NUI Galway Students' Union Class Rep Handbook 2013 by SIN Newspaper University of Galway

CLASS REPS HANDBOOK

CONTENTS Â Introduction...........................................P.1 How the SU works..................................P.2 The role of a class rep...........................P.3 A guide to SU council...........................P.6 Negotiation skills....................................P.8 Class addresses.....................................P.9 Class bonding......................................P.10 Solving academic problems.............P.12 Welfare.................................................P.13 Career development centre.............P.14 Dignity and respect............................P.16 USI..........................................................P.19 SU council timetable...........................P.20

Hey Everyone! Congratulations on becoming a class rep! Whether this is your first or fourth time representing your class it is an incredible honour to be given the responsibility by your peers to air their voice on a higher platform. You’ll get a chance to have a huge input into how the SU at NUIG is run, you’ll get to make friends from all other courses and you’ll have a bit of craic while doing it! One of the most important things to remember is that the three sabbatical officers work for you. You are our boss! You are the ones on the ground that report back to us to shape our objectives. You’re our eyes and ears. As a class rep, you are the fundamental strength of the Union. You help carve union policy, you fight for the rights of your class, you make sure their problems are recognised and improvements made and you make sure that what they want from NUIG is what they get. Always remember that: 1) The Students Union belongs to you and your classmates 2) Your class is depending on you 3) With enthusiasm in you and support behind you anything is possible This handbook is designed to explain to you the what, where, who, when and how of the above! Don’t forget that your schedule of meetings for the year ahead is enclosed in the back pages. Your Students’ Union will be the key support for you while performing these tasks and you should never be afraid to ask for guidance, support or help. Talk to you all soon,

Catherine Breslin. Mobile: 0863853658 Email: su.education@nuigalway.ie

Class Rep Handbook - 1

How the SU Works Sabbatical Officers The three Sabbatical Officers have full-time paid positions and are directly elected by all students in the University. They are; President (Sean), Education Officer (Catherine), and Welfare Officer (Declan).These officers have definite objectives to look after different aspects of your wellbeing; from giving you advice if you fail your exams to making sure there’s a good night’s craic planned in the college bar.

College Convenors Each of the 5 College Convenors act as a kind of manager for the class reps in their College. A School Convenor will help to guide the Class Reps in a School if some issue is too daunting for one Class Rep to tackle on their own, or if it is a problem affecting more than one class which requires team work from a number of class reps. They represent their Colleges Class Reps and students on the Executive committee. The object of the College Class Rep Councils is to discuss individual issues specific to your department whilst Students’ Union Council discusses the University wide issues. Sitting on their schools executive is perhaps the most influential part of a School Convenor’s job is. At School Exec, some very important suggestions are made and outcomes determined that will be specific to courses and problems in that School, and as the School Convenor is a student in that School they can often have more of an impact than any Sabbatical Officer would to look out for the interests of these students. School Convenors then report to their Class Reps on the progress they are making at this level. The Convenors are more simply experienced class reps so don’t be shy to turn to them for back up.

Executive Members of Exec give reports to Council each semester. You can see the members listed in your SU diary, on our website and featured on the yellow posters around college. They were elected to their positions to help so never be afraid to approach them.

SU Council Students’ Union Council is where the decisions are made by Class Reps and other SU Officers on what actions the Union should take or what stance the Union should take on an issue. Voting is done on things called “motions”, which contain a “mandate”, which basically tells one or more of the Officers of the Union to do something. If members of Council vote in favour of a motion then it becomes Union policy. ‘’A guide to SU council’’ is given on page 6

2 - Class Rep Handbook

Executive Committee Coiste Gnó 2013 – 2014

President - An tUachtarán Sean Kearns

www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

Extention/Folíne: 2746 Mobile - Fón Póca: 086 3855502 Email - Ríomhphost: su.president@nuigalway.ie

twitter.com/NUIGSU

Education Officer Oifigeach Oideachais

Welfare Officer - Oifigeach Leasa

Contact - Teagmháil

Declan Higgins

Catherine Breslin

Contact - Teagmháil

Extention/Folíne: 3707 Mobile - Fón Póca: 086 3853658 Email - Ríomhphost: su.education@nuigalway.ie

Extention/Folíne: 2747 Mobile - Fón Póca: 086 3853659 Email - Ríomhphost: su.welfare@nuigalway.ie

We will be holding by-elections to fill the four vacant officer positions of

430 Officers Poster.pdf

21/08/2013

15:13

430 Officers Poster.pdf

21/08/2013

15:13

Mature Students' Officer Postgrad Officer

If you are interested in running for any of these positions please contact the SU President Sean Kearns on su.president@nuigalway.ie for more information. Nominations open 12th September 2013.

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Email - Ríomhphost: su.clubs@nuigalway.ie

Education Officer Oifigeach Oideachais

Welfare Officer - Oifigeach Leasa

SU CA

STE CHOLÁI

LS SKIL FE

SAO IL

’S

NT AT IO

E IST EG

EAN

KEY

ESE

SR IND

GE AEIL

AWARDS

ALL CA THE W

Mature Students' Officer

BOO

SMO

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Email - Ríomhphost: su.medicine@nuigalway.ie

Email - Ríomhphost: su.arts@nuigalway.ie

Contact - Teagmháil

CAIF

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Mobile/Fón Póca: 086 2530540 Email - Ríomhphost: su.science@nuigalway.ie

OID

ENTERPRISE

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Mobile/Fón Póca: 087 2905060

ÍSÍ

EIR

GU EA

IRL

M CO

SIO

SU CLOAKROOM

Contact - Teagmháil

AS ALT

CHO

We will be holding by-elections to fill the four vacant officer positions of

John Bourke

Contact - Teagmháil

TAIS CEAD ÁIN

INN

Email - Ríomhphost: su.education@nuigalway.ie A ENTER AÍ LEAS MobileFEAC- HTAS Fón Póca: 086 3853658 SECO INN IS E ND HA Email - Ríomhphost: su.education@nuigalway.ie C LÉ CHA ND MA A RD

Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte

Phelim Kelly

FIONTRAÍOCHTA

AN HT AC

Contact Mobile --Teagmháil Fón Póca: 086 3853658 DO CHOMHALTAS CEIM Extention/Folíne: 3707

Extention/Folíne: 2746su.president@nuigalway.ie Email - Ríomhphost: Mobile - Fón Póca: 086 3855502 Email - Ríomhphost: su.president@nuigalway.ie

Amy McDonnell

IC RV

SMO E& KEY Extention/Folíne: 2747 VIC SHO ’S CA Catherine Breslin EducationANOfficer SU AD FÉ SIOP ION A LE AT Oideachais ABHA3853659 Mobile - FónOifigeach Póca:- Teagmháil 086 UC LTA Contact R EXPLOR ED OMHA E Catherine Breslin A CH CÁRT Extention/Folíne: 3707 SIAM SAÍO Email - Ríomhphost:CHTsu.welfare@nuigalway.ie WELF HE NC

Email - Ríomhphost: su.council@nuigalway.ie

Convenor of the College of Science Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta

DIA

twitter.com/NUIGSU

Convenor of the College of Arts Social Sciences & Celtic Studies Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sósialta & an Léinn Cheiltigh

LGE

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

R CLÁ

www.su.nuigalway.ie

AEI

twitter.com/NUIGSU

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Mobile/Fón Póca: 085 8146576

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

Contact - Teagmháil

CH Oifigeach Oideachais T

Sean Kearns Extention/Folíne: 3707 President - An tUachtarán Contact - Teagmháil Sean Kearns Mobile - Fón Póca: 086 3853658 Extention/Folíne: 2746 Email - Ríomhphost: su.education@nuigalway.ie Contact Mobile --Teagmháil Fón Póca: 086 3855502

www.su.nuigalway.ie

Karl Picard

ION AD Education Officer Contact - Teagmháil AÍO

Extention/Folíne: 2746 Mobile - Fón Póca: 086 3855502 Email - Ríomhphost: su.president@nuigalway.ie

President - An tUachtarán

NA GRADAIM

CAIF

Contact - Teagmháil

AN SEOMRA CÓTAÍ

Declan Higgins

Catherine Breslin

Contact - Teagmháil

Students’ Union Council Chairperson Cathaoirleach na Comhairle do Chomhaltas na Mc Léinn

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Mobile - Fón Póca: 086 8523417 Email - Ríomhphost: su.socs@nuigalway.ie

Contact - Teagmháil

FÉ LL CA THE WA

2013 President–- An2014 tUachtarán Sean Kearns 2013 – 2014

Declan O’Loughlin

Contact - Teagmháil

BEÁR AN

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Mobile - Fón Póca: 085 7745770 Email - Ríomhphost: su.equality@nuigalway.ie

Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law

Clubs’ Captain Captaen na gClubanna

Patrick O’Flaherty

SU LI

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Mobile - Fón Póca: 087 9513967 Email - Ríomhphost: su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie

Societies Chairperson Cathaoirleach na gCumann

MA C LÉ

Contact - Teagmháil

Cian Shevlin

Equality Officer An tOifigeach Comhionnais

Contact - Teagmháil

LTA S

Aoife Ní Shúilleabháin

E BAR

Oifigeach na Gaeilge

COLLEG

Executive Executive Committee Committee Coiste Gnó Coiste Gnó

CKER

RS CIL

CLÁ

CMY

Convenor of the College of Engineering & Informatics

SU LO

Postgrad Officer

Convenor of the College Clubs’ Captain of Engineering Captaen na gClubanna & Informatics

Declan O’Loughlin Clubs’ Captain Captaen gClubanna Contact -naTeagmháil

Declan O’Loughlin3570 Extention/Folíne: Convenor of the College of Contact Teagmháil Email -- Ríomhphost: su.clubs@nuigalway.ie Business, Public Policy & Law Extention/Folíne: 3570

Patrick O’Flaherty3570 Extention/Folíne: Contact - Teagmháil Mobile - Fón Póca: 086 8523417 Extention/Folíne: 3570su.socs@nuigalway.ie Email - Ríomhphost: Mobile - Fón Póca: 086 8523417 Email - Ríomhphost: su.socs@nuigalway.ie

Email - Ríomhphost: su.clubs@nuigalway.ie

SKI

LLS

EAD Á

CHOLÁI

LIF E SU

IO AT

E VIC AD

VIC ER

CÁRTA

H CHOM

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Email -- Ríomhphost: su.medicine@nuigalway.ie Contact Teagmháil Extention/Folíne: 3570 Email - Ríomhphost: su.medicine@nuigalway.ie

DO CHOMHALTAS

ENT

SECO

ND H

AC L

LTA SN AM

HO M

AND B SMO KE

NT AT

LGE

AEI

FE N

CAI

SR IND

AFE

AWARDS

ALL C THE W

SU CLOAKROOM

ENTERPRISE

ESE

E IST EG

INN IS C LÉ CHA MA EA ARD NA SU C OID TAS Í L S A Í MH BH HO EIR AC S P S U SIO AG LE AIR MH CO

Class Rep Handbook - 3

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Email - Ríomhphost: su.medicine@nuigalway.ie

TAIS C

A FIONTRAÍOCHT

’S C AFÉ LEAB HAR

IOPA

EXPLO

N TA

AN S

Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences Convenor of the College of Medicine, Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, Nursing & Health an Altranais & na Sciences nEolaíochtaí Sláinte John TionólaíBourke Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte John ContactBourke - Teagmháil

H AC

Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte Contact - Teagmháil

E CH

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Mobile/Fón Póca: 086 2530540 Email - Ríomhphost: su.science@nuigalway.ie

KEY

SIAMSAÍO Extention/Folíne: 3570 CHT Mobile/Fón Póca: 086 2530540 Contact - Teagmháil Email - Ríomhphost: Extention/Folíne: 3570su.science@nuigalway.ie CEIM Mobile/Fón Póca: 086 2530540 Email - Ríomhphost: su.science@nuigalway.ie Í LEASA FEACHTASA

John Bourke

Contact - Teagmháil

IAN

Phelim Kelly

Contact - Teagmháil

RD CLÁ

Convenor of the College of Science Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta

Email - Ríomhphost: su.arts@nuigalway.ie

Phelim Kelly

AD AÍO

SMO

AN SEOMRA CÓTAÍ

AFÉ

Email - Ríomhphost: su.council@nuigalway.ie

Amy McDonnell 3570 Extention/Folíne: Contact - Teagmháil Mobile/Fón Póca: 087 2905060 Extention/Folíne: 3570 Email - Ríomhphost: su.arts@nuigalway.ie Mobile/Fón Póca: 087 2905060

Convenor of the College of Science Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta Phelim ConvenorKelly of the College of Science Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta

GE AEIL AG

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Contact - Teagmháil Mobile/Fón Póca: 085 8146576 Extention/Folíne: 3570 Email - Ríomhphost: su.council@nuigalway.ie Mobile/Fón Póca: 085 8146576

Convenor of the College of Arts Social Sciences & Celtic Studies Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sósialta & an Convenor of the College of Arts Social Léinn Cheiltigh Sciences & Celtic Studies Amy TionólaíMcDonnell Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sósialta & an Léinn Cheiltigh Contact - Teagmháil

NA GRADAIM

ALL C THE W

CAIF

ION

Students’ Union Council Chairperson Cathaoirleach na Comhairle do ChomhaltasUnion na McCouncil Léinn Chairperson Students’ Karl Picard na Comhairle do Cathaoirleach Chomhaltas na Mc Léinn Karl Picard Contact - Teagmháil

STE

If you are interested in running for any of these positions please contact the SU President Sean Kearns on su.president@nuigalway. for more information. Nominations open 12th September 2013

BEÁR AN

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Email - Ríomhphost: su.clubs@nuigalway.ie

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Mobile - Fón Póca: 086 8523417 Email - Ríomhphost: su.socs@nuigalway.ie

Cian Shevlin Extention/Folíne: 3570 Clubs’ Captain Contact Mobile --Teagmháil Fón Póca: 085 7745770 Captaen na gClubanna Extention/Folíne: 3570su.equality@nuigalway.ie Email - Ríomhphost: Declan O’Loughlin Mobile - Fón Póca: 085 7745770 Email - Ríomhphost: su.equality@nuigalway.ie Contact - Teagmháil

ÉIN

Extention/Folíne: 3570 Societies Chairperson Contact --Teagmháil Mobile Fón Póca: 087 Cathaoirleach na9513967 gCumann Extention/Folíne: 3570su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie Email - Ríomhphost: Patrick O’Flaherty Mobile - Fón Póca: 087 9513967 Email - Ríomhphost: su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie Contact - Teagmháil

Societies Chairperson Cathaoirleach na gCumann Patrick SocietiesO’Flaherty Chairperson Cathaoirleach na gCumann Contact - Teagmháil

E BAR

Aoife Shúilleabháin ContactNí- Teagmháil

Equality Officer An tOifigeach Comhionnais Cian Shevlin Equality Officer An tOifigeach Comhionnais Contact - Teagmháil

COLLEG

Oifigeach na Gaeilge

SAO IL C

Aoife Ní Shúilleabháin

EAN NA

Oifigeach na Gaeilge

RS CIL

SU L OCK ERS

CLÁ

The Role of a class rep • Leader – if there is a problem, your class will turn to you for guidance. If your class wants to do something, they will look to you to help organise it. • Spokesperson – if your class has something to say, it is up to you to say it. • Lobbyist - If a decision needs to be influenced in a student’s favour than it is up to you to try. • Advocate – If your class needs someone to stand up for them, then they will look to you. • Organiser – If your class wants to get together and have fun outside of class then it is up to you to plan an event. • Communicator – If something important needs to be said, you must ensure your class listen to you. • Listener – If someone wants to talk about something, they are going to want you to listen. • Carer – If someone in your class is having personal issues, they might ask you for advice. The key thing to remember is that there will be plenty of support for all of you from the Sabbatical Officers and Exec. Most of the time you will not have all that much to deal with, but if you ever need a hand with anything during the year, just ask one of us. We are here for you!

Duties Representation The most important part of your job is to represent your classmates. You are the voice of your class and it’s up to you to make us Executive officers aware of problems you’re facing, and bring us ideas for how to make the Students’ Union more effective for students. It’s important to realise you are representing your class, and not yourself when you’re in a class rep meeting. So if you know your classmates are opposed to an idea that’s being discussed, you must reflect that in your vote at the meeting, regardless of your own personal views. Try to get the support of your classmates if there’s a contentious issue up for discussion at a later class rep meeting (such as the Facebook ban or parking issues).

4 - Class Rep Handbook

Liaison As well as having a representative role between your class and the Students’ Union, you also have a role between your class and your lecturers, School, College and the University as a whole. Get involved in the staff-student liaison meetings if your School organises them, and if they don’t, why not meet up with the Head of School to have them set up. This is a great way of getting your classmates views put across to the people who can best address problems with courses, whatever they may be (timetabling, tutorials, individual lecturers, exams etc.)

Communication It is vital that you introduce yourself to your class as soon as you can after you’re elected. There’s no point in being a Class Rep if no one knows who you are, so be sure to stand up in front of your class, tell them your name and give out some contact details, either a phone number or an email will do fine. Always get your lecturers permission if they are in the hall beforehand, it is important to keep them on side. On page 9 you will find advice on how to address your class. It is also a great idea to set up a Facebook Group for ease of communication and for organising social events (e.g. ‘NUIG First Year History 2013-14’). Let them know that you are the go to guy or girl.

Dealing with personal problems Occasionally class reps may find that a member of their class will approach them with a personal issue that is causing them some distress. The best advice is to listen to the student as best you can and then depending on the issue come talk to either the President or Welfare Officer who will be able to deal with the matter. Always remember you are NOT a trained counsellor, so try not to take cases on, instead seek help and advice from the Students’ Union.

Class Rep Handbook - 5

Providing services Many class reps focus on bringing their class together as a group. Although your primary task is representative, there’s no harm bringing a bit of fun to the job and organising some extra services. These extra services can be anything you think your class might enjoy, such as organising class parties or trips away or arranging for branded class hoodies. Contact the Students’ Union as we can help you and tell you what’s available and on offer.

Attend Council You are the voice of your class. If all class reps actively get involved in the class reps meetings, and propose new ideas and raise issues, the Union can be very effective at bringing about positive changes that will help all students here at NUI Galway.

Feedback It can’t be taken for granted that the full-time officers will know about all the issues that affect ordinary students unless you tell us. We simply don’t have the time or the resources to be checking up on every class to make sure things are going okay, and that’s the whole reason we have class reps, so you can bring the issues to us. In order to improve we need feedback. We need to know how we are being perceived by our students. Is there anything they think we need to concentrate on to improve? Similarly your classmates need to know what actions the union is taking on a local and national level. They are the ones who voted, we report to them.

Get involved in SU campaigns In the SU we run various campaigns throughout the year to bring awareness to pressing issues in society from mental health week to sexual health awareness week. It is important as a union that we bring these issues to the forefront of our minds. We are always looking for volunteers so If you know anyone who is in your class and who would be interested let us know.

6 - Class Rep Handbook

A guide to SU Council The SU Council is a forum of students elected by their class to represent their interests to the Students’ Union (SU). The SU Council consists of all the Class Reps and the executive officers of the SU (the fifteen officers elected each March). Each class ordinarily elects anything between one and four reps, depending on the size of the class. Class Reps mandate the executive officers to follow through on SU Council decisions, policies etc. Essentially, the executive officers work for, and are accountable to, the SU Council. If we’re not doing our jobs, call us out on it.

What does the SU Council do? • Oversee the work of the Executive officers • Act as an open forum for student issues, where issues of concern to students can be raised and action taken • Represent each class and College to the Students’ Union • Communicate information between the Executive officers and the various classes and Colleges • Elect student representatives to various university committees. The whole point of the SU Council is to give the executive officers the best possible insight into what issues are affecting the students. Issues can then be brought to the attention of the executive officers and be dealt with as quickly as possible. If we’re not made aware of issues, we can’t fix them. The executive officers also report to the SU Council on what they’ve been up to in the course of their work, and what developments have occurred recently in the SU and the university as a whole. Each executive officer presents a report at each Class Reps meeting, which allows the Reps to question the officers on how well or not they’re performing their duties. As I said earlier, the Class Reps can mandate the Students’ Union to undertake specific policies or do certain things. These SU Council decisions can only be reversed or changed by a Students’ Union General Meeting or referendum of the entire student body.

Class Rep Handbook - 7

Procedural motions: If you find that a motion has been debated enough, you can use these motions to move along the council. You are within your right to call any of these motions during council. Once you ask for a procedural motion it must be seconded by another registered class rep or a member of the exec. The motions are as follows: 9A: That the question now be put. 9B: That the question not be put. 9C: That the question be taken in parts. 9D: That the question be taken at another time (next SU council). 9E: A vote of no confidence in the SU council chairs decision. 9F: A vote of no confidence in the chair. (if passed the chair will step down for that council and the VP Education officer will take over for that session)

8 - Class Rep Handbook

Negotiation skills First agree on the terms & scope of the dispute. Lots of negotiations get off to the wrong start because the parties involved have not taken the time to define clearly the areas where they disagree. To increase your negotiation skills: • Define where all parties agree and disagree - the main sticking points become apparent and areas of possible agreement come to light. • Discover possible areas of agreement - it sets a more balanced tone as all parties proceed further. • Define the scope of the dispute - you have already begun to take subtle control of the following negotiating process. See yourself from the other party’s point of view “Empathy” does not mean soft, emotional feelings of affection - it means the ability to put yourself in the other person’s shoes, to see the world from his/her point of view. You can agree or disagree with whatever the other party sees or believes, but you will do well to understand it. By understanding it, you will have the advantage in knowing how to present what you seek as a fair outcome in terms that the other party will be able to accept and understand, rather than fear. Be honest, and get your facts right. You can’t negotiate successfully if you lose or lack credibility. Never knowingly make a false statement or assertion, but even that is not enough. Very often, successful negotiation comes down to having more - and more accurate - information than the other party. For that reason, be sure to do your homework, so that you can speak of many facets of the issues at hand with confidence. Use silence to your advantage. Loud displays or “blowing off steam” will almost always work to your disadvantage. Experienced negotiators who use such styles know how to feign such emotions at strategic points in time, in a purposeful fashion. Always remember to keep your cool!

Class Rep Handbook - 9

Class Addresses Everyone finds public speaking intimidating at first, but you’ll soon get used to it. Remembering the following points should help. • Always have something valid to say • Prepare the points you want to make – make notes but try not to read from them • Keep it short! The general rule is that speeches with 3 key points are the easiest to remember, so this can help when thinking what to say • Use a microphone or raise your voice to make sure everyone can hear you • Look into the audience • Speak slowly and clearly • If people are talking or not paying attention, a simple pause can bring them back • If you don’t have an answer to a question be honest and say you will investigate the matter and get back to them with details • • Don’t try to be funny unless you really are!

Remember the rule of three! 1. Tell them what you’re going to say 2. Say it 3. Tell them what you said Here’s an example of an Undergraduate introduction, but most of it can apply to any class, whether Undergraduate or Postgraduate. ‘Hi, I’m Ryan Boyle, I’m from Castlebar in Mayo and I’ll be your class rep for the year ahead. I’ve just set up a Facebook Group under ‘NUIG First Year History 2013-14’ where I’ve put up my contact details and I’ll be inviting you all to join that. I’d like to organise a class party in the College Bar for you all sometime next week, so if you can all leave a comment on the page, or email me, about what days are good or bad for you, we can work something out from there. If you have any other ideas about events we should organise or trips away you think we should run, just leave a comment or email or just talk to me in person. My role as class rep is basically to act as the go-to person when you have a problem with the course, or with the University as a whole, or if you have any complaints or ideas you want passed on to the Students’ Union. I’m one of a couple hundred class reps in the University, and our job is to collectively tell the Union officers what to do, whether that involves new campaigns or events, or to do something about our courses or facilities on campus. I’ll be attending three class rep meetings this semester where I can raise any issues you have with the full-time Students’ Union officers, so don’t hesitate to let me know of any issues, whatever they are, in person, by email, or on the Facebook Group. Anyway, I hope to have a date set for the class party by the end of this week, and if you want to suggest another social event, I’m all ears. If you’ve any questions about the Students’ Union, you can check out their website at www.su.nuigalway. ie . My own email address is.example.2@nuigalway.ie and I’ll be checking it regularly.

Thanks’.

10 - Class Rep Handbook

Class Bonding These classmates that you sit with everyday are going to accompany you through college for the next few years. Everyone one of them will find it tough at some stage therefore it is important that they feel comfortable in their class. College is such an opportunity to make new friends. A close-knit group of classmates can make everyone’s journey through college easier. Also, the closer your group of classmates are the easier your job as a class rep will be, so it is definitely in your interest to do some class bonding activities during your term as class rep.

Promotion Class Addresses • People like putting a face to a name, so make class addresses about events regularly. • Writing info on the lecture black/whiteboards is a good way of informing your class too.

Facebook • Setting up a Facebook group (e.g. Science ‘14) can help keep everyone in the loop. • Create an online poll to see what date is the most popular and then create a Facebook eventswith full details of the class party/trip. • Invite all your class mates, and encourage others to do the same. • The more people you have in the loop, the better.

Class Trips There is no restriction on where your class trip has to go to. It is literally up to you to come up with an affordable but fun and often unique class trip. Be very careful with trips as the money can be tricky to deal with. Keep records of every cent you receive and how you spent it. Make sure to get the money up front – don’t be left out of pocket yourself

Things to consider Transport costs: Hire a bus or make sure there are enough drivers in the class to give people lifts. Accommodation: Is it necessary to stay overnight? How much is the hostel? Food included? Insurance: Ask the SU if you need insurance for the trip and what you have to do in order to be covered by the college’s insurance policy. Age: Is anyone in your class under 18? Check with the SU to see what obligations you have with underage students, there may be a child protection policy.

Class Rep Handbook - 11

International trips Some class rep organise trips over sees for their classmates. These trips require a lot of confidence in your fellow classmates therefore they suit smaller numbers. Overseas trips can get very complicated very quickly, so be sure to sit down with someone not involved to make sure you have the entire trip planned carefully. Everything said about trips in Ireland applies even more so for overseas travel, and you need to be extremely careful with insurance. There are a number of travel agencies who can organise the whole trip for you, but they can be costly. As always, if you are in doubt about any aspect of a class trip, someone in the SU will be more than happy to help you out.

Class parties It can be sometimes hard to gather a general view of all the class especially if it is a big class. Therefore if it’s proving hard to ask around why not set up a facebook poll to gather what sort of venue is preferred and what date is more suitable. Preferably suggest days with a late start the next day if possible. End of exam periods, or the day of project/ essay deadlines are popular dates. The College bar is cheap (new drinks promotions), close and very easy to reserve an area in. Just drop up and ask the staff. If a nightclub is required, contact one of the sabbatical officers and we will be able to arrange a deal with electric Garden which is our official nightclub for the year.

Hoodies A great way to bond your class is to organise some class hoodies. These can be reasonably cheap, and everyone loves hoodies. Remember to consider all members in your class when picking the slogan – what may seem hilarious to you may be intimidating to others. It is always better to get these as early in the year as possible so it gives the class a chance to wear them into college. The more neutral the colour the more popular they tend to be. Again always ask for the money upfront so you don’t end up footing the bill yourself.

12 - Class Rep Handbook

Solving academic problems What “Academic” Means Academic affairs are everything to do with how you learn. This can be something as major as the opening hours of a library, marking and format of examinations and assignments to the demeanour and attitude of your lecturers or something like the opening hours of the departmental office affecting when you can hand up your assignments. There is a misconception that academic affairs are all extremely complex (and boring), but solving academic problems can be some of the most rewarding jobs you do as a class rep.

Who can help us? Once you have been approached with a problem the next step and often quite a difficult one is to knowing the right person to bring it to. Knowing who has the power to fix the problem is essential. This can vary between talking to a single person and raising the issue at a committee. If the problem is more complex than that, you should consider talking to one of the senior officers in the SU as they will know how to get it fixed. Know how to escalate the issue if necessary. If the first request is denied, take it to a committee or the head of department. If the head of department refuses, go to the SU and get help taking it to the next level.

Referral You will not be able to solve every problem yourself. It is vital that if someone asks you something you cannot do, you need to know who to refer the case to. Often someone in the SU can help identify who to talk to. Never try to solve a problem you don’t understand, or get involved in someone’s personal issues – that’s not your job. Finding the right person to help them is better for them and you. Also don’t forget to inform your class if you have been successful!!

I Don’t Know But I’ll Get Back To You You cannot be expected to know the answer to every question you are asked. If you get asked a really complicated question just use the phrase “I don’t know, but I’ll get back to you.” Then go off, find out, and give your answer later. You’ll be more respected for it, and people will come to you for help if they know you are working on issues. The last thing you do is give false information. Use the SU to your advantage and ask advice when you need it.

Class Rep Handbook - 13

Welfare If you’re concerned about a student in your class who might have mental health or other personal difficulties, feel free to contact Declan Higgins, VP/Welfare Officer, for advice. That said the following tips can help you help others! Sometimes just giving them a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on can help them with whatever is getting them down. You don’t always have to help, or give them answers or fix their problem, most of the time that’s not what they want. They just want someone to listen, you don’t have all the answers and they don’t expect you to have them. However, if there is anything you don’t feel comfortable talking to them about, you can suggest they get in touch with Declan at the SU, the Health Unit, the Counselling Service, their own GP, etc.

Be Careful You should be cautious when giving advice; unless you are an expert in the area that a person is seeking advice on, don’t do it. You can still help though, many people facing various problems find it difficult to take the first step of seeking help and half the time you can simply do some googling for them and find a support service that they can turn to. If you’re unsure of what service to refer them to, refer them to Declan and he will be able to refer them on to someone who can help!

Bear in Mind Part of dealing effectively with queries is knowing when to refer a query on to someone else. If you feel that you are unable or not responsible for dealing with a particular issue, pass them on to one of the full-time officers who will help the student find a solution. Remember that confidentiality is implicit in the fact that someone comes to you as their elected representative with a concern.

Good Listeners 1. Make private space for listening. 2. Minimise the need to rummage. 3. Make listening a priority. 4. Set limits on listening time (max 20 minutes). 5. Accept limitations and anxieties and pass on serious cases to the Welfare or Education Officer. 6. Avoid assuming they’ve heard all there is to say – ask them if there is anything they would like to talk about. 7. Listen more than talk 8. Do not give advice unless required to do so – delegate to the Education and Welfare Officers. 9. Check every so often that you have heard what has been said.

14 - Class Rep Handbook

Career Development Centre An tIonad Forbartha Gairmeacha The Career Development Centre is committed to facilitating the development of NUI Galway students, empowering them to make successful transitions towards fulfilling careers.

Visit us... • You don’t need an appointment to get information – just come in to our Enquiries Desk. We’re in the Arts/Science Building (near the bridge into IT and upstairs from ISS). • Book an appointment through CAREERS CONNECT www.nuigalway.ie/careers (click on Book an Appointment and then select the type of appointment).

Check out our Career Events... • Meet employers at our Fairs, employer presentations and workshops on campus. • Sign up for a workshop - CV and interview skills, writing a personal statement, teaching , accountancy and law applications. • Talks on careers as well as options with your degree.

Find us online... • www.nuigalway.ie/careers CAREERS CONNECT – log in (Student ID and password) to get alerts on job opportunities & events, book into an event or appointment, or send us a query • Our website also has news, tips, FAQs on job search and careers information, links • www.facebook.com/Careers.NUIGalway • www.twitter.com/NUIGCareers • You’ll also find us on YouTube, Pinterest and Wordpress this year. All our services are completely free and available to NUI Galway students!

Class Rep Handbook - 15

Class reps and the Career Development Centre Meet with the Careers Adviser for your College* • discuss how you can work together • review events relevant for your class. • agree ways that you can promote career events • explore how to increase opportunities for the class to meet with relevant employers • review the possibility of offering workshops specifically for the class (e.g. CVs, Interviews, creative job search etc) *College of Science, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences – John Hannon johnanthony.hannon@nuigalway.ie College of Business, Public Policy and Law, College of Engineering and Informatics – Pamela Devins pamela.devins@nuigalway College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies – J osephine Walsh josephine.walsh@nuigalway.ie

16 - Class Rep Handbook

Dignity and Respect within the College Here at NUI Galway we are fortunate enough to have students and staff from all walks of life; from different cultures, countries and continents with just as many types of race, religion and background in the pot to make our campus one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan in Ireland. The only sensible option in a place with so many different personalities is to treat everybody on campus with respect and dignity – leaving the University free of discrimination, bullying and harassment and filled instead with an amicable atmosphere of fun and learning.

Your Role as Class Rep The Class Rep must represent the class in both the Students’ Union and in the university itself (obviously!), but a very important part of being a successful Rep is to make sure that everybody in the class in treated fairly in an academic capacity – and indeed treated fairly in general. As a Rep you can always serve as an outlet if a classmate feels mistreated, and in the fortunately rare instance of unfair treatment in the classroom you as Rep can ensure just and equal treatment for all. Seem daunting? Don’t panic! The SU and the University administration all feel just as strongly as you do about the fair treatment of everybody in the class.

Who Can I Turn to for Help? If you feel out of your depth or require any assistance at all in maintaining the University’s policies of fair treatment, there are loads of people you can turn to for help. In the SU your Course Convenor, the Welfare Officer and especially the Equality officer Cian Shevlin all can lend a helping hand in making sure what’s fair is fair as you and your class learn and grow together.

Class Rep Handbook - 17

NUI Galway Students’ Union EXPLORE Innovation Initiative

TURN YOUR IDEA INTO REALITY ON CAMPUS Come up with an innovative idea Team up with a staff member Apply to EXPLORE for up to €1,000 funding Put idea into action!

What is EXPLORE? The first scheme of its kind in the Irish third-level sector, EXPLORE support students and university staff to collaborate on new, innovative projects (outside of regular coursework) to benefit NUI Galway and/or the wider community.

Why take part? 1. See your idea come to life 2. Develop transferable skills to boost your CV and interview performance 3. Have your say on campus 4. Develop a peer-to-peer working relationship with a staff member 5. Impact the next generation of students by transforming your project into a sustainable feature at NUI Galway

For more information, contact: The EXPLORE Coordinator, Students’ Union, Áras na Mac Léinn E. su.explore@nuigalway.ie

P. 091 494290

Find out more and apply at www.su.nuigalway.ie/explore EXPLORE is a joint initiative by the Students’ Union and NUI Galway. It is supported by the Bright Ideas Initiative and the Student Projects Fund.

www.su.nuigalway.ie/explore

22 :: Dialann Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh 2013 - 2014

18 - Class Rep Handbook

NUI Galway Students’ Union Enterprise Awards

Dates

Have you got the next big idea? Invest in your future. The business and social leaders of tomorrow are on our campus today.

Friday 29th November - Closing Date for Submissions

The NUI Galway Students’ Union Enterprise Awards aim to unlock the potential of the students of NUI Galway to invest in their own futures today.

Friday 28th February - Final Submission by Finalists

If you have an idea for a new business or a social enterprise then this can be the competition that can allow you to realise your goal. Students are invited to sketch out the initial proposals for their project or business and to draw up the plans they hope will make their idea a reality. Eight finalists will be given the chance to take their ideas forward and to set about implementing their projects with the assistance of a financial allowance of €500 and workshops and clinics. The overall winner will receive a direct investment of €10,000 in their project to really help get it off the ground. In addition, they will receive further guidance and mentoring to help bring the project forward. Two runners up prizes, each valued at €2,000 of investment capital will also be awarded. The goal of the competition is that every entrant will have taken the first steps of launching their idea and that the benefits of each idea will have been allowed to flourish. In the challenging economic times students are faced with this competition gives students the opportunity to take charge of their own future and to utilise the skills they have learned at NUI Galway to plot their own futures.

Friday 13th December - Announce top 3 in each category

Saturday 12th April - Awards Ceremony Bailey Allen Hall

STAGE ONE

Participants are invited to enter their submission onto one of the two categories below. We encourage groups to be original and innovative with their submissions.

Competition’s 2 Categories

1) Business Category 2) Social Category

STAGE TWO

There will be 6 shortlisted finalists progressing to stage two and receiving a €500 bursary.

STAGE THREE

First Prize: €10,000 investment capital

Runners Up: €5,000 investment capital x 2 Email: studentsunion@nuigalway.ie

The opportunity to win an investment of €15,000 in their project, coupled with the benefits of mentoring and support from experts gives students a fantastic opportunity to kick start their careers.

20 :: Dialann Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh 2013 - 2014

Class Rep Handbook - 19

The USI The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is the sole national representative body for students in Ireland. Founded in 1959, USI now represents more than 250,000 students in over forty colleges across Ireland.

The Union works for: • An education and training system open to all, irrespective of any consideration of national origin, race, sex, sexuality, creed, political beliefs or economic circumstances, so that each individual can realise their full potential in the service of the Irish people. • An education and training system that through the development of art and literature, natural and social sciences truly serves the interests of the people of Ireland. • The right of students to a decent standard of living, with the right to adequate financial support, proper housing and future prospects of employment in Ireland. • The defence and promotion of all democratic and human rights. • The provision of student services for the benefit of the membership on the principle that control of student services should lie with the membership. USI is run quite like a local Students’ Union on a national scale. Instead of class reps, we have SU sabbatical officers who represent your college in USI National Council, just like you represent your class to your Class Rep Council. Every member SU sends a certain number of delegates to Annual Congress (which is USI’s main decision making body) at a ratio of one per 1,000 students and you could be one of your college’s delegates. If you would like to talk to someone from USI, or just want to raise an issue, the best idea is to talk to our Boarder Midlands regional officer Kevin Donogue who you will get to meet throughout the course of the year. USI has nine officers, eight of whom are full-time paid sabbatical officers. Everyone on USI’s officer-board started out as a class rep and is always delighted to help local class reps and local unions. USI is not made up of the officers alone, it is made up of every student in every affiliated college in the country – it’s your union!

20 - Class Rep Handbook

SU council timetable Class Rep training â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wednesday 25th of September SU Council Monday 30th of September SU Council Monday 4th of November SU Council Monday 25th of November SU Council Monday 20th of January SU Council Monday 3rd of February SU Council Monday 3rd of March

Class Rep Handbook - 21

Time

2pm – 3pm

6pm – 7pm

6pm – 9pm

6pm-8pm

6pm – 7pm

6pm-7pm

2pm – 3pm

6pm – 8pm

6pm – 7pm

6pm – 8pm

8pm till late

Date

Mon 7th Oct

Weds 9th Oct

Thurs 10th Oct

Mon 14th Oct

Tues 15th Oct

Weds 16th Oct

Mon 4th Nov

22 - Class Rep Handbook

Mon 4th Nov

Tues 5th Nov

Weds 6th Nov

Thurs 7th Nov

Mon 11th Nov

Tues 12th Nov

Weds 13th Nov

Mon 25th Nov

Mon 25th Nov TBC

IT250 Theatre

AC204

MY123

AC216

AC204

ENG2003 Lecture Room 2

IT250 Theatre

Students’ Union Exec Office

Cairnes Theatre

MY123

Kirwan Theatre

Larmour Theatre

ENG2003 Lecture Room 2

AC216

Students’ Union Exec Office

Room

TBC

IT Building (1st Floor)

Arts Concourse

Áras Moyola

Arts Concourse

Engineering Building

IT Building (1st Floor)

Áras na Mac Léinn

Arts Concourse

Áras Moyola

Concourse

Engineering Building

Arts Concourse

Áras na Mac Léinn

Building

CR Christmas Party

SU Council

Arts Council

Health Sciences Council

Science Council

Law/Commerce Council

Engineering Council

Class Rep Training 2

SU Council

Postgrad Council

Science Council

Health Sciences Council

SU Council

Class Rep Training 1

Engineering Council

Arts Council

Postgrad Council

Meeting

Class Representative Council Schedule 2013/2014

Semester 1

Class Representative Council Schedule 2013/2014 Semester 2 Mon 3rd March

Tues 11th Feb

Mon 10th Feb

Thurs 6th Feb

Weds 5th Feb

Tues 4th Feb

Mon 3rd Feb

Tues 28th Jan

Mon 27thJan

Thurs 23rd Jan

Weds 22nd Jan

Tues 21st Jan

Mon 20th Jan

Date

6pm – 8pm

6pm – 7pm

2pm – 3pm

6pm – 8pm

6pm – 7pm

6pm – 8pm

2pm – 3pm

Time

IT250 Theatre

MY123

AC204

ENG2001 Lecture Room 1

AC204

Students’ Union Exec Office

IT250 Theatre

MY123

AC204

ENG2001 Lecture Room 1

AC204

IT250 Theatre

Students’ Union Exec Office

Room

IT Building (1st Floor)

Áras Moyola

Arts Concourse

Engineering Building

Arts Concourse

Áras na Mac Léinn

IT Building (1st Floor)

Áras Moyola

Arts Concourse

Engineering Building

Arts Concourse

IT Building (1st Floor)

Áras na Mac Léinn

Building

SU Council

Health Sciences Council

Science Council

Law/Commerce Council

Engineering Council

Arts Council

Postgrad Council

SU Council

Health Sciences Council

Science Council

Law/Commerce Council

Engineering Council

Arts Council

SU Council

Postgrad Council

Meeting

Class Rep Handbook - 23

24 - Class Rep Handbook