NUI Galway Students' Union Annual Report 2021 - 2022

Annual Report Tuarascáil Bhliantúil Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh

2021-2022

Contents • Clár na nÁbhar

1

President’s Foreword • Focal ón Uachtarán

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3

Mission Statement/Highlights • Ráiteas Misin/Buaicphointí

Executive Committee 2021/22 • Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2021/22

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5

SU Council • Comhairle an Chomhaltais

SIN Newspaper • Nuachtán SIN

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Elections • Toghcháin

Students’ Union Policies • Beartais Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

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9

CÉIM

Life Skills • Scileanna Saoil

10

Fundraising • Tiomsú airgid

11

Entertainment & Events • Siamsaíocht agus Imeachtaí

13

Students’ Union Services • Seirbhísí Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

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Campaigns • Feachtais

SU Finance • Cúrsaí Airgeadais an Chomhaltais

Incoming Executive 2022/23 • Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2022/23

RÓISÍN

NIC LOCHLAINN

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President’s Foreword Focal ón Uachtarán

This year, I had the absolute privilege of acting as President of Comhaltas na Mac Léinn OÉ Gaillimh, something that I will remember for the rest of my life. I am so lucky to have worked with such a driven, enthusiastic and lively team and I have no doubt that everyone on the NUIG SU Coiste Gnó 2021/22 will go on to do great things. The year would not be possible without the hard work of the team as a whole. Every day in the Students’ Union brings about new challenges, and it is safe to say that with a cyber-attack and emerging from lockdowns, this year was certainly challenging. From my perspective, it was strange to say the least going from Vice President during the ‘pandemic year’ to President during the year where we are starting to get back to ‘normality’.

The aim of the union is to make sure that students feel safe in their University, and to prioritise student wellbeing in an environment that can often be difficult for many students, and I like to think that we saw that aim through.

Our year not only focused on highlighting the inequalities students face surrounding access to education, but also: consent promotion with our first ever consent week; sexual health education; academic integrity; gender equality; supporting students with disabilities; working on a national level on alcohol legislation, students’ union autonomy and accommodation legislation; celebrating ethnic minorities; ensuring student representation, and respecting the Irish Language. Towards the end of our term, we successfully ran a referendum to create the full time position of Vice President for the Irish Language. The first of its kind in the country, with us leading the way in the Irish language.

The union is a body that stands together with people and it’s main goal is to help, it’s important we thank all those who helped us as we strove for better. I’ll be forever grateful of the hard work of our own staff Chris the general manager, Joanna the assistant manager and Lorna the receptionist who are working hard behind the scenes constantly. Their support and advice was invaluable.

CÉIM was an important part of first year in college for myself and many others. I would like to give my thanks to Amber, Órla and Niamh who worked tirelessly throughout our year to make sure that students thrived in their education as well as meeting some of their best friends through the programme. CÉIM is truly such an important part of the college experience for many students to look back on.

I would also like to extend my thanks to our Board of Trustees for their oversight and Students’ Union Commercial Services (SUCS) Ltd. for providing services to the NUI Galway community when it wasn’t easy.

Finally, our class reps and the 17 officers who work endlessly for students, your dedication made the union an extraordinary place to work in. Clodagh McGivern, Vice President for Education and Cora Clarke, Vice President for Welfare & Equality, I will miss working with you the most. I am so grateful for the in-person time that we got this year, and I cannot wait to begin a new journey with Clodagh on the USI Coiste Gnó 2022/23, we will make sure that USI has strong NUIG SU representation!

In its 58 years, the union has become an unstoppable force for change that cares for all. Each year is a step towards a more positive future. On behalf of Clodagh McGivern, Cora Clarke, our Executive Committee, the SU Council, the entire staff and myself, I present to you with pride the annual report for 2021/2022 of NUI Galway Students’ Union.

Le gach dea ghuí,

UACHTARÁN CHOMHALTAS NA MAC LÉINN 2021/22

2

Mission Statement/Highlights Ráiteas Misin/Buaicphointí

NUI Galway Students’ Union was originally established in 1911 as the Students’ Representative Council. This council was short-lived, the re-establishment of the body was proposed in 1913. The council was firmly established by the mid-1920’s and in the 1960’s was formally developed into the university’s Students’ Union, then known as Comhairle Teachta na Mac Léinn.

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We presented and wrote regular papers to the University Management Team on student issues.

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·We were shortlisted for ten categories in the Student Achievement Awards Ireland including: Access Champion of the Year – Anne Marie Ward, An Gradam Éacht ar son na Gaeilge - Club of the Year – Surf Club, Full-Time Officer of the Year - Róisín Nic Lochlainn and Clodagh McGivern, International Student of the Year – Matthew Connolly, Part Timer of the Year – Eímear Nig Oireachtaigh, Sai Gujulla and Niamh McGrath, Environmental and Sustainability Campaign of the Year – Sustainable Mondays and Student Pantry, Academic Representative of the Year – Jason Sherlock, Society of the Year – Mincéirs Whiden, Outstanding Mental Health Activism – Mincéirs Whiden.

Founded in 1964 the function of the Union as per the Constitution shall be “to represent its members and promote, defend and vindicate the rights of its members at all levels of society”.

“An injury to one is an injury to all” Highlights 2021/22 •

We distributed 7,000 reusable tote bags and 3,000 SU keep cups to students in the SU Pop Up in the Quad.

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Received highest award of gold for Gníomhaí Gaeilge for USI/Conradh na Gaeilge.

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We secured additional outdoor seating on campus.

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We raised €11,000 for our two chosen charities this year: Galway Rape Crisis Centre and BeLonG To LGBT+ Youth through different events such as Take Me Out, Sex Toy Bingo, Charaoke, Raffles, Sports Day and more.

We began a partnership with the Hygiene Bank Ireland and did monthly donation drives.

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We created our SU TikTok account which had the highest engagement of any SU on TikTok.

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Organised beach cleans and held Sustainable Mondays as part of campaigning on sustainability.

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We spoke at the first Housing Rally of 2021 and attended other events such as the launch of Galway Pride.

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We helped organise and participated in the third Christmas Tree Lighting celebrating staff and students coming together as part of the NUI Galway community.

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We organised different events such as the Hump Day Hoolie, Vintage Clothing Fairs, Bingo Loco, Taylor Swift Club Nights, Outdoor Cinema and Walk & Talks.

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We ran and passed a referendum on the creation of a full time Vice President for the Irish Language (Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge), becoming the first SU in third level to do so.

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We spoke at several launches in NUIG such as the official launch of their Stráitéis na Gaeilge (Irish Language Strategy 2021-2025) and the launch of the Speak Out Report Tool.

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Elected over 600 class reps, 300 attended our first meeting and record numbers at our councils which were returned to in person, and we trained over 100 class reps in JAM card training. We engaged with both local and national media on many student issues including the review of SUSI, re-opening campus, mental health, international student issues, minimum unit pricing, gender-based violence and accommodation.

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Worked with USI on campaigns throughout the year including the Cost of College Campaign, Give Us Our Grads and more.

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We worked with Conferring Office to finally get in-person graduations after 2 years for the classes of 2020 and 2021.

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We ran campaign weeks such as Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance, Seachtain na Gaeilge, Diversity, the environment and sustainability, Mental Health Awareness and Brain Week.

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We ran our first ever Consent Week in NUI Galway SU.

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After meeting with the Minister for Higher Education, we secured €9 million allocation for free antigen tests for students

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We ran our #NoInPersonExams campaign, 50% of exams were moved online as a result.

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CÉIM, our peer assisted learning programme, continued to go from strength to strength.

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Weekly clinics for mature students and disabled students were setup, meet your officer events and essay workshops along with many other events were hosted by our part time officers.

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We received a commitment from NUI Galway to provide free period products on campus bathrooms and began the procurement process for this.

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We provided free Irish classes to students.

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We officially launched the “Ask for Angela” scheme in Galway City, working with Galway City Council and local venues to roll this out.

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We launched JAM card with the University

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We held a protest outside the April meeting of Governing Authority to lobby for lecture recordings to be made available for students.

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We worked with class reps to launch the Student Pantry, the first of its kind in third level, to tackle food wastage.

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Two of our Full Time Officers, Clodagh and Róisín, were elected to the USI as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge

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We celebrated NUI Galway’s first Irish Traveller Ethnicity Week, led by our ethnic minorities officer Anne Marie Ward who was the first Irish Traveller ever elected to this position.

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We hosted USI Comhairle Náisiúnta in Galway in June.

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Executive Committee 2021/22 Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2021/22

Vice President / Education Officer Leas Uachtarán / Oifigeach Oideachais

Vice-President / Welfare and Equality Officer Leas-Uachtarán / Oifigeach Leasa agus Comhionannais

President / Uachtarán

Clodagh McGivern

Róisín Nic Lochlainn

su.education@oegaillimh.ie 086 385 3658

Cora Clarke

su.welfare@oegaillimh.ie 086 385 3659

su.president@oegaillimh.ie 086 385 5502

Oifigeach na Gaeilge Irish Language Officer

Mature Students’ Officer Oifigeach Mic Léinn Lánfhásta

Gender and LGBT+ Rights Officer Oifigeach um Chearta Inscne agus LADT+

083 407 7672 su.gaeilge@oegaillimh.ie

087 974 4075 su.maturestudents@oegaillimh.ie

087 747 9171 su.lgbt@oegaillimh.ie

Eímear Nig Oireachtaigh

Anita O’Halloran

Orlaith Nic Cába

Postgraduate Taught Officer Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe Teagasctha

Postgraduate Research Officer Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe i mbun Taighde

Clubs Captain Captaen na gClubanna

087 781 0130 su.pgtaught@oegaillimh.ie

087 269 1104 su.pgresearch@oegaillimh.ie

085 882 4797 su.clubs@oegaillimh.ie

Mairtín Mac Gabhann

Shane O’Connell

Kirsty Ní Mhóráin

Disability Rights Officer Oifigeach um Chearta Míchumais

Niamh McGrath

087 418 0866 Via Video Call/Text/ WhatsApp only due to a hearing impairment su.disability@oegaillimh.ie

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

Faye Ní Dhomhnaill 087 282 1383 su.arts@oegaillimh.ie

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

Convenor of the College of Science and Engineering / Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta agus na hInnealtóireachta

Societies Chairperson Cathaoirleach na gCumann

091 493 570 su.medicine@oegaillimh.ie

085 193 8978 su.scienceengineering@oegaillimh.ie

087 989 3695 su.socs@oegaillimh.ie

Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law / Tionólaí Choláiste an Ghnó, an Bheartais Phoiblí agus an Dlí

International Students Officer Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Idirnáisiúnta

Ethnic Minorities Officer Oifigeach na Mionlach Eitneach

087 459 0127 su.business@oegaillimh.ie

091 493 570 su.international@oegaillimh.ie

091 493 570 su.ethnicminorities@oegaillimh.ie

Jack Collins

Krystian Bachan

Sai Gujulla

Matthew Connolly

Ethan Wilkinson

Anne Marie Ward

4

SU Council Comhairle an Chomhaltais

This year we elected nearly 600 Class Reps ranging from Undergraduates, Postgraduates, Adult Learners and part time learners. Class Rep elections were delayed and complicated by the Cyberattack on the University in the last week of September. It was a credit to the SU team that we still managed to get so many reps elected, trained and engaging with meetings despite this huge setback so early on in the year.

Class Reps training took place online again this year and there was also an opportuning in semester two for Reps to attend NStEP Introductory Training online.

This year saw a welcome return to in person Comhairle Comhaltas na Mac Léinn meetings each month for all Class Reps to attend. Reps could also attend via Zoom if they were unable to attend in person. College Council meetings remained on Zoom to allow students ease of access to attend same.

The move to using YourSpace as the Class Reps platform has meant a huge increase in engagement from Class Reps. Reps brought forward many motions including ones that will have a lasting impact on important aspects of student life including teaching, the environment and the Irish language.

Our YourSpace online platform allowed class reps to easily communicate with those in their class and class reps were sent an email at least once a week once the cyberattack issues had been overcome.

It was a challenging year but we made huge strides when it comes to streamlining the class rep process and increasing engagement. We hope to keep a blended model moving forward.

SU Chairperson, SU College Convenors and Postgraduate Officers of 2020/2021 A special thanks for the work done by the Chairperson, College Convenors and Postgraduate Officers on electing and engaging with Class Representatives.

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SU Council Chairperson – Cathal Sherlock Convenor of College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies – Faye Ní Dhomhnaill Convenor of College of Science & Engineering – Sai Gujulla Convenor of College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences – Jack Collins Convenor of College of Business, Public Policy & Law – Krystian Bachan Postgraduate Research Officer – Shane O’Connell Postgraduate Taught Officer – Mairtín Mac Gabhann

5

SIN Newspaper Nuachtán SIN

SIN (Student Independent News) is NUI Galway’s only student newspaper with 12 issues, one per fortnight. SIN was published online via ISSUU this year owing to the Covid-19 situation. The paper is student and campus focused, celebrating the achievements of NUI Galway’s students, athletes, artists, writers, and staff. Everyone can contribute to SIN, and we have a variety of volunteer writers from disciplines such as law, commerce, and journalism.

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The newspaper was shortlisted for several awards this year, including Newspaper of the year at the Student Media Awards. Several SIN writers also picked up nominations including Valerie McHugh (Journalism relating to Road Safety) Áine Ní Dhonnaile (Iriseoireacht Scríofa) and Tiffany Greenwaldt-Simon (SFI Award for Journalism Relating to Science and Technology). Editor Valerie McHugh won two awards the 2022 Student Media Awards.

2021/2022 Team:

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Numerous SIN writers had work featured at a local and national level this year, with SIN contributors having their work featured in the Irish Times, the Irish Examiner and the Connacht Tribune this year.

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SIN also grew its online presence substantially this year, doubling our Twitter and Instagram presence over the course of the year. Our Twitter account, @NuigSIN hit 1,200 followers in May. The addition of two online editors in September aided our online presence significantly, and their use of good Search Engine Optimisation and graphics on social posts helped our reach greatly.

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Editor – Valerie McHugh Deputy Editor – Darragh Nolan News Editors – Darragh Nolan and Caoimhe Killeen Features – Anastasia Sytnyk Opinion – David Cendon Garcia Arts and Fashion – Saoirse Higgins Health and Lifestyle – Ewelina Szybinska Sport – Darren Casserly Cainte – Caitlín Ní Mhurchú Online – Katie Barragry and Aine Fogarty

This year, SIN published 12 32-page editions, 6 per semester, and an additional 16-page election special ahead of the FullTime Students’ Union Officer Elections. This issue contained in-depth, exclusive interviews with all candidates for the fulltime Students’ Union elections, as well as interviews with outgoing officers and a vox-pop of students from various disciplines and colleges in NUI Galway. Shannon Reeves is our designer and has worked on SIN for a number of years. He helped SIN to adapt its layout, making it more accessible to an online audience and befitting of a modern newspaper. We achieved this though the introduction of long-form features laid out over two pages, photo by lines for regular writers, and through increasing our usage of engaging graphics to engage our readers.

2021/2022 Highlights: •

Under the direction of Shannon Reeves, SIN underwent a complete redesign of its layout and design this year which proved immensely popular online.

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SIN covered and broke ground-breaking stories this year and kept the student body informed on issues happening in the University, even while students found themselves working hybrid on and off campus.

SIN is published in association with the NUI Galway Students’ Union, but retains editorial independence.

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Elections Toghcháin

Across March and April forty two students put their names on the virtual ballot papers seeking election to the 2022-2023 Students’ Union Executive. A referendum was also passed to create a new full time paid officer position of Vice President for the Irish Language.

Returning Officer Phelim Kelly oversaw the elections and announced the results of the online counts. Turnout fell in comparison to last year across all the elections despite the large number of candidates running for election. We will be looking at ways to increase voter turnout and engagement for next year.

The successful candidates in the elections were:

Position

Name

President

Sai Gujulla

VP/Education

Joe Mee

VP/Welfare & Equality

Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer

VP Irish Language

Barry Ó Siochrú

Oifigeach na Gaeilge

Seánie Ó Gáibhín

Disability Rights Officer

Michaela Margaret Joyce

Ethnic Minorities Officer

Anne Marie Ward

Gender & LGBT+ Rights Officer

Connor Boyle Ferry

International Students Officer

Julia Egan

Mature Students

Benjamin George

Convenor of College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies

Tom Forde

Convenor of College of Business, Public Policy & Law

Holly Leech

Convenor of College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Rain Puiman Yan

Convenor of College of Science and Engineering

Jack Reidy

Societies’ Chairperson

Vickie Popoola

Clubs’ Captain

Tahsin Kamal

Postgraduate Taught Officer

Raimey O’Boyle

Postgraduate Research Officer

Greta Westerwald

Environmental and Sustainability Officer

Malena Thren

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Students’ Union Policies Beartais Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

NUI Galway Students’ Union adopts policies on various issues. Policy can be set by the Executive Committee, SU Council or a referendum of all members of the Students’ Union.

The following policies have been agreed by referendum in recent years: Referenda on Amendments to SU Constitution Passed April 2021 Creation of a part-time Environmental and Sustainability Officer. Chairperson of SU Council replaced with an external independent Chairperson.

Referendum on Student Levy Passed April 2021 From 1st July, 2021 the members of NUI Galway Students’ Union approve the cancellation of the current Student Levy of €224 and further approve its replacement with a new Student Levy of €140.

Students’ Union position on reunification of the island of Ireland Passed March 2017 NUI Galway Students’ Union supports the reunification of the island of Ireland and calls on the State to hold a national referendum on the question of such reunification.

Students’ Union position on the Direct Provision System Passed March 2016 The Students’ Union condemns the direct provision system which is inhumane and denies asylum seekers their basic rights and calls for its abolition and replacement with a system which respects the human rights of asylum seekers. In line with policy supported by the Migrant Rights Centre and other concerned NGOs. Students’ Union position on the Decriminalisation of Drugs Passed March 2016 The Students’ Union has adopted a position actively supporting the decriminalisation of drugs solely for personal use.

Students’ Union position on the Legalisation and Regulation of the Cultivation, Sale and Possession of Cannabis Passed March 2015 The Students’ Union has adopted a position supporting the legalisation and regulation of the cultivation, sale and possession of cannabis.

Students’ Union position on the issue of couples of the same gender availing of Civil Marriage Passed March 2014 The Students’ Union has a policy of supporting couples of the same gender availing of civil marriage.

Following the national referendum in May 2015, this policy has been fulfilled.

Students’ Union position on the campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against the State of Israel Passed March 2014 The Students’ Union adopted a position in support of the campaign of “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against the State of Israel” (BDS Campaign) Students’ Union position on the Issue of Abortion Passed March 2013 The Students’ Union has a Pro-Choice position in support of the national campaign for full reproductive rights, which include a woman’s right to abortion, whether elective or medically necessary.

No Platform Policy Passed March 2012 The Students’ Union is mandated to oppose any invitation to members of various organisations to speak at the University. Full details available on the Students’ Union Website.

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CÉIM

Now in its ninth year of operation, CÉIM successfully returned to on-campus peer learning delivery this year.

Supporting the first year experience Initiated by NUI Galway Students’ Union in 2013, CÉIM is a co-curricular academic peer learning programme that is delivered via a partnership between students, academic staff and the Students’ Union and was offered to approximately 1,930 students in 2021/22.

In what has been another very challenging year, CÉIM has continued to support 1st year students’ transition to higher education, health and wellbeing, academic success, progression and transferable skills development.

2021/22 highlights • After a year of online peer learning, CÉIM successfully moved back to in-person delivery this year. In spite of COVID, the cyberattack, and hybrid teaching and learning resulting in less students being on campus, CÉIM attendance and engagement has remained high.

• Many IT systems and processes were inaccessible due to the cyberattack and CÉIM leaders demonstrated incredible resilience flexibility and creativity in supporting the development of learning communities.

• CÉIM was rolled out to Science students in 2021/22. The number of students offered CÉIM increased by 324 this academic year.

• A CÉIM coordinator, an academic lead and a student leader coach presented about CÉIM at the ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Conference in November 2021.

• A case study featuring CÉIM written in collaboration with Lund University, the University of Manchester and Nord University was accepted in May 2022 for publication in the Student Engagement in Higher Education Journal.

How CÉIM works CÉIM is based on the well-evidenced Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) or Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) model used in over 30 countries. Student leaders from higher years facilitate weekly study sessions for small groups of 1st year students, creating peer-led learning communities where it’s easy to ask questions.

CÉIM in numbers 2021/22

2,486 90%+ 38% 3 out of 4 144 98%

1st year students offered CÉIM across multiple subjects* Arts students offered CÉIM Arts students offered CÉIM in multiple subjects Successful return to on-campus peer learning

colleges run CÉIM student leaders leader retention

*Many Arts students are offered CÉIM in multiple subjects

‘Made me feel more comfortable about settling into university life.’

2020/21 1st year student 2021/22 ‘It’s a very interactive space, very well planned and tries to include everyone in the class.’

2020/21 1st year student 2021/22

 Weekly Peer Learning Sessions

Group Chat

Coursework Support

Digital Badge

www.su.nuigalway.ie/ceim

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Life Skills Programme Scileanna Saoil

The Life Skills Programme saw the Students’ Union running online and in person courses throughout the year to allow students the opportunity to enhance their life skills away from their academic studies and also improve their employability.

There was a welcome return of our in person Heartsaver AED courses with training provided by the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health at the Croí Heart and Stroke Centre.

In partnership with Galway Rape Crisis Centre online courses in Disclosure Training were again offered to students this year which equipped them with the skills to deal appropriately with a disclosure of sexual violence.

The SU worked with the HSE Suicide Prevention Officer to promote the online LivingWorks Start courses to equip students with the skills to recognise the danger signs for someone who is a suicide risk.

We also promoted the Ohana Zero Suicide Online Training course throughout the year which only takes 20 minutes for student to complete.

Jigsaw Galway ran two fully booked online Mental Health Workshops for NUI Galway students. One of the students attending the training has now joined the Jigsaw Galway Youth Advocate Group.

A series of sign language courses were held online during the year which gave students and staff the basic skills needed to converse in sign language.

Irish Language Classes were held in conjunction with Conradh na Gaeilge (in person) and Gaelchultúr (online). These were hugely popular with 4 sold out course levels offered each semester.

Weekly Strength and Conditioning Classes were held in semester 1 with Lucia Byrne Fitness putting us through our paces in tough virtual classes.

6 week Pilates Courses were held throughout the year and delivered online to increase students flexibility and core strength with Marie Hegarty Pilates.

Unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions a number of the usual Life Skills courses could not go ahead this year including: Child Protection Training, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), safeTALK, Mixed Martial Arts for Self Defence and the Barista Course. It is hoped to bring these courses back for the 2022/23 academic year.

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Fundraising Tiomsú Airgid

NUI Galway Students’ Union ran a selection of unique charity events this year raising €11,000 for our chosen charities: Galway Rape Crisis Centre and BeLonG To Youth Services.

Galway Rape Crisis Centre is dedicated to providing a professional, caring and confidential counselling and support service for those in our community affected by sexual abuse and sexual violence.

BeLonG To Youth Services vision is a world where LGBTI+ young people are equal, safe, and valued in the diversity of their identities and experiences.

Our giant Christmas Raffle raised €2,800 with staff and students purchasing tickets online for a chance to win 30 amazing prizes kindly donated by Galway businesses.

Our Books and Bakes event combined a cake sale with a second hand book sale which was a recipe for success raising over €700.

Our Take Me Out night was a big hit at Sult hosted by comedian Steve Bennett with students vying for the chance to take part, have the craic and try to find romance!

We held table quizzes during both Gaelseachtain and Seachtain na Gaeilge at Sult. There was also a fantastic “Charaoke” (Charity Karaoke!) night, Bingo Loco and a pop-up selling anti spiking Scrunchies with Scrunch Up. More brave students sacrificed their hair doing the Hair Raiser challenge to raise funds for the charities.

We took over the Presidents’ Lawn for the first ever NUIG Squid Games where 12 teams battled it out in fun games to win great prizes.

The SU Office hosted our Second Hand Clothes Sale to give students the chance to grab some bargain sustainable fashions.

We held two saucy, sold out rounds of Sex Toy Bingo at Sult during the year to raise more funds for the SU Charities hosted again by the fabulous Steve Bennett.

The Swifties of NUI Galway united for our Taylor Swift Club Night at Sult to mark the end of the academic year and raise more money for the charities.

We continued to sell our Big Yellow Thing Socks online and on campus. The socks designed by Galway Company Irish Socksciety feature a tribute to the iconic “Galway Yellow” (AKA Big Yellow Thing) sculpture on campus. All proceeds from the sock sales went to the SU Charity fund with the socks proving very popular as presents for alumni, students and staff.

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Entertainment & Events Siamsaíocht agus Imeachtaí

Freshers’ Events For the month of September the SU Pop Up took over the Quad as we gave out thousands of reusable SU tote bags filled with freebies like reusable coffee cups, free drinks, SU Cards with €10 free credit, reusable facemasks, pens and soft drinks.

Our Outdoor Cinema also made it’s long awaited return to campus. There was a Pop Up Gaeltacht at Sult to welcome people back to campus and encourage them to practice their Gaeilge. We also held on online Clothes Swop Shop with NUW. Walk and Talks We continued our Walk & Talk events where students could meet SU Officers and each other while getting their steps in throughout semester 1.

Hump Day Hoolie The SU Hump Day Hoolies returned in semester one and were a great chance for students to meet online in an informal manner with craic, speed friending and lots of prizes to be won. The events were hosted by comedian Steve Bennett and included a Halloween Special.

Cycle Challenge, Walktober and Marchathon We had a huge amount of NUI Galway staff and student teams taking part in the Smarter Travel Cycle Challenge in September, Walktober in October and Marchathon in March this year. 6 teams joined the Cycle Challenge, 38 teams signed up for the Walktober step challenge and a further 25 Teams got their steps in for Marchathon. The three events kept everyone active and connected whilst encouraging sustainable transport choices.

Gaelchara The Gaelchara initiative helped students to make friends through Gaeilge.

Voter Registration The SU continued to encourage students to register to vote throughout the year with Voter Registration Drives for first time voters along with encouraging Graduates to register for their Seanad Éireann vote during Graduation events.

Road Safety Week Freebies In October we distributed free high-vis vests and other items to mark Road Safety Week.

County Colours Night We held a County Colours night at Sult in November which was a huge success. Students donned their home jerseys and had a great night out with the Juicy DJ’s supplying the tunes.

Freebie Friday We held two Freebie Friday events in the SU Office in semester two giving out retro SU t-shirts, Keep Cups, High Vis Stuff, Tote Bags, Face Masks, Antigen Tests, textbooks, soft drinks and lots more to students. We also hosted a fun visit from the Red Bull Reaction Wall with more freebies and prizes.

Treat Yo’ Self Day For Treat Yo’ Self Day we held a free online Skin Chat event with lots of great Winter skincare advice and freebies.

Coffee Mornings To mark International Students Day we held a coffee morning at Sult in November. We also had a coffee morning for Mature Students in April.

Stress Busters In the lead up to Christmas exams we had free online Stress Buster Workouts with Wilder Wellbeing to give students a break from the books.

Take Me Out In February we took over Sult again for a sold out NUIG version of Take Me Out. Contestants aimed to impress in the hopes of finding romance at the event hosted by comedian Steve Bennett.

Bingo Loco We teamed up with The European Law Students’ Association NUIG and Bingo Loco to bring Legally Loco to Sult in March.

Exams Buses We arranged exam buses for Christmas and deferred exams to exam venues in Salthill and secured funding from the University so this service was free for students.

Squid Games We ran an old school sports day with a Squid Games theme on the Presidents’ Lawn. 12 teams of students battled it out on a sunny April day to win prizes including a trip to a festival for the best dressed team.

12

Campaigns Feachtasaí

Comhaltas na Mac Léinn OÉ Gaillimh ran many campaigns throughout the 2021/22 academic year. These ranged from welfare campaigns focussing on mental health and sexual health to sustainability initiatives, Gaeilge campaigns and more.

In November we took part in the USI Cost of Education protest at the Spanish Arch highlighting major issues such as high student fees, inadequate student housing and a lack of investment in higher education. We also arranged a bus for students to attend the INMO Protest in Dublin in November.

The GaelSeachtain campaign in October included Instagram Takeovers, a Walk and Talk, a Pop-Up Gaeltacht, the weekly Ciorcal Comhrá, a Coffee Morning, a table quiz and a free Yoga Class. Students used these opportunities to practice their Gaeilge or learn some more! We also took part in Gaeilge 24 in November.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities events in December included a Disability Rights Clinic, an ISL Workshop, a Disability Experience Workshop and students were encouraged to wear purple to mark the day.

Mental Health Week events took place in November to encourage students to take time to look after their mental health, to raise awareness and to recognise the signs of mental health issues. During the week there was a Tackle Your Feelings talk, Walk & Talks, an Irish Traveller Mental Health Talk with Mincéirs Whiden Society and Neurodivergent Society held events on neuro divergences and mental health.

There was also a free online workshop with Jigsaw, a Sex and Mental Health Talk with Caroline West and free online Meditation sessions.

Drop in clinics were hosted during the year by the SU Disability Officer, the SU Mature Students’ Officer and the SU Ethnic Minorities Officer.

This year we partnered with the Hygiene Bank Galway to hold monthly donation drives of hygiene, personal care and household cleaning products for those in need. We also continued to supply free items to students in need such as period packs and condoms.

The sustainability working group continued to meet this year to try to find ways to make the university to be as eco-friendly as possible. There was a lab coat and goggles recycling drive in September. During February we brought back our Sustainability Mondays campaign with special offers of Vegan treats, a beach clean-up and a vintage clothing pop up. We distributed free keep cups and tote bags all year round. We joined with Fridays For Future Climate Strikes in Eyre Square. We also provided support for the NUIG Student Pantry initiative to reduce food waste. We held Clean Ups each month adopting a different spot each time to try to make Galway a cleaner, greener place.

In November our SHAG Week events included a webinar on stalking, information on UTI’s, disclosure training, free rapid HIV testing, Sex Toy Bingo, a workshop on Image Based Sexual Abuse and an online information session on “The Best Sex Ever”. We also held a Candlelit Vigil to mark Elimination of Violence Against Women day.

We supported Project UniCov by encouraging students and staff to sign up for self-testing for Covid. We also promoted the on campus vaccine clinics and distributed free face masks and antigen tests to keep our students safe.

We organised campus protests during the Christmas Exams over unsafe conditions in exam centres and during the semester two exams about the discontinuation of lecture recordings.

Our first ever Consent Week took place in February with lots of great free events including the Green* Light Podcast Panel, an Active* Consent workshop, a Consent Poster competition, an Image Based Sexual Abuse Workshop, free Rapid HIV testing clinic, a talk on LGBTQ Sex Ed and the ever popular Sex Toy Bingo.

To mark Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day there was an unveiling ceremony of new artwork in the SU Office by Mincéirs Whiden Society.

Seachtain na Gaeilge was held over three weeks in March with a great array of events including table quizzes, coffee mornings, a Gaeilge 101 class, a talk on careers with Gaeilge, a pop up Gaeltacht and a trip to Inis Mór.

With the outbreak of war in Ukraine we held a vigil with GMIT SU in Eyre Square. We also launched a fundraising drive to support the people of Ukraine with items on sale in our SU outlets.

Our first ever Brain Week took place in March and included talks on how to use the Disability Support Service, Epilepsy Ireland Seizure Training a Bipolar Disorder Talk and an Addiction Talk.

The Le Chéile Inclusivity Weekend provided training for Societies and Clubs. It included an ISL workshop, a Gender Equality workshop, how to include Gaeilge in events and advice on making events more inclusive and accessible.

Workers’ Rights Talks were held for hospitality/retail sector workers, student nurses, PME and education students.

In May we arranged a bus to the An Lá Dearg protest in Belfast. This event aimed to give voice to the widespread community demand for an Irish Language act in the north.

13

Students’ Union Services Seirbhísí Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

Students’ Union Shop The Students’ Union Shop, your only on-campus convenience store, really is the neighbourhood shop for NUI Galway! We’re centrally located in the Hardiman Library building to maximise convenience.

Plus, all your favourite DJs; bands; comedians; karaoke; raunchy cabaret nights; craic on your favourite Riverside Terrace and loads more! We’ve now added regular ticketed nights with some of the coolest acts around too, including Verve, Onabumble, D2AL, Groovy Tuesdays, Arriba Night and lots more!

At the SU Shop, we’re constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of customers. We offer an impressive range of great fresh foods; sandwiches; wraps; rolls; snacks; hot and cold drinks; key grocery and household items; stationery; discounted newspapers and lots of healthy options!

Don’t forget – every society, club and class party event qualifies for complimentary finger food when their event takes place at Sult. We’ll pick up the tab, because we’re sound like that!

If you need stationery for that all important assignment but can’t get to a shop, check out our Stationery Superstore at http://nuig.stationerysuperstore.ie/ where we offer free delivery on all orders over €20! The Shop has always been the number 1 desitination for its great range of Official NUI Galway merchandise including hoodies, t-shirts and branded stationery.

The SU Shop continued to go up against the biggest and the best around and beat them too! Ár Siopa is award winning in its category, having received the top national honour of a 5 Star Award at the Annual XL ‘Store of the Year Awards’ as it continues to achieve and maintain the highest standards in the industry.

Sult 2021/2022 was yet another jam-packed year at everyone’s favourite (only) on-campus bar/ restaurant/music/live sports and event space – despite the trials and tribulations of the restrictions associated with the fight against COVID-19! Sult continued to host record numbers of live shows; class parties; fundraisers; barbeques; signature pizza and filthy food nights, as soon as was possible with the easing of restrictions.

We have been working hard to update all our catering and hospitality services, including the popular Street Food/Hot Food offering and introducing regular themed days such as Mexican Mondays; “Mammy Dinners”; Indian and American themed days. We’ll soon be introducing a Click & Collect offering so you can maximize your break time, every time!

Our Bia Boxes continued to go from strength-to-strength alongside our Hot Food offering, and we managed to deliver more of your favourite drinks, mega deals and special discounts than ever before!

In addition to our regular special offers and giveaways, Sult continued its deals like free porridge with your morning tea/ coffee, ensuring NUI Galway students don’t start the day on an empty stomach – especially important during the cold winter exam times!

Smokey’s Café Still the top spot to relax / unwind / meet friends / plan your project work and even nights out over a cup of the very best coffee on campus, bar none!

Smokey’s serves premium hot and cold drinks, including Fairtrade, organic, 100% shade-grown, arabica coffees, from our brand-spanking new barista coffee machines, as well as all your favourite teas, smoothies, juices, salads, sandwiches; rolls; pastries, snacks; a range of sweet treats and healthy options too.

SU Card Our free SU Card has been guaranteeing you better value, discounts and freebies for over 12 years. Available for use in every Students’ Union Commercial Services outlet, it’s our way of saying “thank you” to the students and staff who support us all year, every year – without you there is no us!

In all our units, keep an eye out for our regular offers and SU Card promotions, some are there all the time and others are updated regularly. The SU Card will always maximise value for you and we’re always open to your suggestions too!

Sustainability Working closely with the Galway-based Ethical Coffee Co. and Fairtrade Ireland, every tea, coffee, sugar; condiment; cup; lid and stirrer in every Students’ Union Commercial Services outlets are Fairtrade, Organic and completely compostable too!

All of our food and tea / coffee take-away packaging is fully compostable or reusable too!

All our coffee is also 100% shade-grown Arabica, from Puro, making it the finest and most ethical available anywhere, on or near your campus.

We are delighted to host and support a huge number of events, including those listed below!

Our outlets have been offering discounts to every customer that uses their own (re-usable) cup for over 13 years.

• • • • • • • •

110 x Class Parties 110 x Society Events 90 x Club Parties 120 x Departmental & Postgrad Staff Parties 20 x Humanitarian & Charity Fundraising Events 45 x Students’ Union Events 105 x Live Sport events on our big screens Live broadcasts to the Nation!

Reinvesting in You As always, the profits earned from any Students’ Union services are reinvested in the Students’ Union to further develop and expand the suite of services we offer. What makes the Students’ Union services unique is the money you spend on campus stays on campus. No other operator on campus can say that!

Students’ Union Commercial Services Ltd., (Sult, Smokey’s and the SU Shop) contribute €30,000 to the Student Projects Fund every year making it the biggest single contributor to the fund.

Our commercial services company also contributes in excess of SU LOCKERS €250,000, annually, to the university to help fund all of the services it provides and gives €30,000 directly to the Students’ Union.

TAISCEADÁIN AN CHOMHALTAIS

All the contributions outlined above SU areLOCKERS made regardless of profitability, to assist with the valuable work carried out by the respective parties for the benefit of students, staff and visitors to NUI Galway.

SU SU CLOAKROOM Student Employment Over 85% of our staff, across all our operational units – Sult, REGISTER Smokey’s, the SU Shop – are also students. Keeping our trading income on campus and in your pockets!

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SU LOCKERS

AN CHOMHALTAIS

AN CHOMHALTAIS

SU

Clár Scileanna SaoilTAISCEADÁIN AN CHOMHALTAIS

Life/Skills Sponsorship of Student Events Initiatives / Sporting Endeavour & The Arts SU LOCKERS Over the course of the year we support many of the good causes SU LOCKERS run by the different charities, clubs and societies on campus.

Watch SU LOCKERS this space as we look forward to the announcement of exciting new SU LOCKERS partenerships over the coming year!Union SU Students’

Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

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SU SU SU CLOAKROOM

Second Hand SU CLOAKROOM Lockers SU CLOAKROOM BOOKSTORE The Students’ Union rents lockers in various locations across camREGISTER LOCKERS pus. We added an extra free SU exam locker service this year for comREGISTER muting students who needed locker REGISTER access during the exam season.

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StudentSU Leap LOCKERS SU SUCards SU SU CLOAKROOM The Students’ Union is an agent for the Student Leap Card which gives great student dicounts on travel. Students can also avail of a top of service SU in the SU to add credit to their Leap Cards and save LOCKERS REGISTER SEOMRA CÓTAÍ KROOMmore money.

Life Skills Life Skills Life Skills

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AN CHOMHALTAIS

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Students’Students’ Union AN CHOMHALTAIS half of students to other students.Union This keeps book costs down, provides extra cash to students and also promotes Secondsustainability.

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TAISCEADÁIN AN CHOMHALTAIS

SIOPA LEABHAR ATHLÁIMHE an Chomhaltais

AN CHOMHAL AN CHOMHALTAIS

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TAISCEADÁIN AN CHOMHALTAIS

Clár Scileanna Sao Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn Clár Scileanna Saoil Clár Scileanna Saoil

SEOMRA CÓTAÍ AN CHOMHALTAIS

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Clár Scileanna Saoil AN CHOMHALTAIS clár DIANCHEACHTANNA Siamsaíocht Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

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an Chomhaltais SIOPA LEABHAR an Chomhaltais ATHLÁIMHE SIOPA LEABH an Chomhaltais ATHLÁIMH

BOOKSTORE an Chomhaltais

Clár Scileanna Saoil

BOOKSTORE

TAISCE

SEOMRA CÓTAÍAN CHOMHALTAIS

Clár Scileanna Saoil AN CHOMHALTAIS BOOKSTORE Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn Second Hand

The Cloakroom is run and managed by the Students’ Union. Cloakroom staff are all students and the service is provided free of charge Students’ Union to students during term time. It is hoped that this service will return Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn in September 2022.

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Siamsaíocht Independent an Chomhaltais News NUACHTÁN SAOR IN AISCE

SIOPA LEABHAR ATHLÁIMHE

Students’ Union Freshers Bags an Chomhaltais Siamsaíocht Free Students’ UnionSecond Freshers reusable tote bags were distributed Hand SIOPA LEABHAR Chomhaltais to students througout the year along with free face masks,an free reBOOKSTORE ATHLÁIMHE SU CARD usable coffee cups, soft drinks, biros, SU Cards with €10 credit and an Chomhaltais the SU Welcome Magazine. The magazine is a useful resource for Siamsaíocht students contains information on the SU Team, SU Services, Secondand Hand SIOPA LEABHAR anSU Chomhaltais campus facilities and Clubs & Societies. The was also a distriBOOKSTORE ATHLÁIMHE bution point for free antigen tests and reusable face masks for stuan Chomhaltais dents.

Cárta Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

Check your account at www.su.nuigalway.ie

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11/08/2021 14:51

14

SU Finance Cúrsaí Airgeadais an Chomhaltais

NUI Galway Students' Union Budget Update 30 November 2019

NUIGSU Income Statement 30 June 2021

NUIGSU Income Statement 30 June 2021 The Students’ Union financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June. The details below relate to year ending 30 June 2021 with figures from June 2020 for comparison.

Covid 19 had a significant impact on the activities of the Students’ Union in the year ending 30 June 2021. Although our main income streams, the Student Levy and allocation from the Student Contribution remained in line with previous years, other incomes were reduced or eliminated. The largest of those were the allocation from the licence fee paid by Sult to the University (€30,000), and the contribution from SUCS Ltd (€36,000).

There was also an unexpected reduction in funding paid by the University for the CÉIM Programme, which was not communicated until very late in the financial year. The reduction was very surprising given the multiple communications regarding the expected level of funding, and commitments by the University in the CINNTE Review to adequately fund CÉIM. The Union seeks to use its resources to deliver for its members and all expenditure is viewed in that way. 42% of expenditure was on Representation and Services and 17% was spent on Office and Administration. The remaining 41% was Staff and Officer Costs who deliver the work of the Union.

At the end of last year, we delivered a surplus of €4,758. This is despite reduced income and steady expenditure. We continue to be mindful that we are a private sector organisation, and we require a strong balance sheet and cash at hand to keep us stable.

The accounts for 30 June 2021 have been presented to Comhairle Comhaltas na Mac Léinn (SU Council) and are publicly available on our website. For further information on the finances of the Students’ Union, please visit our website www.su.nuigalway.ie.

Students’ Union Funding As a result of the Levy Referendum in April 2021 to reduce the levy paid by all students, the University opted to defund the Students’ Union and divert the funds to reduce the supposed sports centre debt. The decision to defund the Union is a watershed moment and one that reflects extremely badly on the University. NUI Galway Students’ Union is now the only students’ union in the country which does not receive any funding from the student contribution.

The Union will continue to be financed by the student levy. The referendum which reduced the amount paid by students from €224 to €140 resulted in increased funding for Clubs, Societies, Student Health Unit, Flirt FM and the Students’ Union. The Students’ Union’s allocation from the levy has increased by approximately €242,000 to €652,000.

30 June 2021

30 June 2020

€451,100.00

€449,542.00

€788.00

€20,462.00

Income Student Levy Lockers Secondhand Books - Income

€67.00

€784.00

€1,688.00

€18,000.00

Contribution from Students' Union Commercial Services

€0.00

€27,000.00

Sult Licence Fee Contribution

€0.00

€30,000.00

Student Leapcard Commission

University Allocation from Student Charge

€80,396.00

€80,396.00

CÉIM Funding

€130,979.00

€148,767.50

Total Income

€665,018.00

€774,951.50

€257,262.78

€247,126.60

Expenditure Officer and Staff Costs Total Staff & Officer Costs Officer & Staff Expenses Training,Development &Welfare Total Staff and Officer Costs

€515.38

€8,173.00

€12,419.33

€16,938.00

€270,197.49

€272,237.60

Office & Administration Subscriptions & Membership Telephone Water Cooler

€450.00

€900.00

€5,763.00

€9,664.26

€0.00

€401.44

€12,856.00

€6,958.03

Printing, Postage and Stationary

€3,960.33

€7,646.97

Promotions

€4,345.18

€6,365.96

Seirbhisi Na MacLeinn Levy

€32,524.00

€32,632.00

Accountancy andAudit Fees

€5,029.67

€4,214.00

Bank Charges

€1,038.00

€3,025.00

€993.02

€4,237.84

Website & I.T.

Fundraising Campaigns Expenses Insurance Legal Fees Depreciation

€6,057.10

€6,094.00

€22,380.00

€11,070.00

€4,819.00

€5,696.00

€100,215.30

€98,905.50

USI

€83,779.00

€85,426.00

Campaigns

€21,647.00

€6,515.41

SU Council

€19,259.64

€18,221.00

Election & Referendum Expenses

€10,453.30

€9,428.41

€0.00

€3,770.00

€142,640.51

€149,779.49

Total Office & Administration Representation & Services

Entertainment Costs Total CÉIM Expenditure Life Skills Expenses Total Representation & Services

€2,002.60

€4,450.00

€279,782.05

€277,590.31

Covid 19 Expenses

€10,064.55

Total Expenditure

€660,259.39

€648,733.41

€4,758.61

€126,218.09

Surplus

15

Incoming Executive 2022/2023 Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2022/2023

VP Irish Language

VP/Education

President

VP/Welfare & Equality

Barry Ó Siochrú

Joe Mee

Sai Gujulla

Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer

Convenor of College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies

Convenor of College of Business, Public Policy & Law

Convenor of College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Convenor of College of Science and Engineering

Postgraduate Research Officer

Postgraduate Taught Officer

Societies’ Chairperson

Clubs’ Captain

Greta Westerwald MPA

Raimey O’Boyle

Vickie Popoola

Tahsin Kamal

Environmental and Sustainability Officer

International Students Officer

Gender & LGBT+ Rights Officer

Disability Rights Officer

Julia Egan

Connor Boyle Ferry

Michaela Margaret Joyce

Tom Forde

Malena Thren

Holly Leech

Rain Puiman Yan

Jack Reidy

Mature Students Officer

Ethnic Minorities Officer

Oifigeach na Gaeilge

Benjamin George

Anne Marie Ward

Seánie Ó Gáibhín

NUIGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie @nuigsu