CLASS REPS HANDBOOK 2011 - 2012
2011 - 2012 C L A SS
REPS
www.su.nuigalway.ie
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
Introduction Hi,
My name is Conor Healy and I am the Vice President/Education Officer with the Students’ Union. I will be working full-time for the year ahead to represent and organise students here in NUI Galway. Firstly, congratulations on becoming a Class Rep for 2011/2012. I promise that it will be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your college years. It is the Class Reps that decide on Union Policy, that mandate the SU officers like me to do certain things or adopt policies, and that form the grassroots of the Union. In short, you guys act as a watchdog for the students on the officers, making sure they do the work they were elected to do. The true power of the Students’ Union comes from its members. It is their collective will and determination which shape the policy and direction of the movement. So for us to get a clear view on what exactly the Students want, you are our people on the ground. You can give us an insight on what’s going on in the lives of the 17,000 students we represent here in Galway. Without you, we wouldn’t know about the problems you and your classmates might be having around campus. Importantly, we try to get reps from different communities in the University; Undergraduates, Postgraduates, traditional students, mature students, disabled students, international students and so on. This allows us to have a better insight into what the real issues are, even if they only affect certain people on campus. This handbook is designed to explain to you what the Class Reps Council is, how it works, and what part you as an elected representative of your class, have to play in the Students’ Union. If you were a class rep last year, I welcome you back and hope to continue to work with you this year. If you are a first year who has decided to become a class rep- good for you! You’ve made a good choice and you won’t regret it. Don’t forget that your schedule of meetings for the year ahead is enclosed in the back pages. All the best,
Conor Healy 1
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
Who Are the Executive Offπcers? President
Emmet Connolly
su.president@nuigalway.ie
086 3855502
Vice President/Education
Conor Healy
su.education@nuigalway.ie
086 3853658
Vice President/Welfare
Brian Grant
su.welfare@nuigalway.ie
086 3853659
Oifigeach na Gaeilge
Senan Mac Aoidh
su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie
086 0644185
Equality
William O’Brian
su.equality@nuigalway.ie
086 8683390
Student Development
Cian Moran
su.develop@nuigalway.ie
087 2922599
Societies
Paul O’Connor
su.soc@nuigalway.ie
087 6276567
Postgraduate
Richeal Burns
su.postgrad@nuigalway.ie
087 6893083
Clubs’ Captain
Eamonn Flynn
su.clubs@nuigalway.ie
086 3678794
Students’ Union Council Chair
Claire McCallion
087 6235254
Arts Convenor
Kevin Donoghue
086 1522640
Science Convenor
Tadhg Tynan
087 6365606
Medicine, Nurses & Health Sciences Convenor
Matthew Sheridan
087 1257173
Engineering Convenor
Alan Callery
086 2582272
Business, Public Policy & Law Convenor
Aoife Reaney
085 1118998
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CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
What Is The Class Reps Council?
The Class Rep Council (CRC) is a forum of students elected by their class to represent their interests to the Students’ Union (SU). The CRC consists of all the Class Reps, the 6 College Conveners, and the Executive Officers of the SU (the nine officers elected each March). Each class elects one or two reps, depending on the size of the class. Class Reps mandate the Executive Officers to follow through CRC policies, decisions etc. Essentially, the Executive Officers work for, and are accountable to, the CRC. If we are not doing our job, call us out on it!
The main roles of the CRC are: • To oversee the work of the Executive;
• Act as an open forum for student issues, where issues of concern to students can be raised and action taken; • To 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 Executive reports to the CRC of the recent developments in the University. Each member of the Executive will submit an officer report to the Education Officer every second week. The Education Officer will then e-mail the reports to every Class Reps at least three days before a CRC meeting. The Class Reps then may question the Executive Officers on their reports or on any aspect of their duties at the CRC meeting. If you feel an Officer is not fulfilling his/her duties, question them. If you want an Officer to pursue one of your ideas, tell them! These meetings are vital to ensuring that both the University and the Students’ Union are aware of current issues and problems. If the Student Union isn’t aware of a problem they cannot fix it! For the CRC to work to the best of its abilities, attendance of all Class Reps is a necessity. If you don’t attend, you can not represent the views of your class. Also, your class may become unaware of important information in the University which may affect your class or the future of the Union. A Class Rep or an Executive Officer is deemed automatically to have resigned if he/she fails to attend three consecutive meetings or six meetings in total.
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CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
I understand that that some students may have scheduling conflicts so if you are going to miss a meeting contact the Education Officer with the reason for missing it. Although genuine reasons are accepted, please do make the necessary altercations to your schedule to allow you to attend the meetings. I ask this because the more people we have at the meetings the more representative we are of the student population. The CRC has massive influence on University Committees. When an Executive Officer can argue with Academic Staff with the backing of the CRC, they stand up and listen. The Students’ Union is meant to represent the HUGE voice of the students not the whispers of a minority so really try and get to every meeting.
Structure of CRC
The CRC was reformed in 2007 and now consists of three main bodies: • The various Faculty Class Reps Councils (Faculty Councils), of which you are a member of one. • Union Body (each Faculty Council sends 7 reps to this), which you can become a member of. • The Full Class Reps Council (‘Full Council’) which is made up of every class rep, and everyone is asked to attend • The provisional schedule of meeting times, dates and locations are listed in the back pages of this booklet.
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College Councils
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
The College Councils are held regularly during the year. Each College Council meets twice a semester, with times and meeting places being sent to the Reps well in advance of each meeting. The College Councils discuss issues that affect them in particular, such as exams, problems with lecture scheduling, lecturers etc.
There are currently College Councils for:
Law, Commerce, Engineering, Science, Arts, Health Sciences, and Postgraduate Students. Postgraduate reps can chose to sit either their particular Faculty Council or the Postgraduate Council, or both (we hope you chose both!) However, research student reps must attend the postgraduate council meeting.
Union Body
This is a fairly new innovation of the Class Reps system, having been introduced in 2007. It meets twice a semester. The main purpose of the Union Body is to discuss issues that affect all students, regardless of their faculty, such as the SU Health Unit, parking and transport, facilities on campus etc. Each College Council elects seven of their own to sit on Union Body, so the Union Body consists of 49 Class Reps (seven faculties electing seven Reps) and the nine Executive officers. Union Body can mandate the Executive officers to do certain things and undertake specific policies.
Full Council
Each semester, three Full Class Reps Councils are called, to which all Class Reps are required to attend. Full Council is important because it allows the Executive officers to communicate with all the Reps at the same time, especially on the bigger issues facing students. Full Council is allowed to receive a mandate to act on behalf of the students, with as wide a spread among the different student communities as possible (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, mature students and so on).
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CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
Roles and Responsibilities of Class Reps Introduction
It’s vital that you introduce yourself to 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 them some sort of contact information i.e. e-mail or phone number. Also be sure to give them the gist of what your job is and make sure they know and make sure they know that you’re the guy/ girl to go to if they have any problems. This is an example of a possible introduction; ‘Hi, I’m Cathal Kenny, I’m from Mountbellew and I’ll be your class rep for the year ahead. I’ve just set up a Facebook page under ‘Speech and Language Therapy First Year 201011’ 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 page, or by phone or email. 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’. We will also be taking your photo and e-mail address so that we can put it up on the Students’ Union website www.su.nuigalway.ie.
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Representation
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
The most important thing to understand about being a Class Rep is that you are primarily there to represent the views of your class, and not the Students’ Union and its policies. You are in a position whereby you are the ‘voice’ of your class. The role of spokesperson for your class puts you in a situation where your class can be involved in Union decisions. If all Class Reps actively involve their class in Union decisions, the issues that really concern the student body will be addressed. You may have views conflicting with those of your fellow classmates but as you are a representative of the class as a whole, you are obliged to take the views of your class. Make sure that you are representing the views of the class as a whole; this will show that you are not acting as an individual. If you let your personal beliefs get in the way, then your primary role of being a Class Rep is not fulfilled. As a Class Rep, your role is to represent your class to individual lecturers, and to your faculty. You are an obvious channel of communication between your class, lecturers and faculties. If your issue is very important contact the Education Officer about it. The Officer will be able to provide solutions, support and may come with you to discussions with lecturers/deans etc. The golden rule in representation is to let the people you represent know what you are doing and to have their support. It might be a good idea to give a brief account of what was discussed during the following day to your class. To be able to represent your classmates’ opinions, it is obviously important to consult with your class, to find out what those opinions are:
Consultation
Students are not going to have an opinion about something they do not know anything about, well some always will have an opinion regardless. This makes it vital that you keep them informed. Before and after every Class Rep meeting speak about what will be discussed and what has happened. It gives them the feeling that they really are involved and this will result in greater feedback to you, the Class Rep.
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CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
Feedback is crucial for a Class Rep to effectively represent their class. There are a couple of ways to gain feedback from your class include: • Ask them individually (particularly effective if your class is very small) • Ask them as a class (this may be difficult in a big class because of differing opinions, but simply asking your class to vote could be an effective option) • Talk to people in groups • Organise Class Meetings • Make yourself available at certain times to meet classmates Along with these ways I will also be providing surveys for each Class Rep to hand out in the middle of each semester in order to use the data collected to show lecturers and schools of their performance represented by their students. Once again, one should never guess or assume that you know the true feelings of a class. Some of the problems that arise are students’ inability to communicate their views. They may not want to, or may not understand the importance of the Class Reps system. It is up to you to deter these views as well as possible. Make sure to repeat the importance of the inclusion of students and the whole Class Reps Process.
Casework
From time to time, you may have to deal with cases from your fellow class members. This could include things such as lecture quality, no availability of notes, problem with course structure, etc. Many find this daunting as they feel they may be seen as a trouble-maker by the individual lecturer or department, but if your problem is explained to the lecturer or department in a responsible and clear manner, with suggestive and constructive solutions, then the lecturer will almost certainly welcome your ideas. If you require any advice on certain issues contact any of the Executive Officers but: Many issues can be solved more quickly and effectively by speaking with an individual lecturer, than when they are brought to the attention of the Students’ Union, Head of Department, Faculty Office. But with issues which relate to the lecturer, or issues you feel cannot be solved by the lecturer (either willingly or unwillingly) you must go to the relevant heads of Departments, or the course director. When dealing with a situation like this, you will need to have all your points documented, copies of all correspondences received to date and maybe a copy of the relevant Academic Regulations that might apply to the situation. If there is any issue which you are unsure about or you may feel or you may feel is outside your jurisdiction, feel free the contact a relevant member of the Executive, who will give you assistance. 8
Negotiation
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
Negotiation is the practice of fulfilling our needs when someone else controls what we want. Negotiation may occur on many levels for a Class Rep; you may have to negotiate on committees, you may have to negotiate on an individual basis with lecturers, and you may have to negotiate in the CRC itself. The University has a large amount of control over our resources whether that is our buildings, student time, our money, or access to University facilities. Negotiation is the most common method used to pursue what you want, whether in the Students’ Union or in business and politics.
• When you are set to negotiate, make sure to have a positive frame of mind. Do not go in with a defeatist attitude. Remember, the person you are trying to negotiate with has probably seen students come along with the same issue many times before over many years, so be confident in your abilities. • Before a meeting, make sure to research your claims fully. You will not gain any respect, and your claims will not seem credible if you do not understand it properly. • Before a meeting, understand the relationship you have with the opposing party. Know who will “back you up” and help you in the negotiation process, for example, a sympathetic lecturer. • Know your parameters. Know exactly what you want, and know exactly how much you are willing to compromise with it. Have a ‘red line’ that you can’t cross, and stick to it. • If possible, try and figure out a solution which may benefit both parties. It’s much better to go into a meeting with a potential solution of your own at hand rather than just go in complaining about something an expecting a solution to magically appear. • Know exactly your needs will affect the other party. Try to look at your argument from all angles, if so you may be able to show how the solution will benefit both sides. • Try to keep the mood of the meeting relaxed and positive. Steer clear of inflammatory comments and accusations, and restrict yourself to a description of the problems and the beneficial consequences of solving them. Remain assertive and not aggressive, confident but not cocky. • Disagreement and conflict almost always evident in all negotiations. It is important to “give and take” then you can both begin to reach a win/ win situation. • Use an adjournment if necessary. If you feel you need to get more information, or that your parameters need to be changed, use an adjournment and discuss the issue at another stage.
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CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
For example, tell the person you need to consult with your class and will arrange to meet them the following day. • As always personal beliefs and opinions shouldn’t overshadow the negotiation, especially if the issue revolves around a lecturer or course module you don’t like. Remember, you are representing the beliefs of your classmates and not just your own. • If your negotiation is successful, do not act arrogant about it, it will damage your credibility if any future negotiations are necessary. • If you do not understand everything at a meeting, ask. You cannot enter into a discussion without knowing all the details; it will undermine your position, and leave you in a weak position to negotiate. • Listen to advice from the SU Executive. They know what they are talking about. In a meeting, coordinate your views with an Executive member (if present), it will mean no confusion over the feelings of the student body.
Public Speaking
This may be your first time speaking in public, and whether it is to a class of twenty or two hundred, you many find it daunting. It is intimidating standing up in front of a group of people, but you will soon get used to it. • If you are speaking in one of your lectures, make sure to get permission from your lecturer first. Also try and disrupt as little of the lecture as possible. • Make sure you have something valid to say. Back it up with appropriate information if needed. There is no need to talk about trivial issues which will not directly affect the majority of your class. • Use an overhead. It will be easier for students to understand what you are saying, when they have something to read from. Plus students who are unable to hear you properly will still be able to follow. • Prepare the points you want to make, make sure they are correct and valid, and also make sure they are not biased. Make notes if it helps, but do not read directly from them, you will lose the attention of your classmates. • Look at into the audience, try and make eye contact with all sections of the group. • Make sure to speak clearly, so that the message and the overall thrust of the argument cannot be misconstrued or considered ambiguous. Also avoid waffling; people will lose interest in what you are saying.
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CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
• Be careful with the tone of your voice. Speak with a tone that conveys the importance of the point you are making e.g. the more important a point you are making, the more vibrant you become in your speech. Also be conscious of people with hearing difficulties or people with English not as their primary language, try to speak simply and avoid complex language.
• Be careful of you body language. Having your arms crossed is a sign of intimidation, and not caring. And fidgeting is a sign of nerves. Try and keep your arms stiff by your side. Use gestures where appropriate. • Ignore heckling, as far as possible. If somebody persists, try to ignore as much as possible, ask whoever it is to come up and say whatever he or she has to say. • Be ready for potential questions by your classmates, but try to avoid the lecture becoming a talk shop. Make sure classmates have your contact address and ask for opinions to be sent after the class.
Social Events and Class Parties
Now for the fun bit. For all classes in all years of college, but particularly First Year undergraduates and First Year postgraduates, class parties are an important and effective way of allowing your classmates to get to know each other in a casual and relaxed way. These are the people you’ll be working and studying with for a considerable length of time, so it’s worth putting in the effort into organising good events. So what kind of events could you organise? • • Class party in the College Bar or pub/club in town (for the College Bar, just drop by and ask for Cormac Donoghue, the manager, who can advise you about arranging a party) • • Bowling (there is a bowling alley just across the bridge in the Galway Shopping Centre in Terryland). • • Paintballing (there are usually leaflets from various companies up in the SU offices) • • Mystery tours (ask in the SU for more advice about buses and safety) • • Charity events (why not join up with the SU Crew or an off-campus charity to raise money while also undertaking a class challenge like climbing Croagh Patrick or walking from Galway to Dublin) • • Domestic trips (Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, a couple of nights on the Aran Islands, a night out in Dublin etc.) • • Foreign trips (Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Prague and Budapest are all favourites) • Sports (five-a-side football every week, girls vs. boys sports, tag rugby and so on) 11
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
One more thing. You can’t blatantly advertise alcohol on campus as it goes against the College Alcohol Policy. So you can say ‘refreshments’ in an email to your class or on a poster, but not ‘drinks vouchers’ or ‘free pints’.
Meeting Procedures
At Class Rep meeting there are a number of rules that need to be followed. To ensure that the agenda is followed Standing orders are put into place. These Standing orders may be changed by a Procedural Motion being suggested by a member present. Then the motions will be decided by a vote. It is important that these rules are followed as it ensures that meeting are properly structured and do not run too late. This may all sound very unfamiliar but I will try and explain these concepts.
Standing Orders Discussion
1. Each person may speak for up to three minutes and shall address his/herself solely to the Chairperson. 2. Every motion or amendment which shall be proposed or any report given, shall thereafter be open for discussion. 3. The proposer of a motion shall have the right to reply immediately before a vote is taken, but may not then introduce fresh subject matter. 4. Only one motion, report or amendment to a motion may be before the floor at any one time. 5. Amendments to a motion shall be relevant to it and form an intelligible unit with it. They may not seek to negate it directly. 6. If an amendment is carried or accepted, the original motion incorporating the amendment shall become the main motion to which further amendments may be moved. 7. Items to be raised under “Any Other Business” which have been notified to the Secretary in advance of the meeting shall have priority. 8. Discussion on reports presented by each Executive member may last up to six minutes. The relevant Executive member shall have up to six minutes to respond. If that Executive member is not in attendance, the President, or nominee, may respond.
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Chairperson
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
1. The Chairperson shall rule on all procedural matters.
2. The Chairperson shall ensure that, wherever practicable, speakers for and against the motion under discussion address the meeting alternately. 3. The Chairperson shall have general responsibility for ensuring that discussion is conducted in an orderly and practical fashion and that speakers are not interrupted except as provided for by these standing orders. 4. The Chairperson shall ensure that speakers adhere to the motion when speaking. 5. If the Chairperson wishes to take part in the debate, s/he must leave the Chair (for that agenda item) and be replaced by the Vice-chairperson. 6. If the Vice-chairperson is not present, the Chairperson shall be replaced by another non-Executive member present elected by the meeting. 7. The Chairperson may ask a meeting to suspend any person who s/he feels is attempting to disrupt the meeting. A two-thirds (2/3) majority of those present and voting shall be required to suspend the person, who will lose his/her rights of attendance for the remainder of the meeting.
Procedural Motions
1. The following procedural motions may be moved: a motion that the question now be put a motion that the question not be put a motion to postpone or adjourn the matter to a later specified time or meeting a motion that the vote be taken by secret ballot a motion of no confidence in the Chairperson a challenge to the Chairperson’s ruling a motion that an item be voted on in parts 2. Procedural motions require a seconder. 3. Procedural motion cannot be proposed while any member is speaking on a point of order or during the act of voting. 4. The Chairperson may refuse to put any procedural motion if one of similar effect and related to the same subject matter has been defeated within the previous fifteen minutes. 5. The proposer of a procedural motion may speak in favour of the motion for up to one minute followed by one speaker against the motion for up to one minute. It shall then be put to a vote. 13
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
6. The proposer of the main motion under discussion shall have priority in speaking against the procedural motion, except in the case of procedural motions 15 (v) and 15 (vi) where the Chairperson shall have priority. 7. When subsection 15 (v) or subsection 15 (vi) is proposed, the Chairperson shall leave the Chair until it is determined. If subsection 15 (vi) is carried, the Chairperson shall resume the Chair, but shall not give a ruling in accordance with the procedural motion. If subsection 15 (v) is carried, the Chairperson to whom it relates shall not take the Chair for the remainder of that meeting and shall be replaced in accordance with subsection 13 (ii). 8. When subsection 15 (i) is carried, the Chairperson shall immediately allow the proposer of the main motion to sum up and reply and then put the main motion to a vote. 9. Amendments may not be proposed to procedural motions, except in respect of the element of time in subsection 15 (iii) or in respect of the body to which the matter is referred to in subsection 15 (iii). 10. No procedural motion may be moved in respect of another procedural motion.
Points of Order / Information
1. Points of information will not be accepted. 2. A point of order shall have precedence over all other business except the act of voting, unless it refers to the conduct of the vote. 3. A point of order may be raised by any member provided that s/he raises the point immediately and states that s/he is raising “on a point of order�. 4. A point of order shall relate only to the procedure adopted or to the conduct of the meeting.
Voting
1. Voting shall be by a show of hands, except in the case of subsection 15 (iv) being passed. 2. Decision shall normally be by simple majority. 3. The Chairperson, if requested by any member, may appoint tellers if necessary.
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CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
Class Reps on University Committees Údarás na hOllscoile (University Governing Authority)
This is the top decision-making body in the University, and the daddy of the mammoth bureaucracy that runs NUI Galway on a daily basis. Some of main activities are: finance issues, development of the campus, public relations, and approval of decisions of lower committees. The Students’ Union President (Emmet Connolly) and Vice President/ Education Officer (Conor Healy) sit on Údarás, which meets every few months, alongside a Postgraduates Class Rep, who is elected through an election in January. As their term runs from January to December is generally a research student. If you get elected to this position you can call yourself a Governor of NUI Galway on your CV.
An Chomhairle Acadúil (Academic Council)
Academic Council is also constituted under the Universities Act 1997. It is in place to “control the academic affairs of the university, including the curriculum of, and instruction and education provided by, the university”. Put simply, Academic Council is in charge of the educational side of the university’s management, such as setting courses and the curriculum of those courses, developing new programmes in teaching and research, and setting procedures for exam appeals. The Students’ Union Vice President/ Education Officer (Conor Healy) sits on Academic Council, alongside five Class Reps. Three of those are Undergraduate Class Reps, who are elected in Semester 1, along with two Postgraduate Class Reps, who are elected in January. Those three Class Reps and the Vice President/ Education Officer meet up shortly before each Academic Council to discuss the agenda and work out a negotiation strategy if one is needed at that particular meeting. College Board meetings Since the University was restructured last year, the traditional faculties have been replaced by Colleges and Schools. The Colleges are as follows: • College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies • College of Business, Public Policy, & Law • College of Engineering & Informatics • College of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Sciences • College of Science The Vice President/ Education Officer is automatically a member of each of these College boards, alongside one Class Rep from each Faculty Council, who will be elected in Semester 1. A research student is also elected to sit on each College Board. 15
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
Structure of the Students’ Union Referendum
A referendum of the entire student body is the supreme decision-making element of the Students’ Union. They are held to amend the Union’s constitution or Union policy and can be called by the CRC, the Executive officers or at a general meeting. For a referendum to be valid, at least 5% of the members of the Students’ Union must vote.
General Meetings
These are held periodically and are open to all Union members. For decisions to be binding on the Union there must be a quorum of 200 members. An Annual General Meeting is held in Semester 1 each year. A decision of a General Meeting can overrule a decision reached at Class Reps level.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee comprises the nine elected SU officers, and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Union. Three of the Executive officers are full-time and are paid a salary which comes from the Student Services Levy that you all pay each September. The other six officers are part-time and unpaid. The various officers’ responsibilities ensure all areas of student concern are covered by a dedicated SU officer.
President of the Students’ Union
Emmet Connolly is President of the Students’ Union for 2010/11. He is responsible for the overall running of the Union during her term in office and is the public face of the Union when dealing with the media and the University authorities. He also manages the Commercial Services side of the Union, which runs the College Bar, Smokies Café, The Wall Café, and the SU Shop.
Changes to the Constitution
In March 2011 the students of NUIG voted to change some parts of the Students’ Union Constitution. Here is a simple version of what these changes are.
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The Board of Trustees
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
The Board of Trustees hold all property, assets, liabilities and investments of the Union for the members of the Union. They advise the President on staffing, administration, finance and other aspects of the Union. The Board of Trustees can’t be current members of the Students’ Union, however they are a number of Trustees who used to be members of the Students’ Union. They essentially make sure that the financial decisions made by the Students’ Union are viable. In other words they are the watchdogs of the finances of the Students’ Union.
College Conveners
College Conveners are new editions to the Students’ Union Executive Committee. Each College in the University has their own Convener. These Colleges are divided up into: • Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies • Science • Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences • Engineering & Informatics • Business, Public Policy & Law • Postgrad The College Conveners act as the Chairpersons of each relevant College Class Reps Council (College Council). They represent their College’s Class Reps in the Executive Committee. They work closely with the Chairperson of Students’ Union Council to make sure that each class in the University has a Class Rep.
Students’ Union Council Chairperson
The Students’ Union Council Chairperson chairs the meetings of the Students’ Union Council. They represent all Class Reps on the Executive Committee and work closely with the College Convenors to make sure all classes in the University have Class Reps.
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CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
Students’ Union Commercial Services
NUIG Students’ Union operates a number of businesses on University campus, including the College Bar, Shop and catering outlets. These commercial interests exist for two main reasons; the most important is to provide top quality services for the students and staff of NUI, Galway at reasonable cost. The other reason is to generate profits to fund other Union activities. The profits generated by these businesses are used to fund the Union’s representational activities, and also to pay for services such as the Union’s publications. Some of these profits are allocated to the University’s Student Projects Fund which is used to part-fund various student initiatives to help get them off the ground, including sin newspaper, online streaming of FlirtFM, sports equipment, programmes in the Careers Service and various other capital programmes.
College Bar
A wise man once told me that the College Bar was the birth place of the majority of random epic nights. ‘A few here and you’d never know who could stroll in and join us’ were his exact words. A place where when you leave NUIG you will look back fondly on the karaoke nights, the ladies nights, grant day, the day after the balls and the aforementioned random Tuesday afternoon .It’s not just there for great days/nights out however it also provides some of the best dinners and sandwiches on campus, and for the best price. The College Bar regularly hosts student events, such as table quizzes organised by clubs and societies and other fundraising events. The big screen in the main bar is great for watching the Champions League, UEFA Cup and other rugby and GAA games. There are also theme nights, DJs and top bands are a regular occurrence.
Smokey’s Café
Smokey’s Café is a coffee dock in the Concourse of the Arts & Science Building, serving a full range of drinks and snacks.
The Wall Cafe
The Wall Café is located in the Kingfisher Sports Centre. It is located at the back of the Climbing Wall hence the name. It provides the perfect spot to grab a healthy sandwich, panini or salad. Grab a smoothie with supplements after your workout or just have a freshly ground coffee whilst waiting for a friend.
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The Students’ Union Shop
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
The Students’ Union operates the campus shop, which is located in the basement of the Library building, where students can buy newspapers at discounted rates, NUIG hoodies and t-shirts, phone credit, laptop bags, stationery, refreshments, lab coats, dissection kits, confectionery, minerals, hot beverages and all the essentials. See the SIN newspaper for in-store promotions. You can also buy a photocopying card to use the Library Basement copiers from the shop.
Cloakroom and Lockers
A free baggage room is provided by the Students’ Union in the basement of the library building. Students can drop in luggage on a daily basis, but all items must be removed before closing time. Please note that we cannot accept laptops. To avail of the Students Union locker service, you must be a registered NUI Galway student. The charge for renting a locker is as follows: • Concourse and library basement locker: €25. There is no deposit. • Other Lockers: €25 plus €10 security deposit, which will be returned to you if the locker is kept in good condition throughout the year and your key is returned on the date given.
Grinds Register
The Union run an online grinds register on its website, which is updated regularly, with the majority of those offering grinds being NUI, Galway postgraduate students. Tutors are not checked or regulated by the Students’ Union and costs are agreed between student and tutor. The grinds register is on the SU website under the Our Services Section.
Second-hand Bookstore
There is a Second-Hand bookstore in the Students’ Union Office. This is a great place to buy and sell books. The Students’ Union will sell your old books for you, cutting down the amount of time and effort required to sell these books by yourself. It is very important that as a Class Rep that you explain all of these services are highlighted to your respective classes to make sure they make good use of them.
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CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
An Introduction to the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) The NUI Galway Students’ Union is a constituent organisation of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). USI is essentially the national students’ union, representing over 250,000 students North and South, and has been in operation since 1959. Over the past fifty years it has been at the forefront of the opening of Irish society to modern ideas, and in campaigning for the liberalising of the law to help achieve social progress.
USI was a leading voice for the legalisation of contraception and homosexual acts in the 1970s and 1980s, and for the distribution of information on abortion during the early 1990s. Throughout its history USI has lobbied successive governments for adequate student grants, proper accommodation for students, and free access to third-level education; a campaign that continues today. USI provides valuable training events for its members and provides two weeks of officer skills training in the summer months to give officers the necessary skills and information for their year in office. USI is the only recognised body in Ireland that represents all third-level students. It currently represents students on a number of bodies such as the Higher Education Authority, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, the Further Education and Training Awards Council, the National Anti-Poverty Council and many others. USI continuously campaigns on the issues that affect its members. These include the promotion within the media, Government lobbying, and raising of awareness in society as well as on campus. USI and the British National Union of Students (NUS) has jointly represented the third-level students of Northern Ireland as ‘USI-NUS’ since the 1970s, showing a level of co-operation that was missing on part of the politicians for a good 30 years!
Structures of USI
USI’s structure is one which includes the involvement and communication of all affiliated members, which leads to a national decision making process.
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Annual Congress
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
Annual Congress is USI’s supreme decision making body which takes place over a four day period in March. All affiliated unions send a representative number of delegates to Congress. The number of delegates each university sends depends on the number of students at their college (NUI, Galway Students’ Union currently has 20 votes). All Students’ Unions can submit motions and constitutional amendments for Congress. Congress then debates the various issues and motions submitted by member unions, elects the President, Deputy President, Welfare Officer, Education Officer and Equality officer.
National Council
National Council is USI’s Executive body consisting of representatives from each union and USI’s officer board. It’s convened at approximately six-week intervals for the purpose of discussing the overall work of the national union. It works very much on the same lines as a CRC, except on a national basis.
Regional Conferences
Regional Conferences are held for the main purpose of electing the Area Campaigns Officer for the region. The regions are autonomous and discuss and debate policy for the region to co-ordinate and direct the work of the Area Campaigns Officer. NUI, Galway is in the Western Area.
Standing Conferences
There are four standing conferences held each year with the purpose of electing the part-time officers and to discuss and formulate policy for that brief. The four conferences are: the Irish Language conference; the Disability Rights conference; the Environmental Awareness conference and the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender conference. Past Presidents of USI include Pat Rabbitte T.D., Eamon Gilmore T.D., Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John L. Murray, and Radio presenter Joe Duffty. The current President of USI is Gary Redmond.
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CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
What you get for being a Class Rep
Firstly, you get the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from helping you fellow student, right? And surely that’s reward enough? All Class Reps are entitled to be awarded an ALIVE Certificate by the University. These certificates are given to students who have contributed to campus life by volunteering in various ways, such as being involved in clubs, societies, and the Students’ Union. Handbooks on how to get an ALIVE Cert are available from the Students’ Union. You also get a nice, free hoody which will be given out around late September/ early October. They always get snapped up fast so don’t delay in getting over the Union to collect yours. We also regularly have post-meeting sandwiches or drinks in the College Bar after most Class Reps meetings, as well as a training weekend at the beginning of Semester 1 with a night out at the end. In December we’ll be holding a Christmas Party for you all. Lastly, you should remember to put down on your CV that you were a Class Rep, as employers always look for extra-curricular stuff like that In These Recessionary Times.
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ALIVE
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
Welcome to ALIVE, NUI Galway’s Community Volunteering Programme. An opportunity of a lifetime
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. We are 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.
What is volunteering?
Volunteering is giving your free time to a community, cause or organisation. As an NUI Galway student volunteering is the opportunity to gain experience and skills.
How do I get my ALIVE Certificate from the President for volunteering as a Class Rep? Simply apply online today at www.yourspace.nuigalway.ie
How do I plan an event or activity for my Class in the 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
To find out more about volunteering…
Visit www.nuigalway.ie/alive or Email alive@nuigalway.ie 23
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
University Contacts
Listed below are some useful contact details for the various offices and administrative departments in the University. The President’s Office: Dr James J. Browne president@nuigalway.ie Ext: 2110 General Enquiries / Press & Information Office: info@nuigalway.ie
Ext: 3361
Main Switchboard: +353 (0)91 524411
General Admissions: admissions@nuigalway.ie
Ext: 4023, 4024, & 3878
Student Contact Centre:scc@nuigalway.ie
Ext 5999
Undergraduate Admission: geraldine.gannon@nuigalway.ie
Ext: 3878
Postgraduate Admission: postgrad@nuigalway.ie
Ext: 2844
Registrationreg: help@nuigalway.ie
Ext. 2199
Schools Liaison Officer: mary.coyle@nuigalway.ie
Ext: 2814
International Students: international@nuigalway.ie
Ext: 5277
Mature Students: trish.hoare@nuigalway.ie
Ext: 2695
Adult and Continuing
Education Office: adulteducation@nuigalway.ie
Ext: 2062
Access Office: imelda.byrne@nuigalway.ie
Ext: 3553
Special Needs Students: elizabeth.walsh@nuigalway.ie
+353 (0)91 512034
International Summer
School: intlofficemis@nuigalway.ie
+353 (0)91 750304
Exams Office: exams.office@nuigalway.ie
Ext: 5999
Fees Office: colette.gill@nuigalway.ie
Ext: 2386
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CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
NUI Galway Students’ Union Enterprise Awards 2012 Have you got the next big idea? Invest in your future. The business and social leaders of tomorrow are on our campus today.
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.
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. Six 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 an assigned mentor with relevant expertise. The overall winner will receive a direct investment of €15,000 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. 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.
Dates
Friday November 18th - Closing Date for Submissions Friday December 2nd - Announce top 3 in each category Friday March 2nd - Final Submission by Finalists Mid March - Awards Ceremony Bailey Allen Hall
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CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
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 • Business Category • Social Category
STAGE TWO
There will be 6 Category Winners progressing to STAGE TWO. They will be made up of 3 from Business and 3 from Social. Each category winner will receive a bursary of €500. Category winners will be required to re-draft their business plan, making use of their €500 bursary to progress the new business idea. A presentation will also be part of the final assessment.
STAGE THREE
First Prize: €15,000 investment capital & Mentoring Support Runners Up: €2,000 investment capital x 2 Email: su.enterprise@nuigalway.ie
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CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
Inter-College Games 2011
NUI Galway proudly introduces the inaugural Inter-College games in October 2011. This competition will involve the five colleges of the University and they will compete against each other for the prized Inter-college cup. A series of blitz’s and introductory events will run for approximately two weeks beginning in early October. There will be scoreboards placed throughout campus for people to keep track of how their college is doing and encouraging friendly rivalry! You earn points for your college just through participating, i.e. the more events you’re involved in, the more points you earn! This is a new competition open to students of all years and courses. Even if you haven’t got involved before, now is a fantastic opportunity to have the craic, meet new people and try new activities. Keep your eyes peeled for posters with further info!
Blackboard
We have our own dedicated module on Blackboard just for Class Reps so when you register as a Class Rep you are also signed up on Blackboard. The Class Reps Blackboard section has a full list of events and meetings together with important announcements, resources and minutes of meetings.
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10am – 6pm
6pm – 7.30pm
2pm – 3pm
6pm – 7pm
6pm – 7pm
6pm – 7pm
6pm – 7pm
6pm – 7pm
2pm – 3pm
6pm – 7.30pm
6pm – 8pm
6pm – 7pm
6pm – 7pm
6pm – 7pm
6pm – 7pm
6pm – 7pm
6pm – 7.30pm
8pm till late
Sat 1st Oct
Mon 3rd Oct
Mon 10th Oct
Mon 10 Oct
Weds 12th Oct
Thurs 13th Oct
Mon 17th Oct
Tues 18 Oct
Mon 7th Nov
Mon 7th Nov
Tues 8th Nov
Weds 9 Nov
Thurs 10th Nov
Mon 14th Nov
Tues 15th Nov
Weds 16 Nov
Mon 21st Nov
Mon 21st Nov
th
th
th
th
Time
Date
Semester 1
TBC
AM250 O’Heocha Theatre
AC216
Students’ Union Exec Office
AC204
Students’ Union Exec Office
AC216
AM250 O’Heocha Theatre
AM250 O’Heocha Theatre
Students’ Union Exec Office
Students’ Union Exec Office
AC204
Students’ Union Exec Office
AC216
AC204
Students’ Union Exec Office
AM250 O’Heocha Theatre
The View, Meeting Room 1&2,
Room
TBC
Arts Millennium
Arts Concourse
Áras na Mac Léinn
Arts Concourse
Áras na Mac Léinn
Arts Concourse
Arts Millennium
Arts Millennium
Áras na Mac Léinn
Áras na Mac Léinn
Arts Concourse
Áras na Mac Léinn
Arts Concourse
Arts Concourse
Áras na Mac Léinn
Arts Millennium
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
Health Sciences Council
Science Council
Law/Commerce Council
Engineering Council
Arts Council
Postgrad Council
SU Council
Class Rep Training 1
Meeting
Class Representative Council Schedule 2011/2012
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
AM250 O’Heocha Theatre
6pm – 8pm
Students’ Union Exec Office AM250 O’Heocha Theatre
Mon 5th Mar 12 6pm – 7.30pm
AC204
6pm – 7pm
Tues 14th Feb 12 6pm – 7pm
Students’ Union Exec Office
AC216
Tues 7th Feb 12 6pm – 7pm
6pm – 7pm
AC204
Mon 6th Feb 12 6pm – 7pm
Weds 8th Feb 12 Mon 13th Feb 12
Students’ Union Exec Office
Mon 6th Feb 12 2pm – 3pm
6pm – 7.30pm
AM250 O’Heocha Theatre
AC204
6pm – 7pm
Mon 30th Jan 12
Students’ Union Exec Office
6pm – 7pm
Students’ Union Exec Office
AC216
6pm – 7pm
Tues 24th Jan 12 6pm – 7pm
Weds 18th Jan 12 Thurs 19th Jan 12 Mon 23rd Jan 12
AC216
Students’ Union Exec Office
2pm – 3pm
Tues 17th Jan 12 6pm – 7pm
Mon 16th Jan 12 Mon 16th Jan 12
Semester 2
Arts Millennium
Áras na Mac Léinn
Arts Concourse
Áras na Mac Léinn
Arts Concourse
Arts Concourse
Áras na Mac Léinn
Arts Millennium
Áras na Mac Léinn
Arts Concourse
Áras na Mac Léinn
Arts Concourse
Arts Concourse
Arts Millennium
Áras na Mac Léinn
Class Representative Council Schedule 2011/2012 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
CLASS REP HAND BOOK 2011/2012
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