SIN Vol. 23 Election Special by SIN Newspaper University of Galway

Vol. 23 #09 28 Feb. 2022

Winner: Best Newspaper at the National Student Media Awards 2019

Student Independent News Nuachtán saor in aisce · Vol. 23 Election Special · 28 Feb. 2022

Election Special Full Time Officers Vote March 3rd

Inside:

MEET YOUR CANDIDATES STUDENT SPEAK IRISH LANGUAGE VP REFERENDUM SU EXIT INTERVIEWS

Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine

Editorial Team Valerie McHugh & Caoimhe Killeen Election Special Co-editors Saoirse Higgins – Section Editor and Interviewer David Cendon Garcia Contributor Caitlin Ní Mhurchú Irish Language Liaison Ruby Havelaar Cover Artist Special word of thanks to the candidates Sai, Criodán, Katie, Imogen, Joe and Shalom for sharing their manifestos and points of view with us, to the 21/22 Full Time Officers Róisín, Clodagh and Cora for their contributions, and to the students who shared their election opinions with us. Also, a grateful word of thanks to Darragh Nolan, Niamh Connor, Noel Langan and Jordan Keighley for their work behind the scenes.

An bhfuil rud é igin le rá agat? Cur litir chuig an Eagarthóir.

Editor: Valerie McHugh editor.sin@gmail.com @NuigSin

Inside...

2 NUI Galway Students’ Union Election Special

Candidate Interviews Students’ Union President

Sai Gujulla Criodán Ó Murchú Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer

4 5

Katie Blain Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer Vice President/Education Officer

6 7

Shalom McGillen Joe Mee

8 9

Features

Student Speak Referendum: SU VP for the Irish Language Exit Interviews

11 12

The year that was with Róisín Nic Lochlainn 14 “Continue to lobby for change and make NUI Galway a more accessible college for all” — Clodagh McGivern 16

Why Voting Matters By David Cendon Garcia Why does my vote matter in a pool of thousands? How can my opinion sway the tide of an already popular or unpopular topic? I’ll be the first in accepting that those same thoughts swam across my head at one point. But I can tell you the exact day that I stopped thinking them; January 20, 2017. For those of you well versed in American politics, that should be an easy date to guess, and for those of you that aren’t, it’s probably still an easy guess. During that fateful election, I kept thinking there was no way my vote could change the tide. Hilary was going to win and that was a fact, it didn’t matter if I voted for her or Vermin Supreme (please, please look up who that is). But despite CNN voting patterns and POLITICO’s predictions, Trump won that election fair and square, losing the popular vote but winning over the Electoral College in what had to be one of the most shocking elections in recent memory; and the worst part was I didn’t vote. I am not trying to say that my vote would have convinced the Electoral College to see, in my eyes, the error of their ways and not give the nuclear codes to a candidate who I deemed unfit for office. That’s too much to ask for. But what I am trying to say is that for the next four years, I had to bite my lip every time someone

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defended putting children behind cages or any of Trump’s policies, because I had not voted. It meant that no matter how much I disagreed with a statement or wanted to engage in political discourse, I couldn’t, because how could I possibly critique the actions of an administration that I never voted against? Voting is the ultimate expression of the democratic process, and if you don’t use it, then there’s little to complain about. Now, what does my little rant about national politics an ocean away have to do with the SU elections here at NUI Galway? Everything. Here, more so than in the American presidential election, your vote matters. In a university of over 19,000 students, one vote really can make a difference. It can mean the beginning of a political career for some, and the readjustment of a trajectory for others. It will mean a direct and immediate impact on your quality of life as a student. Depending on the candidate’s priorities, interests and goals, you may find yourself living in a different university than before, for better or worse. If you want it to be the former, then please, come March 3rd, vote for whom you want to lead and shape your Student Union. Because it is yours, they are there for you. And only if you vote will your concerns and goals be prioritised. It was too late for me, I had to stomach four years of mono-syllabic tweets, but it’s not for you. Get voting.

Student I ndependent News, NUI Galway

Find us online: www.sin.ie

HÁIN C C H G

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ELECTION

#NUIGSU22

Hustings Toghchánaíocht 15:00 Tuesday 1st March Dé Máirt 1 Márta • Sult Meet your Election Candidates Cuir aithne ar na hiarrthóirí Listen, question, decide Éist, ceistigh, déan do chinneadh

@nuigsu

NUIGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie

www.nuigsuelections.com

4 Candidate Interviews · Students’ Union President

Sai Gujulla SU President

Interviews by Valerie McHugh What made you apply for this role?

Over these past 3 years of being a student at NUIG I have seen the same issues come up from time to time with no solution in sight. Having gained experience by being a class representative for two years and by being the Convenor of Science & Engineering this year I believe I can bring a solution to some of the long-term issues we are facing in our university. The constant repetition of these issues is what made me run for SU President this year.

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

I hope to introduce a Help with Housing portal for all issues in relation to accommodation. This portal will contain the necessary information such as tenancy rights, how to avoid scams and 1 to 1 online interaction with experienced student tenants. It will also ensure the houses listed on NUI Galway studentpad are affordable with basic amenities. I would also like to introduce the Free Taxi Scheme where under this scheme students will be able to get home safely at night and the cost of the taxi will be covered by the SU and the student will be able to pay the SU back at a later date.

“I hope to introduce a Help with Housing portal for all issues in relation to accommodation. This portal will contain the necessary information such as tenancy rights, how to avoid scams and one-to-one online interaction with experienced student tenants. It will also ensure the houses listed on NUI Galway studentpad are affordable with basic amenities.

”

I would also like to provide Free drink What is something you hope to spike test kits and personal safety alarms carry on from the previous officer if elected? to every student in NUI Galway. I would also like to introduce sleeping Personally, I admire the work of the pods in the library to provide a relaxation previous officer in terms of their Welfare Schemes, Gaeilge, Consent space for students during the day. I would also like to introduce a Read- and Equality. If elected I would like to ing Week for all students in Semester continue their work in these areas and 1 & 2. implement new schemes to further I would also like to increase SU rep- improve it. resentation for smaller courses and satellite campuses. Finally, why do you think people I would also like to introduce Exam should vote for you? Improvements such as an optional exam I believe, I have the necessary expein January and June which would be rience to bring a solution to some of made available to all students regardless the long-term issues we are facing in of their result giving them an opportunity our university. If elected I will ensure to retake their exam if they are unhappy that solutions are being implemented with their grade. and not just complaints being raised. If by being a Convenor I can bring What do you think the greatest a solution to lab essentials, overlapobstacle will be in your term if you ping assignments and initiate a food were to be elected? sustainability scheme in Semester Personally, I think the greatest obsta- 2 imagine what I can do if I’m the cle will be the lack of time in trying President of NUI Galway Student’s to reduce or remove repeat fees for Union. This campaign isn’t about me, this examinations taking place in August. This issue has been an ongoing issue for is our campaign. This is our chance several years and despite the obstacles to bring a solution to some of the that I may face if elected my main objec- long-term issues we are facing in our tive would be to ensure that this issue university. I would like to request all has been solved. No matter what I face of you to please vote for me on March during the process I will be committed 3rd and I promise you I won’t let you to ensuring that repeat fees would down. Once given a promise I haven’t become a thing of the past. broken it before and I wont do it now.

Candidate Interviews · Students’ Union President

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[One of my primary goals is] working to improve student welfare by improving the provision of period products on campus, improving the funding for the Financial Aid Fund and Student Hardship Fund, and provide students with free breakfast and lowered prescription costs. I would love to see Mental Health Funding hugely increased.”

What made you apply for this role?

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

Overall, I have four primary goals I want to work on throughout the year. Firstly, using the momentum from the past two years to push for recording lectures, having all lectures transcribed, and removing mandatory attendance where possible. Secondly, working to improve student welfare by improving the provision of period products on campus, improving the funding for the Financial Aid Fund and Student Hardship Fund, and provide students with free breakfast and lowered prescription costs. I would love to see Mental Health Funding hugely increased.

Thirdly, accommodation must be affordable for students to engage with third level. I would work to ensure there is a rent reduction in university campus accommodation and prevent the university from charging the exorbitant prices proposed for their new builds on campus. Lastly, the environment and sustainability are close to my heart. I aim to challenge the university to expand its sustainability goals, provide students with more active transport, expand park and ride facilities, and improve the green labs and similar initiatives across all schools. Overall, I want to ensure students time here is as straightforward and accommodating as possible. Socio-economic and access concerns should not be preventative to people attending higher-level education!

as those charged with the success and well-being of students.

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

I am hoping people who know me can advocate that I have consistently worked to improve the livelihoods of those around me. With the experience I have working with SpunOut.ie, Text50808, as a class rep, as a member of Academic Council, and the Governing Authority, I can assure people can see that I am dedicated to their representation and I appreciate the challenge. I do not expect the University to be thrilled if I were to be elected, and this is exactly why I, and people like me, should be elected.

Frankly, I believe the greatest obstacle by far will be the University Management. I do not believe the interest of management are in-line with students prosperity but ensuring shareholder and academic satisfaction. In my experience in dealing with Management, anything that strays from the status-quo is seen as too difficult, obtrusive, or labour intensive. This is completely the wrong attitude to have

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

There has been a fantastic history of SU Presidents in recent years. I would love to carry on the work firstly of Pádraic to abolish the repeat exam fees, and expand on that removing fee for appeals and ensuring all exam transport is free for good. Secondly, I wish to expand on the work Róisín has done to improve the Irish language’s prominence on campus. Protecting and enhancing the Irish language should remain a priority of the union, and university, for years to come.

Finally, why do you think people should vote for you on March 3rd?

SU President

I applied for the role having been a student of NUI Galway for 5 of the last 6 years. Throughout that time, I have dealt with my own, and witnessed many students struggle during their time here. Unfortunately, the university’s core values of “Respect, Openness, Sustainability, and Excellence” have slipped in standards, and I believe that students welfare and experience has fallen from the priority of university management. I want to strongly advocate for students and challenge University Management to put students first, having been neglected for so long.

Criodán Ó Murchú

6 Candidate Interviews · Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer “A rental deposit scheme for students is something I’m incredibly eager to set up just so students’ renters have a bit more power. Drug harm reduction training and testing kits year-round is also something I think would be incredibly beneficial for students.

Katie Blain VP/Welfare & Equality

Interviews by Saoirse Higgins

is incredibly needed. Improving the colleges sexual harassment policy is What made you apply for this role? also a campaign goal that I am so pasI’ve been involved with the SU since sionate about because in the current first year is a class representative role climate this policy is incredibly inadbut I have been wanting to run for the equate. Another few goals I have is a role of VP for Welfare and Equality student Food bank for those students since way back in sixth year of second- who need it, a specified neurodiverary school. The final push that got me gent space on campus, preferred to officially run was just seeing and pronouns and names upon registrahearing what students were feeling tion and gender inclusive language with rent crises, their accommoda- workshops for both students and staff. tions, exam stress, the recent uptake I also think that students should have in spikings and gender based violence full and complete knowledge of the along so much more, I wanted to put services on this campus. Places such myself forward as someone who could as The Hub are barely known about, listen to these problems and work my yet they are so beneficial for students hardest to fix them. and the entite campus deserves to be informed about them.

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

A rental deposit scheme for students is something I’m incredibly eager to set up just so students’ renters have a bit more power. Drug harm reduction training and testing kits year-round is also something I think would be incredibly beneficial for students. Improving ccessibility to online classes and mental health services on campus is another thing I would love to take on should I be elected. Workshops centred around academic burnout and anxiety is something that

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

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I never back down when I’m helping my fellow people.

What is something that you hope to carry on from the previous officer if you were to be elected?

Active Consent training and awareness is something I have always loved to see around campus especially Consent week that happened earlier in the month. I think a lot of people don’t realise how important consent is and how often something harmful can happen without an understanding of its importance. I intend to continue working with Active Consent and running consent training should I be elected.

Finally, why do you think people should vote for you on March 3rd?

I am of the firm belief that not only would my manifesto goals be greatly beneficial to students lives on this I think the greatest obstacle in my term campus, but they are also incredibly will be the lobbying for better student achievable. Since coming onto this camaccommodation in both on campus pus I have worked extremely hard to accommodation and in the private improve the lives of the students I repsector as well as lobbying for better resent, and this role would only allow financial supports for all students. I me to work just as hard. I am coming come from a background of being part into this role with my own perspective, of SpunOut.ie and Comhairle na nÓg woth my own personal ideas but in this so I’ve dealt with politicians before and role, should I be elected I would want sometimes it can feel like you’re shout- to work with everyone on this campus ing into the void, but I believe myself to make it a more equal, accessible and to be a strong and steadfast person and positive place.

Candidate Interviews · Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer

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Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer What made you apply for this role?

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

One of my main goals is to secure funding from NUIG for a consultant psychiatrist for our student health unit. We’re the only student health unit in the country without a consultant psychiatrist which is shocking to say the least. We’re also the only student health unit that is a separate private company and so isn’t fully funded by NUIG which means it’s responsible for generating profit in order to operate which is insane considering it’s supposed to be for students and they only charge 15€ an appointment. The entire operation needs an overhaul, the staff’s salaries haven’t been reviewed since 2010 which is damning. NUIG need to commit to properly funding the health unit if they want to be able to say they’re

on par with other universities in Ireland. Hopefully this will start with securing funding directly from NUIG for a consultant psychiatrist. Another one of my main goals would be to create a strategy to integrate consent training into the curriculum. I think most people know at this stage that it’s a big issue within universities and as a woman it’s something I experience every night I go out in Galway. It’s a tricky one to navigate as there will always be issues with consent training bringing up trauma for people, so I think if I am able to implement a strategy it will have to include a designated person that would have disclosure training that people could speak to if they needed to opt out of the consent training. I think it’s time we start educating people about this subject, 1 in 3 women in universities have been raped. It’s not okay and we can’t continue to keep doing nothing.

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

I think my greatest obstacle if elected would be to get the university management to prioritise student welfare as opposed to being just focused on profit. We’ve seen in the past couple years things like #RipOffNUIG trending multiple times and NUIG trending on twitter for various reasons usually to do with the lack of

respect they afford their students. I’d love to make the management aware of the ways in which they can support students better which will cause retention of students and encourage people to apply to study here. It’s a win-win and I hope to be able to open their eyes to that.

What is something that you hope to carry on from the previous officer if you were to be elected?

One thing I’d love to carry on and expand on is the current process of securing period products free of access in every bathroom on campus.

Finally, why do you think people should vote for you on March 3rd?

I think people should vote for me because I’m committed to helping students. I’m an empathetic calm person who is a good listener with a knack for advice. I think my friends and anyone who knows me could vouch for that! I think this would really help me when it comes to case work with individual students. I’m also known for being an outspoken activist and fighting for my beliefs no matter what others think of me. I think this will be really important when I’m faced with lobbying the university. I will always stand up for what is the best possible outcome for students, no matter what the university says to me. I will work for the students and the students only.

VP/Welfare & Equality

I applied for this role because I’m passionate about the matters you get to deal with as the Welfare and Equality Officer. I’ve been an activist for mental health, housing, better drug policy, nightlife, sexual health and consent etc since I was a teenager so to advocate for these things within the student community and beyond as my job would be an absolute dream come true. This would be my dream job 100% and the only downside of it is that it’s not a permanent position!

8 Candidate Interviews · Vice President/Education Officer

Shalom McGillen VP/Eductation

Interviews by Caoimhe Killeen What made you apply for this role?

An aspiration for change, really. I love the saying “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I’ve been a class rep for two years now. There’s just been so many instances where students got the short straw, and I just found myself wanting to make that change. I think that this role is the best way to make that change that I’m so eager to be.

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

The first one would be to scrap or reduce the repeat exam fees. €295 regardless of how many exams you’re doing is not okay at all. I’ve never believed in it, I have repeated exams and have had to pay it, so I understand the frustration. I would also strive heavily for lobbying for people on placements, making sure student nurses don’t feel forgotten and constantly reminding them that they have rights. Another thing I don’t agree with at all is the extenuating circumstances policy. I think that it’s very flawed and that it needs to be changed altogether or scrapped. There are things on it where you don’t qualify for an extension if you’re under stress for exams if you have more than one exam in day or if you work a job outside college. Another thing I’m striving for is disability awareness with lecturers. There needs to be

“The first [of my manifesto goals] would be to scrap or reduce the repeat exam fees. €295 regardless of how many exams you’re doing is not okay at all. I’ve never believed in it, I have repeated exams and have had to pay it, so I understand the frustration.

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a complete overhaul because if a student timing. There’s only so many days, so breaks the rules, there’s a disciplinary process. many hours within a semester to make If a lecturer breaks a LENS report there’s no these changes that I want to implement. process for that, there’s no recommendations. But I want to take that “problem”, flip it Even small things like accommodations for on its head and make me more driven to people in lectures, there’s people who may achieve these things. not be aware they have a disability and not even realise. I don’t think they should have What is something you hope to carry on from the previous officer if elected? to fight to be listened to. I would strive for the reading room Absolutely her drive and commitment. to be open 24 hours, and to implement This year, I found the SU such a great there’s no more than one exam a day. I resource for getting people to get up and think that’s one that I will focus on a lot stand up and making friends. Them being very heavily as there’s some students so on the ground, friendly and hands-on who could have three exams in a day and is what made me want to go for this role, nobody should be expected to do that. less nervous to run and made me knew I would also strive for a LGBTQIA+ this is what I wanted to do because they week outside of Pride, as education on the made being a SU officer look so great, and community is essential in college to make I would carry on their on-the-ground prespeople feel included and a reading week ence. I want to be in front of students, for across all disciplines, for everybody espe- the students, all the time. cially for students in science and medicine. A reading week mid semester around Finally, why do you think people Week 5 or 6 would be vital for students should vote for you on March 3rd? because a reading week at the end of the I believe that people should vote me semester is all well and good, but you need because I’m very much willing to go the one in the middle of the semester so that extra mile, I’m very passionate about you have that break in the middle of the representation and student’s voices being loud and clear. I’ve spent two years listensemester and not just right at the end. ing to students and learning what needs What do you think the greatest to be done. Now I’m here and I’m ready to obstacle will be in your term if you make changes that need to happen. I’m were to be elected? not backing down from anything, and My biggest obstacle which I would turn I’m ready to make profound changes for into my greatest motivation and that’s everybody.

Candidate Interviews · Vice President/Education Officer

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A lot of college books cost students lots of money... so I’d move towards open resources. There are scholarships available for students to make their own resources and research as books as well. It’s already there in the university, so it’s about pushing it and making sure more people are aware and for more people to develop them.” What made you apply for this role?

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

There’s four main categories: Assessment, Educational Resources, Communication and Organisation, and Access. I’d implement a reading week for all. I know it’s on the verge of happening and so I’d work on it and hopefully you’ll see timetables next semester with a reading week in the middle of it. Another thing is open education resources. A lot of college books cost students lots of money and it’s harder for them to access that, so I’d move towards open resources. There are scholarships available for students to make their own resources and research as books as well. It’s already there in the university, so it’s about pushing it and making sure more people are aware and for more people to develop them. Then there’s paid placements. Student nurses are terribly treated, they have long

hours and they’re not even paid for it. Postgrad teaching students are doing tutorials with some being paid while some aren’t, again tying back to communication. It depends on who you’re teaching, what your scholarship’s like and what department’s school you teach in whether you get paid or not which just seems like very little consistency. There should be equal pay for equal work. An increase in disability support funding, as a lot of the funding is allocated to different schools based on the number of students, they have who are registered with the DSS. Funds are allocated in ways that aren’t necessarily beneficial. Some schools are over-resourced, some under-resourced, so it would be great if there was a central port the DSS could use to allocate funds to where they see fit.

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

Time. I’ve been in positions before where it’s a one-year term, it’s amazing at how fast it goes. From the get-go, you need to start working. I’m in a strong position to start because I know the structures of the university and I’m very aware of all the work that the SU has done. I’ve talked to other officers such as the Disability Officer, the International Officer, I’ve talked to Clodagh and to Emma Sweeney who was Education Officer the year before. So, I’m working on the shoulders on the people who come before me. I’m also going to segment my year; I’ll do

most of my research and planning in the summer and things I can do like upgrading the IT Building. If I can work it right and manage my time, particularly in the summer, I can get these things over the line and hit the ground running.

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

One thing that a lot of students aren’t aware of is a strategic plan on education by the university. Clodagh worked with it alongside Roisin, and its first stage of implementation will be next year. It focuses on peer learning, and I was a CEÍM leader last year, so I’m aware of different methods peer-to-peer learning. I’ll bring a strong perspective to that. There’s points in my manifesto that will tie to that plan and into what Clodagh has been working on this year so I can pick it up where it left off.

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

I know what I’m going to be doing from day one. My manifesto is beefed out with a strategic approach and it’s not just vague points. Also, it’s that I care. I grew up with dyslexia and a speech impediment and so that was incredibly challenging for me. It was something that defined my life and was a huge barrier to education for me, and it was only through great supports that I became the person I am today. If elected, I’ll endeavour to ensure students get a quality education and reach their full potential.

VP/Eductation

Last year when I ran for President, I saw so many problems that students were facing, and I really wanted to solve them with a proactive response. I think that the policies weren’t as strong last year in education, and it’s one of the things that I’m very passionate about. I’ve been a class rep for three years and an academic councillor. I was also on the Irish Second Level Students Union and have done research with the university, so education just made sense and fitted for me.”

Joe Mee

GAISCE GRUAIGE Shave, Dye or Wax this March to raise funds for the SU Charities!

More information from / Tuilleadh eolais ar fail ó studentsunion@nuigalway.ie NUIGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie

@nuigsu

Student Speak

We asked NUI Galway students for their opinions on the election, and what were the most important issues they wanted to see addressed in the election. Here are some of the responses. chun chabhrú le todhchaí an ollscoil a chruthú. Tá freagracht orainn ar fad é seo a dhéanamh. Ba bhreá liom SU a bhfuil chun léirsiú arís in aghaidh costas ard ar oideachas ag an tríú léibhéal.

Niamh Connor – Final Year Music Student I’m really interested to see what issues the candidates will raise during the hustings and hear what they plan to do post-election. The hustings will definitely sway my opinion on who I vote for on March 3rd , a s of now I am a neutral voter.

Katie Barragry – Final Year Journalism Student I’m really looking forward to this year’s election as I am excited to see what a new group of candidates are hoping to bring to the table. Every year, election time is such an exciting time on campus for students and candidates alike as we look forward to future appointments. I am interested to learn about proposed ideas and goals and how candidates intend to implement new strategies and ideas on campus for the good of the university community..

Jack Madden – Third Year Journalism and French Student In a city known for its character, its people, and it’s spirit, the SU play a huge role in transferring the charisma of Galway into the people’s perception of NUI Galway. We, the youth, can create history and at the same time dictate the future of a city we call home. We are the dentists, the doctors, the drinkers of Foster’s, and the SU are our megaphone. This is change for no one else. This is change for you. “Níl aon tóin thinn mar do tóin thinn féin.”

Christopher Callinan – Final Year Music Student

Tiernan Harris – Final Year Global Commerce Student As we exit covid restrictions and enter new beginnings, I’m excited to see the fresh ideas that candidates can generate to make the most of the new beginnings. I’m looking forward to see what each candidate intends to implement with regards to hybrid learning, on campus and at home given the hybrid working model looks set to stay post pandemic. I would like to see the new SU engaging more closely with the university to ensure the university is making the most of unused spaces and offices of staff who are working from home to create addirional study spaces on campus and look at potentially introducing a cinema/Ryanair booking style system to allow students to book study spaces and group study rooms efficiently and effectively.

I am passionate about the needs of students, so I am looking forward to seeing each candidate’s manifesto. I have followed some of the elections in other years, but this year I want to learn as much as I can about each candidate before I vote so that I make the best use of my vote.

Femsoc (NUI Galway Feminist Society) Caoimhe McCauley – First Year Arts (English, Politics and Global Media) As a student it is great to have a democratic structure that gives true representation to us in college. Voting gives us a direct say in how our Union is run. Every voice is valued and each vote counts.

Caitlin Ní Mhurchú – Fourth Year Cumarsáid and French Student Ceapaim go bhfuil sé tábhachtach vóta a chaitheamh mar mhac léinn mar is bealach é do thuairim a chur chun tosaigh agus tú féin a chur in iúl. Ceapaim go bhfuil sé tábhachtach do ghuth a úsáid

We need to see continued and consistent pressure on university management to reform the student sexual harassment policy and bring it in line with the principles of trauma-informed care. We need the issue of men’s violence against women to be made an absolute priority and to funnel resources into supporting survivors and into preventative measures. This year’s SU did great work in this area and we need people who are prepared to carry on this fight.

HÁIN C HC G Candidate Interviews · Vice President: Welfare and Equality Officer

Notice of Referendum

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#NUIGSU2022

ELECTION

Fógra maidir le Reifrinn

Thursday 3 March 2022

Déardaoin, an 3 Márta 2022

Referendum on Vice President for the Irish Language On Thursday 3 March you will be asked to vote in a referendum to amend the SU Constitution. The amendment was proposed by Comhairle Comhaltas na Mac Léinn on 31 January 2022.

Reifreann ar Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge Déardaoin, an 3 Márta, iarrfar ort vótáil i reifreann le Bunreacht Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn a leasú. Mhol Comhairle Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn an leasú an 31 Eanáir 2022.

The amendment, if passed will result in the creation of a full-time Vice President for the Irish Language

Má ghlactar leis an leasú, cruthófar Leas-Uachtarán lánaimseartha don Ghaeilge.

The wording which will appear on each ballot, requiring a Yes / No answer, is outlined below

Is mar seo a leanas a chuirfear na ceisteanna ort ar gach páipéar ballóide, agus beidh ortsa freagra Tá / Níl a thabhairt orthu

Article 7 The Executive Committee A. The Executive Committee of the Union shall consist of:

Airteagal 7: An Coiste Feidhmiúcháin A. Beidh Coiste Feidhmiúcháin an Chomhaltais comhdhéanta de na baill seo a leanas:

Insert after The Vice President / Education Ofﬁcer: iv. Leas Uachtarán don Gaeilge / Vice President for the Irish Language

Cuir isteach i ndiaidh ‘Leas-Uachtarán / an tOiﬁgeach Oideachais’: iv. Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge

Delete: v. The Irish Language Ofﬁcer

Scrios: v. Oiﬁgeach na Gaeilge

And renumber accordingly

Agus déan uimhir nua a chur ar na míreanna dá réir sin

Insert: iv. Leas Uachtarán don Gaeilge / Vice President for the Irish Language: 1. Shall have responsibility for promoting the Irish Language to the general student body and to this end shall initiate campaigns on relevant Irish language issues. 2. Shall represent members on various University committees. 3. Shall organise and chair the Coiste Gaeilge, having at least three meetings per academic year. 4. Shall follow the goals as set out by the Irish Language Strategy for the Union, and develop this as appropriate. 5. Shall support the work of Irish language societies on campus. 6. Shall also be required to give a mandatory report on work carried out at each Executive meeting.

Cuir isteach: iv. Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge: 1. Beidh sé nó sí freagrach as an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn i measc na mac léinn i gcoitinne agus chuige sin cuirﬁdh sé nó sí tús le feachtais ar cheisteanna a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge. 2. Déanfaidh sé nó sí ionadaíocht do na baill ar choistí éagsúla de chuid na hOllscoile. 3. Eagróidh sé nó sí Coiste na Gaeilge agus beidh ina chathaoirleach air, agus beidh ar a laghad trí chruinniú coiste ann in aghaidh na bliana acadúla. 4. Cloíﬁdh sé nó sí leis na spriocanna a leagtar amach i Straitéis Ghaeilge an Chomhaltais, agus forbróidh é mar is cuí. 5. Tabharfaidh sé nó sí tacaíocht d’obair na gcumann Gaeilge ar an gcampas. 6. Éileofar air nó uirthi tuairisc éigeantach maidir leis an obair a rinneadh a thabhairt ag gach cruinniú den Choiste Feidhmiúcháin.

Delete: v. The Irish Language Officer 1. S/He shall be responsible for the promotion of the Irish language and culture amongst the members of the Union. 2. S/He shall enforce the policy set out in Article 18.B. 3. S/He shall support the work of the Irish language societies on campus. 4. S/He shall be proficient in Irish. The Elections Committee may, before an election, demand an Irish Language Officer candidate to demonstrate his/her fluency and literacy in Irish. The Director of Spoken Irish in NUI Galway (or a person nominated by the Director) shall adjudicate. A lack in fluency or literacy shall deem that candidate ineligible for the position. 5. S/He will represent Union members on various University committees. And renumber accordingly

Scrios: v. Oifigeach na Gaeilge 1. Beidh sé freagrach as an nGaeilge agus cultúr Éireannach a chur chun cinn i measc bhaill an Chomhaltais. 2. Cuirfidh sé an polasaí atá leagtha amach in Alt 18.B i bhfeidhm. 3. Tabharfaidh sé tacaíocht d’obair na gcumann Gaeilge ar an gcampas. 4. Beidh Gaeilge ar a thoil aige. Féadfaidh an Coiste Toghchán éileamh ar iarrthóir ar phost Oifigeach na Gaeilge a líofacht agus inniúlacht sa teanga a léiriú. Déanfaidh Stiúrthóir na Gaeilge Labhartha (nó duine atá ainmnithe ag an Stiúrthóir) breithniú air sin. Measfar nach mbeidh an t-iarrthóir incháilithe sa chás go bhfuil easpa líofachta nó inniúlachta sa Ghaeilge aige. 5. Déanfaidh sé ionadaíocht do bhaill an Chomhaltais ar choistí éagsúla na hOllscoile.

Article 10 Students’ Union Committees & Fora

Agus déan uimhir nua a chur ar na míreanna dá réir sin

Insert: I. An Coiste Gaeilge An Coiste Gaeilge shall be chaired by the Leas Uachtarán don Gaeilge and shall meet at least three times per academic year. An Coiste Gaeilge will work to implement and develop the Union’s Irish Language Strategy An Coiste Gaeilge shall present regular reports on its work to Comhairle Comhaltas na Mac Léinn. An Coiste Gaeilge shall be open to all members of the Union.

Airteagal 10: Coistí agus Fóraim Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

This referendum has been requested by 500 members of the Students’ Union in accordance with the Students’ Union Constitution, Article 16.

Cuir isteach: I. Coiste na Gaeilge Is é an Leas-Uachtarán don Gaeilge a bheidh ina chathaoirleach ar Choiste na Gaeilge agus tiocfaidh an coiste le chéile ar a laghad trí huaire in aghaidh na bliana acadúla. Oibreoidh Coiste na Gaeilge chun Straitéis Ghaeilge an Chomhaltais a chur i bhfeidhm agus a fhorbairt. Cuirﬁdh Coiste na Gaeilge tuairiscí ar a gcuid oibre faoi bhráid Chomhairle Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn go rialta. Beidh cead ag gach ball den Chomhaltas a bheith ar Choiste na Gaeilge. Tá an reifreann seo iarrtha ag 500 ball de Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn de bhun Airteagal 16 de Bhunreacht Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn.

Vote on Thursday 3 MARCh 2022 Vótáil Déardaoin, an 3 Márta 2022 @nuigsu

NUIGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie

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Referendum Interviews on SU Vice · Vice President President: for the Welfare Irish and Language Equality Officer 13 13 Candidate

Referendum on SU Vice President for the Irish Language: Here’s all you need to know By Caoimhe Killeen

There’s already some arguments for and against the position, according to Ms Nig Oireachtaigh. “The main argument for is that we’re a bilingual university and should really be leading the charge on things like this, and that it’s such a huge job” she explains. “The only argument I’ve seen against it is that there’s better or different ways to spend the money, which I would disagree with because there was a specific budget set aside for Irish after the levy referendum so there isn’t much else, we really can spend it on beyond events and campaigns that don’t always happen because we’re relying on a volunteer.”

The 3 full time positions of President and Vice Presidents for Education and Welfare and Equality are not the only thing that NUI Galway students will vote for on March 3rd- you’ll also be asked to vote on a new SU position of Vice President for the Irish Language. The question being posed to students is simple- “do you support the creation of a full time Irish Language Officer?” You’ll then be asked to vote either Yes or No on the proposal. Eímear Nig Oireachtaigh is the current Irish Language officer at the NUI Galway Students Union. She’s confirmed that if this proposal passes referendum on March 3rd, the SU at NUI Galway will be the first such one in the country to ever hold a full time and paid Irish Language Officer position. The position that Ms Nig Oireachtaigh currently holds is part time, meaning that elected students are unpaid and must carry out their college degree alongside their SU work. However, it means that there’s often less time for the position to get the time that it deserves. “It’s such a huge remit that we’re hoping to just give the officer the time to really commit to it, make Irish more accessible for students, and implement the three-year strategy that passed at council on the 31st of January” explains Ms Nig Oireachtaigh. The proposal passed at NUI Galway’s Student Council was as followed- a referendum to replace the current part time position of the Irish Language Officer with the full-time position of Vice Eímear Nig Oireachtaigh President for the Irish Language. The Vice President for the Irish Language will “have responsibility for promoting the Irish Language to the general student body” according to the proposal and will “initiate campaigns on relevant Irish language issues” and “represent members on various University committees.” They will also organise and chair the university committee ‘Coiste Gaeilge,’ which will be open to every NUI Galway student. They will

SIN POLL on Referendum for Irish Language Officer Voting Yes – 63% Voting No – 37% Poll conducted on Twitter. 71 people voted.

60%

meet at least three times per semester and they “will work to implement and develop the Union’s Irish Language Strategy” with regular reports on its work presented to the Students Union. It will tie into the proposed duty of following the Union’s Irish Language Strategy as well as supporting the work of existing Irish language societies on campus. The Vice President would be working to ensure NUI Galway meets and surpasses its’ bilingual status in three years. The aim is to have a bilingual website, a bilingual menu in SULT bar and Smokey’s, official bilingual media correspondence, emails, and posters and two Irish themed weeks an academic year with two Irish events is planned for the first year alone. The goal would be to have all Union services eventually available in Irish in order for students to also correspond with the Union in Irish and to give all students a chance to learn and use Irish daily.

If this proposal passes referendum on March 3rd, the SU at NUI Galway will be the first one in the country to ever hold a full time and paid Irish Language Officer position.

”

na IRISH LANGUAGE WEEK

Tuilleadh eolais ar fail ó / More information from su.gaeilge@oegaillimh.ie

@nuigsu

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14 Exit interview: Students’ Union President

The year that was Exit Interview with SU President Róisín Nic Lochlainn By Valerie McHugh Róisín Nic Lochlainn has been a NUI Galway Full Time Student Union Officer since 2020, firstly taking on the role of Vice President for Welfare and Equality and most recently, in 2021, taking on the role of SU President. Her experiences with “the hardships and struggles that come as a direct result of our current broken education system” are what encouraged her to get involved in student politics in the first place. Speaking to SIN, Ms Nic Lochlainn says; “I don’t think there’s any motivation quite like coming from the place of vulnerability itself. From someone who had to use the welfare officer in my first year of college to being the welfare officer that had the opportunity to help others in the same position. I was an activist long before I was on the Students’ Union, so I was already angered by all of the injustices of the world anyway.” After winning the presidential race in 2021 with over 50% of the votes, Ms Nic Lochlainn’s passion and experience, derived from her experiences as a student and as the VP for Welfare and Equality, helped her to create a cascade of new ideas and changes for implementation in NUI Galway over her term. Speaking on what she deems her proudest achievements of this presidential term, she said: “As President, I think my greatest achievements are the ones that are going to have lasting effects

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for years to come. A lot of the work that goes on in Students’ Unions is often behind the scenes and has to be kept confidential. That being said, I am particularly proud of my work around free pregnancy tests and around period poverty over the past year, which is now in its final stages of procurement. This is something that, I feel, was never taken seriously in previous years by society as a whole, but we are beginning to see change and this will help countless struggling students’ over the years. “One of my most recent projects, which was actually brought to me by a student, is one that will benefit students for a long time – the student pantry. This is in its final stages, set to launch in the next couple of weeks, with Tesco, Aldi, and Lidl amongst agreed partners. This project will see the Hub being used to store thousands of euros worth of food from these supermarkets that would otherwise be going to waste, now going to students for free.” Speaking on the upcoming Referendum on Vice President for the Irish Language, which if passed will see the creation of a full-time paid role for Vice President of the Irish Language,

I am particularly proud of my work around free pregnancy tests and around period poverty over the past year, which is now in its final stages of procurement. This is something that, I feel, was never taken seriously in previous years by society as a whole, but we are beginning to see change and this will help countless struggling students over the years.

”

The launch of NUI Galway’s link up with The Hygiene Bank Galway

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Exit interview: Students’ Union President

Róisin along with Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Michelle Ní Chróinín, Dr Máire Geoghegan Quinn and Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh at the Irish Language Strategy Launch in July 2021

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Ms Nic Lochlainn also told SIN of her own involvement in the promotion of the Irish language at NUI Galway: “I am immensely proud of how far the union has come over the past 2 years in terms of the Irish language and I hope it continues on that path for a very long time. From working on a 3 year strategy for the union, to hopefully securing a full time Irish language officer should the referendum be passed, and the official name of the Union being changed to the leagan Gaeilge, I would be missing a large part of my time in the Union if I didn’t mention the Irish language.” Addressing the upcoming election on March 3 which will see a new SU President elected, Ms Nic Lochlainn spoke of the challenges they face and the things that she wants to see implemented this year: “The biggest challenge for whoever is elected as President next will be securing adequate funding for t le Cárta scin the union. Unlike Trade Unions, there is no ofi r i s c i n t l e C á r t a C C i r i legal definition Students’ Unions, and that leaves us without a certain level of protection. SU funding and autonomy is of utmost importance, and we just cannot afford to leave that off of the agenda. “There are a lot of things that I wouldi r like to see from the ir C isc C isc i n t l e C áfor r t a all Unions, int le Cárta newly elected SU president. I think engagement, has always been an Achilles heel. While we have seen huge increase in engagement with events and with SU council over the past 2 years, we need to maintain that increase. Unions nt le Cár nt le Cárta benefit all members. I think strategies are sure s c i key tot a making sci C ri C ri work is implemented, especially in Students’ Unions where the constant rollover of officers can make continuity of work SU CARD OFFER hard. Establishing a Sustainability Strategy for the Union this year with policies and goals clearly laid out could make it a lot ri C r C sc sc a int le Cárta “easier” for incoming officers to achieve ithings as carbon i n t l e Csuch árt neutral SU events and plastic free SU businesses.” nt le Cárta Ms Nic Lochlainn concluded by adding that sher iis s c i certain C that whoever is elected will do a “fantastic job.” She also assured participants that she will still “be around for advice” and finished SU CARD O FFER by wishing all candidates “ádh mór.”

With Any Hot Drink

16 Exit Interview: Vice President/Education Officer

“Continue to lobby for change and make NUI Galway a more accessible college for all” Exit Interview with Vice President for Education Clodagh McGivern By Caoimhe Killeen It’s been an academic year like no other from a return to in-person campus classes amongst strict Covid guidelines to the near lifting of restrictions. It’s no doubt impacted college student’s education across the country. However, the work of this year’s Education Officer Clodagh McGivern has eased this blow significantly. McGivern started out her journey in the NUI Galway Student’s Union as a candidate for the Convenor for the School of Business, Public Policy & Law in which she won and held the position for two years. While in the final year of her Corporate Law degree, she launched her successful bid for the role of Vice President and Education Officer of NUI Galway’s Student Union. But before running for Convenor, she had also tried to get involved in student politics at secondary school level having run for student committee and considered becoming a class rep in her first year. She decided to run when seeing a friend run for the position of Arts Convenor. “I remember the signatures being collected for him and I kind of thought to myself, if he can do it so can I” recalls McGivern. “So, I went around and started collecting signatures to be the

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next Convenor of the School of Business, Public Policy & Law. I was apprehensive about going for the position, but I ended up getting the position and I was re-elected the following year.” McGivern then took a year out of student politics to focus on her final year, thinking she wouldn’t run until last year’s full-time elections were just around the corner and she found herself considering putting her name on the ballot for Education Officer. “I had an epiphany and I thought to myself, it’s time to stop giving out about how students are treated and it’s time to get involved and do something about it” she explained. The biggest obstacle during her term? “Realising that the university won’t always agree with me.” McGivern cities the union lobbying for online exams at the end of the first semester as the biggest example. “We were raising it at every committee meeting, but there was reluctance to make the switch from in person” she explains. But she stresses that the best thing to do in these situations is to “not give up on something just because there is an obstacle.” “When the semester one exams were happening, we didn’t give up. We continued to raise it at every committee and make sure that student’s voices were being heard. We kept pushing by going to the media and having student’s concerns raised at a national level.” However, McGivern credits the rest of the SU team in ensuring that these obstacles are overcome and tackled head on. “I think that the important thing to know is that when you do face obstacles, you do have an incredible team who is there to support and help you. You have two other full time election officers and incredible part time officers who all have their remits and can help you gain a wider perspective on matters.

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Clodagh with members of the NUI Galway Students’ Union before the F*ck the Fees Protest

Exit Interview: Vice President/Education Officer

Clodagh, members of the Student Union and many others travelled to Dublin to campaign for the rights of student nurses in Ireland

“When you do face obstacles,

All NUI Galway students had the opportunity to avail of a ‘Rudaí Álainn’ bag which included some free facemasks and an SU card. You also have the other staff members like Chris, Joanna and Lorna who are always willing to give a helping hand if it’s needed along with class reps and the student body. I think it’s important to know that to know when you do have obstacles, you have a good support network to back you.” However, there’s still work to be done by the next Education Officer whoever it may be once they are elected as McGivern’s successor to the Education Officer role on March 3rd. And there’s one key thing that McGivern would love to see them implement- the NUI Galway Academic Strategic Plan for 2021-2025. It’s an implementation plan that focuses on assessment, digital learning and inclusion, peer-assisted

learning, and research-led teaching. “I think that it’s important that the next Education Officer works and collaborates with the different colleges to help make sure that the goals and the spirit of the goals are achieved” explains McGivern. “Accessibility has been such a hot topic this year, as students have seen first-hand how accessible college could be because of the pandemic.” McGivern continues: “The next Education Officer also needs to show management that this has not been forgotten, just because Covid restrictions have been lifted and that students wanting this is not a phase. They need to continue to lobby for change and let NUI Galway know that students want a more accessible college experience for everyone.”

you do have an incredible team who is there to support and help you. You have two other full time election officers and incredible part time officers who all have their remits and can help you gain a wider perspective on matters.

”

There’s no denying we’ve reached a stage where the Covid pandemic is slowly starting to fade into the background, but the issues that students face remain along with some new challenges. Yet, there’s no denying that McGivern has championed for student’s education needs all the way throughout her term.

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Candidate Interviews · Vice President: Welfare and Equality Officer 19

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ELECTION

PART T i m e O f f i c e r s ➥ Irish Language Officer ➥ 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 23rd February 2022 Nominations Close: 17:00 Wednesday 2nd March 2022 Election Day: Thursday 10th March 2022 @nuigsu

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