DCU Office Of Student Life Biannual Activity Report VOLOffice 4, ISSUE 2; MAY 2016 DCU Of Student Life Biannual Activity Report VOL 3, ISSUE 2; MAY 2015
R E P R E S E N TAT I O N CHANGE OPPORTUNITIES AWARENESS COMMUNITY EVENTS HELP AND SUPPORT
Letter from the Editor DEIRDRE O’SULLIVAN MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS CO-ORDINATOR Just when you think things couldn’t get anymore hectic than Semester One - Semester Two begins! With a new lease of life after the Christmas break DCU Office of Student Life had a packed 12 weeks full of campaigns, new plans, Class Rep Councils, referenda and a host of various events. By the time we got to “Award Season” we had such a pool of worthy winners in both Clubs and Societies and Student Union activity. DCU Students continue to pleasantly surprise us with their energy and dedication. This is the last semester as DCUSU as we’ve known for so long but the changes to come are very exciting as we see brand new positions on the Exec and a restructure along with a brand new Hub beginning this summer. We hope you enjoy looking back on the year with as fond memories as we have.
REPRESENTATION
THE CLASS REP SYSTEM The Class Representative system is an integral part of the structures of the Students’ Union. They are the on the ground representatives for our students. James Donoghue has been heading up the CRC this year as Education Officer, he writes: ‘This year there was a budget of €15,000 allocated for Class Reps. This was put towards a training weekend away, pizza after meetings, subsidised class rep tops and Christmas and summer parties. All this was done to encourage participation and representation and boy did the Reps deliver. Meetings attendance rose with never a fear of quorum not being reached with average attendance of meetings first semester reaching 170. Hopefully if grows even more next year.”
THE CLASS REP EXPERIENCE Aaron Harper was awarded Class Rep of the Year at the SU Awards 2015/16. He writes of his experiecne “Being a class rep was the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences I’ve had so far during my time in DCU. It has thrown me into a world I never knew existed within the college. Coming into first year for the second time after spending two years in another course, I was very short on confidence and had found it difficult to put myself out there. Since becoming a class rep that has all changed. It gave me the confidence to say “yes I can do that” more. I volunteered to help out at lots of SU events and campaigns, got the opportunity to have my say in how my SU was ran and became friends with people I would have never normally even spoken to.I am so grateful for the opportunity to represent my class and hope others can get as much out of being a class rep as I have.”
CLASS REP COUNCIL Katie Dawson, Chair of CRC writes “This semester was a very busy in regards to CRC whether it was the general meetings, emergency meetings or hustings. It’s been a great semester with more class reps bringing forward motions and getting involved. I’d recommend that anyone interested in helping to make a change in DCU runs for class rep next year. It really is a great job and you also get to know so many people with similar yet different interests. I have to say it’s been a great experience being Chair of CRC the last year and a half and I will miss standing at the top of the meetings. I wish the best of luck to Callaghan Commons and Emma Tunnicliffe our new Chair and Secretary of CRC for next year.
“It gave me the confidence to say ‘yes I can do it’ more”
JAMES
VP FOR EDUCATION
Finally a chance to breath, following a dramatic second semester. I am delighted that I get the chance to sit down and reflect, not just the on last 12 weeks, but the entire year. Fortunately for me I embraced the drama and decided to re-run for a sabbatical position in the New Students’ Union as part of the five new roles. As luck would have it I was re-elected and there you go, I will be the last ever Education Officer and first ever Academic Affairs Officer in the Union. In truth, it seems like only yesterday I was having my Christmas turkey and ham and now we’re into our second set of examinations. Proof of how quickly a semester slips by. However, I am delighted with the work achieved in the last semester including a personal highlight of working with our own Deirdre O’Sullivan and the Careers Office to deliver a Careers Week. We also introduced the International Buddy system where incoming International students were greeted by current DCU students upon arrival. I’d like to say a massive thank you to my partners in crime Domhnaill and Kim and of course my fellow county men from the St Patricks team Ruairi and Eoghan. Up Wexi. See you all next year!!!
DOMHNAILL KIM
VP FOR WELFARE & EQUALITY Semester Two has, just like semester 1, flown by. As I sit here now writing this with only a few weeks left I can’t believe how fast the year has gone. Semester 2 for me was a time of putting my experience from semester 1 into practice. I felt a lot more comfortable and confident in my role. When semester 1 started it felt like I was being thrown in the deep end but I felt much better prepared for semester 2. One of the ironies of the role is the longer you spend in it the better you become and then just when you’re really comfortable it is time for you to leave. We started off semester 2 with our Motivation Week this was all about getting our students active and motivated to study and exercise. We had a quit smoking stand in the Hub where you could get your CO2 levels tested. We had a vote reg drive as well. We even had a Seanad reform campaign. I have also brought in a new licensee agreement for digs providers which all students who get digs through the SU will have access to. I have really enjoyed my year and I will miss DCU but I’m ready to move on to my next chapter.
PRESIDENT
WOW, What a year I honestly can’t believe how fast my time as president has gone. Second semester was jam packed with events and every day there was a new challenge. What a year of change for DCU and I am so thankful for being able to represent the students during this change. Just some of the things I worked on this semester were: successfully incorporating the unions into one DCUSU , adding an Irish officer, fulfilling as many motions as possible, extending library hours, addition of extra facilities, introduced the yoyo app just to name a few. We also finished the design of the new students centre to facilitate all the needs of our growing DCU community. Overall I am delighted with how the year has gone. I feel I gave everything to my role as President and I hope all the students feel I have made a difference. This year has changed my life and I am even more passionate about DCU now because of it. There are so many people who have supported and helped me throughout the year and I would like to thank them all and wish every student the best of luck in the future. It’s been a fantastic 5 years but now I gotta go - This isn’t goodbye , it’s see you later x.
REFLECTING ON OUR LAST SEMESTER “It seems like only yesterday I was having my Christmas turkey and ham and now we’re into our second set of exams”
YOUR NEW
EXEC
2016 2017
DYLAN KEHOE - PRESIDENT
I can’t wait to get started in my role as SU President next year. It’s going to be a huge year for all of us here in DCU; from the recently announced Development Plan worth €230 million, the beginning of construction on our new student centre and of course the incorporation of multiple campuses. Next year genuinely has the potential to be DCUSU’s biggest yet and I can’t wait to make it happen along with the rest of the team. Some things I’m especially looking forward to in particular include introducing the J1 workshops to make the whole process easier to obtain the all important job and visa.The new events we plan to bring in such as Oktoberfest, Gay Pride as well as running #DCUBegBorrowSteal on a bigger scale than previously imagined!James’ Careers Week went down brilliantly this year and I can’t wait to see how it expands for the coming year. This can be a huge benefit to students nearing the end of their time in college. I can’t wait to see you all in September. We’re going to have a stellar year!
JAMES DONOGHUE - VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS To think, if I had not of taken the leap of faith and put my name forward for this new role I would be cleaning out my desk in a few weeks and my Students’ Union activity would cease. However instead after re-election now I get to look forward to another full year in office, and what a year awaits with the role now branching across all the campuses. I really can’t wait. In keeping with the new role next year I would like to make sure that Careers Week operates across all the campuses, DCU Glasnevin and St Patricks. I also want to ensure that the students get adequate support across all the campuses at exam results by setting up a helpline for students. Tutoring is one that always crops up in my role, so at the beginning of each semester I want to conduct an all student survey which allows me to provide adequate services to students.
CODY BYRNE - VICE PRESIDENT FOR WELFARE & EQUALITY
Well, firstly, I just want to extend an absolutely massive thank you to each and every one of the students that voted for me. I want to work on alleviating pressures on the Counselling Departments by establishing an online peer-to-peer support system with trained DCU volunteers, in conjunction with the SS&D team, while also providing advice on how to developing coping mechanisms for when times get tough. I want to revitalize SHAG week and make it craic & educational. For accommodation; work with the relevant departments to set up an online database for DCU Accommodation and use the FB group as a secondary resource, while also bringing in legal contracts, pushing for more local digs and establishing a rapport with local real estate agents. Finally, more campaigns for greater social awareness and understanding and enhance the International Buddy system on campus. I promise I will give this role 100% of my time and capabilities! Looking forward to 2016/17!
EIMEAR MAGUIRE - VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT It is so surreal to be even writing this. I am so excited to have the opportunity to get involved in the wonderful Student’s Union here in DCU. The incorporation is going to mean bigger and better things for all campuses and I’m delighted to be a part of that.I’m looking forward to getting to spend another year meeting new people and working on exciting projects. If the campaign is anything to go by it’ll be some craic.My main aims for the year have to be to work with the co-ordinators of Uaneen to make this module more available throughout multiple courses and establish an easier system for the end of year write up. As VP for Engagement and Development I also get to work with my good pal Cal (no pun intended) and the class rep’s. I would like to have regular leadership and public speaking workshops available for your class rep's. But mostly, I hope to do you all proud. See you all next year - looking forward to it!
MANUS MCLOUGHLIN - VICE PRESIDENT FOR EDUCATION & PLACEMENT
After three years in St. Patricks College, the Students Union and the work they do mean everything to me. I have been on St. Pats Students Union for the past two years, as Ents Officer and Day Time Activities Officer. I am lucky to have had some experience in the field of the Student’s Union prior to this job. I cannot wait for the coming year, the incorporation and all that will come with it.“A change is as good as a rest”, and I truly believe that the coming together of the four colleges, will bring with it the most refreshing year DCU has ever seen.My main goals for the year:to provide support to all students, particularly those who are on Education based placement, to liaison with the Academic Affairs Officer based in DCU Glasnevin campus to ensure that academics and education on both campuses are accounted for. I also want to serve as the main point of contact for all student issues and welfare concerns on St.Patricks Campus DCU. I want to work closely with the Welfare Officer to ensure student wellbeing is a priority not only during exams and placement but all year round.
CAOILINN TIGHE
Caoimhe Ní Mhaolagáin
JASON BOLTON
SCIENCE & HEALTH FACULTY REP
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES REP
I am over the moon to have been elected the Science and Health Faculty Rep for the incoming year. Here are just some of my plans: 1. Setting up an online forum for nursing, teaching and INTRA student wile on placement 2. Push for improved facilties in both the faculties buildings. 3. Push for a “breathing week” in week 7 so that the faculty can have some well needed time off.
I am so excited to be able to represent all Humanities Students this year. These are a few of my aims 1. Run a weekly Clinic so that class reps and students will be able to meet with me face to face 2. Host events including weekly coffee mornings for language students to practice and a book drive. 3.I want to be a friendly face so that people feel comfortable about approaching me.
ALLAN STEVENSON
RIAIN CONDON
SADHBH CANDON
POSTGRADUATE OFFICER
ENGINEERING & COMPUTING FACULTY REP
CLUBS OFFICER
EDUCATION FACULTY REP I was delighted to be elected as the first Education Faculty Rep. Some of the plans I have are to1. Work on the timing for Fourth year thesis write ups tutors . 2. Focus on the issue of Gaeltacht fees within the USI and campaign to get a reduction. 3. Adapt the current system used for 1st and 3rd year B.Eds for Mater-Dei placement or try work on the present system.
I’m thrilled to have been elected as the Post Graduate Officer for next year and some of the things I plan to do are: 1. Use our affiliation to the USI to continue campaigning for the restoration of Post Graduate grants. 2. To work on establishing a Graduate Students Union that caters for the needs of Post Graduate students. 3. Raise awareness of facilities, supports and services available to Post Graduate students.
I can’t wait to begin implementing my ideas to improve student life within the faculty. My main aims are: 1. Set up a faculty council with 6 class reps who will work with me on a weekly or biweekly basis similar to how exec works. 2. Implement a efficient prioritisation system of labs to ensure students who need labs for assignments have a space. 3. Work with the SU and Clubs and Societies to increase engagement.
Cáit Ní Cheallacháin
NIALL BEHAN
IRISH OFFICER
Táimse chomh ar bís a bheith togha mar Oifigeach Gaeilge i DCUSU agus táim an bhuíoch as an tacaíocht go léir a bhfuair mé. I want to make sure that the Irish language is incorporated into every part of student life. 1.Ba mhaith liom a cinntiú go mbeidh Teach na Gaeilge curtha i bhfeidhm i gceart don bhliain seo chugainn. 2. Ba mhaith liom seomra caidreamh a bheith againn ar gach campas. 3. Ba mhaith liom go mbeidh sé níos éasca d’ainm a chur as Gaeilge agus tú ag clárú leis an Ollscoil.
In the coming year I would like to make DCU Clubs even bigger and better within the New DCU. 1. I will act as an equal voice throughout the incorporation. It is important that all clubs are heard equally and that no club’s voice is lost. 2. Mental health goes hand in hand with our physical health. I hope to emphasise this throughout the year, 3. I will work to make the Uaneen molecule contributory for all students, so that they can get recognition for their dedication.
LUKE O’ RIORDAN
BUSINESS FACULTY REP
SOCIETIES OFFICER
I’m delighted to be part of the Business School representation, and with the new AACSB accreditation it will be an exciting year. For next year, my main objectives are 1. introduce an accounting learning centre into DCU life. through the Maths learning centre. 2. Work to make sure no student should ever feel isolated or alone. 3. Introduce a jobs notice board, so DCU students know exactly what opportunities are open to them.
I am very excited to be first DCU society officer to be based across all campuses. A number of my plans include: 1. Ensuring society accessibility and presence amongst students regardless of campus through development of social media & technology platforms, i.e, redevelopment of SU app 2. Introducing an end of year inter society festival. 3. Working on increasing the number of skills workshops
USI CONGRESS Sean Cassidy attended USI Congress representing DCU. He writes: The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) held its national congress this year from March 21st-24th in Ennis, Co. Clare. The Congress is the supreme deciding body of the national students’ union where the USI Officerboard (Executive) are elected, reforms to the orginsations are debated and policy positions decided upon. DCU Students’ Union attended with a full delegation of 13 delegates and two observers. We brought forward five policy motions to the Congress ranging from issues including the Irish language, casualisation of labour amongst postgraduates, the cost of fees and the residency test, financial supports for student teachers and a reform to term limits of USI Officerboard. The DCU Students’ Union had four of this five motions adopted by the national students’ union. Alongside this a number of new delegates had the courage and confidence to participate and speak on a number of motions and the DCU SU gained notable coverage in both the Irish Times and thejournal.ie for its motions and contributions. The Congress saw a broad range of issues debated including accomodation supports, grant reform, gambling addiction the decriminilisation of drugs and the decriminilisation of sex work. This was the DCU Students’ Unions third time attending Congress since re-affiliation and it was one of our most successful in terms of the number of motions adopted, positive media coverage and the range of contributions made by our students. The Union of Students in Ireland, which DCU Students’ Union has a leading role, continued to show that the student movement has a powerful role to play at a local, regional and national level in effecting positive change for our students.
ELECTION CREW Kim Sweeney writes: We decided to create an election crew this year which was made up of 14 Volunteers who encouraged voting across the campuses. They did this by helping during hustings and election events, promoting fairness and manning polling stations. The crew really helped with the work load of the elections for the SU. The idea was suggested by a class rep at CRC and the crew has the potential to develop into an annual group to work with the Returning officer and the SU during busy election and referendum times. The SU are very grateful for the work that the volunteers put in and I hope they remain involved next year.
SU ELECTIONS 2016 Returning Officer Cat O’Driscoll was delighted with the turn out of both candidates and voters for the SU elections this year. She writes : The Students’ Union elections took place online for the second year in a row with much success and a few teething problems. Nearly 4,500 students voted through the online platform developed with ISS over a five day voting period. As this was the first round of elections to take place under the new incorporated DCU it saw five sabbatical officers, four non-sabbatical officers and five faculty reps elected across all campuses with hustings taking place on Glasnevin and St Pats campuses. Over the summer the Returning Officer and Electoral Committee will be working with the SU Executive to update all the election regulations for this new online voting model and develop guidelines to support innovative online campaigning. Congratulations to all those who took part in the election campaigns.
SU AWARDS WINNERS
Class rep of the year –Business Faculty Michelle Hayden
Staff Member of the Year : Deirdre O’Sullivan
Class rep of the year –Humanities & Social Sciences - Bobby King
Outstanding Contribution to Representation : Andy Dunne
Class rep of the year –Science & Health Anton McDonnell
Outstanding Contribution to Events: Colin Tonge
Class rep of the year-Engineering & Computing :Ciara McAuley
Outstanding Contribution to Opportunities :Katie Dawson
Class rep of the year –Education Faculty Emma Tunnicliffe
Outstanding Contribution to Support Andrew Wheeler
Outstanding Contribution to Media Crew: Stephen Hallinan & Scout Mitchell
Outstanding Contribution to Awareness : Aine Monk
Media Crew Member of theYear: Mark Kelly
Outstanding Contribution to Help : Cal Commons
Outstanding Contribution to Ents crew: -Heather Rainey & Aodan Farrelly ENTS Crew Member of the Year: Gabor Romhanyi Outstanding Contribution to Welfare Crew Andrew Wheeler, Aine Monk, Kayla Gaffney, Katie Dawson, Aine Egan
Outstanding Contribution to Change : Sean Cassidy Outstanding Contribution to Community : Cliodhna Beirne Fresher Class Rep of the Year: Conor McCullagh Overall Rep of the Year: Aaron Harper
REFERENDA President Kim Sweeney writes: This semester two referenda were held. The first referendum held was to change the SU election dates and to add an Irish officer to the Students’ Union Executive. This passed with a majority Yes vote.
The second referendum was brought by a group of students who gathered the required amount of signatures.
This referendum was run alongside the SU elections and the students were asked to vote yes/no for: The DCU Students’ Union shall activeThe passing of this referen- ly support and campaign for dum allowed for the SU elec- the legalisation and regulation dates to be set a few tion of the cultivation, sale weeks later than usual to al- and possession of cannabis low students from all cam- for adults aged 18 and over puses to run for elections. in the Republic of Ireland. It also added the position The students also voted with of Irish officer to the execu- a majority Yes vote. tive which was a huge positive for the SU and University.
CHANGE
As a Students’ Union, we constantly strive and work for change. By assessing and reassessing our own union and the environment around us we hope to make changes for the better for our students.
THE NEW SU With the new DCU comes a brand new DCUSU. President Kim Sweeney writes : Second semester saw the completion of the new SU structure which students voted Yes to change in 1st semester. The new SU was developed to insure all students and all key areas were being represented by the Students’ Union. The new SU is comprised of 5 full time sabbaticals, 5 faculty reps, a postgraduate officer, an Irish
officer and the Clubs and Societies officers. This makes a total of 14 elected positions representing the students across all campuses. Next year is going to be a fantastic year for the SU having two new full time positions which will allow them to improve engagement with the student body even more. Best of luck to the exec of 16/17.
REGISTERING TO VOTE
“We registered 170 students to vote”
Welfare Officer Domhnaill Harkin has encouraged students to vote in both DCUSU elections and the general election. He writes : This year it was announced a general election would be held at the end of February. Quite a few students weren’t registered to vote so I thought it would be beneficial to organise a voter registration day. As it was very late to get registered all people registered would have to register for the supplementary register which needs a Garda ID stamp. I organized for a local Garda to come in and stamp the forms for students. We then posted them on to the relevant voter registration centers in whatever county the student registered for. We had a great response and our poor Garda didn’t stop stamping for over 2 hours. We registered over 170 students. It was great to see such an interest from students and it really showed students do care about politics.
OPEN BADGES Following a visit to several universities in America, President Kim Sweeney has been working hard to introduce the idea of open badges to DCU. Open badges are an online form of accreditation. Kim Sweeney comments “We felt that students should be credited for their extracurricular activities because DCU is so well known for its well-rounded graduates. The Open badges can be displayed on LinkdIn profiles to easily show the skills the receiver has gained. The 1st badges we have introduced are the class reps badges and we hope to develop more badges in the future. This hopefully will be a university wide crediting system in which the SU has helped to introduce.” Working closely with both Mark Glynn of the Teaching Enhancement Unit and Deirdre O’Sullivan in the Office of Student Life the SU badges are still in their development stage. However, in researching the badges it was apparent that many other departments in DCU are also working on similar launches. As a result we are now working closely with lots of DCU community members to ensure DCUSU open badges are in line with both the DCU Graduate Attributes and the DCU brand guidlelines. On 8th March Deirdre attended Open Badges in Higher Education Conference in The University of Southampton which served as a great resource of information in the steps towards awarding micro-credentials to members of DCUSU.
PROTECTING STUDENTS WHO ARE RENTING Many DCU students continue to struggle to find accommodation to rent for term time. This problem has been somewhat alleviated by the increase in digs offers by the local community. Unfortunatley over the past few years the Students’ Union has seen students faced with unfair and unacceptable situations in their rental accommodation. In many of these cases the students had very little protection as they had not signed leases or agreements. Working with a solicitor, Welfare Officer Domhnaill has a new tenancy agreement drawn up which
both tenants and landlords will be asked to sign. This will protect both parties and will give reassurance to both the students, their parents and the members of the community, who for many is their first time offering student accommodation.
OPPORTUNITIES “I’d encourage anyone with an interest in photography to get involved with the media crew”
ENTS CREW
Gabor Romhanyi was awarded ENTS Crew member of the year at this year’s DCUSU Awards. He writes: “For the second year in a row, I have had the privilege to be a member of the DCUSU Ents crew. As the year started, I was given more and more responsibilities and duties that were really challenging but enjoyable at the same time. In December the Helix needed Ents crew to help out with the Christmas shows and I was appointed leader of
the crew. From there they offered me a contract for the summer to work as an assistant technician. As the year continued, I took on the role of senior Ents crew member and I was given a lot more responsibilities and duties. At the SU Awards Night, I won Ents Member of the Year, which was an amazing token of appreciation. Overall, I have been very much enjoying the role these past two years and have made great friends and connections as a result.”
MEDIA CREW First Year Andrew McConnell tells of his experience on the media crew “Working with the media crew was a great experience for me this year, starting off it seemed so daunting to photograph strangers at a ball or a night out but with the right mentoring and guidance from the talented people you encounter in
the media crew it soon become a lot easier. I’d encourage anyone with an interest in photography to get involved with the media crew, you’ll learn so much, your confidence in your ability will grow with every event you do and you’ll have a wonderful time working alongside kind and wonderful people!”
ARTS BURSARY Colin Tonge,Chairperson of Fotosoc was awarded an Arts Bursary this year from the Office of Student Life and DCU Educational Trust. He writes “Photography is one of my passions, however with college work and other commitments it’s something I’ve had to put on the back burner. This year, I was lucky enough to be chosen as a recipient for a DCU Arts Bursary and it has allowed me to pursue and develop my photography skills again. The Arts Bursary is a fund which is allocated among a select few students who are passionate about their art, whatever that art may be. I was humbled to be among those chosen this year, the bursary allowed me to purchase new equipment which I believe has made a huge impact on my understanding of photography and the quality of my work. I will forever be grateful to DCU for affording me this opportunity and cannot recommend enough that you apply next year, no matter what art form you’re interested in, DCU could help you pursue it.”
Philip Early has served as Chairperson of the Club Life Committee this year is thankful for the opportunities DCU Clubs have given him. When I arrived to DCU, little did I know how much of a role clubs would play in helping settle into college life. I have met some amazing people and each new experience has been made better with the friends that I have made to share it with. In first year I joined several clubs (and societies) but it was Aikido and Archery that I became the most active in and for the last three years I have been Chair of Aikido, and Treasurer and Chair of Archery. The experiences gained in running a club are highly valuable as organising a competition for 150+ athletes is no easy task, and you never know what will come out of the skills that you gain from clubs as I got the chance to be an extra on Game of Thrones and Vikings this past year, and it has helped me gain an internship for 6 months. This year I was also elected Chair of the Club Life Committee, I got an insight into the overall administration involved with clubs and sports in DCU. I had the pleasure of representing DCU clubs on many occasions, including in the incorporation of the different campuses. I am most proud of being given the chance to help clubs in general and individually, to help them in any way, achieve their goals and be the best they can be. Some of my best memories and friends have made here due to DCU’s Club life. There is so much opportunity to be had, so I would encourage you to get involved with a club and you will have some of the best experiences of your life.
“The societies are what add the colour. They bring the place to life”
CLUBS & SOCIETIES Eoin Lúc Ó Ceallaigh was awarded Society Personality of the Year in both DCU and nationally at BICS. He encourages everyone to find a society that suits them in DCU. Societies really shaped the college experience for me and I developed as a person because of it. I am so much more prepared to go out into the “real world” than if I had just focused on my degree. It’s hard to describe how getting involved in societies can improve your college life. You meet new people; you learn new skills and you have an amazing time at events. But there’s more to it than that. If you think of a university as a drawing: the campus is sketched out; your course adds brightness and shadows. The societies are what add the colour. They bring the place to life.DCU has some of the most vibrant societies in Ireland and we are lucky to have such a great opportunity to get involved right here. It’s an opportunity to do some pretty amazing things, and also an opportunity to make mistakes before it could cost you a job. The main reason to get involved though is the craic. Between the events and meet-ups, there’s a ridiculous amount of craic to be had in DCU’s societies. There are some mad scones in DCU so you’ll have an absolutely amazing time.
VOLUNTEERING Volunteering is alive and well in DCU. We asked two students who actively volunteer to tell us about the opportunities they have discovered Roisin Nestor is a journalism student and Chair of Enactus DCU. One of the first things that I did in college was starting volunteering with HeadstARTs. HeadstARTs is a social enterprise set up four years ago by the Enactus DCU society to provide the arts to people with intellectual disabilities. It is the longest running Enactus project in Ireland! HeadstARTs has been one of the highlights of my three years in DCU. Every Tuesday night, a group of students and people with intellectual disabilities meet to do classes of dance, drama, art and music. All our members and volunteers leave after the two hours in a brilliant mood! One of the best things about HeadstARTs is seeing how new members grow in confidence within a few weeks of attending HeadstARTs. There’s also two showcases every year where our members can perform dances, plays and sing in front of their family and friends. The beautiful art that has been created is also displayed. Getting involved in making a difference in people’s lives made my college experience something truly special.
SIne McGoff has been actively involved in DCU Rag Society for the past three years. Volunteering in DCU is a huge part of campus life and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. It is a community which has gone from strength to strength each year. It is great to see its bigger ambassadors on campus receiving the recognition they deserve for the work they’ve done all year. Enactus DCU represented us at the BICS and the Raising and Giving Society won the Presidents Award for Civic Engagement. There is no greater satisfaction in this world than seeing lives change because of the work you are doing. Whether it be engaging people with disabilities at HeadstARTs with Enactus, teaching art, cooking, dance and GAA classes in Ballymun schools with RAG or volunteering abroad with Global Brigades, a little goes a long way. I cannot recommend getting involved enough. I have loved my time being a part of this community and it has shaped my college experience immeasurably. We are incredibly lucky in DCU to have such a great platform for these activities with such support from the college and its students. I hope it continues to receive the recognition it deserves on a national and international scale.
AWARENESS CAREERS WEEK Education Officer James Donoghue outlined in this manifesto that he wanted to run a comprehensive Careers Week in conjunction with DCU Careers Office. This idea came to fruition from February 8th - 12th when a a full campus Careers Week was run which engaged hundreds of students. Life after third level can often be daunting for students. Many questions play on our students minds. Such as, how do I look for a job? How many options does my degree give me? With this in mind the idea of a Careers Week called ‘What’s your next move?’ was formed. The aim of the week was to ensure that students who wished to interact were prepared and informed about their future. Each faculty was allocated specific events relevant to themselves throughout the week. The Careers Information Stand spent time in the Henry Gratten, Science, Engineering and Business Buildings to give the students the opportunity to meet with a professional from the Careers Office. Students could also avail of free professional headshots for their LinkedIn and drop into C.V Clinic’s to improve their C.V. Students were also given the chance to meet people from large companies such as IBEC, Bristol Myers Squibb, Realex, PwC, Deloitte, EY and KPMG. The final highlight was a busy venue for the J1 talk given by the US Embassy to inform students of changes to applying for the J1 Visa.
MOTIVATION WEEK
Welfare Officer Domhnaill Harkin speaks turned his life around and went from beof one of his major campaigns this se- ing unfit to cycling around the world. mester : Motivation Week. We ran free STI checks to encourage stuThe first week back in semester two we dents to look after their sexual health. ran Motivation Week. This was all about This year over 1300 students were testencouraging students to get motivated ed in DCU which is a major success and whether that was to get motivated to shows students are starting to take care exercise, study or just make a positive of their sexual health. change in their life. We chose the “Motivational Monkey� as a Our first event was a healthy cooking fun character to get people thinking. We demo by Camille, a local Thai restau- asked staff and students to take one of rant who promote using fresh ingredi- our postcards and write down their three ents and simple Thai cooking methods. main goals for the semester. By hanging We had full attendance in the Old Bar all up the goals on their wall in their bedwho learnt how to make a healthy meal room or study area we hoped to give everyone something to focus on and remind while still making sure it was tasty. themselves of their goals throughout the We ran a motivational workshop with year. Student Support & Development which was very successful in getting students The week went really well and I feel it to think about their goals for the year definitely helped students to get going. and how best to achieve them. We also We all need a little encouragement at invited a guest speaker; DCU graduate times. Breifne Earley, who spoke about how he
CAMPAIGNING FOR SEANAD REFORM Welfare Officer Domhnaill Harkin felt passionately about Seanad reform and decided to campaign for it this semester. The campaign for Seanad reform was something first thought of by Marian O’Donnell the Education Officer in the SU in University of Limerick. As it stands under the current system only graduates of Trinity College and the NUI colleges which
include UCD, NUIG, UCC and Maynooth University have a vote in the Seanad University Panel Elections for the Seanad. That means that DCU, UL and DIT who also joined the campaign with us along with many other third level institutions in Ireland don’t have a vote for the Seanad. We feel this inequality amongst third level graduates in Ireland is unfair and we decided to run an awareness campaign. We launched with a Facebook page and we made a video featuring myself, Marian from UL, Lysette the Welfare Officer in DIT and Dr. Colum Kenny a Professor from DCU. The campaign didn’t receive as much attention as we had hoped but nonetheless it raised the issue and hopefully reform will be made.
MENTAL HEALTH PROTEST WITH USI Recently the decision to divert 12 million from the mental health budget saw a lot of objection from students across Ireland and it brought the #IAmAReason campaign about. USI along with Students Unions across the country participated in the protest outside the Dail on the 27th of April. DCU were represented at the protests by a group of dedicated students and a clear message was sent to the leaders of our country. that Mental Health care is something that is very important to us all and we will not stand by while further diversions are put in place to the level of adequate care we need in this country.
“It certainly was by far the biggest and most successful one yet!�
CONTINUING THE MENTAL WELLBEING CAMPAIGN As part of Mental Wellbeing Week in Semester 1 we got people to stop in the Old Bar for a few minutes and write a letter to their future self. We thought this would be a nice idea as often what we worry about in the present is a distant memory a few months down the line and we often wonder then why we even worried about it in the first place. We had over 170 letters written and I kept them under lock and key in my office for the rest of the year until April. We sent them out just before the exams started and got a great reaction on Twitter when people received their letter.
BLUE MONDAY The third Monday in January has in recent years been dubbed by the media as being the most depressing day of the year. With lots of talk of this online we decided to counteract this by leaving gifts around campus for staff and students to discover on the 18th of January. We hoped that this would cheer people up. We videoed their reactions in an effort to spread the joy to people who would see the video online. We also gave out tea and homemade cupcakes in the Hub. We hoped that by spreading a little bit of happiness that it would have a domino effect and cheer up people on campus studying for exams.
SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE Seachtain na Gaeilge, running from the 7th to the 10th of March, was once again a SU official week this year and it certainly was by far the biggest and most successful one yet. Caoimhe Ni Chathail recalls the week: Cumann Gaelach’s aim with the week this year, was to focus on entertaining events which would normalise the use of Irish and be open to people of any standard of Irish. We did this by hosting events such as Granny Biongó, Shite Night as Gaeilge and a Media Panel as Gaeilge. These events encouraged the use of Irish in a non-condescending and informal manner. We made sure to emphasise the entertainment value of events and to focus on providing social opportunities for the Irish language. We held an Intervarsity event in the Venue for the first time ever, which was a huge but highly successful undertaking. 10 representatives of DCU societies battled it out to appear the most ‘Gaelach’ in our ‘How Gaelach Are You?’ competition and it is a format which we know can only grow and improve in the years to come. Seachtain na Gaeilge was highly successful in attracting people from every course in DCU and every part of the country, or even further afield. Our varied events across the course of the week were successful in attracting such an eclectic crowd. Seachtain na Gaeilge was definitely the highlight of the year for the society as we managed to host a week-long event which highlighted the many social uses of the Irish language and which highlighted its strong presence in DCU. Seachtain na Gaeilge’s success this year is reflective of An Cumann Gaelach’s success as a society which has grown to have a campus-wide presence and to cater for those with any grasp of the language or with simply an interest in finding out more about Irish language and culture.
COMMUNITY THE IRISH EXPO This year has been a huge year for the Irish language in DCU. The Gaeilge Expo was held this year in Semester Two. The day provided students and staff with the opportunity to see the work of all the different Irish language groups within DCU. The event really gave a flavour of the passion students and staff have for the language. The day was a great success and The Hub was transformed into a centre for the Irish language. A massive thank you to Siobhan Seoighe and Cumann Gaelach who have worked closely with the SU over the past year. I would like to wish them all the best of luck next year. Kim Sweeney
RAISING MONEY FOR CHARITIES In January we were delighted to make a presentation to both Focus Ireland and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul as a result of our Christmas appeal. These two charities work with Ireland’s homeless and we hope that our contribution will help several people in our community. In keeping with SU tradition we selected three charities
to donate any money we fundraised to over the year we are in office. The first charity we chose was Temple Street Children’s Hospital - where many of our nursing students do amazing work. Our second is a local initiative called The Aisling Project which aims to prevent early school leaving, benefit the community and advance education by run-
ning an after-school intervention project for children at risk in Ballymun. The third charity Jigsaw/Headstrong which host a network of programmes across Ireland designed to make sure every young person has somewhere to turn to and someone to talk to. We look forward to presenting these worthy causes with our final funds over the summer.
SUSTAINABILITY
SSH CAMPAIGN
DCU is very proud of the work that the DCU Green Committee do to maintain DCU’s Green Flag status. This semester the SU is helping out by encouraging students to recycle any old clothing they have when they’re moving house out of their student accommodation. We will be recycling these items with Rags for Riches, an organisation who exchange old clothes for money. We are doing this in partnership with Samantha Fahy in DCU Operations and all proceeds will go to our chosen charities.
We’ve continued with our Shh campaign this semester as we realise that our events can have a negative effect on the surrounding neighbours if not managed properly. We send out flyers ahead of big events to let the neighbours know that potentially there will be noise on that night. On the night we have our student helpers, as part of our ENTS crew, join us in our wearing high-viz jackets as we escort students to the neighbouring estates to ensure they keep the noise down and respect the community.
Meeting s our awa how Seeing Enactus win best civic and social at the awards was obviously a great memory and there were some other great experiences throughout the year like our trip to Galway but to be honest it all pales in comparison to the 7 days I spent with Enactus in Johannesburg. It was an incredible experience and opportunity that epitomised what Enactus is all about’. MARK FARRELLY The feeling of pride I ENACTUS had when DCU Dance placed 1st in the Mixed Piece at Dance Intervarsities 2016 was absolutely inBest society memory this year credible! For Hip Hop to also win their catthe unbelievable atmosphere egory and for Jazz and Irish to place was surreal. outside the Helix for the kick off After 3 years of involvement in society life it is a of #DCUBegBorrowSteal wonderful memory to have as I finish up my GARETH JORDAN time in DCU! We held the ESOC SINEAD MCCOOL 2016 Irish National DANCE SOCIETY Equestrian Intervarsities, our ‘cocky cobs’ team placed 5th in showjumping & we made a kick ass highlights video of the event which has 1000’s of views on social media. We won the DCU Award for comms and marketing 2016 and are nominated for the Student Sport Ireland event of the year award 2016! We had an amazing year, look forward to the next! #DCUEQU “My final year of #giddyup College and working NIAMH MORGAN HIGGINS with DCU media production EQUESTRIAN Society allowed me to achieve heights I never thought I would. From running all the workshops to the 24 Hour Broadcast, which ultimately became Ireland’s best college society event at the bics, and to have visited Krakow and have been honoured with some Hybrid student media awards as well. ” DARRAGH MCGOWAN MPS
It’s impossible to choose one highlight when the entire year was filled with unforgettable some of the most incredible people on memories; but taking part in ‘DCU’s RAG Rumble’ ay trip to Budapest and bonding over and winning the Mixed category at ‘Dance w hungover we are in the thermal Intervarsities’ were by far my proudest baths moments this year” KAYLEIGH FORAN SONYA BEATTY FOTO SOC DANCE SOCIETY “As a team of writers, editors and designers we put out a paper every fortnight for the DCU community; it’s such a great feeling to see the paper being received so positively by staff and students. The friendships and experiences I’ve gained this year have been invaluable. “ SCOUT MITCHELL THE COLLEGE VIEW My society highlight this year was raising a glass to the DCUfm Studio as we said goodbye to it after 11 years in service. DCUfm will be moving on to a new studio during the Hub reconstruction, so a group of nearly 40 of us gathered outside, danced to some classic tunes, and remembered the brilliant times we had in studio. KEVIN KELLY DCU FM
SOCIETY LIFE
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS
DCU has over 120 societies with something for everyone. We asked some of our society members what was their personal highlight of the year. Their answers give a nice snapshot into society life and how much DCU societies mean to their members.
Archery Club Student League 2016: 1st in Barebow Team: Jericho Siababa, Dean Lalor and Bernard O’Connor. 1st in Compound Team: Beth Freeman, Cillian Byrne, Niamh Merry and Luke Oonan. 2nd in Mixed Team: Beth Freeman, Jericho Siababa, Brendan McManus, Cillian Byrne, Dean Lalor. 1st in Barebow Advanced Male: Jericho Siababa 2nd in Barebow Advanced Male: Dean Lalor. 3rd in Barebow Advanced Male: Bernard O’Connor. 1st in Barebow Advanced Female: Sarah Howard. 1st in Recurve Intermediate Female: Ciara O’Sullivan. 2nd in Recurve Intermediate Male: Brendan McManus. 2nd in Compound Female: Beth Freeman 3rd in Compound Female: Niamh Merry Student Nationals 2016: Student Barebow Male Champion: Niall O Hanlon Barebow Nationals 2016 2nd Place in Barebow Female: Sarah Howard. Quarter Finalists: Niall O Hanlon, Jericho Siababa and Dean Lalor Significant Achievements: Special mention for Niall O Hanlon, Sarah Howard and Dean Lalor, all training as part of the Irish Junior Archery Squad in preparation for the World Field Championships being held in Co. Wicklow 26th Sep-2nd October
Badminton: Iris Berthier won the ladies division B tournamnet Basketball (Men’s) Mens Freshers Basketball Team won their all Ireland competition versus UL 54-48
Boxing: Participated in the IT Carlow and UCD fight nights. Represented DCU at International Tournament in Manchester. 8 IATBA (Intervaristies finalist) Clare Grace ranked in top 10 in the world at 69kg Canoe: 5th place overall finish at the 2016 Irish
Kayaking Intervarsity Event. Shane Little won fourth place in the freestyle category. Rachel Rafferty (current student) is DCUs first ever open canoe instructor
Cricket : Keith O’Hare selected for the Irish University Hockey Team in April for tests against Scotland and Wales in Scotland Equestrian: Hosted the hugely successful
Equestrian Intervarsity Event at Killossery Lodge Stud
Gaelic Football (Ladies): Division 1 League Champions. Division 3 League Champions.
Gaelic Football (Men’s): Freshers Football League and Championship winners. Sigerson League and Championship runners up. Junior Championship Champions
CLUB HIGHLIGHTS 2016/17
Gymnastics & Trampolining : Intervar-
sites hosted by Trinity in November (DCU, UCD, UCC, UL, Maynooth, Trinity & Queen’s Belfast in attendance) Sarah Curran - 3rd Novice Ladies Eoin McHugh - 2nd Interadvanced Men Scottish Student Trampolining Open (SSTO) held in Glasgow in February (Same Irish clubs plus some Scottish and English Universities in attendance) Amy Kelly - 2nd Intermediate Ladies
Colours hosted by UCD in March (small Intervarsity event between Trinity & UCD) Aisling Duggan - 2nd in Lower Synchro with Hannah Gibney from UCD who was previously in DCU. Aisling Duggan -3rd in Lower Synchro Roulette with Michael from UCD (competitors are paired up by level on the day) Irish Student Trampolining Open (ISTO) held in Belfast in March (Same Universities as SSTO in attendance) This is the largest competition of the year, over 500+ people attend, this is the event that most of the training will go towards. Aine Clerkin - 3rd Novice Ladies Gymnastic Ireland’s National Trampolining Finals held in UL in May (many Gymnastic and Trampolining clubs from around Ireland in attendance) Glen Kelly - 1st NDP3 Male 15+ (National Development Plan Level 3) (i.e National Champion in this level) he also got the Highest Execution Score of the day.
Hurling: Freshers Championship runners up Handball: Intervarsity winners: Women’s A
60x30 singles winner: Rachel Hogan. Women’s Open 60x30 Doubles winners: Aishling O’Keeffe & Rachel Hogan. Men’s A 60x30 singles winner: Cian Ó Dálaigh. Men’s B 60x30 singles winner: Ryan Traenor. Women’s B 60x30 singles Runner Up: Niamh Farrell. Women’s Open one wall singles Runner Up: Aishling O’Keeffe Provincial championship winners: Women’s senior Munster 40x20 doubles winner: Aishling O’Keeffe.Women’s senior Munster 60x30 Doubles winner: Aishling O’Keeffe. Women’s junior B Ulster 40x20 singles winner: Niamh Farrell. Men’s junior B Leinster 40x20 doubles winner: Cian Ó Dálaigh. Women’s intermediate Leinster 60x30 singles winner: Rachel Hogan. All Ireland championship winners: Women’s senior 40x20 doubles: Aishling O’Keeffe. Women’s Senior 60x30 Doubles: Aishling O’Keeffe. Women’s intermediate 60x30 singles: Rachel Hogan. Men’s junior B 40x20 doubles: Cian Ó Dálaigh.
We also hosted a one wall competition in the sports complex this year, photo attached. This was the third year we ran the competition but the first year it was held on campus.
Mixed Martial Arts: MMA Club hosted a
huge intervarsity club competition in the DCU Sports Complex with 250 competitiors from colleges and external clubs
Powerchair Soccer: DCU Storm Powerchair football team will be representing DCU and Ireland at the European Champions Cup in Denmark in October Powerlifting: Although not officially a club here in DCU, Anna Hourihane will compete at the World Championships in Texas this summer
Rock Climbing: Achievements: Lauren
Conlan - Individual development for club/ soc award from the Clubs & Socs awards. Will represent DCU and Ireland in the European Univarsity Games in Croatia this summer.
Rugby (Mens)IRFU men’s varsity league division 1 (2nd). IRFU men’s varsity cup division 1(semi finalists). Hosted and won IRFU All Ireland InterVarsity 7s tournament Rugby (Womens) Second team finished the
season as runners up in their league. This team comprised of players playing rugby for the first time!
Soccer (Men’s) Harding Cup runners up (for the first time in the club’s history). Significant achievements by an individual-Rory Feely who played on our Freshers team in the Harding Cup and also won a Freshers league and championship double with the Freshers Gaelic Football Team. Jack Blake and Gavin Kearney were selected for Ireland 3rd level football team Surf n Sail: Participated in 22 events this
year. Attended Surfing Intervarsity’s for the first time bringing two full teams finishing 9 th and 16 th
Swimming: Brendan Hyland will represent Ireland at the European Aquatic championships in London in May
Tai Kwon Do: Adam Shelley represented Ireland in the European Championships in Finland in April
Weightlifting : Hosted the 2016 Intervarsity Weightlifting Event from 11th March. Two of our lifters, Eugene Foley and Marcela Moraru won medals at the event.
CLUBS & SOCS WINNERS 2016 Most Promising Fresher Male: Rory Feely, Men’s Soccer and Men’s Gaelic Football Clubs
Most Promising Society Fresher: Matthew Hewston
Most Promising Fresher Female : Maebh Donohoe
Individual Contribution to Society Life: Aoife Ryan (Drama Scoiety), Eoin Luc O’ Ceallaigh (An Cumann Gaelach), Sonya Beatty (Dance Soc), James Hazlett (Financial & Actuarial Society), Emma Kavanagh (Media Production Society), Sinead McCool (Dance Soc), Brendan Power (ESoc), Alison Ring (Enactus Society), Gary Grimes (Style Society), Caoimhe Ni Chathail (An Cumann Gaelach)
Individual Awards for Club Development: Liam Byrne (Men’s Soccer), Andrew Donohoe ) Canoe Club), Carol Kavanagh (Ladies Rugby Club), Lauren Conlon (Rockclimbing Club), Glen Kelly (Gymnastics & Trampoling Club), Stephen Murray (Men’s Rugby Club) Individual Award for Sporting Excellence: Sarah Howard (Archery Club), Shane Little (Canoe Club), Clare Grace (Boxing Club), Rachel Rafferty (Canoe Club)
Best New Society: Mental Health Society Most Promising Society: Harry Potter Society Best Society Event: MPS - 24 Hour Broadcast
Communications & Marketing Award: DCU Equestrian Club
Best Publicity Campaign: Drama Society
Team of the Year: Men’s GAA Freshers A
Best Poster: Fotosoc
Staff Contribution to Club Life: Tracey Harrington
Best Society Photograph: Cancer Society
Excellence in Coaching Award: Amy Kelly (Gymnastics & Trampoline Club), Martin Cunningham (Archery Club( Most Promising Club: Weightlifting Club
Best Society Promotional Video: Mental Health Society Best Society in a Cultural, Academic or Social Field:An Cumann Gaelach
Club of the Year: DCU Boxing Club
Best Society in a Charity or Civic Field: Enactus
Sports Personality of the Year : Rachel Rafferty Canoe Club
Society Personality of the Year: Eoin Luc O’ Ceallaigh, An Cumann Gaelach
EVENTS “Every week of semester 2 was jam packed with society events, Although the OSL assist and support the running and planning of these events, the society committees and members are what make DCU such a vibrant campus and I could not do my job without their input and continued interest in DCU student life.” Peadar Gill, Events Co-Ordinator. “Most people will remember the events they organised and attended here in DCU long after the lectures have finished.” We kicked off this semester with one of our favorite comedy acts, the regurgitator Stevie Star who never fails to impress our students by swallowing everything from earrings to live goldfish. Soon after that we set our sights on a new Netflix themed ball where students came wearing their favorite Netflix character costumes or their pjs, the night was a great success with an amazing DJ set by the wonderfully talented Daithí. We invited some DCU graduates back in the form of the hilarious Pop the Cherry Comedy Roadshow, where a group of DCU students took to the stage to make for a great night with all proceeds going to the SU’s chosen charities.
As always Semester 2 is busy for us here in the OSL with award ceremonies, from the SU Awards to honour class reps and students who have contributed greatly to Student life, to the Clubs and Society Awards. As this year was the 30th Anniversary of Clubs and Socs in DCU we decided to make the Clubs and Socs Awards bigger and better. We combined the Clubs Awards and the Society Awards into one big award ceremony held in The Helix. With amazing performances from our clubs and societies on the helix stage the event was undoubtedly one to remember. We marked the end of the event year with our sell out Summer ball. This year international stars Vengaboys headlined The Venue stage followed by one of Ireland’s best known DJs, Rory Lynam. Pump Up The Jam rocked the Old Bar as the silent disco stage got people moving outside. Events Co-ordinator Peadar Gill says “ Its been another great year of events here in DCU. The standard and professionalism of society events continues to amaze me and it was a pleasure to get to work with the Society Committees and OSL this year”.
EVENTS SEM
MESTER TWO
HELP & SUPP OPERATION TRANSFORMATION Education Officer James Donoghue brought this idea to DCUSU. He writes : With hectic social and academic schedules students can sometimes put their health on the back burner. After the Christmas Exams we encouraged students to start thinking of their health and as part of the Motivation week encourage students to take part in the National Operation Transformation.DCU Operation Transforma-
tion launched our own Health Campaign called “Kick The Habit Week” where we encouraged students to see what habits were detrimental to their physical and mental health. The week included No Smoking Day and a truly honest talk from Offally footballer Niall McNamee on his struggles with gambling addiction.
NATIONAL SURVEYS Every year students are encouraged to fill in surveys. From our point of view it is extremely important for the Union to get students participating in these surveys. The main role of a Students’ Union is to ensure the voice of students is heard and what better way than mass feedback from the entire body through survey. The Union worked to promote the National Student Survey ISSE by working on an improved survey and also having a promotion team on campus along with a promotional video online.
PORT
THE SU HELPDESK Our SU Helpdesk continues to be an invaluable resource to us all. The staff who work at the desk supply a range of services including SU merchandise, printing, binding, Ticketmaster, Ticketsolve and Travel tickets. Over the last year they have administered 715 Leap Cards,16305 Leap Card Top-Ups and 4665 Student Travel Cards. They also act as a vital information point for the campus staff, students and visitors.
BUDDY SYSTEM
EXAM SUPPORT
January saw the arrival of 195 new International students to Glasnevin to study for a semester in DCU. Coming to a new country and college can be daunting for students so the Students’ Union teamed up with The International Office to recruit current students as buddies to give the international students a warm welcome. The Buddies were trained by the Student’s Union, The International Office and the Students’ Union and were assigned four International students to contact in advance of their arrival to offer guidance. When the students arrived they were treated to a tour of campus, a coffee morning and a social evening in the bar with their buddies.
Education Officer James writes : A full year after finishing my last assignment in my undergraduate in DCU I must say it’s been pretty nice to take a step back from the trials and tribulations of Summer Exams especially seeing as the arrival of summer and the warm weather came right on cue. However, with students jammed into the library, it’s important they know the Students’ Union is still around to support them if they need help. With this in mind we handed out popcorn, Red bull, highlighters, pens and rulers to some grateful students to give them a helping hand to study.
DCU Office Of Student Life
Email us : suhelpdesk@dcusu.ie Phone: 01 7005392