University of Galway Students' Union Welcome Magazine 2023

F ÁILTE • W ELCOM E

Your SU President

Hi everyone, my name is Dean Kenny and I am your Students’ Union President for 2023/24. I am from Belcarra, Co. Mayo, and I am a Maths and Education graduate. I have been involved in many different organisations in the past, including Mayo Comhairle na nÓg, Foróige, Mindspace Mayo, and my local club Balla GAA.

I feel extremely privileged to be given this opportunity, and I am really looking forward to the year ahead. My aim is that every student has the best possible college experience and is provided with the opportunities to express themselves however they see fit, in a safe and welcoming environment. We are here to represent you, so please do get in touch if you have any ideas, complaints, suggestions, or simply want a chat. My door is always open. Very much looking forward to meeting you all soon, Dean.

Dia daoibh, my name is Izzy Tiernan and I am delighted to be the new Vice President for Welfare and Equality! I hail from Waterford, and have been extremely involved in politics and activism from a young age, as Secretary for Fridays for Future Waterford and as an ambassador for a non-profit organisation called The Shona Project who empower young girls. I’m currently studying Human Rights and have fallen quickly in love with the university and Galway.

I believe that my personal life experience, from being queer, autistic, an ex-drug addict and suffering from mental illnesses will help me relate and empathise with students across the Students’ Union. Feel free to contact me for advice, a chat or even a cup of coffee, my office door is always open!

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

Your SU Vice President/ Welfare and Equality Officer

Dean Kenny

President | Uachtarán Izzy Tiernan

Your SU Vice President/ Education Officer

Hello, my name is Raimey and I’m the Vice President/ Education Officer for 2023/34. I cannot wait to get started in the role and represent the student voice! I have been a class rep, CÉIM Leader, ATS mentor, Psych Soc Vice Auditor, and the SU Postgrad Taught Officer.

This experience has given me the opportunity to work with students in various capacities and I look forward to continuing to do this as your VP for Education! The student voice is so important to our Union so if you have any queries, suggestions, criticisms, and/or desires please do reach out to me. I can’t wait to meet and work with you all!

Your SU Vice President for the Irish Language

Haigh a chairde! I’m Faye and I am your Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge for the 2023/2024 academic year! I am from County Cavan and I am a Law, English and Drama graduate. It is my aim that any student can come to my office and say “What resources are there for me?”. I was the Convenor for the Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies in 2021 and I’m looking forward to working for Gaeilge in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe this year. If you have any questions my door is always open!

Faye

Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge Vice President / Irish Language

Your Students’ Union CoucilComhairle Chomhaltas Na Mac Léinn

Comhairle Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn is made up of class representatives from every class in the University. This body reviews and directs the work of the Students’ Union and it’s also an opportunity for class representatives to raise issues affecting their class.

How do I get involved? Class Rep elections will be held from the start of the year via the YourSpace platform until every class is represented. Once you are elected you will receive training and attend Class Rep and Comhairle Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn meetings during the year to act as the voice of your class.

What’s in it for me?

• Skills and engagement training

• Experience to enhance your CV

• Expand your network

• Make new friends

• A free Class Rep Hoodie!

Contact Raimey on su.education@universityofgalway.ie for more information about becoming a Class Rep

The Student LevyIt’s Your Money

All University of Galway students pay the Student Levy in addition to annual fees. The Student Levy is used to fund a number of student activities such as the Students’ Union; Clubs; Societies; Student Health Unit; Campus Radio; and the CÉIM Peer Learning Programme.

The Levy is required because the University does not provide adequate funding for these services. Other colleges have much better facilities that their students do not have to subsidise, and their students’ union, clubs and societies also receive better funding.

This is something your Students’ Union is always working on. Last year the Student Levy was reduced from €224 per student to €140 per student which means University of Galway students are no longer paying the highest levy in the country. The Student Levy is distributed as follows:

The Student Levy is your money so if you have any questions about how it is spent, be sure to ask! Simply contact the SU President, Dean, on su.president@universityofgalway.ie The Students’ Union presents its accounts to Comhairle Comhaltas na Mac Léinn (SU Council) each year and they are also available to download from our website.

Peer learning for 1st year students

You’ll meet weekly in small groups with students from your course and trained student leaders from higher years of your course. You’ll be able to ask questions, take part in fun mini activities, discuss coursework and learn together. The content of CÉIM sessions is entirely student led.

Based on the well-evidenced Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) model used in over 30 countries, CÉIM was initiated by NUI Galway Students’ Union in 2013 and is run as a partnership between students, academic staff and the Students’ Union.

CÉIM is currently offered to 1st year students in the following courses: Biotechnology • Business Studies/Commerce in International Hotel Management • Engineering/ Construction Management • Geography • Genetics & Genomics • Law • Political Science and Sociology

• Science • Spanish • Psychology

Why attend CÉIM?

• Transition successfully to University of Galway

• Make friends in your discipline

• Succeed academically

• Develop study skills

• Practice transferable skills

Impact of CÉIM

• Regular CÉIM attendees on average achieve higher grades (11-31% higher) than irregular and non-attendees

• 88% of 1st year students surveyed in 2022/23 say CÉIM helped them meet others on their course

What 1st year students say about CÉIM

‘It was nice to feel I wasn’t alone and made me feel included.’

‘Good opportunity to meet new people.’

‘Very sociable and helpful with questions...explanation of the coursework was insightful’.

Your SU Services

Student Leap Card – We are a Student Leap Card agent so you can apply for the card online (if you are over 23 years old) and then call in to us with your code so we can print the card off for you. If you’re aged 19-23 you can apply for the Young Adult Card which will be posted to you.

Students’ Union Shop – The Students’ Union operates the campus shop in the basement of the Library building. Here you can buy University of Galway hoodies and t-shirts, phone credit, laptop bags, stationery, newspapers refreshments, lab coats, dissection kits, confectionery, minerals, hot beverages and all the grocery essentials you need. Order branded merchandise online from shopcampus.ie.

Lockers and Cloakroom – We rent out lockers across campus and you can book yours on www.yourspace.universityofgalway.ie. Our free cloakroom service is open during term in the Library basement at the SU Síbín

Sult – Sult is everyone’s favourite on-campus bar/food/music/live sport and event space. It’s located beside Áras na Mac Léinn and is run by your Students’ Union. Sult offers the best coffee on campus along with top quality food and beverages at great prices. It’s the place to be for class parties, fundraisers, club and society events, DJs, bands, comedy, karaoke and lots more! Outdoor seating is available on our Riverside Terrace.

SU Card – Before you do anything else make sure you get your SU Card! It’s free and can be used in our SU Outlets – Sult, Smokey’s and the SU Shop – to collect points, get deals and save you money.

Smokey’s – Smokey’s Café on the Concourse is a great meeting spot with amazing coffee, snacks, juices, smoothies, wraps, toasties and lots of sweet treats!

SU Síbín – The SU Síbín is your new social space on campus. It will also includes a range of SU Services including: Student Leap Card, lockers, free condoms/period products/pregnancy tests, the cloakroom, lost & found and, of course, help and advice. There will be microwaves, hot water, casual seating and meeting pods for you to use.

Entertainment and Campaigns – Throughout the year we will be running lots of campaigns and events to get you engaged and help you meet new people. From SHAG Week to the outdoor cinema we’ve got lots planned! Join the Welfare Crew or the Events Crew if you want to get involved. You can also sign up for our Charity Challenge.

Life Skills – Our Life Skills Programme offers a chance to further your development outside of the academic world through classes such as: First Aid, Sign Language, Suicide Prevention, Disclosure Training and Self Defence. Classes are at a reduced rate and fill up fast!

Grinds – We run a register on yourspace.universityofgalway.ie for grinds. Here you can find people to help you with your subjects or advertise to give grinds and make some extra cash.

Click and Collect – We’ve introduced a Click & Collect service from all our commercial outlets – meaning you can maximize your break time, every time. Look out for our app, EatCampus.

"Are you into this?" That's all it takes to show your sexual partner that you care about their experience.

Asking for consent doesn't have to be awkward - it can be hot! Being good in bed means making sure it's good for everyone.

Because consent is for everyone. All genders, orientations, and all relationships

of Galway cares about creating a culture of consent – tell us what you think a bout our Active* Consent resources, and you’ll be in with a chance to win a pair of AirPods! (Deadline: October 6th, 5pm) Learn

Follow

The

Your Welfare

Here’s a list of just some of the many supports available for you and if you’ve any questions please contact Izzy your SU Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer.

• Student Assistance Fund – Provides Financial Aid for students experiencing Financial Hardship.

• Accommodation and Welfare Office – The Accommodation and Welfare Office can advise you on accommodation and other wellbeing issues. Threshold also offer free advice on accommodation issues.

• Access Centre – The University’s Access Centre aims to create a supportive learning environment where students who have experienced socio-economic disadvantage, students with disabilities and mature students are enabled to access and succeed in third level education.

• FLAC – FLAC provide free legal advice for students.

• Student Health Unit – The Student Health Unit provides on-campus medical care to University of Galway students. You can book your appointment via their website.

• Disability Support Service - The Disability Support Service is available to University of Galway students who need supports or reasonable accommodations due to the impact of a disability, ongoing physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difficulty.

• Sexual Health – You can get free condoms and pregnancy tests from the SU Office if you need them. Sexual Health West offer great advice and services too. Watch our for our SHAG Week campaigns during the year to learn more about your sexual health and wellbeing.

• Active* Consent – The programme supports young people to have positive and confident sexual health and well-being through Active* Consent.

• Galway Safe App - The “Galway Safe App” uses GPS technology to offer support to people detected lingering in particular waterside areas of the city late at night or early in the morning.

• Your Mental Health – The Student Counselling service is an important free resource for University of Galway students. You can also get support from the Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Centre.

• Being LGBTQA+ on Campus – Bród Soc is University of Galway’s LGBTQA+ society, which

Mental Health Supports Acmhainní Meabhairshláinte

Don’t be afraid to reach out, you’re not alone.

Ná bíodh eagla ort cabhair a lorg; níl tú leat féin.

University of Galway Counselling - counselling@universityofgalway.ie

University of Galway Student Health Unit - Phone 091 492 604

University of Galway Chaplaincy - chaplains@universityofgalway.ie

Text HELLO to 50808

Samaritans - Phone 116 123

Bodywhys - Phone 01 2107906 or email alex@bodywhys.ie

Pieta House - Phone 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444

BeLonG To - Text LGBTI+ to 086 1800 280 or email info@belongto.org

Spunout.ie - Phone 01 675 3554 or email hello@spunout.ie

COPE Galway - Phone 091 778 750 or email info@copegalway.ie

Women’s Aid - Phone 1800 341 900

Galway Community Café - https://galwaycommunitycafe.ie/

A problem shared is a problem halved. Laghdú gach anró é a roinnt.

Mental Health Supports Acmhainní Meabhairshláinte

Don’t be afraid to reach out, you’re not alone. Ná bíodh eagla ort cabhair a lorg; níl tú leat féin.

Rape Crisis Helpline - Phone 1800 77 8888

Jigsaw - Email info@jigsaw.ie - Phone 01 472 7010

Turn2Me Mental Health Support - www.turn2me.ie

LGBT Ireland Helpline - Phone 1890 929 53 or email info@lgbt.ie

Helplink Mental Health - Email helplinksupport@helplink.ie

The Traveller Counselling Service - Email info@travellercounselling.ie

MyMind - Email hq@mymind.org

ADHD Ireland - Phone 01 874 8349

Men’s Aid - Phone 01 554 3811 Galway Community Café - https://galwaycommunitycafe.ie/

A problem shared is a problem halved. Laghdú gach anró é a roinnt.

UniversityOfGalwayStudentsUnion

Your Education

Here’s a list of some of the many supports available for you and if you’ve any questions please contact Raimey your Students’ Union Vice President/Education Officer

• Library – During your time at University of Galway you will use the Library for a range of services. You can study there, work collaboratively with colleagues, borrow course books, use the library’s online resources to search for information and be creative in the Maker Space. They run great skills training sessions throughout the year too.

• ATS – Attract Transition Succeed (ATS) Mentoring Programme aims to provide peer mentoring and appropriate support services that will enable participating students to successfully complete their educational objectives while making college life, exciting, fulfilling and successful.

• SUMS – SUMS is a free drop-in Mathematics and Statistics support center for all University of Galway undergraduate students.

• Academic Writing Centre – The Academic Writing Centre offers free one-on-one tutorials on essay writing for students. They can help you if you are having trouble starting your essay or choosing an essay topic.

• ComputerDISC – ComputerDISC (Computer Programming Drop-In Support Centre) is a free resource for all University of Galway students that are enrolled in computer programming or software development courses.

• Academic Skills Hub – University of Galway’s online Academic Skills Hub aims to support students to develop key skills required for academic success.

• Career Development Centre – The Career Development Centre supports students in developing and implementing successful career plans, liaises with employers on graduate recruitment and facilitates a work placement module for a number of academic programmes.

• Employability Award –

The Employability Award recognizes what you have learned and the skills you have developed through work and extra-curricular activities.

• ISS –

Information Solutions and Services (ISS) are here to help you with any IT problems you might be having. They have a helpdesk in the Library or you can contact them online.

• DigiChamps – DigiChamps are a staff/student partnership at University of Galway that’s all about developing your digital confidence and skills.

Your Spare Time

• Sin Newspaper – Sin is Galway’s only Student Newspaper and was the winner of College Newspaper of the Year Award 2019. Sin is out every two weeks with 6 issues per semester. It’s your student and campus focused news source so make sure to read up on what’s going on. You can also volunteer to help out with the paper if you want to try writing or photography - we would love to have you on board.

• Flirt FM – Flirt FM 101.3 is the award winning student radio station for Galway city. The station is by, of and for the third-level students of Galway. They’ve lots of fantastic volunteering opportunities so why not tune in and get involved.

• Sports Clubs – There are over 50 sports clubs on campus for you to try for free! They range from Archery to Athletics, Basketball to Rowing, Mountaineering to Frisbee – their aim is to involve as many students as possible in activity. Each club offers activities, training and social events for all levels and abilities.

• Student Societies – There are over 120 student societies on campus providing the ideal way to make new friends who share your interests, learn new skills and broaden your university learning experience. They organize trips, events, guest speakers, workshops, classes, parties and glamorous gala balls.

• ALIVE Student Volunteering Programme – ALIVE has a bank of projects that you can volunteer with and gain the University of Galway Presidential Award for Volunteering “The ALIVE Certificate”. Volunteering is a great way to meet new friends, make a difference, give back to the community, build your skills and have fun!

Victor Sosanya University of

Economics Global Winner 2022

Léarscáil den Champas Campus Map

An Campas Spóirt, an Daingean - an tIonad Spóirt Réigiúnach san áireamh

Sports Campus, Dangan - including Regional Sports Centre

An tÁras Spóirt

Sports Pavilion

Teach Maryville

Maryville House

An Campas Thuaidh North Campus

An Daingean A

Dangan A

Cúrsa Saoil

Lifecourse

Baile na Coiribe

Corrib Village

Baile an Chíorbhuí

Goldcrest Village

Eolaíochtaí Bithleighis

Biomedical Sciences

Institiúid na hEolaíochta Sonraí

Data Science Institute

Naíolann na hOllscoile

University Crèche

Páirceáil agus Taisteal Park and Ride

An Campas Láir Central Campus

An tIonad Nuálaíochta agus Gnó

Business and Innovation Centre

An tIonad Taighde agus Nuálaíochta

Research and Innovation Centre

An tIonad Taighde don Chothú Sláinte

Health Promotion Research Centre

Áras Cairnes

Cairnes Building

Áras Innealtóireachta Alice Perry

Alice Perry Engineering Building

Áras Mhaighe Seola

Moyola Building

An Clinic Teiripe Urlabhra agus Teanga

Speech and Language Therapy Clinic

An Campas Theas South Campus

10 Bóthar an Chaisleáin Nua

10 Newcastle Road

14 Bóthar na hOllscoile

14 University Road

14 Bóthar na Drioglainne (An Oifig Slándála)

14 Distillery Road (Security)

An Chearnóg Quadrangle

An Foirgneamh Anatamaíochta Anatomy Building

An Foirgneamh IT IT Building

An tIonad Spóirt Sports Centre Áras Dán na Mílaoise Arts Millennium Building

Áras de Brún

Áras Mhairéad (Ma) Ní Éimhigh

Áras Mháirtín Uí Riain Martin Ryan Building

Áras na Bitheolaíochta Daonna

Human Biology Building

Áras na Gaeilge

Áras na Mac Léinn

Áras Oirbsean

Orbsen Building

Áras Uí Argadáin

Hardiman Building

Áras Uí Chathail

Aula Maxima

Beár na Mac Léinn - Sult

College Bar - Sult

Bloc E Block E

Bloc F

Block F

Bloc S Block S

Bloc T

Block T

Bóthar na Drioglainne

Distillery Road

Ceoláras Emily Anderson

The Emily Anderson Concert Hall

Comhaltas na Mac Léinn

Students’ Union

Deasc Eolais na Mac Léinn (SID)

Student Information Desk (SID)

Foirgneamh na nDán / na hEolaíochta

Arts / Science Building

Fortheach Institiúid Uí Riain

Ryan Institute Annexe

Halla Bailey Allen

Bailey Allen Hall

Institiúid na hEolaíochta Cliniciúla

Clinical Science Institute

Ionad na hÉireann do Chearta an Duine Irish Centre for Human Rights

Ionad na Seirbhísí Poist

Mail Services Centre

Ionad Uí Dhonnchadha - An Drámaíocht, an Amharclannaíocht agus an Taibhléiriú

O’Donoghue Centre - Drama, Theatre and Performance

Institiúid Lambe

Oideachas

Réamhdhéantán Scoil Huston

The Huston School Bubble

Scoil Scannán agus Meán

Digiteach Huston

Huston School of Film and Digital Media

Séipéal Naomh Columbán

The Chapel of St Columbanus

Síceolaíocht

• Na hEalaíona & Cultúr

• Sláinte & Folláine

• Oideachas

• Ceartas Sóisialta

• Gníomhaíochas Pobail

• An Timpeallacht

• Taithí Idirnáisiúnta

Sign Up TODAY It’s

Get your free SU Card and earn points or free products every time you shop with us. Your SU Card can be used in any of the Students’ Union’s outlets.

• Sult

• Students’ Union Shop

• Smokey’s Café

Students’ Union outlets are open longer than other outlets, have the best prices and sell a huge range of products, so you will quickly start to earn benefits. Also, when you spend money in SU outlets, that money stays on campus supporting student jobs and students’ union services. No other campus operator can say that!

Here’s what your SU Card gets you everyday

• Collect 2 points for every €1 spent*

• Buy 10 teas / coffees and get 1 free

• Special SU Card prices on food and drinks in Sult

Look out for the SU Card Sticker for more benefits

Welcome to your Union.

Fáilte chuig d’Aontas.

Thanks to your SU, you’re a member of the Union of Students in Ireland. For 64 years we’ve been the recognised voice of Ireland’s students and we’re strong because of members like you getting involved.

A bhuíoch le d ’Aontas, tá tú mar bhall d’Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn. Le 64 bliain anuas, táimid aitheanta mar ghuth na mac leinn in Éirinn agus táimid láidir mar gheall arrannpháir tíocht na mball, cosúil leatsa.

You are USI. We’re glad you could join us.

Is tusa AMLÉ . Tá lúchair orainn tú a bheith linn.

USI’s beliefs

Access to education is a fundamental right of all people in Ireland

Students have rights to a decent standard of living including financial support, decent housing and decent safe jobs in Ireland, among others Students should be active in the promotion and defence of all human and democratic rights

What we do for you

A strong unified voice for you lobbying, campaigning and negotiating with government, politicians # and education bodies

Supporting your Students' Union Training and assisting your Students' Union o icers to represent you locally, nationally and internationally

Meeting students’ needs

Mental health campaigns, sexual health info and work on sustainability, housing and the environment.

Ceard a chreideann AMLÉ

Rochtain ar oideachas ... mar bhunchear t ag muintir na hÉ ireann uilig

Tá cear ta ag mac léinn... maith le tacaíocht airgeadais , tithíocht chuí agus poist shábháilte

Rannpháir tíocht na mac léinn...

...i gcur chun cinn agus cosaint cear ta daonna agus daonlathacha uilig

Oibríonn AMLÉ ar do shon

Guth láidir amháin ar do shon...

...stocaireacht, feachtasaíocht agus idirbheartaíocht le polaiteoirí Rialtais agus eagraíochtaí oideachais.

Ag tacú le d'Aontas Mac Léinn

Ag oiliúint d'oifigigh Aontas Mac Léinn agus ag cabhrú leo ionadaíocht a dhéanamh ort ar bhonn áitiúil, náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta.

Freastal ar riachtanas na mac léinn...

...feachtais mheabhairshláinte, eolas ar shláinte ghnéis agus obair ar an inbhuanaitheacht, tithíocht agus tacaíocht airgeadais.

WITH

Dean Kenny President, CMLOÉG and member of USI Comhairle Náisiúnta

Here’s some of our Top Tips for life in Galway:

1. Buy a decent rain coat. Galway is known as the “Graveyard of Umbrellas”

2. Always walk in single file over the Salmon Weir Bridge or prepare to face death by a thousand dirty looks.

3. Don’t ask the DJ to play Galway Girl. Any version. Ever.

4. If you’re feeling sad/angry/hungover go and walk the Prom. You’ll feel better with the added bonus of beautifully sculpted cheekbones from the wind

5. Everywhere in Galway is a 10 minute walk (if you walk fast enough).

6. There’s always free stuff in the SU Office –condoms, pens, tampons, sweets, wall planners, advice, hugs etc. –just call in and ask nicely.

7. Join as many clubs and societies as possible. Get all the free pizza and pad out your CV with achievements like “Treasurer of the 4th Largest Home & Away Appreciation Society West of the Shannon”.

8. Carry a campus map with you at all times. You won’t get lost and you can also mark in where the treasure is buried.

9. Soggy socks are the depths of human misery. Always have a spare pair of socks within arm’s reach #WetAtlanticWay

10. Remember to always be a bag of cans and not a bag of cant’s.