NUI Galway Students’ Union Annual Report Tuarascáil Bhliantúil Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh
ANNUAL
Report
2018-2019
Contents • Clár na nÁbhar
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Presidents Foreword • Focal ón Uachtarán
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Mission Statement/Highlights • Ráiteas Misin/Buaicphointí
Executive Committee 2018/19 • Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2018/19
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SU Council • Comhairle an Chomhaltais
SIN Newspaper • Nuachtán SIN
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Elections • Toghcháin
Students’ Union Policies • Beartais Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn
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CÉIM
Life Skills • Scileanna Saoil
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Fundraising • Tiomsú airgid
Entertainment & Events • Siamsaíocht agus Imeachtaí
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Campaigns • Feachtais
Students’ Union Services • Seirbhísí Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn
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Incoming Executive 2019/20 • Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2019/20
Megan y Reill
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Presidents Foreword Focal ón Uachtarán
A chairde, I am delighted to present to you the annual report of NUI Galway Students’ Union for the year 2018/19. It has been a whirlwind of a year for us, with many successes and challenges along the way. This report gives you an idea of what we got up to. The Students’ Union exists to represent, defend and vindicate the rights of its members at all levels of society. We are a dynamic organisation and our officers and staff wear many hats; representatives, campaigners, committee members, advocates, activists and administrators to name some of them. From selling Leap Cards to students, to the food we provide through our Commercial services, all the way to representing students at the top tables of the University, our work is versatile and demanding, our reach and impact are incredibly vast. This year we reinvigorated protests across campus, holding a number of actions across the year on underfunding of mental health services, seating across campus, (even ‘borrowing’ some chairs from the Quad) and asking students and staff to walk out of their lectures as part of a coordinated national action to demand that the Government fund the future. We held more entertainment events than previous years and ran our first ever Charity week. We have been heavily involved in crafting the new University strategy, we have used the year to develop better connections with students in Shannon and worked with St.Angela’s Students’ Union ahead of the merger with them. We saw several motions passed through our Council during the year, and made sure our Officer reports were available to the whole student body in our efforts to be more transparent. We gave speeches at numerous events and met government politicians. We recently saw lobbying efforts pay off with the introduction of rent caps into Purpose Built Student Accommodation; a massive victory for the student movement as a whole. The above is a flavour of our victories. Of course there are always areas to improve. In years to come the Union should look to strengthen its own internal processes, as well as building links with the wider community. The spirit of rebellion should never be lost, and that capacity to dissent firmly kept alive. We must always hold the University accountable and strive to ensure the student voice is heard at every avenue. We must remember when to use our voices across a table, and when to use the megaphone.
I have been proud to lead the organisation this year. It has been an honour and a privilege to represent our incredibly diverse student body. Similarly, it has been a very productive year of collaboration and negotiation with the University, and we are grateful to the staff who support us in our endeavours. I would like to use this opportunity to thank in particular our own staff; Orla and Amber who run the wonderful CÉIM programme, our assistant manager Joanna, our receptionist Lorna and our General Manager Chris. Their work often goes unnoticed but their contribution to the success of the Students’ Union is vital. Lastly a note of thanks to my team of nineteen officers, a large team with an even larger spirit, who were enthusiastic in their work, Trojan volunteers and advocates for the Union, and I have no doubt went into every meeting and every exchange with students’ best interests at heart. A particular mention to the other two sabbatical officers, Clare Austick and Eibhlín Seoighthe, who have been passionate, hard-working officers who always went above and beyond to ensure the student voice was heard. They say a successful year is leaving something better than you found it. While our tenure is short and the challenges many, I have no doubt that we have achieved that. I hope you enjoy reading this report and long may the lasting and impactful work of the Union continue. Le bród,
Megan Reilly
UACHTARÁN CHOMHALTAS NA MAC LÉINN 2018/19
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Mission Statement/Highlights Ráiteas Misin/Buaicphointí
NUI Galway Students’ Union was originally established in 1911 as the Students’ Representative Council. This council was short-lived, the re-establishment of the body was proposed in 1913. The council was firmly established by the mid-1920’s, and in the 1960’s was formally developed into the university’s Students’ Union, then known as Comhairle Teachta na Mac Léinn. Founded in 1964 the function of the Union as per the Constitution shall be “to represent its members and promote, defend and vindicate the rights of its members at all levels of society”.
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We ran themed weeks each semester; on Mental Health, Equality, Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance (SHAG) and Culture.
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We had hundreds of staff and students walk out of class to join us in our Fund the Future Protest.
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We were chosen by USI to have a delegate attend the European Students’ Union Convention.
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We lobbied for a new library to be built and have seen the fruits of our labours in that this has become the number one priority for the University in terms of funding bid for capital projects.
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We attracted national media attention around our journalism students being awarded fees back, as well as our criticisms of Menlo student village for their increase in rent, and our Fund the Future rally.
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We used the opportunity of the opening of Goldcrest to call out extortionate prices in student accommodation.
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We worked closely with the One Galway movement during the year; a collection of Trade Unions and Students’ Union. In particular we hosted the crisis campout during the year, a stunt where we pitched tents in Eyre Square to call attention to how the accommodation crisis is affecting students.
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We lobbied successfully to stop the Hub being used as a catering space during Graduations.
“An injury to one is an injury to all” Highlights 2018/19 •
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We gained new student representation on both internal and external committees to the University. We increased our representation on interview panels for the Dean of Students, Brexit Officer and University Sustainability officer. We held a protest during the year around the underfunding of Mental Health services, and secured an extra €5,000 for the University Counselling service. We sustained a substantial campaign about seating across campus, including a stunt where we ‘borrowed’ chairs from the Aula Maxima, and had a petition in the form of a chair (Chairlie), as well as a protest in the Quad.
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We worked with the SMART Consent programme to train up over 40 students and staff to deliver Consent classes to over 400 first year students.
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We were nominated for 15 Student Achievement Awards and our Welfare and Equality Officer Clare
Austick won Student Activist of the Year on the night. We ran Mental Health Mondays during each semester, increasing our presence on North campus by being there once a week to give out free fruit and water.
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We helped organise and spoke at the Christmas tree lighting this year, using it as an opportunity to speak out against the Direct Provision system.
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We were given the chance to present alongside USI to the Joint Oireachtas committee on Housing around the increases in Purpose Built Student Accommodation. Shortly after this the announcement came that rent pressure zones will extend to PBSA and that student residences will have to register with the RTB; this was a major victory and something the Union has been lobbying for for two years.
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We expanded our Board of Trustees to include former Vice President for the Student Experience at NUI Galway, Dr Pat Morgan, and former NUIGSU Welfare Officer and current Registrar and CEO of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Eucharia Meehan
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We tightened up our processes at our Council meetings, having more motions passed than in previous years, as well as a sustainability policy. We created a documents section on our website where speeches and presentations we have given are posted.
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For the first time ever we presented to the University Management Team on Student Issues, and followed up by hosting a UMT in our Board room for a student specific meeting.
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We worked on the University of Sanctuary committee to secure Sanctuary status.
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We brought motions to the National Students Union around accessible campuses, the Irish language, Hate Crime legislation, sustainability and transport, all of which were passed.
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We have worked closely with St. Angela’s College Students’ Union in the run up to the merger to ensure student representation continues to be strong on their campus.
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We developed links with reps in Shannon College of Hotel Management and committed to being present at their orientation, as well as helping them improve services there.
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CÉIM, our peer assisted learning programme, saw another a great year of success. In September it will be piloted to the School of Psychology, bringing the number of first year students CÉIM is offered to up to over 1,500.
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We were honoured to host Pink Training, Europe’s largest Student LGBT+ conference (350 people) ran by the Union of Students’ in Ireland (USI) for the second year in a row which included 3 days of workshops, safe spaces and interactive talks to support and celebrate the student LGBT+ community.
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Through partnership with Galway City Council we secured €5,000 funding for a second year running to run a mental health campaign.
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We ran our first ever Charity week, with events like the ‘line of euros’ and a special Superclub with Electric
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We ran our first ever ‘Wind down week’ which saw a second and very popular outdoor cinema, as well as free yoga and hula hooping classes.
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We developed a Student Partnership Agreement, to be signed by the University and the Students’ Union; detailing where we commit to establishing committees and working together to ensure students are represented at every level.
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We hosted a European Elections Hustings, to encourage students and the wider community to educate themselves and participate in the vote.
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Executive Committee 2018/19 Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2018/19
Vice President / Education Officer Leas Uachtarán / Oifigeach Oideachais
Eibhlín Seoighthe
President / Uachtarán
Vice-President / Welfare and Equality Officer Leas-Uachtarán / Oifigeach Leasa agus Comhionannais
su.president@nuigalway.ie 086 385 5502
su.welfare@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3659
Megan Reilly
su.education@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3658
Clare Austick
Oifigeach na Gaeilge
Mature Students’ Officer Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta
Postgraduate Taught Officer Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe Teagasctha
Postgraduate Research Officer Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe i mbun Taighde
su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie 087 174 9570
su.maturestudents@nuigalway.ie 089 966 4053
su.pgtaught@nuigalway.ie 086 238 6183
su.pgresearch@nuigalway.ie 085 134 2748
Societies Chairperson Cathaoirleach na gCumann
Clubs Captain Captaen na gClubanna
SU Council Chairperson / Cathaoirleach na Comhairle do Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn
Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies / Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta & an Léinn Cheiltigh
su.socs@nuigalway.ie 087 677 8449
su.clubs@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810
su.council@nuigalway.ie 085 176 2031
su.arts@nuigalway.ie 087 133 1473
Convenor of the College of Science Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta
Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences / Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte
Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law / Tionólaí Choláiste an Ghnó, an Bhearais Phoiblí agus an Dlí
Convenor of the College of Engineering & Informatics / Tionólaí Choláiste na hInnealtóireachta agus na Faisnéisíochta
su.science@nuigalway.ie 085 204 8786
su.medicine@nuigalway.ie 087 621 0216
su.business@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810
su.engineering@nuigalway.ie 089 223 7676
International Students Officer Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Idirnáisiúnta
Gender and LGBT+ Rights Officer Oifigeach um Chearta Inscne agus LADT+
Disability Rights Officer Oifigeach um Chearta Míchumais
Ethnic Minorities Officer Oifigeach na Mionlach Eitneach
su.international@nuigalway.ie 083 884 4332
su.lgbt@nuigalway.ie 085 816 3837
su.disability@nuigalway.ie 089 456 7106
Adhna Nic Dhonnchadha
Brandon Walsh
Scott Green
Daniel McFadden
Chuka Paul Oguekwe
Ryan Guilfoyle
Liezel Ravenscroft
Alex Coughlan
Cameron Keighron
Sabrina Vaughan
Clodagh McGivern
Muireann O’Sullivan
Jibran Abbasi
Rían McKeagney
Roshan George
Victoria Chihumura
su.ethnicminorities@nuigalway.ie 085 231 3107
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SU Council Comhairle an Chomhaltais
For 2018/2019 the Students’ Union had an elected Class Representative pool in excess of 400 leaders. This year we worked to expand our class rep reach into the likes of Adult Education and Part time Programmes, as well as maintaining engagement with postgraduate taught students, postgraduate research students and Undergrads. With a concerted effort to standardise the election process across NUI Galway and the work of the Students’ Union Executive to collectively take responsibility for electing representatives, we were fortunate to have a diverse and vocal pool of Class Reps contribute to the work of the Union. Our SU Councils were overseen by our SU Chairperson, Sabrina Vaughan, who ensured documentation was circulated well in advance of meetings and that class reps had their voices heard at meetings.
At our SU Councils’, Class Representatives held the Students’ Union executive to account, provided direction on Students’ Union policy and debated motions put forward by their fellow representatives. This year we saw more motions than in previous years passed; in particular around Hate Crime Legislation, the 27th Amendment, decriminalisation of sex work, and a sustainability policy. Class Reps also attended comprehensive training at the start of the year, attended their College Councils and took part in the SU Elections and Leadership Evening, as well as volunteering at many of our events. Through the National Student Engagement Programme we provided additional Class Rep Training whilst also recognising the work of the Class Rep by providing them with a hoodie, and a very cool one at that! The Class Representatives of 2018/2019 proved themselves extremely engaged student leaders with a desire to improve the work of the Union and made a meaningful impact on the student experience of their peers!
SU Chairperson, SU College Convenors and Postgraduate Officers of 2018/2019 A special thanks to the work done by the Chairperson, College Convenors and Postgraduate Officers on electing and engaging with Class Representatives. • • • • • • • •
Council Chairperson – Sabrina Vaughan Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies Convenor – Rían McKeagney Science Convenor – Scott Green Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences Convenor – Liezel Ravenscroft Engineering & Informatics Convenor – Roshan George Business, Public Policy & Law Convenor – Clodagh McGivern Postgraduate Research Officer - Jibran Abbasi Postgraduate Taught Officer – Cameron Keighron
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SIN Newspaper Nuachtán SIN
SIN (Student Independent News) is Galway’s only student newspaper with 12 issues, one per fortnight. SIN is published over the academic year and has a circulation of 6,000 copies. The paper is student and campus focused, celebrating the achievements of NUI Galway’s students, athletes, artists, writers and staff. Everyone can contribute to SIN, and we have a variety of volunteer writers from disciplines such as law, commerce and journalism.
Shannon Reeves is our designer and has worked on SIN for a number of years. This year, Shannon created an entirely new design for the Election Special edition, and a new font and style for the Fashion and Lifestyle section. 2018/2019 Highlights: • •
2018/2019 Team: • • • • • • • • •
Editor – Áine Kenny Deputy Editor and News – Martha Brennan Features – Olivia Hanna Opinion ¬ – Tarryn McGuire Fashion and Lifestyle – Molly Fitzpatrick Arts and Entertainment – Sarah Gill Sport – Graham Gillespie Online – Marie Coady
This year SIN published 13 editions. Our team of volunteers produced a standalone 24-page Election Special edition in the run-up to the Students’ Union Elections. This edition contained interviews with Students’ Union election candidates, local election candidates, and former NUI Galway students.
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SIN won Newspaper of the Year at the Smedia awards. Áine Kenny won Editor of the Year at the Smedia awards. Sin was nominated and shortlisted for Student Media Outlet of the year at the USI Student Achievement Awards. We had the highest number of volunteers this year, from first year Undergraduates to Masters students from many different disciplines. This year SIN contributors interviewed many notable people, such as Nicola Coughlan from Derry Girls and Senator Alice Mary Higgins. The paper also exposed how NUI Galway have not invested in the library in over 20 years, and covered the dispute on the interest rate being applied to the student’s Sport Centre levy. Marie Coady also boosted SIN’s online presence on Facebook and Twitter by changing our online tone to a less formal one, which appealed to our student audience.
SIN is published in association with the NUI Galway Students’ Union, but retains editorial independence.
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Elections Toghcháin
In September elections were held for the new position of Ethnic Minorities Officer and also to fill the position of Vice President/ Education Officer following the resignation of Louis Courtney. Victoria Chihumura and Eibhlín Seoighthe were elected to the positions. Then in March the campus was engulfed in election fever for the Students’ Union elections. Thirty students put their names on ballot papers seeking election to the 2019-2020 Students’ Union Executive. Three polling stations and an online Remote Vote option were available for students to cast their votes. Ken Curtin oversaw the elections ensuring a fastidious adherence to procedure and regulations. Despite the high number of candidates, an election information evening and increased hustings, the overall voter turnout across the elections was disappointing. A further review of the election process is scheduled for the coming year to address this issue. No candidates ran for the position of Postgraduate Taught Officer so an election will be held in September to fill this position. The successful candidates in the elections were:
Position
Name
President
Clare Austick
Vice President / Education Officer
Cameron Keighron
Vice President / Welfare and Equality Officer
Brandon Walsh
Oifigeach na Gaeilge
Erin Mac An tSaoir
Mature Students’ Officer
Chuka Paul Oguekwe
Postgraduate Taught Officer
To Be Elected September
Postgraduate Research Officer
Emily Tock
Societies Chairperson
Oissíne Moore
Clubs Captain
Pádraic Toomey
SU Council Chairperson
Scott Green
Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies
Laura O’Toole
Convenor of the College of Science
Kenny Cooke
Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences
Aisling Fitzgerald
Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law
Clodagh McGivern
Convenor of the College of Engineering & Informatics
Sachi Sinha
International Students Officer
Avery Fenton
Gender and LGBT+ Rights Officer
Morgan Ruth Queeney
Disability Rights Officer
Alex Coughlan
Ethnic Minorities Officer
Victoria Chihumura
Fun at Sult Bar
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Students’ Union Policies Beartais Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn
NUI Galway Students’ Union adopts policies on various issues. Policy can be set by the Executive Committee, SU Council or a referendum of all members of the Students’ Union. This year SU Council passed policies and motions relating to diverse issues such as Hate Crime Legislation, the Student Levy, Decriminalising Sex Work in Ireland and the 27th Amendment to the Constitution. The following policies have been agreed by referendum in recent years: Students’ Union position on reunification of the island of Ireland Passed March 2017 NUI Galway Students’ Union supports the reunification of the island of Ireland and calls on the State to hold a national referendum on the question of such reunification. Students’ Union position on the Direct Provision System Passed March 2016 The Students’ Union condemns the direct provision system which is inhumane and denies asylum seekers their basic rights and calls for its abolition and replacement with a system which respects the human rights of asylum seekers. In line with policy supported by the Migrant Rights Centre and other concerned NGOs. Students’ Union position on the Decriminalisation of Drugs Passed March 2016 The Students’ Union has adopted a position actively supporting the decriminalisation of drugs solely for personal use. Students’ Union position on the Legalisation and Regulation of the Cultivation, Sale and Possession of Cannabis Passed March 2015 The Students’ Union has adopted a position supporting the legalisation and regulation of the cultivation, sale and possession of cannabis. Students’ Union position on the issue of couples of the same gender availing of Civil Marriage Passed March 2014 The Students’ Union has a policy of supporting couples of the same gender availing of civil marriage. Following the national referendum in May 2015, this policy has been fulfilled. Students’ Union position on the campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against the State of Israel Passed March 2014 The Students’ Union adopted a position in support of the campaign of “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against the State of Israel” (BDS Campaign) Students’ Union position on the Issue of Abortion Passed March 2013 The Students’ Union has a Pro-Choice position in support of the national campaign for full reproductive rights, which include a woman’s right to abortion, whether elective or medically necessary. No Platform Policy Passed March 2012 The Students’ Union is mandated to oppose any invitation to members of various organisations to speak at the University. Full details available on the Students’ Union Website.
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CÉIM
Initiated by NUI Galway Students’ Union in 2013, CÉIM is an academic peer learning programme that supports 1st year students’ transition to higher education, health and wellbeing, academic success, progression and development of transferable skills. Uniquely in Ireland, CÉIM is delivered via a partnership between students, academic staff and the Students’ Union and was offered to approximately 1,200 students in 2018/19. During the 2019/20 academic year, CÉIM will be further rolled out, bringing the total number of students being offered CÉIM to around 1,550 or nearly 50% of 1st year students. CÉIM is based on the well-evidenced Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) or Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) model used in over 30 countries. Student leaders from higher years facilitate weekly study sessions for small groups of 1st year students, creating peer-led learning communities where it’s easy to ask questions. Research shows that regular CÉIM attendees on average achieve considerably higher grades (11-31% higher) than irregular and non-attendees.
CÉIM in numbers • 3,650 1st year students have been offered CÉIM peer learning to date • 1,622 hours of peer learning have been provided • 255 2nd and 3rd year leaders have received intensive leadership training • 12,750 hours have been volunteered by CÉIM leaders • 99+% of Engineering leaders have completed the programme • 94+% of Arts leaders have completed the programme ‘My leaders were great in facilitating in any questions I had about the course, exams and even questions about college in general. It is great guidance and helps with independent study.’ 2017/18 1st year student ‘I have learnt so much more than I expected. It has been an incredible experience.’ 2018/19 CÉIM leader
CÉIM supports the 1st year experience
Smooth transition to higher education
Health & wellbeing
Development of transferable skills
Start of 1st year
2nd Year
Building social networks
Academic success
Progression to 2nd year
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Life Skills Programme Scileanna Saoil
The Life Skills Programme saw the Students’ Union running courses throughout the year to allow students the opportunity to enhance their life skills away from their academic studies and also improve their employability. The programme continues to go from strength to strength with over 500 students completing 12 different courses. In partnership with Galway Rape Crisis Centre a course in Disclosure Training was again offered to students this year which equipped them with the skills to deal appropriately with a disclosure of sexual violence. Child Protection Training was offered in partnership with the National Youth Council of Ireland. The SU worked with the Emergency Services Training Institute to bring more First Aid Responder, Manual Handling and Cardiac First Responder courses to Campus. These classes gave students vital lifesaving skills to allow them to deal with emergency situations. The SU worked with the HSE Suicide Prevention Officer to promote Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and safeTALK courses to equip students with the skills to recognise the danger signs for someone who is a suicide risk. The SU teamed up with Professional MMA Fighter Benjamin Davis from Shaolin MMA Galway to provide a very popular Mixed Martial Arts for Self Defence course. A series of sign language courses were held during the year which gave students the basic skills needed to converse in sign language with deaf people. Together with the Swimming Club the SU offered 12 week beginners and intermediate Swimming Lessons along with a Lifeguard Course. The Students’ Union also worked with Galway One World Centre to bring their popular Anti-Racism training course back to campus. Students got to de-stress and improve their flexibility at the SU Yoga classes which are now held all year round.
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Fundraising Tiomsú Airgid
NUI Galway Students’ Union ran a selection of unique charity events this year raising almost €8,000 for our chosen charities: Galway Rape Crisis Centre and COPE Galway. Galway Rape Crisis Centre is dedicated to providing a professional, caring and confidential counselling and support service for those in our community affected by sexual abuse and sexual violence. COPE Galway’s vision is for an improved quality of life in a home of your own for people affected by homelessness, women and children experiencing domestic abuse, and older people. In November we brought back our Big Fat Charity Table Quiz to Sult with fiendishly tricky rounds of questions devised by the SU Officers to test teams’ knowledge. Christmas came early again to NUI Galway with our Charity Christmas Jumper Night fundraiser in partnership with Electric and Four Four in November. There were cheesy Christmas tunes and lots of Christmas jumpers at the Super Club along with a whole lot of other early Festive merriment! In December students got to take part in The Ultimate Study Break again with the Charity Cake Sale AND Pet Farm Visit during study week. Campus was invaded by sheep, lambs, goats, a puppy, rabbits, ducks, hens, roosters, chicks, ducklings and geese. There was also plenty of cake, tea, raffle prizes and tunes from Flirt FM. This was followed by a lighting up ceremony for the new Christmas Tree outside Áras na Mac Léinn with lots of carols and festive good cheer! SU Officers, staff and volunteers took to the streets of Galway on a cold, windy but sunny Saturday in February for their annual Charity Collection Day during which they convinced the good people of Galway to part with their spare change! Our SU Charity Comedy gig featured comedian David O’Doherty in January in the O’Flaherty Theatre with all proceeds going to the SU Charites from a hilarious night. In March our Charity Week events included a Line of Euros, a Cake Sale, a Clothes Drive, the ever popular Sex Toy Bingo at Sult and another Super Club thanks to Electric and Four Four. The German Society held a highly successful Table Quiz in semester two and kindly donated the proceeds to the SU Charities.
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Entertainment & Events Siamsaíocht agus Imeachtaí
Freshers’ September 2018 Freshers’ events this year included another massive week of Orientation which included our Outdoor Cinema at NUI Galway, Speed Friending, Bingo, DJs, photo booths, karaoke, Clubs day, Societies day and the ALIVE Volunteering Fair. The Freshers’ Fair was back with student friendly companies, inflatables, freebies and yummy food from market stalls welcoming students to campus. 12,000 copies of the free SU Diary were snapped up by students in less than two weeks! Freshers’ Gigs included a table quiz with comedian Karl Spain, tunes from Daithi and Bongo Steve, DJ’s, karaoke and Bingo Loco at Sult. Students also got the opportunity to meet the SU Officers during an Ask Me Anything takeover at Sult. Working and Travelling Abroad Fair The seventh NUI Galway Students’ Union Working and Travelling Abroad Fair took place at the end of January in Áras na Mac Léinn. This FREE Event brought together J1 Visa Companies, travel companies, volunteering/adventure companies, internship and training companies to help NUI Galway students plan their summer. There were also delicious market stalls to keep bellies full as summer plans were hatched! Comedy Over the year NUI Galway students again had a chance to see award winning comedians on Campus at a fraction of their usual ticket price with all gigs just €5! The year’s comedy kicked off with an amazing double header gig from comedians Alison Spittle and Kevin McGahern as part of our Freshers’ events in September. During Global Week campus favourites Steven Sharpe and Steve Bennett presented A Stevening at the O’Flaherty Theatre. During SHAG week The Dirty Circus came back to Sult with their own special brand of Comedy, Burlesque, Cabaret and Sauciness! In January one of our campus heroes David O’Doherty returned to play another sold out NUIG SU charity comedy gig. In February comedian Neil Delamere brought his show back to the O’Flaherty Theatre with support from Gearóid Farrelly. Pink Training In November/December we were delighted to again host 300+ delegates attending Union of Students in Ireland (USI) Pink Training along with GIG Soc. Pink Training is the largest LGBT+ training event in Europe bringing together hundreds of LGBT+ students and their allies to get informed about their rights, their access to power and what they can do to bring about positive change in Irish society.
Wind Down Week Events In April we held a number of free events over Wind Down Week to give students a well needed break from the books including yoga classes, a hula hoop class, a drumming workshop, an outdoor cinema, a chance to meet some soothing reptiles and an amazing gig from King Kong Company at Sult. We also distributed exam de-stress items including stress balls, colouring books and skincare products. Sult continued to make sure everyone was well fed with free porridge during exam season with every tea/ coffee. Outreach Projects In October we hosted the Road Safety Authority shuttle and crash simulators on campus for a very informative Road Safety Awareness Day. We also distributed 100’s of high vis items and bike lights to keep students safe and seen. In October/November the SU challenged staff and students to Reboot Their Commute by taking part in the nationwide Commuter Challenge. 15 teams aimed to change their travel habits to more environmentally friendly options over the course of the month. In January the SU Education Officer launched Just Read a weekly social reading group for staff and students to come together for an hour and enjoy a good book or two. In March the SU organised 58 NUI Galway teams who competed in the Marchathon Challenge. 205 staff and students took part, with the 58 teams taking a total of 33,083,800 steps over the 4 weeks of the challenge! So that’s 26,467 kilometres or just under two thirds of the way around the earth’s circumference! We brought back the hugely popular Vintage Clothing Sale on a number of occasions during the year. In April SU staff took part in the NUI Galway 5k run in aid of Jigsaw Galway. Rugby NUI Galway Students’ Union partnership with Connacht Rugby continued in 2018/19 with students benefiting from huge discounts on tickets for all of the Connacht home matches throughout the season.
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Campaigns Feachtasaí
NUI Galway Students’ Union ran many campaigns throughout the 2018/19 academic year. These ranged from welfare campaigns focussing on mental health and sexual health to exam de-stress campaigns, accommodation protests and more. This year NUI Galway Students’ Union, GMIT Students’ Union and Please Talk joined forces to raise mental health awareness for students with a new campaign called Mental Health Mondays highlighting different Mental Health topics each week. The SU also held two Mental Health Weeks, one each semester, with events including positive pebbles across campus, mindfulness, tea, talks, documentary screenings, comedy, dancing, movies and the signposting of services both on and off campus. The Accommodation Crisis and its impact on students was highlighted by the Students’ Union many times this year. In September a Crisis Campout was held in Eyre Square to draw attention to the lack of affordable purpose built student accommodation. The SU also organised buses to bring NUI Galway students to Dublin to take part in the National Housing Protest in October. SU Officers also attended and spoke at Galway #RaiseTheRoof housing protests and drew attention to rental scams. Student numbers at NUI Galway continued to increase at NUI Galway this year without a corresponding increase in facilities and services provided for students. The SU led protests during the year regarding lack of Counselling services, the absence of social seating areas, broken microwaves and more. In October Global Week events included an Anti-Racism course with Galway One World Centre, a cultural trade fair, a panel discussion on Direct Provision and a Global Women’s Empowerment talk. Sexual Health and Guidance Weeks (SHAG) were run in both the first and second semesters with consent workshops rolled out in September to first year students living in Corrib Village and Goldcrest. There were extended hours of the free weekly STI clinic in the Student Health Unit during both weeks along with free rapid HIV testing clinics with AIDS West. The ever popular Sex Toy Bingo returned to NUIG, a fun and inclusive night with a focus on having more open conversations about sex. The saucy and sensual Dirty Circus cabaret was also back by popular demand. In February the SU also hosted the moving Not Consent Exhibition as part of its nationwide tour and also had a premier screening of the movie “The Meeting”. Wind Down Week in April encouraged students to relax, unwind, de-stress and breathe before exams commenced. The SU put on fun, free de-stress activities, such as hula hoop classes, drumming workshops, yoga classes, an outdoor cinema, a reptile petting farm and a gig with King Kong Company. We also gave out stress balls and our very own de-stress guide and colouring book!
The SU continued to support the Abortion Rights Campaign and organized buses to bring NUI Galway students to the National March for Choice in Dublin in September. In March the SU led staff and students in a lunchtime lecture walkout to demand the Government #FundTheFuture highlighting that Education is a public good and should be funded as such. Voter Registration Drives were held throughout the year to encourage students to get registered to vote in time for the local/European elections and the divorce referendum. The SU also targeted NUI Galway graduates to encourage them to get registered to vote for the NUI panel in the Seanad Éireann elections. The SU also hosted Workers Rights information sessions with SIPTU providing free legal advice to students. The Students’ Union joined with Galway Secondary school students in the Friday’s For Future protests to encourage the Irish Government to take immediate action on climate change. The SU also took part in the International Women’s Day #Time4Equality protests.
TAISCEADÁIN AN CHOMHALTAIS
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Siamsaíocht Saoil clár ENTS Clár Scileanna BOOKSTORE DIANCHEACHTANNA Students’ Union
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Students’ Union Services Seirbhísí Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn
Sult 2018 / 19 was another jam packed year with your only campus bar / restaurant / event space cramming in class parties, fundraisers, barbeques, signature pizzas, filthy food, Bia Boxes and all your favourite drinks! In the past year, we were thrilled to have hosted and supported a myriad of events including: • • • • • • •
18 x Charity Fundraising Events 106 x Class Parties 85 x Club Parties 115 x Departmental & Postgraduate Staff Parties 102 x Society Events 43 x Students’ Union events 36 x Live Sport events on our big screens!
Plus, all your favourite DJs; bands; comedians; karaoke and raunchy cabaret nights and loads, loads more! In additions to regular special offers, Sult continued distibuting free porridge to those with an SU Card, ensuring NUI Galway students don’t start the day on an empty stomach - especially important during exam times! Students’ Union Shop The Students’ Union Shop continued to perform strongly as your only on-campus convenience store, providing discounted newspapers, water, fruit and all of your stationary and grocery needs! The SU Shop has won numerous awards over the past number of years including the “Best Impulse Department” Award for 2018 in the ShelfLife Magazine C-Store Awards for the best temptation sections! Cafés Smokey’s Café, Caifé na Gaeilge and The Wall Café are still the top spots to relax / unwind / meet friends / plan your night out over a cup of the very best coffee on campus, bar none. Smokey’s Café continued to facilitate microwave facilities for students and staff all year and The Wall Café remained open all year long to cater for students, staff and gym bunnies alike! Keep an eye out for our regular offers and promotions. SU Card Our SU Card has been guaranteeing you better value; discounts; freebies and making it easier for dear loved ones to ‘put a few quid on the Card’ for almost 10 years! Available in every Student’s Union Commercial Services outlet, it’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the students and staff who supports us all year, every year – without you there is no us! Some highlights of the SU Card in 2018/19 • • • • •
Almost 2 million SU Card loyalty points awarded Nealry 2,000 dinners goven to members Almost 12,000 free teas / coffees In excess of 10,000 active accounts in 2018 / 19. Gentle craic, sound advice and heads’-uppery on offers, events and discounts straight to your inbox, via the SU Card Newsletter!
Sustainability The teas, coffees, sugars and condiments in all of Students’ Union Commercial Services outlets are Fairtrade, Organic, 100% shade-grown arabica, making the finest and most ethical availabe anywhere, on or near your campus! All of our cups, lids, stirrers etc., are completely compostable and traceable too. All that, and it’s still the very best value on campus. Fact. Go on – treat yourself! Reinvesting in You As always, the profits earned from any Students’ Union services are reinvested in the Students’ Union to further develop and expand what we do for you. What makes the Students’ Union services unique is the money you spend on campus stays on campus. Sult contributes €30,000 to the Student Projects Fund every year making it the biggest single contributor to the fund. Sult also makes a significant ffinancial contribution to the university and gives €30,000 directly to the Students’ Union, regardless of profit levels, to assist with its work. Student Employment Over 50% of our staff are students and in Sult, over 85% of our staff are students. Sponsorship of Student Events Over the course of the year we support many of the good causes run by the different charities, clubs and societies on campus. Lockers The Students’ Union rents lockers in various locations across campus. 1,749 student lockers were rented this year. Student Leap Cards A massive 4,792 Student Leap Cards were purchased from the Students’ Union this year. Students can now avail of a top up service in the SU to add credit to their Leap Cards and save more money. Secondhand Books The Secondhand bookshop service continues to go from strenght to strength. We sold 1,568 of your books this year. Students’ Union Cloakroom The Cloakroom is run and managed by the Students’ Union. Cloakroom staff are all students and the service is provided free of charge to students on Thursday and Fridays during term time. Students’ Union Diary 12,000 free Students’ Union diaries were distributed in the first semester. The diary is a useful resource for students and contains information on exam dates, campus facilities and Clubs & Societies.
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Incoming Executive 2019/20 Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2019/20
Vice President / Education Officer Leas Uachtarán / Oifigeach Oideachais
Vice-President / Welfare and Equality Officer Leas-Uachtarán / Oifigeach Leasa agus Comhionannais
President / Uachtarán
Cameron Keighron
Clare Austick
su.education@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3658
su.president@nuigalway.ie 086 385 5502
Brandon Walsh
su.welfare@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3659
Societies Chairperson Cathaoirleach na gCumann
Mature Students’ Officer Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta
Postgraduate Research Officer Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe i mbun Taighde
Emily Tock
Oissíne Moore
su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810
su.maturestudents@nuigalway.ie 089 966 4053
su.pgresearch@nuigalway.ie 089 442 6068
su.socs@nuigalway.ie 083 141 9712
Clubs Captain Captaen na gClubanna
SU Council Chairperson / Cathaoirleach na Comhairle do Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn
Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies / Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta & an Léinn Cheiltigh
Convenor of the College of Science Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta
su.clubs@nuigalway.ie 087 094 5959
su.council@nuigalway.ie 085 204 8786
su.arts@nuigalway.ie 085 723 1625
Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences / Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte
Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law / Tionólaí Choláiste an Ghnó, an Bhearais Phoiblí agus an Dlí
Convenor of the College of Engineering & Informatics / Tionólaí Choláiste na hInnealtóireachta agus na Faisnéisíochta
su.medicine@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810
su.business@nuigalway.ie 085 205 5717
su.engineering@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810
su.international@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810
Gender and LGBT+ Rights Officer Oifigeach um Chearta Inscne agus LADT+
Disability Rights Officer Oifigeach um Chearta Míchumais
Ethnic Minorities Officer Oifigeach na Mionlach Eitneach
Morgan Ruth Queeney
Alex Coughlan
Victoria Chihumura
Postgraduate Taught Officer Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe Teagasctha
su.lgbt@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810
su.disability@nuigalway.ie 085 816 3837
su.ethnicminorities@nuigalway.ie 085 231 3107
Oifigeach na Gaeilge
Erin Mac An tSaoir
Pádraic Toomey
Aisling Fitzgerald
Chuka Paul Oguekwe
Scott Green
Clodagh McGivern
Laura O’Toole
Sachi Sinha
Kenny Cooke
su.science@nuigalway.ie 085 208 6945
International Students Officer Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Idirnáisiúnta
Avery Fenton
To Be Elected in September
www.su.nuigalway.ie
facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion
twitter.com/NUIGSU
www.su.nuigalway.ie
facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion
twitter.com/NUIGSU