Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge

/ Vice President for the Irish Language

i. Shall have responsibility for promoting the Irish Language to the general student body and to this end shall initiate campaigns on relevant Irish language issues.

ii. Shall represent members on various University committees.

iii. Shall organise and chair the Coiste Gaeilge, having at least three meetings per academic year.

iv. Shall follow the goals as set out by the Irish Language Strategy for the Union, and develop this as appropriate.

v. Shall support the work of Irish language societies on campus.

vi. Shall also be required to give a mandatory report on work carried out at each Executive meeting.

The Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge protects and promotes language rights within the university. They work with other officers of the Union to help promote Irish and ensure it is included in all aspects of work. They also work with University Management, University Irish Language Officer and relevant committees to ensure that Irish Language rights are being upheld by the University. Furthermore, they also work to make sure that Gaeilge students’ voices are represented across the University and city.

The Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge is also the chairperson of the Coiste Gaeilge of the Union. This is a group of Irish Speakers who want to promote the language in different aspects and campaign for language rights. The role of this committee is also to make sure that the Irish Language is centric in the Union’s work.

The Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge sits on the following committees:

• Coiste Straitéasach na hOllscoile

• Meitheal Phlean Teanga Chathair na Gaillimhe

• Standing & Strategic Planning Committee

Why Should You Run?

You will directly impact on the student experience

The Students’ Union has a huge impact on the lives of students. Whether it’s fighting for longer library hours over Easter so that you can complete that all important dissertation, or being part of a national campaign for student rights – as a Students’ Union Officer you have the ability to greatly affect the lives of students.

You will help fight for thousands of students

One of your most important roles will be to represent students. From diverse issues such as learning & teaching, to students being treated as equal citizens in the community, you will ensure that the student voice is heard loud and clear.

You will be a leader of a unique organisation

As a Student Leader you will be one of the nineteen people responsible for leading the Students’ Union. You will have the opportunity to shape the direction and work of an organisation in a way you may never have again. Complete with professional staff to support you, you have a great opportunity to make some big changes.

Employability and Experience

Being involved in the management of an organisation with over 18,000 members before you leave college puts you in a great position. You will develop skills in leadership and organisation and learn about finances, democracy, education, event management and a whole host of other skills. From negotiating agreements with the University to giving presentations to thousands of students; from leading campaigns to create positive change, to working as part of a team of leaders; these are skills which will help you out in the incredibly tough job-market and make you stand out from the crowd. The roles are really what you make of them; if you are elected you get the chance to make the role your own.

No matter which role you go for, you’ll gain experience of chairing meetings, leading campaigns, managing budgets, communicating and team building.

How Do You Run?

Eligibility

Are you a registered student and have you paid the student levy? If you can answer yes (and chances are you can!) then that’s it. You are eligible to seek nomination.

Choosing a Position

The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to run for a full-time or part-time position. A full time position means you’ll have to take a year out from your studies if you are not due to finish this summer. However, part-time positions are flexible and can fit around your studies.

Secondly, take a look at each role and the full job description. All positions offer varied responsibilities and experience. Think about the skills you might have that would make you a good candidate for a position. Talk to the current officers about their experiences in the role and what they have experienced.

Nominating yourself

To nominate yourself you simply log on to Yourspace and follow the simple steps. That’s it! You don’t need anybody else. Just make sure you don’t leave it until the last minute. The system is automated and will close at exactly 5:00pm on Wednesday 22nd February.

As part of the nomination process, you will be required to submit a picture of yourself for the ballot paper. It’s a good idea to use the same picture that you will use on your promotional material, so students recognise you when they are voting. The picture must be of you! Animations, sketches, logos etc will not be accepted.

You will also be required to accept the Officer Terms and Conditions of Officership which you will be required to adhere to if you are elected.