe I have a lot to offer to role, I am hardworking, dedicated, approachable individual. To say that I struggled to get accommodation for this academic year would be an understatement. I originally agreed to stay in owner-occupied accommodation with a group of girls and while there we weren’t being treated like tenants, but rather we were treated like unwanted guests leaving us with no other option but to move. We’ve had 10 years of a housing crisis, we hear so much about it on the media, but we see very little action, and while we hear about social housing, affordable housing, build to rent in the national debate – we don’t hear enough about student housing and accommodation except in August once a year. I’d to ask myself if I wanted to just complain about students issue’s such as accommodation or if I wanted to step up and be the voice to start putting students first.

Talk us through your manifesto, and the main thing you’ll work on if elected. My manifesto focuses on the key issues affecting students across campus; accommodation, mental health, promoting the Irish Language, decreasing cost of repeat exams, safety, and additional study spaces throughout campus. The main thing I would focus on if elected is student accommodation. The lack of student accommodation is universal and results in too many students dropping out of courses through no fault of their own. We need a slick P.R. campaign to raise awareness about how serious an issue this is. This includes protests and marches while also getting students to highlight the struggles their having on every local media outlet with a SU team supporting that work at a national level.

What do you think the greatest obstacle will be in your term, if elected?

The greatest obstacle is engagement – while students often engage with SU events, too many do not engage with SU campaigns and services. Our students need to know to the Students Union executive committee is there to support them in any difficulties or challenges they face but also that there is a role we all can play to drive change at a national level. SU campaigns are only as strong as the number of students who take part in them, which is why we need to engage with our entire student population to strengthen movements to tackle the costs of education and make our campus more inclusive.

What is something you hope to carry on from the previous officer, if elected?

As President I hope to carry on Sai’s upbeat personality and his can do attitude throughout my term as President if I’m fortunate enough to be elected. Sai’s weekly updates was a fantastic initiative to keep students informed on the progress of our students union. Sai also started addressing students at their conferring ceremony as President which I hope to continue.

Finally why do you think people should vote for you?

If elected I will make our union as inclusive as it can be, we are a very diverse university and I will be a voice for all students. I’m a dedicated and hard-working individual who is very approachable which will be very important in order to increase engagement with our union. But above all, I believe that it is time that our University put students first ahead of any other priority – we need a Union that all our students will engage in. Therefore, I’m humbly asking for your number 1 vote on March 2nd.

The main thing I would focus on if elected is student accommodation. The lack of student accommodation is universal and results in too many students dropping out of courses through no fault of their own.

Dean Kenny

What made you apply for the role?

After returning to college from teaching placement last semester, I found that the issues facing students four years ago are still the same. I was fed up complaining to my friends about these issues, so I said I’d get off the sideline and nominate myself. We are going through a tough time with this cost-of-living crisis, the price of groceries, fuel, and rent have all skyrocketed. Students are facing enormous difficulties, and I want to help role in this regard. I believe there are small changes which could make a big difference to student’s experiences in the University. I also feel that there is a disconnect between the wider student body and the SU. I would like to bridge this gap to ensure all students are represented.

Talk us through your manifesto, and the main thing you’ll work on if elected. If elected, I have 3 main goals that I will work to achieve;

A Better Deal for students: This means pushing for cheaper clamping fees and more student parking, a fairer approach to repeat fees, and not allowing pints to become too expensive in Sult.

Craic on Campus: It also means showcasing the talent of the student body through concerts in Sult, a festival on campus, and a wide variety of events encompassing many different areas.

A President for all: I believe the SU needs to become more accessible to the disengaged students; and I will be a President for All. I will have weekly Pints with The President meetings in Sult, to allow students to access the president; whether to complain, vent, propose an idea, or discuss a problem. Students can come along and have a pint, a hot chocolate, a mi wadi, whatever they want, the main thing that they are listened to and respected.

I will also look to tackle areas such as student accommodation, cowboy landlords, mental health amongst students, drug use awareness, building a sustainable campus, to name but a few.

What do you think the greatest obstacle will be in your term, if elected?

I believe the biggest obstacle would be reaching out to students who have become disengaged and disenfranchised with the SU. Previous SU’s have done great work, but I think one area where many previous Presidents have failed is basic interactions with the larger student body. The pandemic is also partly to blame as many students do not feel as if they have a place in this university. I strive to be the most present President this SU has ever seen at the most basic level by interacting and liaising with the student body as much as possible, and I believe Pints with the President is a small step to achieving this.

What is something you hope to carry on from the previous officer, if elected?

I wish to carry on the great strides made by the previous SU in making Sult a go to party destination for students. But techno isn’t for everyone. As a President for All, I will campaign to have a whole host of different events in our student bar, such as open mic nights, stand-up comedy, trad, drama, live sport screenings, and other social activities, as well as advocate to keep the price of drink down.

Finally, why do you think people should vote for you?

I am an ordinary student, who plays music and studies maths, loves sport and drinking pints. I have a wealth of experience in leadership roles, and I believe I have the drive, the skillset, and the understanding to represent UG students as President. People should vote for me to tackle the bread-and-butter issues facing students; for A Better Deal for Students, Craic on Campus, and A President for All, UG students can definitely #CountonKenny on 2nd March.

We are going through a tough time with this cost-of-living crisis, the price of groceries, fuel, and rent have all skyrocketed. Students are facing enormous difficulties, and I want to help in this regard.

I applied for VP for education

because I have really enjoyed the work, I have been doing this year in my role as postgrad taught officer. I have enjoyed connecting with, representing, and working with students within the SU and externally, and fighting for their rights.

Raimey O’Boyle

What made you apply for the role?

I applied for VP for education because I have really enjoyed the work, I have been doing this year in my role as postgrad taught officer. I have enjoyed connecting with, representing, and working with students within the SU and externally, and fighting for their rights. Some of the things I did this year include attending the cost-of-living protest in Eyre Square, attend a protest regarding the working conditions and treatment of PHD students, attending USI meetings discussing these issues, organising events with students, collaborating with postgrad soc, and hosting class rep councils. Two things that came from our council meetings was a pop HPV vaccine clinic and a couple of the student services having stands at socs day, this increased awareness for physical and mental health issues. Becoming VP for education I would get to continue to do this work, in a greater capacity.

Talk us through your manifesto, and the main thing you’ll work on if elected.

My manifesto includes a bit about me, my name, where I’m from and my educational background. It includes experiences I have had including the role of postgrad taught officer and other voluntary roles such as a ATS mentor, Céim leader, and class rep to name a few, but also quite simply my experience as a student. I completed my undergrad and currently am undertaking a postgrad in Public Policy, at University of Galway. I believe the policy degree will stand to me as the role of education officer requires dealing with policy frequently within the college. There has not been a postgrad run for a full-time position in a while so I believe this puts me at a unique position with a new experience to bring to the SU and the opportunity to understand and represent postgrads in a way that other officers cannot. As I undertook my undergrad here too, I am also aware of what that experience is like and feel I understand the student experience that will let me represent the student body efficiently. Some of my main manifesto points include an aim to achieve a reduction in repeat

fees for repeat exams, obtain a reading week, ensure that the education and student success strategies are implemented, and lobby for a wider range of dietary foods on campus. My main point would be the reduction in repeat fees.

What do you think the greatest obstacle will be in your term, if elected?

I think the greatest obstacle in my term would be time constraints, a year is a short time to achieve everything one wants to achieve. One also must keep in mind that the field changes every day with new problems arising and unexpected events. These events often lead to original plans having to change, pivot, and/or be delayed. One must be flexible and dynamic to tackle this constant changing, I believe that I have these qualities to adapt to the ever-changing situations and jobs that need to be done, and confident that I will still manage to achieve many of my goals.

What is something you hope to carry on from the previous officer, if elected?

One thing that I would like to continue from the previous education officer is the international orientation week. This theme week is newly developed by the current VP for Education. I helped run one of the events and the atmosphere and engagement was great. It was a great start to the year, and I feel that it is important to continue as it gives extra opportunity for people to meet new people and settle into the college year, many of whom are here for the first time.

Finally, why do you think people should vote for you?

Due to my previous experience in the SU, I believe I have a great understanding of its inner workings and the needs of students. I am hardworking and believe that I can and will, if elected, do a good job in this role and I feel like these qualities make me a good candidate for the role, I hope that students feel the same for me and give me their number 1 vote on Thursday March 2nd.

Anneli Aalberg

What made you apply for the role?

I have completely fallen in love with this city (yes, even the weather), and the university is a big reason why. I have enjoyed finding a community on campus and I want to help others do the same. As the class rep for the LLM in Peace Operations, Humanitarian Law, and Conflict, I gained experience supporting my classmates and discovered that I loved every minute of it. I want to make a difference on campus, and I think I can.

Talk us through your manifesto, and the main thing you’ll work on if elected. The main areas I focus on in my manifesto are a healthy university-life balance, increased diversity and inclusion on campus, general and sexual health and well-being, sustainability, violence against women, and accommodation. I spend my days studying conflict and crimes against humanity. I understand the importance of needing balance in your life. You can read my full manifesto on my socials (anneli4welfareequalityvp) or on the SU website.

What do you think the greatest obstacle will be in your term, if elected?

Getting the university to listen will probably be the biggest

challenge. Advocating for the university to reallocate funding to support university-wide services, like more mental health counselors, is one of my top priorities. I think that the Student Union can have an incredible influence, but it can only do so much if the university is not willing to listen. I am, however, hopeful that I can implement real change.

What is something you hope to carry on from the previous officer, if elected?

I would like to carry on the free STI testing and the promotion of sexual health that Imogen did an incredible job of advocating for. A lot of the issues that need to be addressed are structural and cannot be changed overnight. That is why it is essential that we build off of the work of our predecessors.

Finally, why do you think people should vote for you?

The simple answer is, I genuinely care. I want to be there as a support for students. That is where my policies come from. I have spent years studying human rights, so I recognize the importance of respecting welfare and equality. Also, as a postgraduate student, I will be able to represent everyone as I have already been through undergrad. If you vote for me, you will always have a friend in the office.

The voting for the full-time SU officers will take place on Thursday 2nd March 2023. You will have the option of voting online between 10am and 8pm on this day via Yourspace.

I have spent years studying human rights, so I recognize the importance of respecting welfare and equality. Also, as a postgraduate student, I will be able to represent everyone as I have already been through undergrad.

Naoise Fortune

What made you apply for the role?

I have always been interested and involved in activism and have always wanted to try to make a difference in the world. As a member of the feminist society in the University I have had the opportunity to help out with many different activism projects which I have thoroughly enjoyed. The reason I decided to run for Welfare and Equality officer is that I feel that in this office I can provide a voice to the students that are sometimes forgotten and hopefully improve the university experience for those students.

Talk us through your manifesto, and the main thing you’ll work on if elected.

I tried to make my manifesto as intersectional as I could, representing as many different students as I could. I would really like to improve the process of officially changing your name in the University, as currently you normally have to get it legally changed before you can change it on your ID ect. I know that there is a significant portion of the student body who are going to have a different name on their degree than their actual name, if this doesn’t change. I would also like to improve the university experience of students who are parents by having breastfeeding/ pumping areas around campus and also opening a free daycare.

What do you think the greatest obstacle will be in your term, if elected?

As much as I hate to say it, I think that the biggest obstacle I’ll face is the University management themselves. From helping with FemSoc in our attempts to update the University sexual

assault policy, I have seen that management can be quite stubborn at times. I have some quite ambitious ideas and I’m afraid that stubborn management will be a roadblock in seeing these ideas come to light. That doesn’t mean that I’m not going to do my best to stand up for the welfare of the student body to the university management.

What is something you hope to carry on from the previous officer, if elected?

Imogen did massive work around pushing for more student accommodation and this is something that I will 100% be continuing next year if elected. Lack of accommodation is one of the biggest reasons why people defer, drop out, or do not attend university at all. This should not be the case and everyone who wishes to attend university should have a safe, warm, affordable place to live. That’s why if elected, I will push both university management and local TDS and city councillors to build more affordable and safe student housing as fast as is reasonable.

Finally, why do you think people should vote for you?

There are very few ways to answer this question without sounding incredibly conceited but I’ll try. If you vote for me you will be voting for someone who is working class, queer, non-binary, and who has struggled with their mental health. I understand what it is like to be at the bottom of the social barrel. I know what it is like to worry about not being able to pay your rent. I know what it is like to feel like an outsider. This is why I feel that I would be good as your Welfare and Equality Officer.

You can vote online by logging in to Yourspace. Links will be on SU social media platforms and your student email.

Lack of accommodation is one of the biggest reasons why people defer, drop out, or do not attend university at all. This should not be the case and everyone who wishes to attend university should have a safe, warm, affordable place to live.

Mohit Singh

Mohit Singh is running foe Vice President –Welfare and Equality Officer

They were unavailable before our deadline.

WILL YOU RUN?

SU ELECTIONS

Part Time Officers

➤ Mature Students

➤ Clubs Captain

➤ Societies Chairperson

➤ International Students Officer

➤ Gender and LGBT+ Rights Officer

➤ Disability Rights Officer

➤ Postgraduate Taught Officer

➤ Postgraduate Research Officer

➤ Ethnic Minorities Officer

➤ Environmental and Sustainability Officer

➤ Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies

➤ Convenor of the College of Science and Engineering

➤ Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

➤ Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law

Nominations Open: 10:00 Wednesday 22nd February 2023

Toghcháin CML

Oifigeach Páirt-Aimseartha

➤ Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Lánfhasta

➤ Captaen na gClubanna

➤ Cathaoirleach na gCumann

➤ Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Idirnáisiúnta

➤ Oifigeach um Chearta Inscne agus LADT+

➤ Oifigeach um Chearta Míchumais

➤ Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe Teagasctha

➤ Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe i mbun Taighde

➤ Oifigeach na Mionlach Eitneach

➤ Oifigeach Comhshaoil agus Inbhuanaitheachta

➤ Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta, agus An Léinn Cheiltigh

➤ Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta agus na hInnealtóireachta

➤ Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte

➤ Tionólaí Coláiste an Ghnó, an Bheartais Phoiblí agus an Dlí Osclófar Ainmniúcháin: 10:00

Lá

Izzy Tiernan

What made you apply for the role?

Ever since I was child, I was incredibly passionate about justice and equality for people. I have worked on LGBTI+ committees, have been equality officer for different groups and organisations and have always lobbied for human rights. Since I’ve arrived in Galway, I have fallen in love with the University and want to make changes for the good, to help the student population and have a positive impact on college life in whatever way I can.

Talk us through your manifesto, and the main thing you’ll work on if elected.

My main focus for my campaign is combatting the sexual assault and violence that women and people experienced last semester on campus. I want to spread greater awareness for the issue and implement a Student Watch to work with the gardai to ensure a safer campus for all students. I also want to work on the housing crisis issue and lobby for a Commuter Fund Scheme where students travelling to and from college can be reimbursed for their spending.

What do you think the greatest obstacle will be in your term, if elected?

My greatest obstacle, I expect, is combatting student poverty in terms of the housing crisis and cost of living crisis. I will

attempt to alleviate pressure from students by working to end repeat exam fees and offering greater social aid to underprivileged students, but the real change must come from the top up, from our government, whom I will pressure to take practical steps to ensuring better quality of life for students around Ireland.

What is something you hope to carry on from the previous officer, if elected?

I wish to carry on the fantastic events that have happened on campus, such as rag week festivities, consent week, and the many events that happen in Sult every week. I hope to carry on the great work done by the previous officer in introducing sensory rooms and will act to create more, as well as continuing to work with brilliant organisations such as Active Consent.

Finally, why do you think people should vote for you?

I think people should vote for me because I am not coming at this position from a point of ego or desire for authority. I simply want to help people, to make their lives that little bit easier, and will give my mind, body and soul to do so. I am outspoken and will not be silenced on important issues, and will fight for the rights of every student in University of Galway for as long as I can.

In-person voting stations will be found at the following locations and times on Thursday 2nd March: Síbín (10am-8pm); Áras na Mac Léinn (11am-7pm);

Alice Perry Engineering Building (12pm-4pm).

Student ID is required for in-person voting.

I simply want to help people, to make their lives that little bit easier, and will give my mind, body and soul to do so. I am outspoken and will not be silenced on important issues, and will fight for the rights of every student in University of Galway for as long as I can.

don Ghaeilge

Táim anseo chun cearta teanga

a chosaint, agus chun doirse a oscailt don teanga trí oideachas agus cosaint.

Faye Ní Dhomhnaill

What made you apply for the role?

I’m very passionate about Irish. I’ve always taken great pride in speaking and learning Irish and want to be able to share that passion with others. I decided not to run last year so that I could focus 100% on Final Year and that I wouldn’t be in the role with the cloud looming over my head of Final Year. I want to make Irish more accessible for every student, as well as protecting the Irish speaking rights of students. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, anything the Comhaltas can do as bearla they can do it as gaeilge as well.

Talk us through your manifesto, and the main thing you’ll work on if elected:

My manifesto mainly focuses on bringing a bit of Gaeilge into day-to-day life on Campus. I’d love to work with IdeasLab to bring workshops through Gaeilge in there as well as working with SIN to guarantee at least 1 piece as gaeilge in each issue. As well as this, I really want to work closely with clubs and societies, and to try introduce an Irish-speaking committee member into as many clubs and socs as possible. I want to provide opportunities for students to develop their CV with a little bit of Gaeilge, and careers fairs with Irish speaking companies. I want there to be benefits for students using Gaeilge on campus, such as discounted drinks in Smokies and dedicated “Labhair Gaeilge Liom” seating Areas. Mainly though, I’m here to protect the language rights of Irish Speaking students and open doors to the language through education and protection.

What do you think the greatest obstacle will be in your term, if elected?

I definitely think the greatest obstacle will be overcoming people’s preconceived prejudices regarding the Irish language. Most people I know have had a horrible experience with Gaeilge from

Cén fáth gur chuir tú isteach ar an bpost?

Táim an-paiseanta faoin Gaeilge. Tá bród orm Gaeilge a labhairt agus a foghlaim agus ba mhaith liom an paisean sin a roinnt le daoine eile. Chinn mé annurraidh gan seasamh sa toghcháin ionas go mbeadh mé in ann 100% fócas a thabhairt chun mo bhliain deirneach, agus nach mbeidh an scamall “Deireadh Bliain” thar mo cheann dá mbeinn sa ról. Ba mhaith liom go mbeadh an Ghaeilge níos inrochtana do gach dalta comh maith le cearta teanga a chosaint. Duirt mé é riamh agus deirfaidh mé arís é, aon rud is féidir an Comhaltas a déanamh trí bearla, is féidir leo é a deanamh trí gaeilge. Céard iad na haidhmeanna is mó atá agat má fhaigheann tú an ról? Céard é an príomhrud ba mhaith leat a bhaint amach má toghfar thú?

Cuireann mo forógra béim ar an gaeilge a thabhairt chun saol lá-go-lá ar champas. Ba bhreá liom obair a deanamh le IdeasLab chun ceardlanna Gaeilge a thabhairt ann comh maith le obair a deanamh le Sin chun cinntigh go mbeadh fiú piosa amháin as gaeilge I ngach eisiúint. Comh maith le sin, ba mhaith liom dlúth-obair a deanamh le clubanna agus cumainn, agus chun triail a baint as ball coiste a labhraíonn gaeilge cuir I láthair san oiread clubanna agus cumainn agus is féidir. Ba mhaith liom deiseanna a cuir ar fail do mhic léinn a CV a forbair le píosa beag gaeilge, agus aonach gairme le comhaltaí a labharíonn gaeilge. Ba mhaith liom go mbeadh buntáistí ann do mhic léinn a labhraíonn gaeilge ar campas, cosúil le deochanna lascainithe I Smokies agus spásanna tiomnaithe “Labhair Gaeilge Liom”. Go príomha, táim anseo chun cearta teanga a chosaint, agus chun doirse a oscailt don teanga trí oideachas agus cosaint.

Dar leat, cad é an dúshlán is mó a bheadh romhat má toghfar thú?

Cinnte gurb é an constaic is mó ná dochar faoin teanga a shárú. Daoine is mó a bhfuil aithne agam orthu deirtear go raibh taithí uafásach acu leis an nGaeilge sa scoil, agus íarann siad é a fágail

I’m here to protect the language rights of Irish Speaking students and open doors to the language through education and protection.

secondary school, and as such want to leave it as far behind as possible. Irish is so much more than just cluaistuiscints and wrote learning off seanfhocals. I want to make Gaeilge more accessible for students from all backgrounds. It shouldn’t matter your level or ability, any student should feel they can walk into the LeasUachtaráin don Ghaeilge’s office and say “What’s available for me?”

What is something you hope to carry on from the previous officer, if elected?

Barry has been an absolute trailblazer this year. It was the first year a role like this existed anywhere in Ireland, so the pressure was really on for foundations to be laid in place. If I am elected I’m excited to carry on the good work that has already begun. One scheme I really hope to work closely on is the Scéim Cónaitheachta, a scheme that was reintroduced last year for students with spoken Irish, where they can live with fellow Irish speakers in Corrib Village. Mostly I’m excited to get the word out about this role and to show students what’s available to them.

Why do you think people should vote for you?

I think people should vote for me because I care about students. I understand the importance of speaking up for students language rights and for campaigns such a An Dream Dearg. I think the Irish language is a beautiful thing that we should be able to celebrate together, without barriers or prejudice. I want to be an officer that any student on any of our campuses can turn to. I really want to spend the coming year emphasising the importance of Irish, helping make it more accessible, and being a voice for students. A vote for Faye is a vote is a vote to open doors across the University.

ina diaidh. Is í gaeilge I bfhad níos mó ná an cluaistuiscint agus seanfhocail foghlamtha. Ba mhaith liom go mbeadh Gaeilge níos inrochtana do mhic léinn ó gach cearn don saol. Is Cuma cad é do chumas, ba choir aon duine teacht cuig an oifig an Leas Uachtaráin don Gaeilge agus a rá “Ceard atá ann domsa?”

Luaigh rud amháin ba mhaith leat a thógáil ar aghaidh ón iar-Oifigeach a bhí sa ról?

Ba ceannródaí é Barry I mbliana. Bhí seo an chead bliain a bhí an ról seo aon áit in Éireann, agus bhí an brú ann chun na bhunsraith a chur in áit. Má thogtar mé, táim ag thuth go mór leis an deas obair a leanúint. Scéim amhain a bhfuil súil agam dlúth-obair a deanamh leis ná an Scéim Cónaitheachta, scéim a raibh athbhunaite I mbliana do mic léinn le gaeilge labhartha, ionas gur féidir leo conaí le daoine a labhraíonn gaeilge I Corrib Village. Tríd is tríd táim ag tnuth go an scéal a chur thart faoin ról seo agus chun taispeant do mhic léinn ceard atá ar fail dóibh.

I do thuairim féin, cén fáth gur cheart do vótálaithe vóta a chaitheamh ort?

Sílim gur cheart do dhaoine vótail ar mo shon mar tá cúram orm faoi mhic léinn. Tuigim an tábhacht a bhaineann le cearta teanga na mic léinn agus do feachtas ar nós an dream dearg. Ceapaim gurb rud áille í an teange gaeilge agus bac heart dúinn é a ceiliúir le cheile gan constaic nó claontacht. Ba mhaith liom a bheith an oifigeach is féidir le mac léinn ar bith ar champas ar bithlabhairt leis. Ba bhreá liom an bhliain a caitheamh ag cur béime ar tábhacht na Gaeilge, agus ag bheith mar guth do mhic léinn. Vóta le haigheadh Faye ná vóta do doirse oscailte ar fud an Ollscoil.

Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge

Seánie Ó Gáibhín

Seánie Ó Gáibhín is running for Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge They were unavailable before our deadline.

Student Speak

choice, just meant to placate students. The current committee haven’t done anything to anger me, and they come across quite well. I don’t blame them for the issues in the university at all. But if somebody can convince me that they could come in and actually improve the student experience then they will get my vote.

Some of the things I would like to see from the new and upcoming student union reps is accessibility! I find that it is difficult to get in touch with some of the representatives. If the representatives are elected by the students then I think it’s only fair that they make time for the students.

I’m looking forward to the SU elections this year! I love to see student candidates opinions on how to make University of Galway a better place for all. I don’t know who I’m voting for yet, but I am excited to see each candidates proposals. Everyone should be voting this election to have the chance to voice their own opinion on how to improve our University. I hope some of the candidates deal with issues such as the cost of living crisis in Galway.

Ailbhe O’Connor Masters Public Advocacy & Activism

Do the candidates have any plans to actually, tangibly improve the lives of students? Projects like the student pantry had little to no support from the SU other than mentions on social media. The Sibín has had several complaints that just haven’t been addressed. Since I started in college the issue of the lack of seating on campus has never been acted upon in any significant way. The SU has become a career stepping stone for a lot of the exec. Why should I vote for someone who just wants a better CV?

I am really excited for the new election. I am curious to see the new manifestos and to see if any candidate has any ideas to tackle the ongoing accommodation crisis here in Galway. I hope to see more support and involvement from the SU on impactful projects like the student pantry.

Ní dóigh liom go bhfuil a ndotháin troid déanta ag na ceannairí maidir leis na fadhbanna níos prainní a bhfuil ag cuir isteach ar scoláirí. Bhí agóid maidir leis an easpa tithíocht, ach ní raibh sé ro-éifeachtach, agus teastaíonn i bhfad níos mó acu. É sin ráite, caithfear aitheantas a thabhairt ar an obair iontach atá déanta acu maidir leis na imeachtaí a chuaigh ar aghaidh i mbliana.

Éabha Gaughan Final Year Law & English Student

Personally, I think that SU elections are a chance to actively participate in university life and taking part in deciding who to have as ‘guides’ through this journey. It is very important to vote and express yourself and I put a lot of hope and trust in events like this. Looking forward to seeing what the next generation of SU officers will be!!

Watts 2nd Year Global Media Student

If I’m honest, I don’t tend to take SU elections too seriously. I’m sceptical about how much power they actually have. Sometimes it seems more like an illusion of

I believe the Students Union is the most effective way for students to make their voices heard. In this election I would like to see candidates that really push against issues affecting students, particularly the issue surrounding unaffordable housing on campus, the declining mental health of university students and the move away from hybrid-teaching, decreasing accessibility to education. I think the SU has been somewhat passive recently regarding these issues and I would like to see that change. I’m looking forward to reading the candidates manifestos to understand what they view as the most important issues to be addressed this year.

Vusi Thabethe Access Course Student

Aoibhe Hopkins

3rd Year Journalism Student

Chiara Alfieri

2nd Year Journalism Student

Sarah Clarke

Final Year History & Classics Student

Finnian Cox

1st Year Journalism Student

Chris

Exit Interview with SU President Sai Gujulla

Looking back at your own election manifesto, do you feel this year has been a success?

Personally, I feel it has been successful. The main aspects of my manifesto that I have accomplished so far include accessible leadership, improved relationship with the University and Students, opening up the discussion of Students’ Union funding and preparing a funding proposal and much more.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced this year?

Time, I would say was the biggest obstacle this year. With different committees, approvals and the drafting of policies, time was something that was scarce. Each day was important when it came to bringing change in our university life. It did take me a while to realise but lack of time can be overcome by improved scheduling, delegation and most importantly stating your goals for the day.

What was the biggest issue facing students under your mandate?

Accommodation and the Cost of Living Crisis are the biggest things students have faced this year. With the lack of response

and action from the government students have faced extreme hardship and I as the Students’ Union President tried every way possible to make the university experience as good as possible. We listened, we had meetings, we protested but we did not give up this year in making sure students had the best university experience possible.

What is your proudest achievement that you will take away from your term?

My proudest achievement would be the accessibility and the engagement of the Union this year as well as the improved relationships we have forged with the university that have allowed us to do numerous things that would have been out of reach before and these will only be amplified next year in the form of events, potential funding for our Union and increased student representation on University Committees.

What are your plans for the next academic year?

So, at the moment I’m currently running to be the next President of Union of Students in Ireland to ensure that reform is not only limited to our Union but is nationwide. Depending on the result of the election I will either assume the office of the President of USI or I will continue my studies at Ollscoil na Gaillimhe University of Galway as a Final Year Biomedical Engineering student.

Exit Interview with SU Vice President: Education Officer Joe Mee

Looking back on your election manifesto, do you feel this year has been a success?

Overall I am happy with what I have achieved this year although many goals on my manifesto changed. The reality of the role, the insight gained during the role, and the feedback you receive from students change your goals. I found that I pursued different objectives than I had originally thought I would. For example, I wanted to support students with disabilities, and in my manifesto, I wanted to push for increased funding for Disability Support Services at the Univesity. However, there was no reasonable accommodations policy and in terms of disability support, this is more crucial to ensure that students with disabilities received the support they needed. I therefore, pivoted my position to pursue this avenue.

A number of other issues came up during my term and I worked on those. One of the big things I pushed for was increased recreational and study spaces. There will be many additional study spaces opened in buildings around campus, in addition to the outdoor pods, and the Síbin. There are also plans to have microwaves installed in different locations around campus.

The biggest disappointment of the year was my not being able to get a program to develop more open educational resources off the ground. This was an area in my manifesto I really wanted to push but was unsuccessful in my efforts.

What is the biggest obstacle you faced this year?

The biggest obstacle this year was workload. There at different times when the workload of the education officer is very high. I also have a tendency to try and take on too much. In semester

one this workload was particularly high. This meant I did not achieve some of my objectives as I had to drop them in order to focus on core responsibilities such as casework and class rep elections.

What is the biggest issue facing students under the education remit?

Recreational and group study spaces are a big issue brought up by students. Students want places they can relax and reheat food. They also want spaces where they can study or do assignments as a group. Blended learning is something students really want to see return to the university. During covid, students loved the flexibility offered by a flood of additional teaching resources. It was also highly beneficial to many students with disabilities as they could replay lectures and even adjust replay spends.

Although predominately a welfare concern, housing and the cost of living crisis was a massive issue as it interfered with students' ability to do well in education. Many students have had to take on more hours of work or commute large distances. It is affecting grades and pushing students to withdraw from the university.

What is your proudest achievement this year?

My proudest achievement this year was actually something I never thought I would be involved in. I developed a series of social events in conjunction with the internal office for incoming international students. There were eight events in semester one that all sold out and a further six events in semester two that had great attendance. The events were such a good opportunity for incoming students to meet one another. There are now plans to run these events every year.

What are your plans for the next academic year?

Next year I will return to the 4th year of my mechanical engineering degree. I really enjoyed my year as Education Officer but am looking forward to pursuing my future as an engineer.