DCU Office Of Student Life Biannual Activity Report VOL 6, ISSUE 2; MAY 2018
MARTINA BROWNE MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS CO-ORDINATOR
Letter From The Editor
Where has the year gone? Just when Christmas has wrapped up, we’re back on the ground running into semester 2! This semester saw DCU Office of Student Life bring many new exciting campaigns, plans, Class Rep Councils, referendas and a host of events. From Awards Season to Holifest, there’s been a buzz of activity on all DCU campuses contributing to student engagement and development. As we head into the end of the academic year, we say goodbye to our sabbatical team and welcome a new one for June 2018. DCUSU has many exciting developments in the works, including the finishing of the new student centre, which will see a hub of new activity for the upcoming year. I’d like to thank the OSL staff and SU team for a fantastic year, providing me with many fantastic images and pieces for this issue! We hope you enjoy looking back on the year with as fond memories as we have. Have a great summer!
R E P R E S E N TAT I O N CHANGE OPPORTUNITIES AWARENESS COMMUNITY EVENTS HELP AND SUPPORT
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. Siobhan Nic Thaidhg has been heading up the CRC this year as VP for Engagement & Development. She writes: “This year there was a budget of €15,000 allocated for Class Reps. This was put towards a training day away, pizza after meetings, free 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 it grows even more next year”.
CLASS REP COUNCIL
Emma Tunnicliffe, Chair of CRC writes: “Well, semester two went great, turn up for council meetings was excellent. We had an emergency CRC to accommodate USI hustings. This was so that the team who was attending USI Congress would know who to vote for. Elections took place in CRC 4 of semester 2 for the incoming team. The incoming Chairperson will be Helen Wade and the new Secretary will be Mary Walsh and returning officer will be Podge Sheehan. I would like to thank all the Class Reps for their ongoing hard work and engagement over the year, we had a very active and involved group. I wish the best of luck to Helen Wade and Mary Walsh for next year!”
“We had a very active and engaged group”
NIALL PRESIDENT
REFLECTING ON OUR LAST SEMESTER
Semester two has been full of ups and downs. Overall, I know DCUSU has never been in a better position or had a better reputation. After hard work we have a brilliant relationship with the university, the students are very well represented locally and nationally and the Irish media have had brilliant things to say about us in recent times. We have had a few internal issues this semester which I hope can be fixed going forward into next year, however it didn’t stop DCUSU having another brilliant semester. From Refugee Week to Green Week our campaigns have been superb. I have really enjoyed having such an integral part of DCU being the first Autism friendly campus, completely plastic free and also running the first Refugee week. On top of these amazing feats, I loved responding to the private accommodation crisis with price increases. #ShanowenShakedown took up so much of my time yet was the most rewarding as we now see draft legislation through the Dail to ensure students are protected in the long term. I wished I could have opened the new student centre which was delayed but I’m glad to have opened the main auditorium- I’ll put that on my CV! I have loved the year, and yet I am also ready to move on to new pastures. It’s been a rewarding and challenging experience but I know either way, the new team 2018/19 will take up where we left off and raise the bar further for DCUSU. I feel personally I’ve done all I could have to ensure the union is in the best shape going forward!
BRENDAN
VP FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
The end of semester two is nigh and it has flown by in the blink of an eye. There have been many highlights such as the rainbow of colours at Holifest and Beg Borrow Steal raising thousands for the worthy cause of Movember Ireland. Personally, seeing full rooms for the events of Careers Week was extremely fulfilling as the up-to-date content really hit home with students and helped them in their professional development. Darkness into Light was undoubtedly one of the most poignant but meaningful events of the year. The best of luck with results and future endeavours. I am looking forward to pastures anew after a challenging and rewarding year.
SIOBHAN
VP FOR ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT
I love to talk. So reflecting on the last semester in a few short words is near impossible. Let’s cut straight to it. It has been a challenging year. Five strong personalities are always going to be. Working as a team of five as the only female seems to be becoming a trend of sorts. Let’s hope the gender balance evens out eventually! (Best of luck Aisling Fagan). I have learned that my brain is different to that of Niall, Podge, Brendan and Matt - but that’s okay! I am blessed to have learned this lesson so early on in my working life. I could have never anticipated that most of my last semester would have been filled with so much ‘Green’ glory! Organising a sustainability campaign was one of my most fulfilling achievements to date. It was so uplifting to see the DCU community embrace a better way of living. We have grown our engagement on DCUSU social media accounts to new heights. In recent weeks, I have been trying to wean myself off the constant vlogging. I have received equal love and hate for the content. I have learned that you are NEVER going to please everyone. All you can do is YOUR best and what YOU think is right. Simple isn’t it? Look at me all wise at the end of my tenure. We thought we were going to be the SU that had the new student centre...best of luck next time I suppose. We certainly did not let that stop us. I think we made a real effort continuously throughout the year. We’re not finished either! It is the 10th of May as I write this. I am about to take a visit to the DCU Community Garden where we are running another volunteering project. I will have my blue SU lanyard very much secure around my neck until the middle of June. So please come and talk to me. Let’s continue to promote a better, more sustainable way of living. We worked tirelessly for a ‘Yes’ vote on May 25th and it paid off! I am sad that my DCUSU journey is coming to an end but I am also ready to leave! Excuse me while I go and deal with the question that I am being asked on loop: “So what’s the plan now Siobhán?”. Answer: I don’t know. And that’s okay too! Who’s excited? I’m excited! Thank you to DCU students for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime. My favourite part of the job has been being on the ground with students: the reason why we are all here. If I have made one person’s day a small bit less terrible, I am delighted. Slán for now friends.
PODGE
VP FOR WELFARE & EQUALITY
Woah, what a year it has been. Semester two flew by, even faster than semester one. There has been the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Overall though, I wouldn’t change a thing. We have had so many milestones this semester with the likes of Darkness Into Light, Body and Soul, Holifest, Sexual Misconduct Policy and of course the #ShanowenShakedown. If I were to pick a highlight it would have to be Darkness Into Light. This semester was so fun and through this job I have met the most amazing people. I think we have proved through this semester how strong a union we can be and hopefully have set the foundations for an even better year next year. Looking back on it all you don’t really realise just how much of an impact you have and the amazing memories you get to make. So many people have made this year so special for me and I don’t think I’ll be able to leave this place dry eyed. I want to thank everyone who participated in our events, who helped us throughout the year and who made it what it was. I can only wish Aisling the very best of luck and I know she’ll be amazing, like always. I also want to thank the other four sabbats and of course a special shout out to the ball and chain, Niall. This year has certainly been the best year of my life and I am so grateful for it.
MATT
VP FOR EDUCATION & PLACEMENT
I hope you’ve all enjoyed this semester, whether it has been a semester in college or away on placement. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone the best of luck with results from this semester. I would like to wish the incoming team and particularly Craig McHugh the very best of luck next year. For anybody who doesn’t know Craig he is a remarkably driven, hard-workingkind, ambitious and intelligent man who I have no doubt will flourish in the role. To anybody I have helped over the year, you are welcome and to anybody who has helped me over the past few months in particular, whether it be students, staff, class reps, part-time officers, my friends or my family thank you for everything.
YOUR NEW
EXEC
2018 2019
VITO MOLONEY BURKE - PRESIDENT
I was overjoyed to be elected your next Students’ Union President, and I would like to extend my thanks for giving me the opportunity to give back to the wider student body, it’s something I have wanted to do for a very long time. I’m particularly excited for the year ahead with our new team, as, with the development of the new student centre, it has the potential to be the best year for student engagement in memory. Across all campuses, I plan on holding a multitude of events, ranging in size, to really utilise that potential. I plan on working closely with the Welfare & Equality Officer, Aisling, to introduce a range of initiatives, such as free pregnancy tests, increased information on crisis pregnancies and safe drug use, and to ease the integration process for DCU’s many international students. Finally, I look forward to representing the student voice and pushing for change, on issues such as student accommodation prices and the potential introduction of student loan schemes. I’m really looking forward to seeing you all in September, here’s to a fantastic year!
CALLAGHAN COMMONS - VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS I am delighted to get to say that I will be the next Vice-President for Academic Affairs for DCUSU. The role is something that I am incredibly passionate about and is something I have aspired to for many years now. I am very excited to start and begin to represent students on their academic issues. I plan to do this by rejuvenating Careers Week, introducing a Dropout Campaign, setting up Interactive Study Spaces around exam times and further lobbying for extended hours in the library. It is going to be a great year with a great group of people working for your Students’ Union.
AISLING FAGAN - VICE PRESIDENT FOR WELFARE & EQUALITY
I am absolutely over the moon to have been elected DCUSU’s next Vice President for Welfare and Equality. It still hasn’t quite hit me yet, as it has been such a busy time since the elections have finished, but I honestly cannot wait to begin the role in June. This is a role that is very close to my heart, and that I am hugely passionate about. I’m so excited to be surrounded by such a great team next year, and to try and make a real impact on the students of DCU. My aim would be for all students from all years and faculties to know who I am, where my office is and to know that there is no problem too big or small. DCU is such a wonderfully diverse university, and I would love to embrace this diversity even more by holding awareness campaigns and hosting DCU’s first Rainbow Week. I hope to build on the fantastic work that Podge has done this year, and to do him, myself and the students proud. I have lots of big plans for the year and will work tirelessly to represent, help, support, provide opportunities, engage and educate the students of DCU to the very best of my ability!
KARL MCGOVERN - VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT
I am absolutely ecstatic to be elected as the new VP for Engagement and Development for next year. With the opening of the new student centre, we have an amazing opportunity to make this the best year yet with full access to facilities on our three campuses. I hope to utilize all our facilities so we can revitalize SU events. I have huge plans for next year and really looking forward to getting started and giving the students the best possible college experience from the moment they step onto campus until they head off working/ travelling in the summer.
CRAIG MCHUGH - VICE PRESIDENT FOR EDUCATION & PLACEMENT With the opening of the new Student Hub, 2018/19 has potential to be one of the best years to be a student in DCU. The role of VP for Education and Placement is a new challenge for me and I cannot wait to get started. There’s so much work to be built on from our Gaeltacht funding campaign, Shanowen Shakedown, to working to cut the cost of placement for students. This year there’s a number of things I’d like to achieve such as; providing teaching placement resources at the SU Helpdesk on St Patrick’s Campus, putting serious pressure on the University to introduce fairer music lesson fees, developing an online system for swapping second hand books, revamp the current Intra Portal system, bring more events on campus, provide information and wellbeing talks for students going out on placement, pressure the university to invest more in their Wi-Fi system, and play a strong role in fighting for publicly funded education in Ireland. Outside the education parameters of my role, I want to ensure every student in DCU feels like they are at home here and that there’s always a friendly face willing to have a chat with them if they’re lost, stressed or just need a break from it all.
CAOIMHE O HARA
EDUCATION FACULTY REP My name is Caoimhe O’Hara and I am currently a Third Year student undertaking the Bachelor of Education in DCU. In my fourth and final year I am delighted to be the 2018/2019 DCUSU Education Faculty Rep. I am looking forward to working alongside the newly elected VP for Education and Placement; Craig McHugh. Together, we will be continuing the great work done by Olivia Forde and Matt Davey this year. Next year, I want to support and assist students in practical ways such as working towards reducing the costs incurred by students during placement. Overall, I am excited to take up this new post and all the opportunities it presents.
ADAM HEALY
KATIE FAY
SCIENCE & HEALTH FACULTY REP
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES REP
I am delighted to be elected as next year’s Science & Health Faculty Rep and can’t wait for the year ahead. Some of my plans for next year include: Building on INTRA talks from previous years to include a greater variety of courses, facilitating more first year engagement with social nights such as movie nights from orientation week and continuously throughout the year, more communication between student nurses and DCU staff as well as workshops to help nurses deal with violence and aggression from patients while on placement.
I’m over the moon to be elected as your new Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Rep! There’s big plans to introduce INTRA into more courses across the faculty, including the BAJ programme this year. This is very exciting and helps me with the career options advancement in my manifesto. I look forward to working with societies and music courses to promote the fantastic talents we have here in DCU. The Hub will be great for this in terms of performance space. Library space has been a major issue of mine since I came to DCU and I plan to tackle it head-on this year. I can’t wait to get started!
PETER BRENNAN
BHARTENDU SHARMA
THOMAS DORIAN
POSTGRADUATE OFFICER
ENGINEERING & COMPUTING FACULTY REP
CLUBS OFFICER
I am delighted to be elected to represent postgraduates and follow this past year’s efforts to develop DCU’s Graduate Students’ Union alongside my colleagues on the Executive. This year saw 11 postgraduate students run for election for this position, all seeking better treatment for postgrads in DCU Campus Residences. Also, PhD students from the School of Communications came together to successfully negotiate research funding for their 4th year, as well as a stipend increase of €1,000. Postgrads, together we’re stronger.
SORCHA NI CHONGAILE IRISH OFFICER
Is mise Sorcha Ní Chonghaile agus is mac léinn B.Oid mé. Is cainteoir dhúchais mé ón Mhí Thoir. Tá mé thar a bheith buíochasach chun a bheith ag teacht isteach mar an Oifigeach na Gaeilge an bhliain seo chugainn. Cuireann an áit na Gaeilge i nDCU an-bhród ormsa. Bíonn an ollscoil chomh oscailte chuig an Ghaeilge, agus tá sé sin soléir ar gach uile champas. Ar an gcampas na Naomh Phadraig, tá seomra caidrimh ann agus is cuid láirneach den ollscoil é sin ó thaobh meon na Gaeilge de. Tá cúpla plean agam don chéad bhliain eile. Tá sé ar intinn agam chun oíche shóisialta as gaeilge a chur ar siúl ar a laghad uair sa mhí agus chun díospóireacht a chur ar siúl i rith Freshers. Táim ag iarraidh obair leis an Oifigeach Chlub agus an Oifigeach Sochaí chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn lena 145+ clubanna agus sochaí!
Being elected as faculty representative for the Engineering and Computing faculty is a great feeling. I have always wanted to contribute to the community I participate in, my candidacy for this role may be seen as a self-serving pursuit, but by making our collective goal feel like a personal accomplishment, I find myself more driven towards achieving targets and exceeding expectations. That being said the road is only uphill from now on. I am really looking forward to working with other elected officers as we work together to represent this group of extraordinary and diverse students, I hope we can get a lot done in our tenure.
LUKE BARRY
Firstly, I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted for me and to the team who helped me every step of the way. Next year I hope to have a training programme in place for all club committee members, so they will have the tools they need to grow their clubs even further. I can’t wait to get working with the new exec, the new CLC and of course my partner in crime Cat. I will continue working with all clubs across the university and ensure that the cookery classes are brought back, along with the encouraging everyone to take part in sport.
CATHERINE KANE
BUSINESS FACULTY REP
SOCIETIES OFFICER
I’m thrilled to have been elected as Business Faculty Representative for 2018/19 and am excited to get started on implementing my manifesto. From September, I hope to make career development opportunities more accessible to DCUBS students, and promote the many professional opportunities available on campus. Additionally, I want to advocate for more intercultural activities with the help of some of DCUBS’s most influential and multinational student societies and class representatives. I look forward to getting started and making DCUBS the best it can be!
The amazing news of being elected as your DCU Societies Officer has finally sunk in. It was a dream of mine and for it to come true was something I will be eternally grateful for. I have so many ideas for the coming year and as well as working with the fantastic sabbatical team, I also get to be part of an amazing committee - SLC - who already are hard at work and doing all they can for societies before the hecticness of exam season begins. Issues such as loan equipment, intersociety events and representation on all three campus’ will be my main aims of the year as well as anything I can achieve to ensure each society reaches their potential for the coming year.
SU ELECTIONS 2018
On March 9th 2018, your Students’ Union team for 2018/19 were elected. Election candidates were out and about over the fortnight (despite the snow!) campaigning hard to earn your vote. Between hundreds of class addresses, dozens of fruit, pizza, and even some soup, your candidates were on the ground informing you of some of the great ideas they hoped to implement if elected. Of course, being an election, there were more candidates than seats and we want to say well done to those who fought a hard battle and put themselves forward for election. We welcome in our new team officially on June 15th 2018 where the summer will be spent planning and preparing for another fantastic year in DCUSU.
USI CONGRESS USI Congress this year took place in Balinasloe Co. Galway. The Congress is a meeting of all of Students’ Unions in Ireland. This year we had 20 Delegates who went down representing DCUSU and it was a brilliant occasion. From the get go, it was clear that DCU students would be well represented. We had 5 motions to bring forward to congress including two on sustainability. The sustainability motions were definitely close to our hearts, seeing as only a few weeks prior DCU had been granted the badge of the first University in Ireland to be completely ‘Plastic Free’. We passed two important motions and I spoke about running “Plastic Free” initiatives and lobbying the government into placing a levy on non-reusable coffee cups. As that money can be invested into waste reducing systems. Craig McHugh (EPL2 & Humanities convenor) through his valiant efforts, placed second for “Speaker of the Week”, Allan Stevenon spoke brilliantly and passed a motion for a full time Post Grad officer position to be placed onto the USI.
CRC AWARD WINNERS
We’ve had over 300 reps this year working hard to enhance your college experience. There are many activities that your rep does for you behind the scenes that may not always be noticed. They may have fixed the water cooler in your area, brought your issue to a programme board meeting, eased your timetabling issues‌ the list is endless. We wish to thank the reps for all of their hard work and commend the staff who contributed to improving the experience of student life at DCU. A particular mention to the following who were highlighted for their work:
Outstanding Contribution to Student Voice Sorcha Murphy Emma Tunnicliffe Outstanding Staff Contribution to Student Voice Celine Heffernan Podge Sheehan Campaign of the Year Sustainability: Ellen Holloway United Ireland: Thomas Ward Undergraduate Class Rep of the Year Aaron Harper Student Leader of the Year Craig McHugh Postgraduate Class Rep of the Year Daryl McCann
AS I AM
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.
Dublin City University was recognised clude complementary academic and as the world’s first Autism-Friendly social supports as well as supports in University by AsIAm, the autism ad- the areas of: vocacy charity in March. • Communication and socialisation The announcement at DCU’s St Pat- • Provision of quiet spaces and quirick’s Campus was attended by Presiet times at events dent of Ireland Michael D Higgins, Pa- • Life skills tron of AsIAm. The designation marks • Navigation of the physical camthe conclusion of an 18- month repus search project, led by Dr Mary Rose • Securing internships and employSweeney in collaboration with Proment fessor Teresa Burke DCU School of Nursing and Human Sciences along DCUSU looks forward to continuously with AsIAm and Specialisterne Ire- working alongside AsIAm and DCU on land, a specialist recruitment and these initiatives, including continusupport agency for people with au- ing on with autistic friendly Clubs and tism. Socs days, and the addition of autisDCU will implement a series of prac- tic friendly “Pods” and furnishings in tical actions and initiatives. These in- the new student centre.
NEW STUDENT CENTRE
A preview of the new Student Centre was revealed on May 11th in a soft opening. The main auditorium area was on display, which included colourful cushions, charging ports and a series of meeting rooms for the coming academic year. The purpose of the opening was to display the development of the new centre and the progression of the build since it’s commencement in the summer of 2016. It was great opportunity for students to view the design and potential of the new student hub.
as housing over 140 clubs and societies. It will provide collaborative and creative spaces where all students can engage with the cultural, social, entrepreneurial and international aspects of university life. The centre has been funded through a student levy, voted on by students themselves, as well as through significant donations from The Tony Ryan Trust and Bank of Ireland.
Unfortunately due to adverse weather conditions throughout the year, the opening of the centre was The ₏15 million Student delayed, however we look Centre will significantly forward to to the compleenhance the on-campus tion of the Centre and it’s experience for students at official opening next seDCU. mester. The iconic building is at the heart of Glasnevin campus where students can access a breadth of activities and support, ss well
OPPORTUNITIES THE ARTS BURSARY
This year, the Office of Student Life, supported by the Educational Trust was proud to support 10 students with an Arts Bursary. Arts Bursaries are offered each year to a limited number of DCU undergraduate students involved in the Arts. The aim of the Arts Bursary is to promote excellence in artistic and cultural activities and to encourage the pursuit of excellence. The Bursary is open to any student involved in visual art, performing art and media practice and is open every year to all DCU Undergraduate students
and all art forms are considered. To recognise the outstanding achievements our 10 students have gained in their art forms, a small reception was held in Students’ Union, Drumcondra Campus on 27th March and was attended by the majority of our recipients. Daire Keogh, DCU Vice President and Mary Shine-Thompson, Educational Trust recognised the students’ achievements and spoke about the rich history they shared with St. Pat’s alumni. Larry Quinn, Educational Trust con-
gratulated each of the students and presented them with a certificate. If you are interested in applying for an Arts Bursary in 2018/2019 please visit the resources section of dcusu.ie for more information and an application form. Deadline for applications for the Arts Bursary for 2018/2019 is 21st December 2018 with interviews to be held in Semester 2. If you have any general queries about the Arts Bursary, please email arts.bursary@dcu.ie.
UANEEN MODULE For students who are involved in Extra Curricular Activities, DCU offers a unique academic module. The Uaneen module recognises and rewards the work done and learning acquired by students with University and outside clubs, societies, community work and extra-curricular activity in general. This year, over 80 students are participating in the Uaneen module and are currently preparing their individual portfolios for submission. The module can be taken as contributory towards a degree or non-contributory, but both options award 5 academic credits. The Uaneen Module is open to all students in their final year. If you are interested in applying for the Uaneen Module or would like to know more information before your final year, please visit www.dcu.ie/Uaneen for more information. If you have any general queries about the benefits of taking the Uaneen Module or the course structure, please email uaneen@dcu.ie.
VOLUNTEER HELPDESK This semester saw the introduction of one of DCU Volunteers key goals for the year - a one stop shop for volunteering questions and queries, our Volunteer Helpdesk. The aim of this was to give students an opportunity to speak face to face with those working with DCU Volunteer, the university & office for volunteering, charitable work and civic engagement. Students are encouraged to bring all questions, queries, ideas or stories with them whilst making a visit in the hopes that answers or support can be provided. The desk has been manned each week for two hours in key locations around our campuses by Student Volunteer Coordinator, Ruth Lynam and SU Vice President for Engagement & Development Officer, Siobhán Nic Thaidhg. Week on week we have been continually surprised by the passion and willingness of students to get involved, both those wanting to volunteer for the first time ever or those who have been committed long term looking for a new challenge or even to recruit volunteers of their own. The desk is here to be an aid to everyone and to assist the growth of volunteering and civic engagement in DCU. Overall the Volunteer Helpdesk has been a great success with plans for expansion and future projects already in place for the next academic year.
MEDIA CREW
This year the Office of Student Life employed a designated student media crew. The media crew are responsible for photographing and filming student events and activities throughout the academic year. It is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical experience in your field of study and add to your ever-growing media portfolio. This year’s teams comprised of 6 students who worked extremely hard throughout the year to create innovative media documenting student life here in DCU. We’d like to thank all of this year’s members for being so active and accommodating, they were a fantastic asset to the Office of Student Life and we look forward to working with you again next year. If you’re interested in joining the media crew, you can apply via DCUSU’s student newsletter, which will be sent out during week 1, semester 1.
Orla McGing is a final year Law & Media student. She talks about her experience with DCU Rock Climbing over the course of her degree: “I first joined Rock Climbing in second year. I’m not particularly skilled when it comes to sports that involve a ball, so someone suggested I join something really random, like Rock Climbing. At the stand on Clubs and Soc’s Day, I bumped into a friend who was also signing up for it, so we agreed to go together every week. It was nearly a month in when I finally forced myself to go for the first time and I went in with the opinion that I’d probably hate it and there was nothing forcing me to go back again after that first week if I didn’t like it, which I probably wouldn’t. I wouldn’t go by myself for about the first month and made that friend from Club’s and Soc’s Day, come with me every single week. I didn’t expect that on that first day, I’d actually love it and come back every week for the next two years. It’s the kind of sport that a lot of people would join to get over their fear of heights, or in a lot of cases, like mine, not realise you had a fear of heights until you joined
it. But that’s the best part. Every October, we have our annual Glendo Fresher’s Trip; a weekend in Glendalough, spent climbing, hiking and bouldering everything from tables, to the house we stay in. Most weekends in the summer, we spend the days climbing in Dalkey Quarry, taking in the breath-taking view of sea at the top. The club has become a family to me over the last two years and walking out of Minor Hall on the last day of training of the semester, which was also the second last day of my degree, was emotional to say the least. For me, the hardest part about final year isn’t graduating from the degree; it’s graduating from the club that’s meant so much to me for the past two years. “
CLUBS & SOCIETIES DCU Sustainability Society have won awards at Clubs & Socs, BICS & USI this year, society member Danika Sugrue speaks about the societies success. “Our aim is to work towards a more sustainable DCU, by educating students about how to live a more sustainable life and giving them the tools to make these lifestyle changes. Following on from the work we did in the first semester on ‘Fast Fashion’ we decided to dedicate the second semester on waste reduction. To help fight the issue of plastic waste we ran a number of events and initiatives such as beach cleans with DCU Surf n Sail, film screenings of ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘Wall E’ with DCU Film Soc, ‘Plastic Free Nubar’ along with a variety show with DCU Scoliosis Soc, DCU Goes Green week the SU and Sustainability Office and Sustainability fair. Most importantly we ran the ‘Plastic Free DCU’ campaign that went to SU referendum where 94% of the student body voted in favour of the ban. Later on in the year DCU’s board of directors announced that we would be the first University in Ireland to go single-use plastic free by 2020. Since then the USI agreed that all other SU’s in Ireland will work toward the same goal. We were recognised for our efforts and won ‘Most Promising Society 2018’ in DCU as well as in Ireland from the Board of Irish Colleges. The USI also awarded us with ‘Environmental Activism of the Year 2018’. We are so proud our achievements and honoured for the awards and excited to see what 2018/2019 brings for DCU Sustainable Living Society.”
AWARENESS
DCU GOES GREEN DCU made massive leaps towards becoming more Green this year, especially during semester 2. We were so delighted to have been a part of it. Through the work of the Union’s members and others, the University will eliminate all single use coffee cups by the end of 2018. DCU is set to go plastic free by 2020. How positive is that? In one of two March DCUSU referendas, the student body overwhelmingly voted 94% in favour of a plastic free DCU. DCUSU’s Class Rep Council now have a sustainability policy. An audit of DCUSU spaces on two campuses was carried out in March. We will begin to implement change as a direct result. Take a look at just some of what went on this semester. Dublin Bus Bike Safety Event: In February, students and staff cyclists alike got to take a seat as a Dublin Bus Driver. We had a Dublin Bus plonked outside the Henry Grattan building on the Glasnevin Campus. Oftentimes drivers cannot see cyclists, so this switching of roles really raised awareness among both parties.Bleeper Bikes: DCU Students can avail of bikes for a special DCU rate to get between campuses in a healthy and convenient way! DCU Student Switch Off Treasure Hunt with USI: On the 12th February we ran a very thorough Treasure Hunt across two campuses. Students won hidden Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream and Irish Rail tickets for showing to us, how green they are! Green Flag for the St. Patrick’s Campus: On the 14th February the DCU St. Patrick’s Campus was awarded it’s first ever An Taisce Green Flag. It was such an exciting
day of celebration and a real marker of what was to come throughout the semester. DCU Goes Green campaign week. We hosted a list of events including water rocket launching competitions, bike clinics and demonstrations, tours of the DCU Community Garden and a DCU’s first ever Sustainability Fair! We made national media due to our efforts of spreading the good word on what we were doing within our community to tackle the environmental epidemic. This campaign spiralled out of control in the best possible way! We had photographers, the Minister for the Environment Denis Naughten, endless KeepCups and water bottles sold and tons of zero-waste heaven that is ice-cream! Sustainability Policy for DCUSU: In February, Class Rep Council strongly approved a sustainability policy. This is vital to spear on future members of DCUSU to be more sustainable. Sustainability Audit for DCUSU: An audit of the SU spaces on the Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s Campuses was carried out on the 21st of March. We have received the results of that which will allow us to identity where we need to make changes. This is not just about awareness but action! It is impossible to put into words the impact that has been made this year. Long may it continue. Do something small; make a difference; buy a KeepCup, use a bamboo toothbrush, turn off that light switch! - Siobhan Nic Thaidhg, VP for Engagement & Development
SHANOWEN SHAKEDOWN
I was so honoured to be part of this amazing movement this year. There was a surge of student activism from the loan scheme to repeal movement, but there was something special about Shanowen Shakedown. We started a movement that spread far beyond our local student accommodation Complexes. What started off as an open letter, turned into a national media frenzy which drew the attention of every student, parent and politician. It is a slow process to get legislation change, but it will undoubtedly happen thanks to all of us. The “Shakedown” would not have been as successful as it was without the student body. The support and engagement from the students is what made Shanowen Shakedown so big. Special shout out to Sorcha Murphy and Craig McHugh as they were the two student leads on the campaign. This camping shows the true power of student activism and hits the point home that students can influence those above us, and inspire those below us.
have been on over 20 national radio shows as well as 2 TV appearances including on RTE News promoting our cause. With the great work by Craig Mchugh & Sorcha Murphy our story had great PR.
- Podge Henry, VP for Welfare & Equality
I’ve learned so much and I’m delighted we responded so well to the crisis and it has shown that DCUSU and the students here have a voice and are not afraid to use it!
ShanowenShakedown was an example of a true response to a crisis on campus. A student crisis of increasing fees of private accommodation by almost €2000 led to a petition. Podge Henry and I wrote an open letter as direct response to the increase and things really blew up from there. I must
I co-ordinated the efforts and managed the event. We started with one protest to show we meant business, and on our second time around having got no reply from Shanowen we decided we would have to sleep outside. Podge & I met with the Minister for Higher Education MaryMitchell O’Connor who was very keen to help us out. All political parties responded and wrote letters of support. It was a whirlwind of a few weeks, but after it all calmed down we have two pieces of legislation in the Dail that will hopefully ensure that students cannot be used as Cash Cows any longer and will be treated like real tennants. I truly believe if these increases continue Education will become unaffordable for many except for the elite.
- Niall Behan, President
REGISTERING TO VOTE May 25th 2018 sees the country marching to the polls to vote on one of the most talked about social issues in the past few years. The last time the country voted in a referendum concerning legal abortion was in 2002 where it was narrowly defeated. For the first time in a generation, citizens in Ireland will have their say on whether to repeal the eighth amendment or not. Over the year, we have ran numerous voter registration days including having the Gardaí on campus ensuring that students can vote. We have registered thousands of students in DCU, many of whom will be voting for the first time. It is so important that DCU students, and the students in Ireland have their voice heard and cast their vote. We only need to look back to 1996 in the divorce referendum where it was won by only 3 votes per ballot box. We cannot underestimate the power of one vote!
This year has been a milestone for the Repeal the 8th Amendment movement and Students for Choice campaign on campus. With the referendum on the 25 th May, it’s more important than ever to mobilise students. We’ve had the Gardaí in numerous times to register students to vote. On International Women’s Day, 8 th March, we handed out leaflets and talked to students about the upcoming referendum. Afterwards, we brought over 50 students into town to take part in the Votes for Repeal march to mark 100 years since women
first gained the right to vote. Throughout this semester, we’ve also been running information workshops and canvassing events like the #RepealMobile with USI in Week 11. The 8 th Amendment harms everyone in Ireland in different ways. By voting Yes in the upcoming referendum, we will be allowing doctors and nurses to provide full and compassionate healthcare under the guidance of legislation. The people of Ireland deserve to be cared for, not exiled to the UK. - Isha McDonnell - DCU FemSoc
CAREERS WEEK Careers Week was held in week two of the semester and the SU and Careers Service worked in tandem to bring the best workshops, guest speakers, external companies and more. The week began with the vibes of change for the new semester as two DCU alumni, Niall McGovern and Thomas McCormack delivering a stimulating session on life coaching, goal setting and achieving your potential. On Tuesday we had a workshop on personal branding and LinkedIn. Colin Oliver and Cian Corbett held the fascinating hour long session that certainly gave impetus to think about what we post online and how to market ourselves. A student led
session on INTRA proved very beneficial for those departing on work placement. Those who returned from previous years provided tips and pitfalls. We hosted a panel discussion in the SU focused solely on BYOB, build your own business in association with the Ryan Academy. Three companies at different stages of evolution and in different industries gave their insights directly to students. Finally on Thursday we had a session on social enterprise as a career option with the aid of Enactus DCU and Movemeber Ireland.
“The week began with the vibes of change” SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE Bhí Seachtain na Gaeilge den scoth againn i mbliana lán le go leor imeachtaí éagsúla ón Aontas agus ón gCumann Gaelach. Cuireadh tús ceolmhar fileata leis an tseachtain le seoladh oifigiúil thíos sa seomra caidrimh ar Champas Phádraig. Reachtáladh réimse leathan imeachtaí ansin ó chéilí go ‘Píotsa agus Plé’ go Shite Nite Gaelach i gcaitheamh na seachtaine. Bhí ‘Painéal na nGael- A dtuairimí ar na topaicí is teo i sochaí na 21ú hAoise’ ar cheann de bhuaicphointí SnaG. Tháinig Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha (Oifigeach Gaeilge AMLÉ), Peadar Ó Caomhánaigh (comhbhunaitheoir Pop Up Gaeltacht) agus Paula Melvin (Tánaiste Chonradh na Gaeilge) isteach tráthnóna Dé Máirt le plé a dhéanamh linn ar na topaicí is teo agus is conspóidí i sochaí na hÉireann sa lá atá inniu ann. Rinneadh plé ar chuile shórt ó shainmhíniú an fhocail ‘Gaeltacht’ go riachtanas Aontas na Mac Léinn go dtí an t-Ochtú Leasú agus an áit is fearr le do chaifé a cheannach! Oíche spleodrach spraíúil a bhí inti agus bhain gach a raibh i láthair an-sult aisti. Tá súil againn go mbeidh Seachtain na Gaeilge 2019 chomh hiontach céanna!
BEG, BORROW STEAL DCUSU ran Beg, Borrow Steal for the 2nd year this semester. The event was a brilliant exhibition of students acting selflessly for Movember Ireland. The best thing about this event is the way students dive outside of their comfort zones and enjoy the adventure of going to a foreign city via checkpoints with no wallets. The excitement was electric and it was clear that the students were absolutely buzzed to get going and really show that they could make it to Barcelona. Due to the protest for Shanowen, I got over late. The downside of the Snow in Ireland this year was that the event had to be pushed back a few weeks and it fell on the Easter weekend. Tragically this meant that a lot of the teams were unable to afford flights out of London, however many did and made it to Barcelona. Thousands was raised for charity and that’s all that really matters! I really hope this event can keep going as it has fantastic potential to expand and really develop the DCU spirit of social justice and giving. - Niall Behan, President
HOLIFEST This year’s Holifest was just as successful as last years. It was an amazing day. The original day had to be changed due to the weather but that worked in our favour as we had even more fun on the postponed date, due to the fantastic weather. In conjunction with SoberStock we had ice cream, bouncy castles, sumo suits, life sized twister and foosball and of course Holi Fest. A special shout out has to go to Shrey Ratan Bhalla and Sober Soc as they were instrumental in organising the event. The festival is known as the festival of colours and it is to celebrate life, love, the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It was such a fun day and I really hope it continues on for the third time next year! - Podge Henry, VP for Welfare & Equality
BODY AND SOUL WEEK
This year Body and Soul week was incredible. The week is a celebration of selfconfidence, mindfulness, loving your insecurities, and defying self-doubt. It was full of events from StyleSoc’s Fashion show, diabetes testing, RAG’s “Naked Mile” Mental Health Soc’s Cracin’up, Poll dancing and a talk on “How Not to Social Media” with the infamous White Moose Café. The week was full of different campaigns which promoted body confidence. We had our #NoLikeSelfie campaign, which involved taking a selfie that you didn’ t like and publishing it online, all in aid of BodyWise. Body and
Soul week finished off with Rag Relief to keep everyone in good spirits. We had a photo display titled “Your perfections are someone’s imperfections” where we placed Polaroid’s of peoples least favourite body part in a big frame and hung it in the SU. This promoted that what you might not love about yourself, others will love about you. The week was full of engagement and was defiantly one of the best campaigns DCUSU have done to date. - Podge Henry, VP for Welfare & Equality
COMMUNITY DARKNESS INTO LIGHT
The morning of May 14th marked the first DCU Darkness into Light. After a year of planning and organising, it was perfect. First and foremost, thank you to the volunteers that have been so wonderful in the preparation for the walk and during the walk itself. It was fantastic to have students, alumni and members of the local scouts with us. From putting up posters, lining Griffith Avenue in candle lit jars, stewarding the route to make sure everyone was ok, leading the warm-up to taking photos and videos on the night, all of you made this event such a joy to run. To our sponsors, thank you for the endless supply of fruit, bottled water, snacks, jars and various other donations that helped us keep each of those that took part warm, hydrated and fed. Thank you
to M&S, NuBar, the Alumni Office and Trispace. Finally, thank you to everyone that took part in the walk and made the inaugural DCU Darkness into Light so special. When we were originally told that 600 participants could register, we thought we would get just under 600. We never imagined we would nearly double it. Seeing so many people out in support of mental health and suicide awareness was incredibly overwhelming for us and there are no words that will express how thankful we are. We are proud to announce that the Darkness into Light has been made a Society here in DCU and we look forward to holding further fund-raisers for Pieta House and to do the walk all over again next May.
RAISING MONEY FOR CHARITIES By 2020, 1 in 2 of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. This statistic is absolutely staggering and the Irish Cancer Society is working hard to stop this in its tracks. Your Office of Student Life staff team, DCUSU Sabbatical team and DCU Volunteering spent the evening baking some lovely treats
for a coffee morning to raise awareness and some much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society. Overall, €500 was raised on the morning of the event! We would like to thank the amazing support from the DCU community and look forward to hosting events such as this in the future. The Irish Cancer Society
does some amazing work, for example, last year, 1,800 cancer patients received over 7,300 nights of end of life care from their Night Nurses. For anyone who has any questions or concerns about cancer, the Irish Cancer Society have a freephone Cancer Nurseline open Mon Fri 9 -5 on 1800 200 700.
REFUGEE WEEK For the first time ever DCUSU ran a refugee week on campus. This was in partnership with DCU Chaplaincy Office and Universities of Sanctuary (UoS). DCU UoS means that Fifteen scholarship students have enrolled at DCU since September 2017. Five students are currently studying in the University’s faculties; one student per faculty, and the remaining ten students are studying via the online learning platform - DCU Connected. One of the core elements of the week was our €21.60 challenge. This figure is the amount of money that refugees survive on each week. It’s a terribly low
figure that essentially means you can only just about survive and not do much else with your life. We asked students to document living on this figure on social media. To show solidarity with the refugees, I took part in the challenge. It was extremely hard and really showed me just how expensive Ireland is to live in. I walked everywhere to avoid bus fares, eating mostly bread and rice and spent the majority of my time at home(so as to not spend money). It was quite lonely. Podge and I were able to get national media attention and appeared on Newstalk and TodayFM as part of our awareness raising.
Overall the week was a great success and I was able to raise €2000 on behalf of DCUSU for the refugees in Mosney direct provision centre. We also ran a soccer tournament with the refugees that we bused from Mosney to DCU which was a great success and a singing for MELLIE event in Whelans. I really hope this week can grow next year and produce even more awareness for this cause. Niall Behan - President
SOCIETY LIFE
HIGHLIGHTS
DCU has over 110 societies with something for everyone. We asked members of SLC to name some of the highlights from the year. The answers give a nice snapshot into society life and how much DCU societies mean to their members..
It was another brilliant semester for societies in DCU, at a time that proved particularly tasking, given the lack of a student space. Regardless, the wonderful individuals involved in society life put in a tremendous effort, and the issue really was overcome. A few highlights from the semester are: • • • • • •
Mental Health’s Craicin’ Up LGBTA’s Drag Race Speakeasy’s Passion Project Drama’s Sweeney Todd and Trainspotting RAG Week 2018 Bros of Tralee, which was run by a range of civic societies • Science & Health’s Mr and Mrs
• • • • •
Style’s Fashion Show Mi Soc’s Bet’s n’ Boogies Music Soc’s Battle of the Bands Enactus’s Family Fortunes The Sustainable Living Society successfully running their Plastic Free DCU campaign • RAG, Sustainable Living and MPS winning national titles at the 2018 BICS Awards
CLUB LIFE HIGHLIGHTS We asked members of CLC to list some of their highlights from the year.
There are over 40 Clubs in DCU with something for everyone!
Ladies football - Championship Winners in the O’Connor Cup Rugby – 3 students played on the UFU Irish Student Rugby Team when they went head to head with the Scottish Students team, these students where JJ O&Dea,Patrick Thornton & Conor MaGuire. Hurling - Intermediate Hurling team (1) are Championship Winners “Fresher A” Hurling team also won their Championship. Gaelic Football - “Intermediate Football team 2”, “Junior Football team 1” & “Fresher A” Football team are all Championship Winners. Ultimate Frisbee - Mixed Outdoor intervarsity Champions 2018. Table Tennis – Placed 3rd with their men’s team in the Intervarsity. Ladies Basketball - Division 1 Champions 2018. Mens Basketball - Freshers team claimed All-Ireland Freshers title. Ladies Rugby - Irish Universities 7’s Champions 2018. Archery – won six golds, four silver and two bronze medals in the final intervasities in NUIG.
Powerlifting - Kotchaphan Mai-on has been selected to represent Ireland in the World Classic Powerlifting Championships after breaking nine national records in the Irish National Championships. Karate - Placed 2nd in the Inter-Collegiate Cup. Boxing – awarded Ireland’s top third level boxing club. Ceire Smith won flyweight title, Terry McEntee claimed gold at the Senior National Championship. Swimming – placed second in overall in the Irish Intervarsity Swimming Championships. Also won eight golds between individual and relay races in November. Athletics - retained all three of their Intervarsities Cross Country team titles. Won 27 medals in the IUAA indoor varsities in Athlone IT in both male and female categories. Trampolining - won 9 medals and won the 1st place shield Volleyball - Women’s side triumphed in the plate competition in the Irish Volleyball Intervarsities. Hockey - The women’s side took home the plate while the male side finished third in their competition. Taekwondo- won five gold, one silver and one bronze medal in the ITF Taekwondo World Championship.
CLUBS & SOCS WINNERS 2018 Most Promising Club Female Fresher Tessa Rafferty – Canoe Club
Graduate Contribution to a Club or Society Andrew Donohoe – Canoe
Most Promising Club Male Fresher Fiachra McDermott – Archery Club
Club /Society Alumni Engagement Award Law Soc
Most Promising Society Fresher Hannah Leonard – Raising & Giving Society (RAG Soc)
Excellence in Coaching Award Eddie Fallon – Ladies Rugby Best Society Publicity Campaign Media Production Society – 24hr Broadcast
Individual Award for Sporting Excellence Shauna Mullaley – Karate Club Fiona Tully – Handball Club Carolan Leech – Canoe Club
Comms & Marketing SurfnSail
Individual Award for Contribution to Club Development Angela Prior – Rockclimbing Club Matthew Smyth – Caving Club Eimear Corri – Ladies Rugby Club Ciaran Schutten – Canoe Club
Best Society Event LGBTA – Drag Race
Individual Award for Contribution to Society Life Amy O Reilly – Dance Soc Orla Jacob – RAG Soc Emily O Gorman – ESoc Grainne Donegan – Society Life Committee Aisling Fagan – HeadstArts Aine Lawless – Media Production Society Sean Germaine – RAG Soc Vito Malone Bourke – Society Life Committee Billy Keenan – Media Production Society Emer Boyce – Snowsports Best Society Poster Sustainable Living Society (Salute the Re-user) Best Society Promotional Video Media Production Society – (Lads) Best Society Photograph Dance Soc – “Scared to be lonely” Photographer – Aaron Harper
Sports Scholar of the Year Ross Taheny, Men’s Soccer Club
Team of the Year Ladies GAA – O Connor Cup Best New Society HeadstArts Most Promising Club Ladies & Men’s Rugby Most Promising Society Sustainable Living Society Sports Personality of the Year In partnership with Bank of Ireland Ceira Smith - Boxing Club Society Personality of the Year In partnership with Bank of Ireland Seanie Germaine - RAG Soc Club of the Year In partnership with Bank of Ireland Boxing Club Best Society in a Charity or Civic Field In partnership with Bank of Ireland RAG Soc Best Society in a Cultural, Academic or Social Field In partnership with Bank of Ireland Dance Soc
EVENTS This year has been jam packed with some of the most original events to date. We have had Bingo Loco”, “Bros of Tralee”, Society “Dance Offs” and a very unique Summer Ball. With the absence of the Hub, we had to think outside the box whilst planning event and campaign locations. This is something that affected the university as whole, not soley DCUSU and Clubs and Socs. Societies have found different locations in the canteen and rooms around campus, they all made the most out of what they had and we know that next year, these events will be even more successful with the opening of the new student centre. The Summer Ball was a sell out event in 39/40 Aran Quay near Smithfield and will be the last off-campus ball for at least another 20 years, as the state-of-the-art student centre will be opening in August (hopefully)!
Headlining acts included “Daiti”, “Le Boom” & “DJ Deece”. It was a fantastic event with every space in the house filled! Altogether the events on all campuses were definitely an improvement on last years. We saw many more events hosted on St. Patrick’s and All Hallows campuses which was great for multi-campus student engagement. The Halloween Ball was the biggest event of the year which saw All Hallows campus lit up like it was never before, demonstrating the potential of that campus for events. I’ll definitely be back to have a sneak peak at the Hub next year and who knows I might pop into one of the balls to have a quick look! Onwards and upwards for DCUSU! - Niall Behan - President
EVENTS SEM
MESTER TWO
HELP & SUPPORT ISSE SURVEY Niall
Siobhán
Podge
Brendan
Matt
A record number of DCU students participated in the 2018 Irish Survey for Student Engagement (ISSE) in mid March. The survey, showed an overall DCU response rate of 34% (3,107 participants), which is an increase of 8% from the 2017 survey. Thank you to all involved in achieving this high level of engagement. ISSE is an important tool for students through which they can provide feedback relating to their student experience.
EXAM TIPS VP for Academic Affairs Brendan Power shares some tips and tricks for getting through exams: •
Take breaks - this will allow you to ensure your study is productive, but try to not take too many. Figure out a system that works specifically for you and stick to it. It may be for example twenty minutes on and five off.
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Stay hydrated
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Look at previous exam questions and get what you need to answer them on one page and use trigger words or acronyms.
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Delete Netflix or discipline yourself.
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Practice exam questions under exam conditions
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Have a productive study space..
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Contact your lecturers if something is unclear.
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Utilise feedback from CA (if applicable)
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Have an exam day routine
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Eat brain food
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Set study goals/ have a to do list
THE SU HELPDESK Our SU Helpdesks continue 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. They also act as a vital information point for the campus staff, students and visitors. Pop in to see us upstairs in the Hub on Glasnevin campus or off D Block on St Patrick’s campus.
Aine
DCU Office Of Student Life
Email us : suhelpdesk@dcusu.ie Phone: 01 7005392