University of Galway Students' Union Annual Report 2023 - 2024

President’s Foreword • Focal ón Uachtarán

Students’ Union Services • Seirbhísí Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn Incoming Executive 2024/25 • Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2024/25 SU Finance • Cúrsaí Airgeadais an Chomhaltais 1 2 3 4 5 7 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Mission Statement/Highlights • Ráiteas Misin/Buaicphointí

Executive Committee 2023/24 • Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2023/24

SU Council • Comhairle an Chomhaltais

SIN Newspaper • Nuachtán SIN

Elections • Toghcháin

Students’ Union Policies • Beartais Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

CÉIM Peer Learning

Life Skills • Scileanna Saoil

Fundraising • Tiomsú airgid

Entertainment & Events • Siamsaíocht agus Imeachtaí

Campaigns • Feachtais

President’s Foreword

Focal ón Uachtarán

It has been the absolute honour and privilege of my life to serve as President of Comhaltas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, University of Galway Students’ Union this year. It has been an experience like no other, and I will be eternally grateful for the trust placed in me personally and the entire team of elected officers to guide our union forward another year.

In this the 60th anniversary of our Union, we have met challenges and opportunities alike both expected and unexpected. We had the great honour of overseeing the return of RAG Week for the first time in 12 years, and with the help of this and the support of University management, and the untold effort of our own staff and officers, we have raised a record €53,275 for charity. This money will go towards continuing the fantastic work of two brilliant local charities, Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Cancer Care West, and allow them both to continue to provide their quality support to our community.

Working closely with the Dean of Students, we successfully managed to reduce the repeat exam fee by one hundred euros, helping those students who have repeat exams out a little bit. This was by no means a solo effort, and it comes off the back of significant effort from several previous student union executives and officers, and a lot of people down through the years. There are too many to thank, but they certainly know who they are, and we have now started a process for subsequent officers to advance on, and work towards eventual abolishment.

We are living through uncertain times, and we are privileged to live in a country where we are free to protest and call out injustice without fear of prosecution. We are proud that our University was one of the first to outwardly call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in the Middle East, and to commit to reviewing the University’s relationship with Israeli institutions in that context. We credit University management for taking this stance and for listening to the extremely articulate and frankly incredible group of Palestinian students who have continually pushed on this. To our dedicated team of full time officers, Faye, Raimey, and Izzy, you all have been nothing short of extraordinary. Your work ethic, endless energy and seemingly unending drive are absolutely admirable and it was a pleasure getting to know you this year. We would not have accomplished half as much as we did if it was not for the close bond of our team, and I’m sure you’re all going to go on to accomplish incredible things. In particular, Faye, I wish you the best of luck in your role as President, you have been an absolute champion for the Irish language and I am sure you will keep that energy and determination for the coming year.

To all our part time officers who gave selflessly of their time and energy, thank you. You all contributed greatly, and should be immensely proud of your work this year. It is one thing to take a year out and work full time as a sabbatical officer but to be able to balance your studies, your officer responsibilities, along with everything else you’re involved in, is an incredible accomplishment and you have all represented your students impeccably. Our wholehearted thanks also to our over 500 elected class reps whose work often goes unnoticed, your dedication to the cause and commitment to representing your classmates is a vital aspect of our Union’s purpose.

To our SU staff, your knowledge and dedication helped steer us in the right direction when we most needed it. You were always available to provide assistance and advice on events and campaigns, and we are eternally grateful for that. Thanks also to our CÉIM staff who continue to manage the best Peer Learning Programme in the country, you do such an incredible job day in and day out in ensuring first year students have the best possible experience in our University. To the staff of our commercial services, Sult, Smokey’s, and An Siopa, who are always a friendly face for thousands of students every day. Our campus community is privileged to have services owned, operated, and managed for the students, by the students, and this is something that should always be protected.

To our Board of Trustees, your wealth of knowledge and your continued support to our Union is greatly appreciated. Thanks also to all those who contributed to our student media, through SIN, Flirt FM, or otherwise, your diligent reporting will be remembered for years to come.

The mission of the Union shall be to represent its members and promote, defend and vindicate the rights of its members at all levels of society. I am confident that this mission has been upheld to the absolutely best of our ability this year, and that we have left our union in a better place than we found it. There will always be new challenges and obstacles to be faced, but with teamwork, perseverance, and effort, these can all be overcome. On behalf of myself, Faye Ní Dhomhnaill, Raimey O’Boyle, Izzy Tiernan, our executive committee, SU Council, all our staff, and the student body, I present to you with pride the 2023/24 Annual Report for Comhaltas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, University of Galway Students’ Union.

Mission Statement/Highlights

Ráiteas Misin/Buaicphointí

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

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

“An injury to one is an injury to all”

Highlights 2023/2024

• Successfully lobbied University Management to reduce the repeat exam fee by €100, bringing the fee from €295 to €195.

• Through a campaign of intense media pressure, videos, press releases, and a petition which received over 1,000 signatures, we successfully managed to get a private student accommodation provider Hubble Student Living to reverse their proposed rent increases for the coming year, which would have seen students paying an increase of at least 30% cross the board, and up to €11,045 a year.

• Successfully negotiated and lobbied to protect our Students’ Union Commercial Services, and signed a contract for a further 4 years and 9 months, the longest contract achieved in recent years, to allow students to continue to enjoy the benefits of services in student union ownership.

• Raised a record €53,275 for our two chosen local charities, Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Cancer Care West.

• Oversaw the return of RAG Week for the first time in 12 years, with an entire week of events to raise money for charity, a firewalk, a shave off, 5 a side soccer tournament, social event, live music, charity auction and more.

• Shortlisted for a total 21 nominations for the Student Achievement Awards Ireland (SAAI), and won 5, Charity Champion of the Year, Access Champion Latisha McCrudden, Postgraduate Champion Chris Stewart, Individual Contribution to Student Media Caoimhe Looney (SIN Editor) and Student Media Outlet of the year Galway Pulse.

• Successfully lobbied for and achieved increased student representation across committees including Academic Council, the establishment of a student committee to report on student issues, as well as a standing item at Governing Authority.

• Election of over 500 class reps from right across all colleges.

• Made great strides on our sustainable mission, with themed weeks including Wasted Week, lots of events and informational talks, and most notably progressed the elimination of disposal cups usage on campus, in our own commercial services and otherwise, through engaging with Commercial Services and the newly established Sustainability office.

• Lobbied Buildings & Estates and Commercial Services and successfully achieved increased social seating across the University, Engineering Building, Computer Science, Concourse, Áras Moyola, as well as an additional microwave for Áras Moyola.

• Organised the 2 largest ever student social events ever held in Galway City, Hallows at Halloween and SOS in February.

• Ran a Men’s Mental Health Week with the theme “Seize the Awkward”, which was shortlisted for “Best Welfare Campaign of the Year” at the SAAI awards.

• Ran an academic integrity campaign to inform students on how to approach completing assignments in an AI influenced world.

• Received significant media coverage throughout the year on both local and national outlets, for various issues including housing, fees, campaigns, and topical issues.

• Organised and participated in several protests, a camp out on Eyre Square, national pre-budget demonstration in Dublin, Palestine Solidarity, launch of Dunlin student village, Postgrad open evening and the Fine Gael Ard Fheis.

• In conjunction with Buildings & Estates staff , established the physical accessibility forum.

• Lobbied for and successfully achieved increased bus transport on all routes students raised concerns over, particularly routes in Connemara.

• Restoration of the T fund.

• Worked with University staff in the launch and implementation of the multi-sensory room.

• Trans day of remembrance flag raising ceremony

• Established the Student Safety Watch

• Implementation of the free Period Products Scheme

• Drug Con

• First ever kink and free expression fundraiser night in Galway City, with Rathaus.

• Hosted 3 themed Irish weeks, Gaelseachtain and Seachtain na Gaeilge, where all events were free to attend. Passed a motion at Conradh na Gaeilge’s Ard-Fheis to support the development of Scéimeana Cónaitheachtas na Gaeilge in all Universities and Technological Institutes in Ireland and passed a motion at Comhdháil 2024 to support the development of a full time Irish Language Officer role in all Unions.

• Several visits to Shannon College, pop ups, freebies at exams, and continued lobbying for increased funding.

• Several voter registration drives and information campaigns on upcoming elections.

Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2023/24

SU Council Comhairle an Chomhaltais

This year there were 530 elected Class Reps ranging from Undergraduates, Postgraduates, Adult Learners and part time learners. Elections for all year’s bar first years took place in September. Class Rep elections were delayed for incoming first years due to the late issuing of Leaving Certificate results and elections were held in October. Postgraduate research elections were held in October due to their varying start dates and a system change for their elections. This year elections took place fully online using YourSpace.

This year saw the continuation of an e-Learning module for Class Reps. It informed them about the Students’ Union and the role of Class Reps. It gave activities teaching facilitation, leadership, and communication skills. This module will hopefully be expanded and improved year on year.

Comhairle was hybrid this year which allowed students the flexibility to join meetings online or in person. This meant students on satellite campuses or those on placement could participate online. There was an attempt to make Comhairle more interactive this year using technologies such as mentimeter, we also separated reps into small groups to discuss certain topics to increase engagement, and implemented a 2 hour guillotine to prevent fatigue.

New election guidelines were adopted by Comhairle last year that defined how Postgraduate Research Reps are elected. That was implemented this year and most of the rep spaces were filled due to this. This should improve representation for the often-underrepresented postgraduate research students.

SU Chairperson, SU College Convenors and Postgraduate Officers of 2023/2024

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

• SU Council Chairperson – Cathal Sherlock

• Convenor of College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies – Ruairí O’Boyle

• Convenor of College of Science & Engineering – Joey Andrews

• Convenor of College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences – Katie Scrivener

• Convenor of College of Business, Public Policy & Law – Cameron Rose/Vytaute Bujaviciute

• Postgraduate Taught Officer – Fionn Sexton Connolly

• Postgraduate Research Officer – Chris Stewart

Finally, thank you to all the Class Reps who worked so hard to make this a brilliant year for student representation.

SIN Newspaper

Nuachtán SIN

SIN (Student Independent News) is the University of Galway Students’ Union only student newspaper with six issues, one per month. SIN was published online via ISSUU this year, while its sixth issue also had a special print release as well in March. The paper is student and campus focused, celebrating the achievements of University of 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.

2023/2024 Team:

• Editor – Caoimhe Looney

• Deputy Editor – Chloe Richardson

• News Editors – Emma van Oosterhout, Matthew Coggins, and Eimear Eastwood

• Features – Rachel Garvey

• Opinion – Holly Leech and Eliash Eze

• Arts and Fashion – Scott Stephens and Rebekah O’Reilly

• Health and Lifestyle – Megan Connolly

• Sport – Dylan McLoughlin

• Cainte – Sadhbh Clancy

• Chief Photographer – Hannah Martin

This year, SIN published six editions with an average of 40 pages, three per semester, with an additional online article series election special ahead of the Full-Time Students’ Union Officer Elections. This series contained in-depth, exclusive interviews with all candidates for the full-time Students’ Union elections, as well as interviews with outgoing officers and an opinion piece about the importance of voting. SIN also printed its sixth and final issue of the year which included 50 pages, with a number of articles across each section of SIN.

Tom O Connor took home three awards, and Michelle Geraghty took home one. Sin Editor Caoimhe Looney won the Individual Contribution to Student Media award at the USI Student Achievement Awards Ireland (SAAI).

• SIN developed its photography section this year which centred around local and campus events. It implemented a new ‘Student Showcase’ section, which encouraged students across disciplines to submit photos they had taken for a chance for their work to be published.

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.

2023/2024 Highlights:

• Under the direction of Shannon Reeves, SIN has continued to create new design ideas following the redesign of its layout and design in 2021.

• SIN covered and broke ground-breaking stories this year and kept the student body informed on issues happening in the University.

• Several SIN writers were shortlisted in a variety of categories in this year’s Student Media Awards, including Caoimhe Looney and Chloe Richardson (Collaborative Journalism of the Year) and Michelle Geraghty (Journalism Relating to Health). Contributor

• SIN hugely developed the website and its online content this year. New additions to the website include sub-categories under each pre-existing category, and writers’ profiles, to give student writers the chance to grow their online portfolio and add more of their personality to their articles.

• SIN was also in collaboration with some other societies across campus like the Beyond Borders Society to organise events such as the Media Literacy event which boasted a large attendance.

• SIN is published in association with University of Galway Students’ Union but retains editorial independence.

Elections Toghcháin

In March fifty students put their names on ballot papers seeking election to the 2024-2025 Students’ Union Executive. Students were given the option to vote online or in person at the three polling stations across campus. The majority of students opted to vote online. Returning Officer Eoin Ó Nialláin oversaw the elections and announced the results of the in person vote counts. Voter turnout improved due to the large number of candidates running for election and prizes being offered to voters. We will continue to look at more ways to increase voter turnout and engagement for next year.

The Clubs Captain and Postgraduate Taught Officer roles are unfilled and elections will take place early in semester one for these positions.

The successful candidates in the elections were:

Position

President

VP/Education

VP/Welfare & Equality

VP Irish Language

Disability Rights Officer

Ethnic Minorities Officer

Gender & LGBT+ Rights Officer

International Students Officer

Mature Students

Convenor of College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies

Convenor of College of Business, Public Policy & Law

Convenor of College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences

Convenor of College of Science & Engineering

Societies’ Chairperson

Postgraduate Research Officer

Environmental and Sustainability Officer

Name

Faye Ní Dhomhnaill

Tom Forde

Chloe Anderson

Julieanne Ní Mhullaoidh

Michelle Clifford

RaisuL Sourav

Kayla Hayes

Namus Cader

Declan O’Reilly

Jean O’Boyle

Vytaute Bujaviciute

Paschal Walsh

Ella Hogan

Seanie Ó Gáimhín

Sachin Yadav

Peter O’Neill

Students’ Union Policies

Beartais Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

University of 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 March 2024

Updated the name of the Union from NUI Galway Students’ Union to University of Galway Students’ Union. Updated any references to NUI Galway by changing to University of Galway. Removed gender specific pronouns.

Referendum on Vice President for the Irish Language

Passed March 2022

Creation of full time Leas Uachtarán don Gaeilge / Vice President for the Irish Language position and removal of part time Oifigeach na Gaeilge position.

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.

Peer Learning

The CÉIM peer learning programme continues to grow and support 1st year students’ transition to university, academic success, health and wellbeing and progression.

Weekly peer support for 1st year students

Initiated and coordinated by University of Galway Students’ Union, CÉIM is delivered via a unique partnership between the Students’ Union, University of Galway and students. It is now regarded as a proven model for providing small group academic peer learning on a weekly basis throughout the entire academic year and was offered to approximately 2,000 1st year students in 2023/24.

2023/24 highlights

• Student engagement and average weekly attendance increased in CÉIM this year.

• 95% of 1st year students surveyed this year say CÉIM provided an inclusive learning environment, while 92% believe CÉIM helped them develop a deeper understanding of coursework and 91% say CÉIM helped them get to know others in their course.

• With AI in the spotlight, there has been increased focus in CÉIM sessions this year on small group work, questioning, critical thinking, academic integrity, and using AI constructively where applicable.

The environment was consistently

1st year student 2023/24

2,000

• The CÉIM staff team has grown this year and this has enabled the team to offer more targeted coaching to individual groups of CÉIM leaders, which has proven very beneficial.

• CÉIM was piloted in Shannon College, Biotechnology, and Genetics and Genomics this year. In 2024/25, the programme will be piloted with Computer Science and Information Technology, Biomedical Science and Social Sciences students, which means CÉIM will be offered to approximately 56% of 1st year students from September 2024.

• CÉIM partnered with the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Technological University Dublin (TUD) in March 2024 to launch INPAL (the Ireland Network of Peer Assisted Learning).

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.

Helped me meet new people in my year, learn my way around and develop important note taking and studying techniques.

1st year student 2023/24

2,453

9

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.

New courses introduced this year included our lively 6 week beginner Bodhrán and Tin Whistle lessons with our instructor Ryan from Galway Trad Sessions. These courses were held in the SU Síbín and proved very popular in particular with visiting students.

Financial Resilience Training was a new online course equipping participants with the ability to cope with negative events that impact on our finances. The course was provided free of charge to students and staff by TASC the Think-tank for Action on Social Change

Another new workshop this year was Naloxone Training provided by the Western Region Drug & Alcohol Task Force for staff and students. Naloxone is a prescription medication which temporarily reverses the effects of opioid drugs.

We held several in person Heartsaver AED courses with training provided at the Croí Heart and Stroke Centre.

In partnership with Galway Rape Crisis Centre courses in Disclosure Training were held during Consent Week and SHAG Week. These courses equipped students with the skills to deal appropriately with a disclosure of sexual violence.

The SU worked with the HSE Suicide Prevention Officer to host safeTALK training on campus to equip students and staff 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 and the HSE LivingWorks Start Programme

Jigsaw Galway ran two fully booked online Mental Health Workshops for University of Galway students.

A series of sold out 10 week sign language courses were held during the year which gave students and staff the basic skills needed to converse in sign language.

Irish Language Classes were held both in person and online in conjunction with Gaelchultúr. These were hugely popular with 6 sold out classes at different levels offered each semester.

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

We held four short Self Defence courses with the team at Galway City Itosu Kai Karate Club equipping students with important self-defence skills. An additional 4 week Self Defence and Empowerment course was held over semester two exclusively for women, AFAB and non-binary people.

Fundraising Tiomsú Airgid

University of Galway Students’ Union ran a selection of unique charity events this year raising a record breaking €53,275 for our chosen charities: Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Cancer Care West

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.

Cancer Care West provide professional community-based practical and emotional support services, free of charge, to anyone affected by cancer.

This year saw the triumphant return of Raise and Give Week in February which included events such as the Firewalk, a head shave, a charity auction, a 5km fun run, a Taylor Swift Night, Galentine’s Brunch and a 5 A Side Tournament

Our giant Christmas Raffle raised over €2,900 with staff and students purchasing tickets online for a chance to win 30 amazing prizes kindly donated by Galway businesses. We also shook charity buckets at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony

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 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.

In October we hosted HarryWeen which was a Harry Styles themed Halloween Party at Sult. We also held charity Speed Friending at SHAG Week and a collaboration club night with Rathaus in February at DNA nightclub.

The Swifties of University of Galway united for our Sult Taylor’s Version Night with Swiftie Society to raise more money for the charities.

Included in the total amount raised this year was a €20,000 donation from, Sult, Smokey’s Café and the Students’ Union Shop. These services are owned by the Students’ Union and raised money from a levy on disposable cups which is part of the Students’ Union’s ongoing commitment to eliminating single use cups on campus.

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 Charities.

We also hosted Pop Up Shops for Galway Simon Community and COPE Galway during the year to help them raise much needed funds whilst also encouraging students to buy second hand items.

We continued our Hygiene Hub donation drives throughout the year where students and staff donated personal hygiene and cleaning products. These were then donated to Hygiene Hub partners in Galway including COPE Galway, Galway Simon Community and Galway Traveller Movement.

Entertainment & Events

Siamsaíocht agus Imeachtaí

Early Bird Ents

At the end of August/start of September we worked with the International Office to put on a series of Early Bird Ents to welcome our early arrival students to campus. These included campus tours, Galway tours, a Diamond Hill hike, quiz nights, karaoke, scavenger hunts, Arriba night, traditional Irish music, a games night, an Irish movie night and speed friending.

Freshers’ Events

At the start of September we took part in Fáilte Fest with a pop up charity shop, games and live music from Siúcra and Money4Cans at Sult. We also had SU stands at the Societies and Clubs Days and a pop up Gaeltacht at Sult. Our SU Rudaí Áille tote bags were back and packed with freebies and the SU magazine to welcome students to campus throughout September. The ever popular Outdoor Cinema returned with free popcorn and a showing of Shrek. Our Freshers Fair was as busy as ever with food trucks, inflatable games, a vintage clothes pop up, music, competitions, great students offers and, of course, more freebies.

Hallows

In October Hallows was back in association with Bümblê, Reboot Events and the Societies Office. Hallows is the biggest Hallowe’en Event in Galway showcasing Irish and international DJs. We also welcomed back The Dirty Circus for a special Hallows show, and over thirty societies transformed Áras na Mac Léinn and Sult into a 2,500 capacity venue.

Themed Nights

In November we teamed up with Swiftie Society again to have another amazing Taylor Swift night at Sult in aid of the SU Charities. We ran the night again in Valentine’s Day as part of our RAG Week fundraising events. We also held a Harry Styles/One Direction themed night called Harryween in October to raise funds for the SU Charities.

Pink Training

In November we again hosted the national Pink Training conference. Pink Training is Europe’s largest LGBT+ Conference, which sees over 300 student delegates attend a weekend of residential training. The weekend included talks, workshops and plenary sessions run by USI (the Union of Students in Ireland) along with social events including another fabulous Dirty Circus performance.

Thriftmas Market

During Study Week in December we organised a Thriftmas Market at Áras na Mac Léinn. We had students selling their arts and crafts, a pop up second hand clothes shop with Galway Simon Community and music from Flirt FM in Áras na Mac Léinn.

Refreshers Fair

In January we hosted our Refreshers Fair with freebies, giveaways, exhibitors, J1 information, food stalls, a second hand clothes sale and more!

RAG Week

This year saw the triumphant return of Raise and Give Week in February which included events such as the Firewalk, a head shave, a charity auction, a 5km fun run, a Taylor Swift Night, Galentine’s Brunch and a 5 A Side Tournament. On Donegal Tuesday we teamed up with Bümblê, Reboot Events. the Societies Office, Sult to put on Galway’s biggest student dance music event SOS. The RAG Week event took over Áras na Mac Léinn, the Bailey Allen Hall and Sult with an amazing line-up including Fionn Curran, imnotyourmate, Basswell and Mark Blair.

Take Me Out

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

Rathaus

In collaboration with Rathaus we brought a night of selfexpression, sexual liberation and learning to DNA Galway featuring DJ’s, dancers and drag queens in aid of the SU charities.

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. We also arranged an MEP Election candidate hustings event in May for the Midlands North West constituency.

Freebies

Throughout the year we held promos in the SU Office with lots of great freebies from companies like Mooju, Supermacs and O’Haras of Foxford. We also hosted information sessions about the J1 and the SMEDIAS.

Postgrad Events

Throughout the year we worked with Postgrad Society to put on movie nights, quiz nights, speed friending and coffee mornings to help the postgraduate community connect with

Campaigns

Feachtasaí

Comhaltas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ran many campaigns throughout the 2023/24 academic year. These ranged from welfare campaigns focussing on mental health and sexual health to sustainability initiatives, Gaeilge campaigns and more.

Accommodation Protest

In September SU Officers and students marched to Eyre Square and took part in an overnight Accommodation Protest Sleep Out to highlight the cost of living crisis and the lack of affordable, suitable accommodation in Galway for students.

Diversity Week

In October for Diversity Week there was a table quiz in the Corrib Room to raise funds for the SU Charities. There was also a Pot Luck event in collaboration with Bród Society.

Mental Health Week

Mental Health Week events took place in October 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 Feel Good Fair, speed friending, a financial resilience workshop with TASC, a mental health workshop with Jigsaw Galway and safeTALK Suicide Awareness Training. We also hosted the Carry the Load exhibit to highlight suicide among young people in Ireland.

National Student Protest

In October we took part in the USI National Student Protest in Dublin. The protest involved thousands of students from across the country calling on the Government to use their €65 billion “Rainy Day” fund to address the student accommodation crisis and increasing cost of education.

GaelSeachtain

The GaelSeachtain campaign in November included a Coldvember Swim collaboration, Taylor Swift themed orienteering as Gaeilge, a movie night and a job search workshop. There were also Flirt FM takeovers, a Take Me Out event, Gaeilge 24, ceol in Smokey’s Café and a visit from Daidí na Nollag!

SHAG Week

In November our SHAG Week events included a free workshop from Active* Consent looking at Digital Intimacy, a sex toy scavenger hunt and a flag raising event for the Trans Day of Remembrance. There was also disclosure training with Galway Rape Crisis Centre, free rapid HIV and Syphilis testing with Sexual Health West and our sold out Sex Toy Bingo.

Education Campaigns

Seachtain na Gaeilge

Seachtain na Gaeilge was held over three weeks in March with a great array of events including Céilís, bingo, baking, Flirt FM takeovers, trad sessions, talks, workshops and an amazing gig from The Rising at Sult.

DrugCon

Our Get on Track events in September and January highlighted all the academic supports available to students. We also led an Academic Integrity awareness campaign looking at emerging issues regarding the use of AI and plagiarism.

Consent Week

Our Consent Week took place in February with lots of great events including a Consent Week art exhibition, an Active* Consent Digital Intimacy Workshop, Rapid HIV and Syphilis Testing, Disclosure Training, STI Testing at the Health Unit and the ever popular sold out Sex Toy Bingo.

Student Safety Watch

In February we hosted DrugCon, a first of its kind Drug Information and Harm Reduction Convention, in the Corrib Room at Sult. There were supports and services in areas such as addiction, drug related intimidation, recovery and counselling.

Student Safety Watch (SSW) was launched this year as a service with the aim of providing and promoting safety and care to University of Galway students. The Student Safety Watch team operated mobile patrols to aid students who might find themselves in vulnerable or unsafe situations on nights out such as Hallows and RAG Week.

Pints with the President

During the year SU President Dean Kenny hosted Pints with the President events at Sult where students could meet him and chat in an informal setting about anything and everything.

Free Period Products

The SU and the University launched a pilot programme distributing free period products across campus to tackle the issue of period poverty among students and staff. The pilot stemmed from an initiative launched by the SU in 2017.

Palestine

We worked with various groups on and off campus to raise awareness about the war in Palestine and the BDS movement through highlighting talks, panel discussions, vigils and protests. We also arranged a support group where students from Palestine, Israel and anywhere else could meet in a politics free safe space to discuss their emotions and wellbeing.

Seize the Awkward

Seize the Awkward was a new Men’s Mental Health campaign encouraging young men to stand up and have that uncomfortable conversation with a friend about mental health. The SU released a series of videos across social media to give practical tips and information was displayed on screens and posterboards across campus.

Climate Crew

The SU Climate Crew met throughout the year to try to find ways to make the university as eco-friendly as possible. We held lab coat and goggle recycling drives in September and May so that these can be passed on to other students rather than dumped. We joined with Fridays For Future for their Climate Strikes in Eyre Square. We held regular Clean Ups to try to make Galway a cleaner, greener place. We hosted Secondhand pop up shops with Galway Simon Community and COPE Galway. There was an Environmental Summit in September along with a Sustainable Development Goals Table Quiz at Sult. In October there was a Vegan Potluck in collaboration with Vegan Society and in November there was a Build a Bug Hotel workshop. In Semester 2 Wasted Week had some great events including an upcycling workshop, a zero food waste pot luck, a workshop on breaking down the circular economy and talks on the impact of waste on the climate. The Recycled Runway competition in March encouraged students to recycle and upcycle fashion creations to win prizes at the finale fashion show. There was also a nature trail walk and a beach clean-up. We held a Donate Don’t Dump awareness campaign about recycling at the end of the year in conjunction with the Glassary sustainability project. We now have battery and vape recycling points in the SU Office.

Other campaigns

We worked with Sexual Health West to hold regular free rapid HIV testing and syphilis testing clinics on campus throughout the year. We also distributed free condoms, lube, period products, pregnancy tests, antigen tests and drug testing kits.

We held monthly donation drives of hygiene, personal care and household cleaning products for Galway Hygiene Hub. Donations went to The Hygiene Hub’s community partners in Galway who include COPE Galway, Galway Simon Community, Galway Traveller Movement and Saint Vincent de Paul among others.

We held Society and Club Forums where members could voice their concerns and raise issues.

We worked with ACS Society on their Fashion Show and Cultural Appreciation Fair

During exams we extended our cloakroom and Síbín opening hours and, of course, gave out lots of freebies to get students through the exams.

We took part in protests, campaigns and events on issues such as Disability Pride, Postgraduate Rights, the Cost of Living Crisis, Workers Rights, Raise the Roof and Reclaim the Night.

Students’ Union Services

Seirbhísí Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

SULT

2023 / 2024 was yet another great year at the best – and only – on-campus bar/restaurant/live music and live sports venue, meeting, social and event space. Sult is home to record numbers of live shows; class parties; fundraisers; barbeques; signature pizza and Bigger Bites nights.

Come in and try our popular Pizza and Bigger Bites menus! Not to mention our incredibly reasonable and broad range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for your enjoyment!

Our Deli and fantastically reasonable Bia Boxes continued to be incredibly popular, alongside our delicious hot food offering. We managed to deliver more of your favourite drinks, massive deals, savings and discounts than ever before! All of our food and tea/coffee take-away packaging is fully compostable (or reusable) and we’re now working to eliminate the use of single-use, compostable cups completely!

We are delighted to host and support a huge number of events, not least the following:

• 110 Class Parties.

• 110 Society Events.

• 100 + Club Parties and post match / tournament events.

• 45 Students’ Union Events.

• 120 x Live Sport events on our big screens.

• 120 Departmental & Postgrad Staff Parties.

• 20 x Humanitarian & Charity Fundraising Events.

• Live broadcasts to the Nation!

• And much, much more!!

Plus, Sult is home to all your favourite DJs; bands; live singers; comedians; karaoke; raunchy cabaret nights; craic on Galway’s favourite Riverside Terrace, which is covered for the more blustery days!

Sult hosts regular ticketed nights with some of the coolest acts around too, including Verve, OnaBumble, Groovy Tuesdays, Arriba Nights and lots more!

Don’t forget – clubs, societies and class parties and events qualify for complimentary finger-food for official events booked at Sult. We’ll pick up the tab, because we’re sound like that! In addition to our regular special offers and giveaways, Sult continued its deals like free porridge with your morning tea/ coffee, ensuring that Galway students don’t start the day on an empty stomach – especially important during the cold winter months and exam times!

At Sult, we’re very proud to continue our partnership with, and sponsorship of, the University of Galway’s highly successful Women’s Soccer Teams.

SMOKEY’S CAFÉ

Still the number 1 place on campus to relax/unwind/meet friends/plan your project work and 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 – and its located right on the main concourse in the very heart of the University!

Smokey’s even topped it all off this year by reaching the regional finals of the National Restaurant Awards 2024!

STUDENTS’ UNION SHOP

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

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; all your must-have grocery and household items; stationery; discounted newspapers and lots of healthy options!

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 University of 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 at affordable prices.

In 2024, your Students’ Union Commercial Services were national finalists in the Retail category of the Guaranteed Irish Awards, proving our absolute commitments to supporting our community in every way possible!

SU

CARD

Our free SU Card has been guaranteeing you better value, discounts and freebies for over 14 years now. Available for use in every Students’ Union outlet, it’s our way of saying “go raibh maith agaibh” or “thank you” to the students and staff who support us all year, every year – without you, there is simply no us!

Keep an eye out for regular offers, discounts and SU Card promotions in all our units. Some are available 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!

NEW!

Over the past year, we entered the Click & Collect/e-commerce space for the first time. ShopCampus.ie has been flying! Check it out to see why!

Also, keep an eye out for our new app, EatCampus, coming soon! The value we bring you goes on and on and on!

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 outlet is Fairtrade, Organic and completely compostable 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!

Our outlets have been offering discounts to every customer that uses their own (re-usable) cup for over 14 years. Also, we’re very happy to accept all brands of re-usable cup.

Now, we’re working to remove single-use, compostable cups from our campus for good!

REINVESTING IN YOU

As always, the profits earned from all Students’ Union services are reinvested in the Students’ Union and on-campus services, which are both commerical and non-commercial, to further develop and expand the suite of services we offer. What makes the Students’ Union’s services unique is the money you spend on campus stays on campus. No other service provider on campus can say that!

Students’ Union Commercial Services Ltd., (Sult, Smokey’s, SU Shop, ShopCampus.ie) 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 €250,000, annually, to your University to help fund the services it provides and gives €30,000 directly to the Students’ Union.

All the contributions outlined above are 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 University of Galway.

In 2024, these services donated €20,000 to the Students’ Union Charities too – all thanks to you!

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

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

SPONSORSHIP

Over the course of the year we support many of the good causes run by the different charities, clubs and societies on campus.

We’re very proud to be continuing our partnership with, and sponsorship of, the University of Galway’s highly successful Women’s Soccer Teams!

Watch this space as we look forward to the announcement of exciting new partnerships over the coming year!

LOCKERS

The Students’ Union rents lockers in various locations across campus. This year we took over the lockers in the Clinical Science building and got some of our older lockers replaced with fresh new ones. We also have summer lockers for students on campus during the holidays/sitting repeat exams.

STUDENT LEAP CARDS

The Students’ Union is an agent for the Student Leap Card which gives great student dicounts on travel.

STUDENTS’ UNION SÍBÍN

The SU Síbín is a social space located in the basement area of the James Hardiman Library. There is seating for 40 students and ample charging points. It’s open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday during term time with extended opening hours during exams. The space is non-commercial which makes it popular for students to catch up or pass time between lectures. Additional investment in the space to install ventilation and water would make it a suitable space for microwave ovens which would greatly enhance its appeal.

Students’

STUDENTS’ UNION CLOAKROOM

The Cloakroom is run and managed by the Students’ Union. Cloakroom staff are all students and the service is provided free of charge to students during term time with extended opening hours during exams.

STUDENTS’ UNION FRESHERS BAGS

Free Students’ Union Freshers reusable tote bags were distributed to students througout the year along with lots of freebies and the SU Welcome Magazine. The magazine is a useful resource for students and contains information on the SU Team, SU Services, campus facilities and Clubs & Societies. The SU was also a distribution point for free antigen tests and reusable face masks for students. We also managed the refilling of the free period product dispensers across campus and distribute free pregnancy tests, condoms and lube.

Siamsaíocht an Chomhaltais

SU Finance

Cúrsaí Airgeadais an Chomhaltais

The Students’ Union financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June. The details below relate to year ending 30 June 2023 with figures from the previous year for comparison.

The Union is in a financially stable position thanks largely to the careful management of its resources by the entire students’ union team. Students provide most of the union’s income via the Student Levy, and we are conscious of our role in ensuring that we use their money carefully and always get value for money. Over 50% of the Union’s budget was spent directly on Representation & Services.

Expenditure is largely in line with the previous year. The Union managed two major entertainment events which were expensive, however income under Entertainment increased in line with the cost.

After many years of uncertainty, CÉIM funding is now secure thanks to a specific allocation from the Student Levy. That allocation adequately funds CÉIM and any surpluses are ringfenced for future expenditure on CÉIM. As CÉIM is rolled out to more schools, it is likely that expenditure will exceed the amount collected by the levy, but for now CÉIM does not require additional funding.

Following the abolition of the Student Project Fund, the levy allocation for the SPF (€5 per student) is now allocated to the Students’ Union. As agreed at the Student’s Union AGM in 2023, that money is ringfenced for the operation and development of the Student Pantry and SU Síbín.

At the end of last year, we recorded a surplus of €181,019. It should be noted that €142,543 is ringfenced for the Student Pantry & SU Síbín, and €34,303 is ringfenced for CÉIM. That leaves an operational surplus of €4,173.

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 2023 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.universityofgalway.ie.