NUIGSU Class Rep Handbook 2016 2017

Handbook An Lámhleabhar d’Ionadaithe Ranga NUI Galway Students’ Union is a proud member of the Union of Students in Ireland Ball bródúil d’Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn is ea Comhaltas an Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

Table of contents /Clár na n-ábhar 3.

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9-10.

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13-14.

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17-18.

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22-23.

Welcome / Fáilte Executive Committee / Coiste Gnó College Convenors / Tionólaithe na gColáistí Membership / Ballraíocht Role and Function of a Class Representative / Ról agus Feidhm an Ion adaí Ranga The Key Duties of a Class Rep/Príomhdhualgais an Ionadaí Ranga Dealing with Personal Issues / Plé a Dhéanamh le Fadhbanna Pearsanta A guide to SU Council / Treoraí do Chomhairle an Chomhaltais Academic Supports / Tacaíochtaí Acadúla CÉIM Shared Learning / Foghlaim Roinnte CÉIM ALIVE Union of Students in Ireland / Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn Elections to the Students’ Union Executive Committee / Na Toghcháin don Choiste Gnó National Student Engagement Programme 2016 Pilot / An Clár Píolótach um Rannpháirtíocht Mic Léinn, 2016 Class Representative Council Schedule 2016/2017 / Sceideal Chomhairle na nIonadaithe Ranga, 2016/2017

Time Date Venue

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Welcome / Fáilte Well done, you’ve been elected to represent the views of your class!

It’s your job to tell us what changes your class want to see in the University and the Students’ Union to make your time here at Galway unbelievable.

The Students’ Union will help guide you to raise your ideas or issues with the University or support you by bringing them to us so we can help make the change you want to see. You also have a chance to shape your Students’ Union by attending SU Council. Here you’ll meet your Student Officer Team along with other Class Reps, find out what’s going on in the University and raise issues you’re having that haven’t been resolved.

Attending a protest in first year, pushed me on to be a Class Rep in second year and after being a Class Rep for two years it made me run to be a Part-Time Officer. I know from being a Class Rep it gave me a tremendous amount of confidence! You also make friends, you are familiar to the lecturers and you get the opportunity to improve on the following skills: public speaking, negotiation, activism etc. Not to mention the amount of craic you’ll have along the way!

After being elected as the SU Council Chairperson, I got to chair SU Council and got to be the Class Rep representation on the executive committee. This led to being more involved in the Students’ Union and built my confidence again and led me to run for Education Officer.

Being a Class Rep has given you the chance to represent the views of your class, to be the voice of your class and to be the backbone of the Students’ Union and to lead us during the year.

I am excited to get to know all of ye on a personal level and I wish you all the luck in the world for your year ahead,

Cathal Sherlock Cathal Sherlock Vice-President/Education Officer ~ Leas-Uachtarán/ Oifigeach Oideachas NUI Galway Students’ Union ~ Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh (091)493707 ~ (086) 3853658 ~ Ext. 3707 www.su.nuigalway.ie

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Executive Committee/ COISte Gnó

Vice President/Education Officer Leas Uachtarán/Oifigeach Oideachais

President Uachtarán

su.education@nuigalway.ie Vice President/Education Officer 086 385Uachtarán/Oifigeach 3658 Leas Oideachais

su.president@nuigalway.ie President 086 385 5502 Uachtarán

Cathal Sherlock

Cathal Sherlock

Clíodhna Nic Giolla Chomháill

Oifigeach na Gaeilge su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie 0044 7763 5726Nic 93 Clíodhna

Daniel Khan

su.welfare@nuigalway.ie Vice President/Welfare Office r 086 385Uachtarán/Oifigeach 3659 Leas Leasa

Jimmy McGovern

Daniel Khan

su.president@nuigalway.ie 086 385 5502

su.education@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3658

Oifigeach na Gaeilge

Vice President/Welfare Office r Leas Uachtarán/Oifigeach Leasa

Jimmy McGovern

su.welfare@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3659

Mature Students’ Officer Oifigeach Mic Léinn Lánfhásta

Equality Officer Oifigeach Comhionnais

Damian Duddy

Megan Reilly

su.maturestudents@nuigalway.ie Mature Students’ Officer 091 524 810 Mic Léinn Lánfhásta Oifigeach

su.equality@nuigalway.ie Equality Officer 086 228 3856Comhionnais Oifigeach

Damian Duddy

Giolla Chomháill

Megan Reilly

Societies Chairperson Cathaoirleach na gCumann

Clubs Captain Captaen na gClubanna

SU Council Chairperson | Cathaoirleach na Comhairle doChomhaltas na Mac Léinn

su.clubs@nuigalway.ie Clubs Captain 089 975 4741 Captaen na gClubanna

su.council@nuigalway.ie SU Council Chairperson | Cathaoirleach 087 7232 doChomhaltas na Mac Léinn na269 Comhairle

su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie 0044 7763 5726 93

Patrick O’Flaherty

su.socs@nuigalway.ie Societies Chairperson 086 852 3417 Cathaoirleach na gCumann

Patrick O’Flaherty su.socs@nuigalway.ie 086 852 3417

Convenor of the College of Science Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta

Christopher Mc Brearty

su.science@nuigalway.ie Convenor of the College of Science 087 656 5387 Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta

Christopher Mc Brearty su.science@nuigalway.ie 087 656 5387

su.maturestudents@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810

su.equality@nuigalway.ie 086 228 3856

Aaron Reeves

Caitlin Jansen

Aaron Reeves

Caitlin Jansen

su.council@nuigalway.ie 087 269 7232

su.clubs@nuigalway.ie 089 975 4741

Postgraduate Officer An tOifigeach Iarchéime

Cillian Moran

su.postgrad@nuigalway.ie Postgraduate Officer 087 0784 An769 tOifigeach Iarchéime

Cillian Moran

su.postgrad@nuigalway.ie 087 769 0784

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

Ciarán MacChoncarraige Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences

su.arts@nuigalway.ie & Celtic Studies | Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na 087 054 4499Sóisialta & an Léinn Cheiltigh nEolaíochtaí

Ciarán MacChoncarraige su.arts@nuigalway.ie 087 054 4499

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 hInnealtóireachtaagus na Faisnéisíochta

su.medicine@nuigalway.ie Health Sciences | Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, 087 7892& na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte an768 Altranais

su.business@nuigalway.ie Policy & Law | Tionólaí Choláiste an Ghnó, an 087 065 5357 Bhearais Phoiblí agus an Dlí

su.engineering@nuigalway.ie & Informatics | Tionólaí Choláiste na 086 026 0500 hInnealtóireachta agus na Faisnéisíochta

Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh su.medicine@nuigalway.ie 087 768 7892

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Diarmuid ÓCollege Curraoin Convenor of the of Business, Public Diarmuid Ó Curraoin su.business@nuigalway.ie 087 065 5357

Tim Murphy Convenor of the College of Engineering Tim Murphy

su.engineering@nuigalway.ie 086 026 0500

Oifigeach Gaeilge Oifigeach nana Gaeilge

ClíodhnaNic NicOffice ViceClíodhna Office r Vice President/Welfare Vice Office r President/Welfare President/Welfare r Leas Uachtarán/Oifigeach Leasa Leas Uachtarán/Oifigeach Leasa Giolla GiollaChomháill Chomháill Leas Uachtarán/Oifigeach Leasa JimmyMcGovern McGovern Daniel Khan overnJimmy Daniel Khan su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie Daniel Khan su.president@nuigalway.ie 0044 0044 7763 7763 5726 5726 9393 igalway.ie su.welfare@nuigalway.ie su.president@nuigalway.ie su.welfare@nuigalway.ie su.welfare@nuigalway.ie 086 385 5502 086 385 3659 086 385 3659 086 385 5502 086 385 3659 President President Uachtarán Uachtarán

Equality Equality Officer Officer Oifigeach Oifigeach Comhionnais Comhionnais

Megan MeganReilly Reilly

su.equality@nuigalway.ie su.equality@nuigalway.ie 086 086 228 228 3856 3856

Matu Mature Oifig Oifigea

Dami Dam

su.matu su.m 091 091 524 5

College Convenors / Tionólaithe na gColáistí

The College Convenors are by far the best resource made available to the Class Reps.

Get to know your Convenor, they’re here to help you resolve any issues your class may be having. If you are ever in the situation where you may be afraid to tell a lecturer a certain issue contact your Convenor or even the Education Officer. At the end of the day, we work for you and we have no problem talking to a lecturer.

Societies Chairperson Chairperson Mature Students’ Officer Societies icer Clubs Clubs Captain Captain Mature Students’ Officer Postgraduate Officer Officer Mature Students’ Officer Postgraduate cer Postgraduate Officer Cathaoirleach Cathaoirleach nana gCumann gCumann Oifigeach Mic Léinn Lánfhásta omhionnais Captaen nana gClubanna gClubanna An tOifigeach Iarchéime Captaen An tOifigeach Iarchéime Oifigeach Mic Léinn Lánfhásta omhionnais Oifigeach Mic Léinn Lánfhásta An tOifigeach Iarchéime

Patrick Patrick O’Flaherty O’Flaherty Damian Duddy Caitlin Caitlin Jansen Jansen Damian DuddytoDamian It’s important note that although weMoran are hereCillian for advice, would very much rather Moranlecturers Cillian Duddy Moran su.socs@nuigalway.ie su.socs@nuigalway.ieCillian su.maturestudents@nuigalway.ie @nuigalway.ie su.maturestudents@nuigalway.ie su.clubs@nuigalway.ie su.postgrad@nuigalway.ie su.clubs@nuigalway.ie su.postgrad@nuigalway.ie su.maturestudents@nuigalway.ie nuigalway.ie see you, the Class Rep. As you are in the class and a lecturer would take things a lot better su.postgrad@nuigalway.ie 086 086 852 852 3417 3417 091 524 810 56 089 089 975 975 4741 4741 091 524 810 087 769 0784 087 769 0784 091 524 810 6 087 769 0784 from you than an SU Officer. No lecturer will penalise you for doing what your class wants, that is your job and why you were elected class rep.

Reilly eilly

SUSU Coun C na na Com Co

Aaron Aar

su.coun su.co 087 087 269 2

Convenor of the of the College College of Medicine, of Medicine, Nursing Nursing & & Convenor of the College of Arts,Convenor Social Sciences Convenor of the of Arts, Social Sciences ain Convenor ofCollege thethe College of of Science Convenor of College Science SU Council Chairperson | Cathaoirleach SU Council Chairperson | Cathaoirleach Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences n SU Council Chairperson | Cathaoirleach Health Health Sciences Sciences | Tionólaí Choláiste Choláiste an an Leighis, Leighis, &hEolaíochta Celtic Studies Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na| Tionólaí Celtic Studies | Tionólaí nDán,| |na gClubanna Tionólaí Choláiste naCholáiste hEolaíochta Tionólaí Choláiste na na Comhairle doChomhaltas & na Mac Léinn &nEolaíochtaí Celtic na Studies Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na Mac Léinndo gClubanna na Comhairle doChomhaltasnanaComhairle Chomhaltas na Mac LéinnSóisialta & an Léinn anCheiltigh an Altranais Altranais & na & na nEolaíochtaí nEolaíochtaí Sláinte Sláinte nEolaíochtaí CheiltighSóisialta & an Léinn

Conveno Conve Policy Policy & Bhearais Bhear

igalway.ie galway.ie 1 1

su.busin su.bu 087 087 065 0

ansen ansen

Aaron Reeves

AaronReeves Reeves Aaron

nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta & an Léinn Cheiltigh Christopher ChristopherMc Mc Brearty Brearty

Lorcán LorcánÓÓMaoileannaigh Maoileannaigh Ciarán MacChoncarraige

MacChoncarraige Ciarán MacChoncarraige su.council@nuigalway.ie Ciarán su.science@nuigalway.ie su.science@nuigalway.ie su.council@nuigalway.ie su.council@nuigalway.ie su.arts@nuigalway.ie su.medicine@nuigalway.ie su.medicine@nuigalway.ie su.arts@nuigalway.ie 087 269 7232 su.arts@nuigalway.ie 087 087 656 656 5387 5387 087 269 7232 087 269 7232 087 054 4499 087 087 768 768 7892 7892 087 054 4499 087 054 4499

ConvenorPublic of the College of Business, Public Convenor of the College of Engineering he College of Medicine, Nursing & Convenor of the & College of Convenor Business, Convenor of the College ofConvenor Engineering & of the College of Business, Public of the College of Engineering eing College of Choláiste Medicine, Nursing es | Tionólaí Leighis, Policy &Ghnó, Law | an Tionólaí Choláiste an Ghnó, an| Tionólaí Choláiste & Informatics | Tionólaí Choláiste na ghis, Policy an &anLaw | Tionólaí Choláiste & an Informatics na s | Tionólaí Choláiste Leighis, Policyan & Law | Tionólaí Choláiste Ghnó, an & Informatics | Tionólaí Choláiste na na nEolaíochtaíBhearais Sláinte Phoiblí agus an Dlí Bhearais Phoiblí agus an Dlí hInnealtóireachtaagus na Faisnéisíochta hInnealtóireachtaagus na Faisnéisíochta a nEolaíochtaí Sláinte Bhearais Phoiblí agus an Dlí hInnealtóireachtaagus na Faisnéisíochta

ÓMaoileannaigh Maoileannaigh DiarmuidÓ ÓCurraoin Curraoin Diarmuid Ó Curraoin Tim Murphy Diarmuid @nuigalway.ie

TimMurphy Murphy Tim

su.business@nuigalway.ie su.engineering@nuigalway.ie @nuigalway.ie su.business@nuigalway.ie su.business@nuigalway.ie su.engineering@nuigalway.ie su.engineering@nuigalway.ie 2 087 065 5357 086 026 0500 087 065 5357 086 026 0500 2 087 065 5357 086 026 0500

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Diarm Dia

Membership/Ballraíocht Welcome to NUI Galway Students’ Union!

NUI Galway Students’ Union is the representative body of students within NUI Galway. Our main aims are to represent students, defend their interests and work on their behalf both within NUI Galway and nationally.

You are now part of the Class Rep System which is the backbone of the NUI Galway Students’ Union.

NUIG SU Structure / Struchtúr OÉG The membership of the Students’ Union is defined as all registered students of NUI Galway.

This means that you are a member of the Students’ Union and so are all of your classmates!

You can have your say as a member and one of the best ways to do this is through being a Class Rep and through SU Council! Always remember it’s not THE Students’ Union! It’s YOUR Students’ Union! It belongs to you, the students of NUI Galway.

How the SU Works / Conas a oibríonn Comhaltas na Mac Léinn?

1. Full Time Officers / Na hOifigigh Lán-Aimseartha The three Full Time Officers have full-time paid positions and are directly elected by all students in the University. They are; President (Jimmy), Vice-President/Education Officer (Cathal), and Vice President/Welfare Officer (Daniel). These officers have definite objectives to look after different aspects of your well-being; from giving you advice if you fail your exams to making sure students views are represented at every level.

2. College Convenors / Tionólaithe na gColáistí Each of the 5 College Convenors act as a kind of manager for the class reps in their College.

A College Convenor will help to guide the Class Reps in a College 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 teamwork from a number of Class Reps. They represent their Colleges Class Reps and students on the Executive committee. The object of the Faculty Councils is to discuss individual issues specific to your department whilst Students’ Union Council discusses the University wide issues. Sitting on their College executive is perhaps the most influential part of a College Convenor’s job. At College Exec, some very important suggestions are made and outcomes determined that will be specific to courses and problems in that College, and as the College Convenor is a student in that College they can often have more of an impact than any Officer would to look out for the interests of these students. College Convenors then report to their Class Reps on the progress they are making at this level. The Convenors are simply more experienced Class Reps so don’t be shy to turn to them for back-up.

3. Executive / An Coiste Gnó Members of the SU Executive give reports to Council. You can see the members listed in your SU diary, on our website and featured on the blue posters around college. They were elected to their positions to help so never be afraid to approach them.

4. SU Council / Comhairle an Chomhaltais Students’ Union Council is where 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 Students’ Union to do something. If members of Council vote in favour of a motion then it becomes Union policy.

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Role and Function of a Class Representative / Ról agus Feidhm an Ionadaí Ranga What is a Class Representative?

With the ever-increasing number of students attending NUI Galway it is important now more than ever that there is active representation for the student body. It is also hard for the Officers to make contact with the entire student body, so this is why Class Reps are a vital component to the Union.

Class Reps are elected by their classmates to represent their fellow students’ views to the college. They play an integral role in representing students, helping students overcome problems and maintaining the quality of courses. Class Reps act as a point of contact between the Class, Lecturers, Course Co-ordinator and the Students’ Union.

Class Reps sit on course board meetings at college level in which they act as the voice of the students, ensuring that the college takes into account the requirements of students in any decisions that are made. Basically Class Reps liaise with both the Students’ Union and the University staff to ensure all problems are solved and that a high level of course quality is continuously maintained.

How to express the views of your class?

For you to be able to express the views of your class you first of all need to know their opinions. You should never assume or guess what their views will be. Consultation can be a simple process and here are some ways of finding out the opinions of your class: • • • • • •

Ask them individually, one to one.

Ask them as a class.

Hand out a questionnaire.

Chat to them in groups in Smokey’s or in the Hub. Make yourself available for people to come and talk to you at certain times.

Discuss topics on a Class Group social media page.

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The Key Duties of a Class Rep / Príomhdhualgais an Ionadaí Ranga Gathering student opinion: To effectively represent the views of your class you first of all need to know what those views are. You should never assume or guess what the students’ opinions will be. Consultation can be a simple process and here are some ways of collecting feedback from your class, via a short questionnaire, ask as group after a class or by contacting them via email or in a Facebook group.

Managing class issues: It is difficult to predict what issues you and your class will face over the year, it could be course workloads, timetabling issues, lecturing issues, etc. It comes down to you as the Class Rep to try and find a solution for this issue, which could be resolved so quickly by just contacting the Lecturer, College department or a Students’ Union Officer.

Dealing with personal matters: As a Class Rep it is a good idea to make yourself aware of the various student support services available within NUI Galway, so that if one of your classmates has a personal issue you are able to direct them to the right people. As a Class Rep you may be the first person a classmate confides in, it is important that the student is reassured and listened to. It is also important that you are aware of the boundaries, acknowledge if necessary that you are not a trained counsellor, and that you refer the student to appropriate supports.

Representing your class at Students’ Union (SU) Council: All SU Council Members must attend SU Council Meetings, if you cannot make SU Council or a Faculty Council please email the chair to send your apologies. The SU Council is the backbone of the Students’ Union. SU Council Meetings are hugely beneficial as they keep you in the ‘loop’ regarding what is going on around NUI Galway, as well as providing you with a feedback mechanism and discussion forum on various issues affecting those you represent. The business of the meeting is conducted over a period of two hours, and has a pre-set agenda (all members are eligible to put an agenda item forward). SU Council happens three times a semester, with another two faculty councils held each semester also. All Students’ Union campaigns, activities and collaborations are discussed at these meetings. It’s also a chance for you to mandate your Students’ Union on anything from political issues to improvements in the college.

Representing your class at course board meetings: A significant role of a Class Rep is to attend Course Board Meetings that are scheduled between Course/Class Co-ordinators and Class Reps. During Course Board Meetings, Class Reps communicate the views and opinions of their class and work in partnership with the staff, ensuring that the requirements of students are given due consideration and taken into account. The key to success at these meetings is to ensure that the student voice is heard, acknowledged and acted upon.

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Keeping your class up to date and providing effective feedback: As a Class Rep, it is really important that you keep your class informed of what the Students’ Union is doing. All Class Reps must ensure that their class is made aware of the issues that arise at SU Council and anything that will affect the class. Also feedback to the students you are representing, on course board meetings or any other meetings held with regard to the class is essential. It is also vital that you give feedback on your work in relation to issues raised to your classmates.

Correspondence and keeping records: Remember that you are committing yourself to a statement once it is in writing. Ensure the details of your documents are accurate and written in a respectful manner. If you need someone to check over a document to ensure it cannot be misinterpreted, email it to the Students’ Union, clearly marked as a draft document. Advice will then follow as to whether amendments or clarification are necessary prior to you sending it to the relevant member of the academic staff. It is important to keep a record of what action you have taken so that you can follow up on any issues. The best way to keep records is to communicate through email and save a copy of all correspondence to a folder.

Providing services: At your own discretion you may choose to provide extra services to your class including organising class parties or social events for the class through Sult or arranging to get class hoodies.

Public Speaking / Óráidíocht Phoiblí As a Class Rep, one of the many functions is to inform your class of all the up and coming events and activities of the Students’ Union and indeed your own course activities. This involves getting up at the beginning or end of the class to address them. This can be intimidating at first but with time it gets easier and you earn the respect of your classmates.

The following are some hints to help you to effectively communicate by way of a public address to a group of people.

Preparation: Always go through what you have to say in advance.

Knowledge: Always ensure you have all the information you need.

Relevance: Make sure what you have to say is of interest to the group.

Posture: Posture is one of the first things you say about yourself in public speaking. Learn to stand up straight, look trustworthy, confident, and assured. Give your speech in a mirror, and pay special attention to your posture. Who you are addressing and where you are, will determine your posture within the group. Where and how you present yourself, will determine how people perceive you and what you are saying Voice: When speaking to a group it is important to consider the following in order to achieve your goal of getting your message across: 1. Speak at a suitable audible level.

2. Speak clearly.

3. Speak slowly without being too deliberate.

4. Avoid monotone, vary your pitch and tone.

5. Don’t be afraid of pauses.

Gestures: The use of gestures and facial expressions can considerably help you in the execution of your public address. Some of the options outlined below can help with your ability to attract the attention and maintain the open line of communication with the group.

Eye Contact: Include everyone and maintain eye contact at all times.

Smiling: An excellent way to keep a group’s attention.

Hand movements: To emphasise a point or elaborate but should not become a distraction for the group from the content of what you are saying so don’t overdo it.

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NUI Galway Students’ Union

Cúrsaí Scileanna Saoil

Enrol now for the following reduced price courses in the Students’ Union Office:

Cláraigh anois do na cúrsaí seo a leanas ar phraghas laghdaithe in Oifig an Chomhaltais:

Sign Language

An Teanga Chomharthaíochta

Occupational First Aid

An Gharchabhair Oibre

Life Skills 2016/17

Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn, 2016/17

Céad Fhreagróir Cairdiach

Cardiac First Responder

Oiliúint sa Chosaint Leanaí

Child Protection Training Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Oiliúint i Scileanna Feidhmeacha Idirghabhála i dtaca le Féinmharú

Mixed Martial Arts for Self Defence

Ealaíona Comhraic Measctha i gcomhair Féinchosanta

Anti-Racism

Frithchiníochas

Irish

An Ghaeilge

Yoga

An tIóga

More information at www.su.nuigalway.ie or email studentsunion@nuigalway.ie

Tuilleadh eolais le fáil ag www.su.nuigalway.ie nó seol ríomhphost chuig studentsunion@nuigalway.ie

www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

Dealing with Personal Issues / Plé a Dhéanamh le Fadhbanna Pearsanta As a Class Rep it’s your job to keep informed on various services available so that if one of your students has an issue you should be able to direct them to the right people.

Many students are merely unsure of both their problem, and how to deal with it. As a Class Rep you could well be the first person they tell.

Quick Pointers • • • • • •

Don’t presume you know how they’re feeling, even if you think you do.

Listen to them.

Don’t be judgmental.

Don’t give advice.

Don’t feel you should know all the answers.

Don’t tell any of your friends, this will only hinder matters.

Remember!

It’s not your brief to deal with individual personal problems. You are not a counsellor and don’t ever feel obliged to deal with people on a personal level. When someone does have a problem, the best thing to do is refer them to one of the Student Counsellors or the Welfare Officer.

Services available to students It’s important that you’re aware of the services available to students. There are two main types of services available to students, services within the college, and external voluntary organisations. You may not be familiar with them all so if in doubt ask an officer in the SU! College services are available to all registered students of NUI Galway, although sometimes on different levels, depending on the type of registered students. All services pride themselves on being friendly at all times.

Student Service Email Phone Accommodation Office accommodation@nuigalway.ie 091 492 364 Chaplaincy chaplains@nuigalway.ie 091 495 055 Counselling counselling@nuigalway.ie 091 492 484 Disability disabilityservice@nuigalway.ie 091 492 875 Health Unit 091 492 604 Crèche spraoinuig@nuigalway.ie 091 493 739 Career Development Centre careers@nuigalway.ie 091 493 589

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A guide to SU Council / Treoraí do Chomhairle an Chomhaltais 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) and is chaired by the SU Council Chairperson. Each class ordinarily elects anything between one to 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? / Céard a dhéanann Comhairle an Chomhaltais?

• 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 SU Council meeting, which allows the Reps to question the officers on how well or not they’re performing their duties. As mentioned 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.

Bring up an Issue at SU Council / Ceist a ardú ag Comhairle an Chomhaltais An issue can be brought forward to the SU Council via the SU Council Chairperson. The Chairperson will be happy to put it on the agenda for you. Make sure to contact them at least a week before Council to have your item put on the agenda. The Chairperson would also be happy to help you write a motion for council, and you can contact them at su.council@nuigalway.ie

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Procedural motions / RĂşin NĂłs Imeachta 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 and the vote for the procedural motion will be put to the council. 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 chair’s decision.

9F: A vote of no confidence in the chair. (If passed the chair will step down for that council and the Vice President/Education Officer will take over for that session).

One quick note, you must vote whether or not to have the procedural motion before the vote on the actual motion takes place..

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Academic Supports / Tacaíochtaí Acadúla Student Connect Mentors The aim of Student Connect is to provide a friendly and caring introduction to NUI Galway for first-year students through the facilitation of student-to-student help and encouragement.

The benefits of the programme are two- fold: Students have an experienced student to contact if they encounter any difficulties and first year students meet a new group of friends.

Your mentor is a 2nd or 3rd year students who has been in the same position as you and can answer any queries you have in relation to starting your new life in University. For more info contact una.mcdermott@nuigawlay.ie SUMS SUMS is a FREE drop-in Mathematics support centre for all NUI Galway undergraduate students. The primary purpose of SUMS is to assist students with any aspect of Mathematics or Mathematics related subjects. SUMS is open to all NUI students, not just those studying for Mathematics Degrees. SUMS aims to provide a comfortable, informal environment where students can come and study at their own pace, with expert tutors on hand to offer individual help as required. SUMS (Support for Undergraduate Maths Students) is located in room ADB-GO23 on the ground floor of Áras de Brún. Further information, including opening hours is available at www.maths.nuigalway.ie/sums Academic Writing Centre The Academic Writing Centre (AWC) provides free one-on-one tutorials on essay writing. All students are most welcome, regardless of discipline, year, or grade average.

The AWC is located on the second floor of the James Hardiman Library. During term time, you can drop in at any time during our opening hours or make an appointment on our website www.library.nuigalway.ie/awc/ ComputerDISC ComputerDISC (Computer Programming Drop-In Support Centre) is a free resource for all NUIG students that are enrolled in computer programming or software development courses. The purpose of the centre is to provide support to students with their self-directed learning in computing topics at all years and levels. It is designed to complement the lectures, tutorials, labs and other supports that are available to students. ComputerDISC is located in room 205 on the first floor of the Information Technology building. Students can drop in at any time during the opening hours as no appointments are necessary. Further information can be found on www.computerdisc.it.nuigalway.ie Skills4Study Campus An online, interactive study skills support tool available to all students in the Blackboard module TLC100 The Learning Centre. It helps students develop the following skills: Getting ready for academic study; Reading and note-making; Critical thinking skills; Writing skills; Referencing and understanding plagiarism; Group work and presentations; Exam skills; Projects, dissertations and reports; Employability and personal development; Confidence with numbers; Time management

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CÉIM Shared Learning/Foghlaim Roinnte CÉIM CÉIM is an academic peer support scheme for 1st year Engineering, Geography, and BA in Law students. Based on the well-evidenced Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) model used in over 30 countries, CÉIM was initiated by NUI Galway Students’ Union in 2013 and is run in collaboration with the College of Engineering and Informatics, and the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies (School of Law and Discipline of Geography).

How it works 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.

Sessions are about collaborative learning and are not like a lecture or a tutorial.

CÉIM supports 1st year students to: • Transition successfully to university • Develop social networks • Become independent learners • Practice transferable skills • Succeed academically • Complete their studies Impact of CÉIM • 80% of 1st years surveyed in 2013/14 and 2014/15 say CÉIM helped them settle in to university and make friends.

• Regular CÉIM attendees achieved 9% higher grades than irregular/non-attendees in 2014/15.

• 88% of regular CÉIM attendees passed the year versus 65% of irregular/non-attendees attendees.

What 1st years say about CÉIM ‘Three of the people that I met through CÉIM are now amongst my closest group of friends.’

‘CÉIM helped me adjust to college life and resolve any difficulties I had.’

‘Working in smaller groups really helped me learn, especially things I didn’t understand.’

More Information: www.su.nuigalway.ie/ceim

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ALIVE is NUI Galway’s Student Volunteering Programme Here we have information on: • What is ALIVE? • How to get eh Presidential award for Volunteering – the ALIVE Certificate • The Most ALIVE Class Award • Some Volunteer Quotes from 2016 ALIVE Certificate Ceremony What is ALIVE? ALIVE works with schools, charities, community organisations and within NUI Galway to provide volunteering opportunities in a wide variety of roles. We help NUI Galway students to volunteer in the area of their choice which suits their individual needs, interests and time commitments.

ALIVE is here to offer students information, advice, guidance and support throughout their volunteering experience. We also reward student volunteers’ efforts with the NUI Galway Presidential Award for Volunteering, the ALIVE Certificate.

Apply for the NUI Galway Presidential Award for Volunteering, the ALIVE Certificate for being a Class Rep. NUI Galway and the Students Union want to thank you for your commitment to your class – celebrate at the end of the year at the ALIVE Ceremony – where all NUI Galway student volunteers party!

You can earn an ALIVE Certificate from NUI Galway to recognise the time you give to your class for volunteering as a Class Rep. All you have to do is tell us what you did as a Class Rep and how that volunteering made an impact!

How do I get my NUI Galway Presidential Award for Volunteering, the ALIVE Certificate?

Apply online today! Fill in your Certificate application online at www.yourspace.nuigalway.ie Log in using your student id number and password and click “apply for your ALIVE Certificate”. nter the number of hours you spend volunteering as a Class Rep. Add any other volunteering you do on campus with Mentoring, Societies, Clubs, or off campus volunteering in the community. Answer the questions about what you learned and experienced as a volunteer. Click Save and then Submit. Congratulations!

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How to apply for the Most ALIVE Class Award.

This prestigious cash prize award recognises the collective effort of a class to engage in volunteering. Nominations will open in March and all class reps will be emailed the online application form. To be in with a chance to nominate your class – get everyone volunteering!

Make a general announcement about the wide range of volunteering opportunities open to all NUI Galway students as listed on the ALIVE website. Or plan a class group volunteering initiative and visit ALIVE for advice and funding to make your activity a reality.

How do I plan an event or activity for my Class in the community?

The campus, Galway city, Ireland and abroad is your community! ALIVE and the SU can support you to engage your class in a charity, community organisation or cause in Galway or internationally. It’s a great chance to do something different, build your skills and make an impact as a class. Leading your class in community volunteering is a great way to build on your existing skills and/or develop new skills. Here are some skills you can gain: • • •

Communication (Oral and Written) Leadership and Teamwork Planning and Organisation

For further information contact ALIVE: Lorraine Tansey, Student Volunteer Coordinator Tel: 00 353 (0)91 49 5346 Web: nuigalway.ie/alive Email: alive@nuigalway.ie Some Volunteer Quotes from 2016 ALIVE Certificate Ceremony: Fidelma Kenny: Students’ Union Class Representative “My aim was to ensure everyone in the group was ok and not feeling behind or not understanding something in the course. I regularly encourage the class to message me with any queries that they have to prevent this and I will go to lecturers for advice on certain grounds.”

Amy Gill: Students’ Union Class Representative “I have gained a myriad of invaluable skills through acting as a Class Representative. I have developed my leadership skills in leading my class to solutions for the issues we faced, advocacy skills by speaking on behalf of my class at different levels, and personal dispute resolution. I have learned how to organise and co-ordinate events for my classmates.

Most importantly, I have learned that you need to speak up in order to change something and how to stand up for the people you represent. I realise how different people react in different situations and how some people expect different things of you. I now know how an organisation like a Students’ Union works and benefits its people. I have learned the importance of being diplomatic and assertive when dealing with people and trying to solve various issues.”

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The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is the national representative body for the 354,000 students in third level education on the Island of Ireland. USI are a membership organisation – our members are our affiliated Students’ Unions around Ireland, North and South. 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, it’s your national voice!

USI 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 at SU 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 Vice President for the Border, Midlands and Western Region (BMW Region) Michael Kerrigan, 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. USI Officer-board is made up of: • President: Annie Hoey • Deputy President/VP Academic Affairs: Jack Leahy • VP Welfare: Cian Power • VP Equality and Citizenship: Siona Cahill • VP Campaigns: Dan Waugh • VP Border, Midlands and Western Region: Michael Kerrigan • VP Southern Region: Niamh Murtagh • LU don Gaeilge: Maria Schäler • NUS-USI President: Fergal McFerran

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Elections to the Students’ Union Executive Committee / Na Toghcháin don Choiste Gnó As a Class Rep, you are in one of the best position to lead your Students’ Union for 2017/18.

You have been the backbone of the SU all year, leading the SU and making sure they listen to you. We think it’s time you think about replacing us. All fifteen positions are up for elections and the elections will be taking place in March 2017.

The full-time officers – the President, the Vice-President/Education Officer and the Vice-President/Welfare Officer – will all be elected on Thursday the 2nd of March 2017.

Nominations for these positions will open at 10am on Thursday the 16th of February 2017 and close at 5pm on Wednesday 22nd of February 2017 at which point completed nomination forms must be returned to the box in the SU Office.

The part-time officer positions of – Oifigeach na Gaeilge, Equality Officer, Societies’ Chairperson Postgraduate Officer, Clubs’ Captain, 5 College Convenors and Mature Students’ Officer – will all be elected on Thursday 9th March 2017. Nominations for these positions will open on the 27th of February 2017 and close at 5pm on Wednesday 1st of March 2017 at which point completed nomination forms must be returned to the box in the SU Office.

The SU Council Chairperson will be elected at the last SU Council meeting of the year at 6pm on Monday 27th of February 2017. Please note that only registered Class Reps can run for, nominate and vote in this election. Nominations will open at 10am on Monday 13th February 2017 and close at 5pm on Monday 20th February at which point completed nomination forms must be returned to the box in the SU Office.

For more information the Students’ Union elections please contact studentsunion@ nuigalway.ie

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The National Student Engagement Programme is a collaborative initiative under development by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), the Higher Education Authority (HEA), and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). A national working group of student representatives and institutional staff has been established to develop the programme. The work is divided into two areas: 1. The National Student Training Programme: - Each pilot institution will run a new class rep training programme.

2. Developing Institutional Capacity: - Each pilot institution will review current student engagement practices, identify good practice and future work streams.

Class Rep Training The goals of the programme are: • • • •

To develop student capabilities to engage in quality enhancement, quality assurance and other related activities at all levels of the higher education system.

To support institutions in developing processes and activities which support/facilitate the meaningful engagement of students.

To strengthen the value placed on student engagement across Ireland and develop tools and resources to support a common understanding and build effective practice.

To lay the foundations to develop work beyond the pilot phase, to inform the implementation of a National Student Training Programme and increase capacity to progress this student engagement initiative.

hair Oiliúint Tosaigh

As a class rep you will have the opportunity to participate in new additional training designed with the support of sparqs (student partnership in quality Scotland), and develop important skills and discover new tools for your role.

Ranga

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Class Representative Council Schedule 2016/2017 Semester 1 - 2016

Date Mon 10th Oct Thurs 13th Oct Tues 18th Oct Tues 18th Oct Thurs 20th Oct Mon 24th Oct Mon 24th Oct Mon 7th Nov Weds 9th Nov Thurs 10th Nov Mon 14th Nov Tues 15th Nov Weds 16th Nov Weds 16th Nov Mon 21st Nov Mon 21st Nov

Time 6pm-8pm 6pm-7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm-7pm 6pm-7pm 2pm – 3pm 6pm-7pm 6pm – 8pm 2pm – 3pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 8pm 8pm till late

Room Kirwan Theatre AC204 MY127 AC204 AC204 Students’ Union Exec Office ENG2003 Lecture Room 2 Kirwan Theatre Students’ Union Exec Office AC204 AC203 MY127 AC204 ENG2002 Lecture Room 4 Kirwan Theatre Sult (The College Bar)

Semester 2 - 2017

Date Mon 16th Jan Weds 18th Jan Weds 18th Jan Thurs 19th Jan Mon 23rd Jan Tues 24th Jan Tues 24th Jan Mon 6th Feb Tues 7th Feb Weds 8th Feb Thurs 9th Feb Mon 20th Feb Tues 21st Feb Weds 22nd Feb Mon 27th Feb

Time 6pm – 8pm 2pm – 3pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 8pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 2pm – 3pm 6pm – 9pm

Room IT 250 Students’ Union Exec Office ENG2003 Lecture Room 2 AC204 AC201 AC203 MY123 IT 250 AC203 ENG2003 Lecture Room 2 AC204 AC201 MY123 Students’ Union Exec Office IT 250

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Sceideal Chomhairle na nIonadaithe Ranga, 2016/2017 Building Concourse Arts Concourse Áras Moyola Arts Concourse Arts Concourse Áras na Mac Léinn Engineering Building Concourse Áras na Mac Léinn Arts Concourse Arts Concourse Áras Moyola Arts Concourse Engineering Building Concourse Sult (The College Bar)

Meeting SU Council Law/Commerce Council Health Sciences Council Arts Council Science Council Postgrad Council Engineering Council SU Council Postgrad Council Science Council Law/Commerce Council Health Sciences Council Arts Council Engineering Council SU Council CR Christmas Party

Building IT Building Áras na Mac Léinn Engineering Building Arts Concourse Arts Concourse Arts Concourse Áras Moyola IT Building Arts Concourse Engineering Building Arts Concourse Arts Concourse Áras Moyola Áras na Mac Léinn IT Building

Meeting SU Council Postgrad Council Engineering Council Law/Commerce Council Science Council Arts Council Health Sciences Council SU Council Arts Council Engineering Council Law/Commerce Council Science Council Health Sciences Council Postgrad Council SU Council

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NUI Galway Students’ Union is a proud member of the Union of Students in Ireland Ball bródúil d’Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn is ea Comhaltas an Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh www.su.nuigalway.ie

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