Fáilte / Welcome
Your SU President
Haigh a chairde! My name is Faye Ní Dhomhnaill and I am your Students’ Union President for the 2024/2025 academic year. I’m delighted to have been elected following on from a great year as Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge.
We’re going to have an incredible year, with loads of fun opportunities for fundraising. I’m a Law, English and Performing Arts Graduate, and am currently studying my Dioploma sa Ghaeilge. I’ve been a college dropout, a fulltime student, and now a part-time student, so I hope I can attribute that to having insight to any issue that can come into the office. I cannot wait to meet you all, and to help you have the best year the University of Galway has ever seen. Ní neart go cuir le chéile!
Your SU Vice President/ Welfare and Equality Officer
Hello folks! My name is Chloe Anderson, and I am delighted to be the 2024/2025 VP for Welfare and Equality. I come from Kilkenny and have been an absolute student activism nerd since my teenage years, through being a Provincial Scout Representative, a Regional Officer for the ISSU, and the chair of my own student council.
Since coming to college I have both seen and experienced the absolute highs and lows that university brings, and my hope is to be able to help in any way I can. Talk to you soon!
Your SU Vice President/ Education Officer
Hi everyone, I’m Tom Forde and I am your Vice President for Education. I’m from Sligo originally and I am a BA Government graduate. I have previously been a class representative and Arts Convenor within the union.
I am so excited to represent every student and fight for your rights on campus, from inclusivity, helping with academic issues, to fees and much more. The Union and college as a community is only as strong as its membership so if you have any ideas, queries, or you’re struggling make sure to drop in and say hello!
Your SU Vice President for the Irish Language
Hello everyone, my name is Julieanne Ní Mhullaoidh and I’m from Achill, Co. Mayo. I was raised with Irish and it’s my aim to protect the language rights of students here in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. I studied Irish and Translation and I was involved with various Irish committees and societies.
I want to give everyone the opportunity to learn and speak Irish this year. We’re a bilingual university and I hope that this year it’ll be clear to all! Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or need a bit of advice!
Tom Forde
Vice President / Education Officer Leas Uachtarán / Oifigeach Oideachais
Julieanne Ní Mhullaoidh
Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge Vice President / Irish Language
Your SU Part Time Officer Team 2024-2025
Students
Oifigeach na Mionlach Eitneach
RaisuL Sourav Ethnic Minorities
su.ethnicminorities@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie
Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law | Tionólaí Choláiste an Ghnó, an Bheartais Phoiblí agus an Dlí
Vytaute Bujaviciute
su.business@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie
Societies Chairperson Cathaoirleach na gCumann
Seanie Ó Gáimhín
su.socs@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie
Kayla Hayes
su.lgbt@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie
Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences | Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte
Paschal Walsh
su.medicine@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie
Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Idirnáisiúnta
Namus Cader
su.international@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie
Ella Hogan
su.maturestudents@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie
Clifford Disability Rights Officer Oifigeach um Chearta Míchumais
Michelle
su.pgresearch@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie
su.scieneceengineering@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie
Convenor of the College of Science and Engineering | Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta agus na hInnealtóireachta Sachin
su.disability@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie
Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies | Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta & an Léinn Cheiltigh
Peter O’Neill Environmental and Sustainability Officer Oifigeach Comhshaoil agus Inbhuanaitheachta
Jean O’Boyle
su.environment@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie
su.arts@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie
Your Students’ Union CouNcilComhairle 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 Tom 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. 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:
Students’ Union
€40.00 Societies
Clubs
Student Health Unit
Áras na Mac Léinn
Flirt FM
Student Project Fund
CÉIM
Total
€25.00
€25.00
€22.00
€3.00
€6.00
€5.00
€14.00
€140.00
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, Faye, 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.
Your SU Services
Student Leap Card – We are a Student Leap Card agent so you can apply for the card online (if you’re aged 16-18 or are over 26 years old) and then call in to us with your code so we can print the card off for you. If you’re aged 19-26 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 9am-5pm Monday-Friday during term time in the Library basement near the SU Shop.
Flirt FM – Flirt FM 101.3fm is our award-winning student radio station on campus. The station is by, of and for the third-level students of Galway. We’ve lots of fantastic volunteering and training opportunities so why not tune in and get involved!
Spéir – Spéir is the Students’ Union Pantry located in the library basement opposite the SU Síbín. In partnership with FoodCloud, we distribute free food items, that would otherwise have been disposed of, to help reduce food waste. Items are collected from local supermarkets which might be surplus, have damaged packaging, be end of line items and or be near their best before date. Don’t forget to bring your reusable bag!
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 located in the basement area of the James Hardiman Library. There’s seating for 40 students and ample charging points. It’s open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday during term time with extended opening hours during exams.
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.
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.
Your Welfare
Here’s a list of just some of the many supports available for you and if you’ve any questions please contact Chloe 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 provides a safe place for LGBTQA+ students to come and meet and to socialise in a fun atmosphere. University of Galway is a welcoming and diverse campus but should you encounter any issues of discrimination or harassment in any form please contact the Students’ Union.
• Speak Out – is an online tool where you can anonymously report experiences of violence, bullying, and sexual harassment https://unigalway.speakout.ie/
• Free Period Products – Free period products are available from our dispensers across campus in a joint initiative from your Students’ Union and the University. Please take only what you need!
Mental Health Supports Acmhainní Meabhairshláinte
Don’t be afraid to reach out, you’re not alone.
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.
UniversityOfGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie
ort cabhair a lorg; níl
Rape Crisis Helpline - Phone 1800 77 8888
Jigsaw - Email info@jigsaw.ie - Phone 01 472 7010
LGBT Ireland
Turn2Me Mental Health Support - www.turn2me.ie
leat
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
A problem shared is a problem halved. Laghdú gach anró é a roinnt.
Galway Community Café - https://galwaycommunitycafe.ie/ UniversityOfGalwayStudentsUnion
Your Education
Here’s a list of some of the many supports available for you and if you’ve any questions please contact Tom 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.
Tin Whistle Course / Cúrsa Feadóige Stáin
Your Spare Time
• 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!
Sign Up TODAY It’s FREE
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
• Sult • Students’ Union Shop • Smokey’s Café
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.
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!
Tionscnamh Foghlama agus Taithí ar an Obair Dheonach
Bí páirteach in Obair Dheonach sa Phobal le ALIVE
I measc théamaí na dtionscadal tá:
• Na hEalaíona & Cultúr
• Sláinte & Folláine
• Oideachas
• Ceartas Sóisialta
• Gníomhaíochas Pobail
• An Timpeallacht
• Taithí Idirnáisiúnta
1. Buy a decent rain coat. Galway is known as the
3. Don’t ask the DJ to play Galway Girl. Any version.
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.
Here’s some of our Top Tips for life in Galway:
2. Always walk in single file over the Salmon Weir Bridge or prepare to face death by a thousand dirty looks.
Active* Champion Training
Become a campus consent champion!
ou drunk?/Are you sure?/Why did you m?":
That sounds like you think it's their thout judgement.
VE to report it!":
Advocate for consent communication
Meet like-minded students
Peer support networks
Sign Up Now!
Collaborative campaigns
Social events with purpose
Tips to support a friend that has had a negative sexual experience
DON'T DO
Do say "I believe you":
ke "I'm going to kill them!":
While it is ut someone's negative experience, take a us on their feelings, instead of your own.
nto sharing anything they don't want tell you a bit, or they may tell you the
Whatever happens urvivor's choice. Pressuring them to take nt can be disempowering and
Telling someone about a negative sexual experience can be very stressful. Let the person know that you believe them, and are here to support them.
Do ask "What do you want to do next?":
Do ask "How can I help?": They might not know what they want to do right away, but whatever happens next needs to be the survivor's choice.
Do look after yourself:
You could offer to find out about support services like student counselling, SU Welfare, or your local Rape Crisis Centre. Even just listening can make a huge difference.
Hearing about a negative sexual experience can be very difficult. Make time for your own selfcare and mental wellbeing.