TABLE OF CONTENTS
SU Communication
Page 3
SU Integration
Page 4
Your Union
Page 5
Local/Academic Representation
Page 6
National Representation
Page 7-8
Welfare/Accommodation
Pg. 9/10
Finance
Page 11
Entertainment
Page 12
Common Room 509
Page 13
Class Rep System
Page 14
General Campaigning/Lobbying
Page 15
SU Communication
This year the SU has increased effectiveness in communicating with the students of GMIT, through a variety of different methods, allowing us to reach out to the student body better than ever before. • • • • •
An upgraded Student Events text system Increased utilisation of Social Media such as Facebook and Twitter First-ever Sabbatical Officer Video Blogs Development of brand-new SU website with a range of new functions The GMITSU iPhone app
As President I will look to build on this, along with the continued use of the above communication tools, by: • • •
Introducing a daily Presidents’ blog on the new website, linked to Facebook SU events text sign ups during Orientation week Ensuring new sections of SU website such as FAQ, Classifieds (w/ full up-to-date jobs and grinds info), Gallery, Archive and Interactive Calendar are all fully functional and updated with content before full-scale media launch of new website at start of next academic year
I plan to incorporate these tools along with more traditional methods into formulating a full communications & promotional strategy for GMITSU before the start of the academic year.
SU Integration
Throughout this year, I feel we have made strides in making all campuses of GMIT more interlinked and integrated in terms of SU communication, promotion and activity. • • •
The close working relationship with Castlebar SU has been developed in working towards shared goals On-campus events for SHAG Week and RAG Week were ran in Cluain Mhuire We have constantly liaised with Head Reps in Letterfrack throughout the year, with RAG Week events held in The Den, and free buses put on for all major events in Galway both for RAG Week and throughout the year
However, in working towards a united Union across all campuses, a lot more is required. I have been working all year on developing a solution to this, and now feel going forward we have a viable proposal in place.
A third full-time SU officer is to be added, with their primary focus to be: -
Integration of all five campuses, acting as a liaison between the Dublin Road base and other campuses, particularly Letterfrack and Cluain Mhuire. Active promotion of and involvement in clubs and societies across all campuses Assist in promotion of and smooth running of events and campaigns Build links with SU membership through strengthening of class rep system
In order to allow for equality of opportunity to students from all campuses to hold the position, it will likely take the form of a graduate internship, with decision-making made by a panel with representatives from all campuses. The intern would require a full clean license to allow for roaming between campuses, and would be expected to submit weekly status reports to the SU.
Supplementary to this, under my Presidency the SU full-time sabbatical officers would hold biweekly clinics in the Letterfrack and Cluain Mhuire campuses to be made aware of any outstanding issues and casework that affects students from these campuses.
Your Union
I feel that this year, we have had a more inclusive Students’ Union, through the creation and use of working groups as opposed to part-time officers, increasing student involvement across the board. This can be seen by the large number of new volunteers recruited in the run up to SHAG Week and RAG Week.
However, the reform of the Students’ Union doesn’t stop there. I propose to implement the following as SU President: •
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A complete review and overhaul of the extremely outdated GMITSU constitution to reflect the needs of the modern student. Student input to this process would be actively sought, and I would hope to complete this and hold a referendum on it by the end of the academic year. Add a function to the GMITSU website to allow all students the opportunity to sign up to volunteer with the Union for specific events and campaigns, and at certain times of the year, in accordance with their interests and schedules. Provision of an extremely strong crossover to the incoming Vice-President and Welfare Officer. I plan to develop a comprehensive training manual over the coming months taking into account my experiences in the role, crucial information and contacts, and also a full breakdown of all welfare campaigns which have been run by the SU over the past number of years. I feel this will be extremely beneficial. I will look to make the Union more active in the media and also more commercially active, in seeking and negotiating sponsorship for all major events ran, e.g. Nokia and Bavaria for this year’s End of Year Ball
Local/ Academic Representation
Through my dealings with college management and representation of GMIT students on various boards and committees, I have always sought to be well-researched, articulate and passionate. This approach has been to the benefit of GMIT students as a whole in many ways, in my opinion.
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Secured a guarantee on the introduction of a college text messaging system to notify students of late or absent lecturers for the academic year 2011/2012. A working group to administer the rolling out of this scheme is currently being formulated. Formed part of a Committee dedicated to the setting up of a formal Student Complaints Procedure, which will be in place for the academic year 11/12 and will allow students to formalise complaints about lecturing incompetence and malpractice for the first time. Lobbied college management on the successful adjustment of academic rules in relation to the capping of awards for the academic year 2010/2011. By sticking to the principle of fairness when representing those 4th year students, and highlighting their right for their award to be assessed under the same general conditions as those in place when they entered the Institute, we secured an acceptable outcome. Lobbied for the introduction of a registration fee instalment plan for a large cohort of students under severe financial pressures. Participated fully in this year’s Institutional Review in GMIT, bringing to the fore both the strengths and limitations of student life in GMIT.
I would look to continue this progressive and proactive approach to representing GMIT students at management level, and continue to be a strong voice for students on the many boards and committees we sit on, such as Governing Body, Academic Council, Disciplinary Committee and Student Assistance Fund Committee. If elected SU President, •
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I plan to lobby college management and the new incoming President of the Institute over investment and improvement in GMIT sports facilities which are well below the national standard. The SU have already conducted preliminary research into facilities in other IoT’s, and various potential solutions and options have been discussed at Governing Body. Put the proposal for a new Student Center in GMIT back on the agenda
National Representation
I have represented the needs and concerns of GMIT students on a national level to the absolute best of my ability this year as Vice-President and Welfare Officer. •
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Heavy involvement in the National March, which saw the largest student protest in over 40 years with over 40,000 students on the streets of Dublin, including the largest-ever turnout from GMIT of over 1,000 students from all campuses. The success of this March played a large part in the Student Services Charge being increased to 2,000 euro instead of the previously mooted 3,000 euro. Co-ordinated on-campus voter registration drives before and after Christmas in the run-up to the general election, resulting in over 500 GMIT students being added to the electoral register. Member of USI Taskforce on Graduate Employment, tasked with tackling the graduate emigration and unemployment crisis, and developing the USI policy ‘Reigniting the Smart Economy’. Some of the proposals contained in this document were, subsequent to extensive lobbying, included in the Programme for Government, most notably a commitment to 15,000 graduate internships. Member of USI Taskforce on Electoral Law Reform. The proposal from this Taskforce of setting up an independent Electoral Commission and implementation of a rolling register system in Ireland were also included in the Programme for Government. Organisation of first-ever General Election Candidates’ Debate in Theatre 1000 in the run-up to the general election, with representatives of all political parties invited. Twice appeared on the Marian Finucane Show this academic year, first to speak on the Graduate Employment crisis, and secondly as a member of the newspaper panel the weekend after the National March.
Given the severe difficulties we continue to face nationally due to the economic crisis, I feel it is vital that the voice of GMIT students and Irish students as a whole is heard loud and clear at a national level. I wish to continue to do that in the following ways:
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In Budget 2011, the decision was taken to change the criteria for those receiving the nonadjacent rate of the grant, increasing the distance entitlements from 24km to 45km. This will see many students seeing their grant being cut almost in half, and have serious repercussions on the many students already struggling financially in the thick of the current recession, particularly those here in the Western region due to transport factors. However, this decision will need to be rubberstamped by the current government when the new band limits for the grant are to be released in June. I will continue to work with USI and lobby local government TD’s to offer alternatives and try to ensure this horrific decision is not followed through on.
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Many students have been forced to wait unacceptable lengths of time before receiving their grant payments due to the extreme inefficiency of certain local authorities in processing these payments. I will continue to lobby those worst-performing local authorities and bring them to account for their failure to manage student grant applications to an acceptable level. Continue to lobby the government on the implementation of the proposals contained within the USI ‘Reigniting the Smart Economy’ document, including the commitment to 15,000 graduate internships. Will also lobby local businesses to make available internships and placements to GMIT students. Lobbying of Labour Party TD’s on sticking to election pledge signed by the new Tanaiste Eamonn Gilmore and Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn which promised to reduce the Student Services Charge back down to it’s pre-Budget level of 1,500 euro and to oppose the introduction of a graduate tax in any form. Incorporate a voter registration campaign into the SU’s Orientation week, with a view to this becoming an annual campaign. Lobby against any cuts to Student Assistance Fund. Work with USI on the development of a National Student Card, which could bring about many discounts and benefits to GMIT students and students across the country.
Welfare/ Accommodation
Throughout this year as SU Welfare Officer I have used many initiatives and campaigns to improve the welfare of GMIT students, along with handling of the large amount of casework which the job throws at you. The following are some of the things I feel I have achieved over the course of the year so far: (Due to its importance in the current climate, Finance in separate section) • • •
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First of all, the continuation and expansion of hugely successful welfare campaigns, such as Don’t Walk Home Alone, Road Safety Week, Positive Mental Health Week and SHAG Week The sub branding of GMIT SU Welfare, creating for the first time a separate SU Welfare logo, and the distribution of various promotional materials to reinforce this brand Organised the first-ever grants and accommodation information evenings for students and parents in the run-up to the academic term, and provided accommodation packs for students Carried out SU student accommodation inspections, both at the end of May and start of this academic term. Introduced “Student Patrol” scheme to deal with issue of anti-social behaviour- This scheme has provided paid jobs for students and recent graduates of GMIT, offered a protection mechanism against unfair disciplinary action against students, improved the relationship between GMITSU, college authorities and the local community, and improved the reputation of GMIT students as a whole. Strong publicity for Welfare Campaigns garnered through extensive coverage in local newspapers, on iRadio, and even two TV3 segments. Positive media reaction to control measures put in place for RAG Week encapsulated this.
There are many additional ways I would like to see the new Vice-President and Welfare Officer tackle the various student welfare issues that exist over the next academic year. •
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A week-long welfare tent for Orientation Week, offering general information, consultation and advice. A student who requires mental health or sexual health services should not have to wait until the relevant campaign a couple of months into the year to receive this information. The setting up of an online service on the GMITSU website which would allow students to request condoms in an impersonal manner, which would then be posted to them in an unmarked envelope. It is vital the embarrassment factor does not prevent the effective promotion of sexual health. The continuation of the strong relationship and partnership with PleaseTalk, the positive mental health campaign The introduction of a Cancer Awareness campaign to tie in with the Healthy Body, Healthy Heart campaign Liaising with the PRTB to investigate the possibility of running periodic on-campus clinics to answer student queries on accommodation and tenancy issues
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Ensuring both the SU Accommodation Inspections and Student Patrol continue to be services offered by the Students’ Union Look into the possibility of introducing a “Listener Center” like the scheme in place in Waterford IT, with Samaritans training students to be qualified listeners, allowing students to become actively involved in the promotion of positive mental health
Finance
Throughout my term as Welfare Officer of the SU it has been apparent that finance is an extremely prevalent concern among students and the effects of the financial crisis have hit students hard. Along with the significant amount of casework, lobbying for the instalment plan (see local/academic representation) and conducting of interviews for the Student Assistance Fund, I achieved the following: • •
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Introduction of a petty cash book system within the SU to deal specifically with Emergency Welfare issues Development of first-ever GMITSU Finance Guide covering grants, assistance funding, mature student information, Budgetary implications, student budgeting and general tips. This guide is to be updated and developed further for future use. Distributed information and held talks on student finance as part of “Your Future” week in January
I propose the following if elected SU President: •
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To take account of the current climate and its impact on our students, I will make a voluntary contribution on a weekly basis of 50 euro to the Student Assistance Fund, which is in greater demand and under more strain than ever before For the first time, the Students’ Union accounts will be made available in the SU newsletter and online, to allow for greater transparency. As our members, you deserve to know how your money is spent. Introduce a hardship system ran confidentially by the Welfare Officer, which would entitle those listed as being in severe financial difficulties to avail of free binding, printing and photocopying at the SU, and also be granted food vouchers on a periodic basis Support the Welfare Officer in running a full-scale Money Management campaign early in the academic year
Entertainment
This year has seen a great range of entertainment events provided by the SU, which have attempted to provide variety and originality, quality and good value for students. Some of the highlights included:
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A hugely successful RAG Week. A cheaper RAG wristband which acted as a VIP discount card allowed students to pick and choose their preferred events at minimal cost. The emphasis on the “Raise & Give” aspect of the week resulted in the highest-ever fundraising total for charity. Well-ran events and controls put in place such as Student Patrol allowed GMIT students to enjoy the week without any damage to their reputation, unlike counterparts in other colleges elsewhere. Acts such as the Rubberbandits, DJ John O’Callaghan and the Knights of Leon. And of course, MOXEGEN 2011, which was an unprecedented success, something unlike anything previously attempted by an Irish IoT. The increased year-round emphasis on The Library Bar gave GMIT students for the first time something resembling a student bar experience. I would hope to secure more late licenses for theme parties throughout next year, along with organising a weekly Clubs & Socs night funded by the SU, to allow different societies the opportunity to fundraise and recruit. The continuous promotion of local bands, acts and DJ’s, including a highly successful IT Factor contest which saw GMIT’s Myles Kelly win the National Final in Limerick in the covers section. I would hope to expand this contest into a GMIT’s Got Talent competition next year. Organised first-ever on-campus entertainment evening for Freshers’ Inductions. There are many events still to come this year, including the annual End of Year Ball with the Coronas.
I would hope to continue to bring GMIT students quality entertainment with even more variety and affordability over the coming academic term if elected. However, I also see it as important that there is scope given for student feedback and opinion on events. Therefore, I propose the creation of an online entertainments forum to allow students to have their say on events organised by the SU, good or bad, and to make suggestions for acts, events, themes and ideas going forward.
MOXEGEN 2012 needs to happen, and it needs to be taken to the next level- bigger and better!!!
Common Room 509
Last summer finally saw the development of GMIT students’ very own chill-out area, Common Room 509. We were left with a very short space of time to design and furnish the room in time for this academic year, and its early layout and contents were largely the result of a Student Survey carried out by the SU after my election last year.
However, CR509 is by no means a finished product, and I vow to continue developing the room to meet the needs of GMIT students over the summer months. The GMITSU Annual Student Survey which I intend to publish before the end of this academic year will contain an entire section on CR509 and your suggestions.
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The development of a Games Area, which would include arcade games, an air hockey table and foozball table Screenings of the 2011 Rugby World Cup this coming September Turn CR509 into a “chill-out zone” during exam time, with massages, finger food and relaxing music!
Class Rep System
From my experiences this year, it is my opinion that the class rep system requires a major overhaul. Currently, class reps are not accountable enough to their classes, and the Students’ Union is not accountable enough to the class reps.
I would make the following changes to ensure a better-functioning and more accountable class rep system: • • • • •
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First of all, ensure that we have a 100% recruitment rate for class reps- In other words, ensure there isn’t a single class in the Institute without a rep. Reps would be required to produce bi-weekly logs/reports to the SU detailing the actions they have taken over the 2 weeks in their role as class rep on behalf of their class. Under-performing reps could be removed by their class upon agreement of 50% of the class +1. Class rep attendance at meetings would be monitored and displayed in the minutes, which shall now be taken and published online. To incentivise class reps to meet the standards set, awards would be given to class reps who contribute in a meaningful way to important SU campaigns, and end-of-year certificates provided to class reps with a high level of attendance, participation and class satisfaction A voting system would be introduced to class rep meetings. The manifesto’s of the newlyelected SU President and V-President would be put forward for approval at the first CR meeting on the basis of their election, and any major policy decisions or campaigns undertaken outside of that throughout the year would require approval by a two-thirds majority of class reps.
The third full-time SU officer referred to in the ‘Integration’ section would be responsible for overseeing the formalisation and reform of the Class Rep structures.
General Campaigning & Lobbying
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Organised first-ever SU Careers Workshops in October followed by “Your Future” campaign in January in conjunction with the Careers Office, which covered the areas of Careers, Finance, the Economy and Entrepreneurship. This campaign has been taken to a national level following a proposal made by me to USI Congress, and will look to be expanded next year. Lobbied GMIT Catering Co. throughout the year on canteen prices and deals, securing cost savings in a range of areas such as the “Jocser Sandwich Special” for those students on a tight budget. If elected, I plan to run a Student Enterprise Awards, similar to that held over in NUIG, with a Dragon’s Den theme to the competition. It is vital that we continue to foster a spirit of enterprise and innovation in GMIT students. Will continue to lobby college management for extended study periods in the college Library, particularly around exam times. Improvements have been seen in terms of opening hours in recent times, but more progress needs to made to bring GMIT up to the national standard. Will run academic campaigns providing students with information on their electives across a range of programmes and faculties. If elected, I will push for more regular car parking appeals meetings, supplemented by a more efficient online appeals system, to alleviate the current situation of an extremely long and drawn out process for appeals. I will also lobby APCOA to allow a period of a few days’ grace before clamping payments are required. Continue the partnership with the Irish Heart Foundation, which this year saw GMITSU’s first ever Heart Day Walk, and resulted in substantial fundraising for the charity Will introduce a year-round SU discount card from the start of the term which will offer discounts on all SU events and various student offers. Will lobby local businesses to get involved with the initiative by offering deals and offers to students.