NUIGSU Class Rep Handbook 2018 - 2019

CLASS REP HANDBOOK AN LÁMHLEABHAR D’IONADAITHE RANGA, 2018/19

NUI Galway Students’ Union is a proud member of the Union of Students in Ireland Ball bródúil d’Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn is ea Comhaltas an Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

TABLE OF CONTENTS CLÁR NA N-ÁBHAR Page No.

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9.

Welcome / Fáilte

Executive Committee/Coiste Gnó

College Convenors/Tionólaithe na gColáistí Membership/Ballraíocht

NUIG SU Structure/Struchtúr OÉG

How the Students’ Union Works?/Conas a oibríonn Comhaltas na Mac Léinn?

Role and Function of a Class Representative/Ról agus Feidhm an Ionadaí Ranga

10. The Key Duties of a Class Rep/Príomhdhualgais an Ionadaí Ranga 11. Life Skills Programme/An Clár Scileanna Saoil 12. Public Speaking/Óráidíocht Phoiblí

13. Dealing with Personal Issues/Plé a Dhéanamh le Fadhbanna Pearsanta 14. A guide to SU Council/Treoraí do Chomhairle an Chomhaltais

15. Elections to the Students’ Union Executive Committee/Na Toghcháin don Choiste Gnó 16. Students’ Union Policies/Beartais Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn 17. CÉIM Shared Learning/Foghlaim Roinnte CÉIM 18. ALIVE

19. Union of Students in Ireland/Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn

20. National Student Engagement Programme/An Clár um Rannpháirtíocht Mic Léinn

22. Class Representative Council Schedule 2018/2019 /Sceideal Chomhairle na nIonadaithe Ranga, 2018/2019

Time

Date

Venue

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WELCOME / FÁILTE Well done, you’ve been elected to represent the views of your class!

Hi Guys, My name is Eibhlín Seoighthe and I’m your Education Officer for 2018/19.

Congratulations, on being elected to represent the views of your class!

As Class Representative, you are a student leader. You’ll be required to attend meetings of the SU Council which happen three times per semester, usually in the evening. You’ll also have to attend a couple of meetings for class representatives in your particular college.

Your main role is to act as a communication link between your class, the College and the Students’ Union to raise any issues affecting your class and to share any information on Students’ Union campaigns and initiatives.

What’s in it for me?

Class Representatives will: • • • •

Receive intensive skills and engagement training.

Gain experience to enhance their CV. Expand their network by working closely with other students and staff members.

Get a free Class Rep hoodie.

This is a great opportunity to meet a diverse range of student leaders and make an impact on your class and the University!

Looking forward to working with you all over the next year to make sure that every student voice is heard. Be sure to reach out if and when you need too. I am only an email/ phone call away and my office is never too far away if you need a good chin wag.

Eibhlín Seoighthe

Eibhlín Seoighthe Vice-President/Education Officer Leas-Uachtarán / Oifigeach Oideachas NUI Galway Students’ Union Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh (091) 493 707 ~ (086) 385 3658 su.education@nuigalway www.su.nuigalway.ie

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE/ COISTE GNÓ

Vice President / Education Officer Leas Uachtarán / Oifigeach Oideachais

Eibhlín Seoighthe

President / Uachtarán

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

su.president@nuigalway.ie 086 385 5502

su.welfare@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3659

Megan Reilly

su.education@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3658

Clare Austick

Oifigeach na Gaeilge

Mature Students’ Officer Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta

Postgraduate Taught Officer Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe Teagasctha

Postgraduate Research Officer Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe i mbun Taighde

su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie 087 174 9570

su.maturestudents@nuigalway.ie 089 966 4053

su.pgtaught@nuigalway.ie 086 238 6183

su.pgresearch@nuigalway.ie 085 134 2748

Societies Chairperson Cathaoirleach na gCumann

Clubs Captain Captaen na gClubanna

SU Council Chairperson / Cathaoirleach na Comhairle do Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies / Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta & an Léinn Cheiltigh

su.socs@nuigalway.ie 087 677 8449

su.clubs@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810

su.council@nuigalway.ie 085 176 2031

su.arts@nuigalway.ie 087 133 1473

Convenor of the College of Science Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta

Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences / Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte

Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law / Tionólaí Choláiste an Ghnó, an Bhearais Phoiblí agus an Dlí

Convenor of the College of Engineering & Informatics / Tionólaí Choláiste na hInnealtóireachta agus na Faisnéisíochta

su.science@nuigalway.ie 085 204 8786

su.medicine@nuigalway.ie 087 621 0216

su.business@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810

su.engineering@nuigalway.ie 089 223 7676

International Students Officer Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Idirnáisiúnta

Gender and LGBT+ Rights Officer Oifigeach um Chearta Inscne agus LADT+

Disability Rights Officer Oifigeach um Chearta Míchumais

Ethnic Minorities Officer Oifigeach na Mionlach Eitneach

su.international@nuigalway.ie 083 884 4332

su.lgbt@nuigalway.ie 085 816 3837

su.disability@nuigalway.ie 089 456 7106

Adhna Nic Dhonnchadha

Brandon Walsh

Scott Green

Daniel McFadden

Chuka Paul Oguekwe

Ryan Guilfoyle

Liezel Ravenscroft

Alex Coughlan

Cameron Keighron

Sabrina Vaughan

Clodagh McGivern

Muireann O’Sullivan

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Jibran Abbasi

Rían McKeagney

Roshan George

Victoria Chihumura

su.ethnicminorities@nuigalway.ie 085 231 3107

COLLEGE CONVENORS/ TIONÓLAITHE NA GCOLÁISTÍ The College Convenors are by far the best resource made available to the Class Reps.

Get to know your Convenor, they’re here to help you resolve any issues your class may be having. If you are ever in the situation where you may be afraid to tell a lecturer a certain issue contact your Convenor or even the Education Officer. At the end of the day, we work for you and we have no problem talking to a lecturer.

It’s important to note that although we are here for advice, lecturers would very much rather see you, the Class Rep. No lecturer will penalise you for doing what your class wants, that is your job and why you were elected class rep.

Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies / Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta & an Léinn Cheiltigh

Rían McKeagney

su.arts@nuigalway.ie 087 133 1473

Convenor of the College of Science Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta

Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences / Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte

su.science@nuigalway.ie 085 204 8786

su.medicine@nuigalway.ie 087 621 0216

Scott Green

Liezel Ravenscroft

Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law / Tionólaí Choláiste an Ghnó, an Bhearais Phoiblí agus an Dlí

Convenor of the College of Engineering & Informatics / Tionólaí Choláiste na hInnealtóireachta agus na Faisnéisíochta

su.business@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810

su.engineering@nuigalway.ie 089 223 7676

Clodagh McGivern

Roshan George

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MEMBERSHIP/BALLRAÍOCHT Welcome to NUI Galway Students’ Union!

NUI Galway Students’ Union is the representative body of students within NUI Galway. Our main aims are to represent students, defend their interests and work on their behalf both within NUI Galway and nationally.

You are now part of the Class Rep System which is the backbone of NUI Galway Students’ Union.

NUIG SU Structure / Struchtúr OÉG The membership of the Students’ Union is defined as all registered students of NUI Galway.

This means that you are a member of the Students’ Union and so are all of your classmates!

You can have your say as a member and one of the best ways to do this is through being a Class Rep and through SU Council. Always remember it’s not THE Students’ Union - it’s YOUR Students’ Union! It belongs to you, the students of NUI Galway.

STUDENTS SU COUNCIL SU EXECUTIVE 6

HOW THE SU WORKS CONAS A OIBRÍONN COMHALTAS NA MAC LÉINN? 1. Sabbatical Officers/Na hOifigigh Sabóideacha The three Sabbatical Officers have full-time paid positions and are directly elected by all students in the University. They are; President (Megan), Vice-President/Education Officer (Louis), and Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer (Clare). These officers have definite objectives to look after different aspects of your well-being; from giving you advice if you fail your exams to making sure students views are represented at every level.

2. College Convenors/Tionólaithe na gColáistí Each of the 5 College Convenors act as a kind of manager for the class reps in their College.

A College Convenor will help to guide the Class Reps in a College if some issue is too daunting for one Class Rep to tackle on their own, or if it is a problem affecting more than one class which requires teamwork from a number of Class Reps. They represent their Colleges Class Reps and students on the Executive committee. The object of the Faculty Councils is to discuss individual issues specific to your department whilst Students’ Union Council discusses the University wide issues. Sitting on their College executive is perhaps the most influential part of a College Convenor’s job. At College Exec, some very important suggestions are made and outcomes determined that will be specific to courses and problems in that College, and as the College Convenor is a student in that College they can often have more of an impact than any Sabbatical Officer would to look out for the interests of these students. College Convenors then report to their Class Reps on the progress they are making at this level. The Convenors are simply more experienced Class Reps so don’t be shy to turn to them for back-up.

3. Executive/An Coiste Gnó Members of the SU Executive give reports to Council. You can see the members listed in your SU diary, on our website and on page 4 of this handbook. They were elected to their positions to help so never be afraid to approach them.

4. SU Council/Comhairle an Chomhaltais Students’ Union Council is where decisions are made by Class Reps and other SU Officers on what actions the Union should take or what stance the Union should take on an issue.

Voting is done on things called “motions”, which contain a “mandate”, which basically tells one or more of the Officers of the Students’ Union to do something. If members of Council vote in favour of a motion then it becomes Union policy.

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ROLE AND FUNCTION OF A CLASS REPRESENTATIVE/ RÓL AGUS FEIDHM AN IONADAÍ RANGA What is a Class Representative?

With the ever-increasing number of students attending NUI Galway it is important now more than ever that there is active representation for the student body. It is also hard for the Officers to make contact with the entire student body, so this is why Class Reps are a vital component to the Union.

Class Reps are elected by their classmates to represent their fellow students’ views to the college. They play an integral role in representing students, helping students overcome problems and maintaining the quality of courses. Class Reps act as a point of contact between the Class, Lecturers, Course Co-ordinator and the Students’ Union.

Class Reps sit on course board meetings at college level in which they act as the voice of the students, ensuring that the college takes into account the requirements of students in any decisions that are made. Basically Class Reps liaise with both the Students’ Union and the University staff to ensure all problems are solved and that a high level of course quality is continuously maintained.

How to express the views of your class?

For you to be able to express the views of your class you first of all need to know their opinions. You should never assume or guess what their views will be. Consultation can be a simple process and here are some ways of findings out the opinions of your class: • • • • • •

Ask them individually, one to one.

Ask them as a class.

Hand out a questionnaire.

Chat to them in groups in Smokey’s or in the Hub. Make yourself available for people to come and talk to you at certain times.

Discuss topics on a Class Group social media page.

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THE KEY DUTIES OF A CLASS REP/ PRÍOMHDHUALGAIS AN IONADAÍ RANGA Gathering student opinion: To effectively represent the views of your class you first of all need to know what those views are. You should never assume or guess what the students’ opinions will be. Consultation can be a simple process and here are some ways of collecting feedback from your class, via a short questionnaire, ask as group after a class or doing contacting them via email or in a Facebook group.

Managing class issues: It is difficult to predict what issues you and your class will face over the years, it could be course workloads, timetabling issues, lecturing issues, etc. It comes down to you as the Class Rep to try and find a solution for this issue, which could be resolved quickly by just contacting the Lecturer, College department or a Students’ Union Officer.”

Dealing with personal matters: As a Class Rep it is a good idea to make yourself aware of the various student support services available within NUI Galway, so that if one of your classmates has a personal issue you are able to direct them to the right people. As a Class Rep you may be the first person a classmate confides in, it is important that the student is reassured and listened to. It is also important that you are aware of the boundaries, acknowledge if necessary that you are not a trained counsellor, and that you refer students to appropriate supports.

Representing your class at Students’ Union (SU) Council: All SU Council Members must attend SU Council Meetings, if you cannot make SU Council or a Faculty Council please email the chair to send your apologies. The SU Council is the backbone of the Students’ Union. SU Council Meetings are hugely beneficial as they keep you in the ‘loop’ regarding what is going on around NUI Galway, as well as providing you with a feedback mechanism and discussion forum on various issues affecting those you represent.

The business of the meeting is conducted over a period of two hours, and has a pre-set agenda (all members are eligible to put an agenda item forward). SU Council happens three times a semester, with another two faculty councils held each semester also. All Students’ Union campaigns, activities and collaborations are discussed at these meetings. It’s also a chance for you to mandate your Students’ Union on anything from political issues to improvements in the college.

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Representing your class at course board meetings: A significant role of a Class Rep is to attend Course Board Meetings that are scheduled between Course/Class Co-ordinators and Class Reps. During Course Board Meetings, Class Reps communicate the views and opinions of their class and work in partnership with the staff, ensuring that the requirements of students are given due consideration and taken into account. The key to success at these meetings is to ensure that the student voice is heard, acknowledged and acted upon.

Keeping your class up to date and providing effective feedback: As a Class Rep, it is really important that you keep your class informed of what the Students’ Union is doing. All Class Reps must ensure that their class is made aware of the issues that arise at SU Council and anything that will affect the class. Also feedback to the students you are representing, on course board meetings or any other meetings held with regard to the class is essential. It is also vital that you give feedback on your work in relation to issues raised to your classmates.

Correspondence and keeping records: Remember that you are committing yourself to a statement once it is in writing. Ensure the details of your documents are accurate and written in a respectful manner. If you need someone to check over a document to ensure it cannot be misinterpreted, email it to the Students’ Union, clearly marked as a draft document. Advice will then follow as to whether amendments or clarification is necessary prior to you sending it to the relevant member of the academic staff.

It is important to keep a record of what action you have taken so that you can follow up on any issues. The best way to keep records is to communicate through email and save a copy of all correspondence to a folder.

Providing services: At your own discretion you may choose to provide extra services to your class including organising class parties or social events for the class at Sult or arranging to get class hoodies.

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REGISTER

ills

grinds REGISTER

SU

Life Skills

Enrol now for the following reduced

ion price courses in the Students’ Union Office: Students’ Union

S

ENTS Second Hand

• Sign Language BOOKSTORE • Occupational First Aid

DIANC

AN CH

Clár Scileanna Saoil Clár S Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

Cláraigh anois do na cúrsaí seo a leanas ar phraghas laghdaithe in Oifig an Chomhaltais:

Siamsaíocht an Chomhaltais

Second • AnHand Teanga Chomharthaíochta

BOOKSTORE

• An Gharchabhair Oibre

• Cardiac First Responder

• Céad Fhreagróir Cairdiach

• Child Protection Training

• Oiliúint sa Chosaint Leanaí

• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills

• Oiliúint i Scileanna Feidhmeacha

Training (ASIST) • Mixed Martial Arts for Self Defence

Chomhalta

Siam SIOPA

an Chom AT

Idirghabhála i dtaca le Féinmharú • Ealaíona Comhraic Measctha i gcomhair Féinchosanta

• Anti-Racism • Disclosure Training

• Frithchiníochas

• Sexual Consent Workshop

• Ceardlann um Chomhthoiliú Gnéis

• Yoga

• An tIóga

More information at www.su.nuigalway.ie or email studentsunion@nuigalway.ie

Tuilleadh eolais le fáil ag www.su.nuigalway.ie nó seol ríomhphost chuig studentsunion@nuigalway.ie

www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

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PUBLIC SPEAKING ÓRÁIDÍOCHT PHOIBLÍ As a Class Rep, one of the many functions is to inform your class of all the up and coming events and activities of the Students’ Union and indeed your own course activities. This involves getting up at the beginning or end of the class to address them. This can be intimidating at first but with time it gets easier and you earn the respect of your classmates.

The following are some hints to help you to effectively communicate by way of a public address to a group of people.

Preparation: Always go through what you have to say in advance.

Knowledge: Always ensure you have all the information you need.

Relevance: Make sure what you have to say is of interest to the group.

Posture: Posture is one of the first things you say about yourself in public speaking. Learn to stand up straight, look trustworthy, confident, and assured. Give your speech in a mirror, and pay special attention to your posture. Who you are addressing and where you are, will determine your posture within the group. Where and how you present yourself, will determine how people perceive you and what you are saying Voice: When speaking to a group it is important to consider the following in order to achieve your goal of getting your message across: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Speak at a suitable audible level.

Speak clearly.

Speak slowly without being to deliberate.

Avoid monotone, vary your pitch and tone.

Don’t be afraid of pauses.

Gestures: The use of gestures and facial expressions can considerably help you in the execution of your public address. Some of the options outlined below can help with your ability to attract the attention and maintain the open line of communication with the group.

Eye Contact: Include everyone and maintain eye contact at all times.

Smiling: An excellent way to keep a group’s attention.

Hand movements: To emphasise a point or elaborate but should not become a distraction for the group from the content of what you are saying so don’t overdo it.

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DEALING WITH PERSONAL ISSUES PLÉ A DHÉANAMH LE FADHBANNA PEARSANTA As a Class Rep it’s your job to keep informed on various services available so that if one of your students has an issue you should be able to direct them to the right people.

Many students are merely unsure of both their problem, and how to deal with it. As a Class Rep you could well be the first person they tell.

Quick Pointers • • • • • •

Don’t presume you know how they’re feeling, even if you think you do.

Listen to them.

Don’t be judgmental.

Don’t give advice.

Don’t feel you should know all the answers.

Don’t tell any of your friends, this will only hinder matters.

Remember!

It’s not your brief to deal with individual personal problems. You are not a counsellor and don’t ever feel obliged to deal with people on a personal level. When someone does have a problem, the best thing to do is refer them to one of the Student Counsellors, the SU Welfare and Equality Officer or your Lecturer.

Services available to students It’s important that you’re aware of the services available to students. There are two main types of services available to students, services within the college, and external voluntary organisations. You may not be familiar with them all so if in doubt ask an officer in the SU! College Services are available to all registered students of NUI Galway, although sometimes on different levels, depending on the type of registered students. All services pride themselves on being friendly at all times.

Student Service Accommodation Office Chaplaincy Counselling Disability Student Connect Mentors Health Unit Crèche Career Development Centre

Email accommodation@nuigalway.ie chaplains@nuigalway.ie counselling@nuigalway.ie disability.service@nuigalway.ie Una.mcdermott@nuigalway.ie spraoinuig@gmail.com careers@nuigalway.ie

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Phone 091 492 760 091 495 055 091 492 484 091 493 541 091 495 282 091 492 604 091 493 739 091 493 589

A GUIDE TO SU COUNCIL/ TREORAÍ DO CHOMHAIRLE AN CHOMHALTAIS The SU Council is a forum of students elected by their class to represent their interests to the Students’ Union (SU). The SU Council consists of all the Class Reps and the executive officers of the SU (the nineteen officers elected each March) and is chaired by the SU Council Chairperson. Each class ordinarily elects anything between one to four reps, depending on the size of the class. Class Reps mandate the executive officers to follow through on SU Council decisions, policies etc. Essentially, the executive officers work for, and are accountable to, the SU Council. If we’re not doing our jobs, call us out on it.

What does the SU Council do? / Céard a dhéanann Comhairle an Chomhaltais?

• Oversee the work of the Executive officers • Act as an open forum for student issues, where issues of concern to students can be raised and action taken • Represent each class and College to the Students’ Union • Communicate information between the Executive officers and the various classes and Colleges • Elect student representatives to various university committees.

The whole point of the SU Council is to give the executive officers the best possible insight into what issues are affecting the students. Issues can then be brought to the attention of the executive officers and be dealt with as quickly as possible. If we’re not made aware of issues, we can’t fix them. The executive officers also report to the SU Council on what they’ve been up to in the course of their work, and what developments have occurred recently in the SU and the university as a whole. Each executive officer presents a report at each Class Reps meeting, which allows the Reps to question the officers on how well or not they’re performing their duties. As mentioned earlier, the Class Reps can mandate the Students’ Union to undertake specific policies or do certain things. These SU Council decisions can only be reversed or changed by a Students’ Union General Meeting or referendum of the entire student body.

Bring up an Issue at SU Council/Ceist a ardú ag Comhairle an Chomhaltais An issue can be brought forward to the SU Council via the SU Council Chairperson. The Chairperson will be happy to put it on the agenda for you. Make sure to contact them at least a week before Council to have your item put on the agenda. The Chairperson would also be happy to help you write a motion for council, and you can contact them at su.council@nuigalway.ie

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Procedural motions / Rúin Nós Imeachta If you find that a motion has been debated enough, you can use these motions to move along the council. You are within your right to call any of these motions during council. Once you ask for a procedural motion it must be seconded by another registered class rep or a member of the exec and the vote for the procedural motion will be put to the council. The motions are as follows: 9A: 9B: 9C: 9D: 9E: 9F:

That the question now be put.

That the question not be put.

That the question be taken in parts.

That the question be taken at another time (next SU Council).

A vote of no confidence in the SU Council chair’s decision.

A vote of no confidence in the chair. (If passed the chair will step down for that council and the Vice President/Education Officer will take over for that session).

One quick note, you must vote whether or not to have the procedural motion before the vote on the actual motion takes place..

ELECTIONS TO THE STUDENTS’ UNION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE/ NA TOGHCHÁIN DON CHOISTE GNÓ As a Class Rep, you are in one of the best position to lead your Students’ Union for 2019/20.

You have been the backbone of the SU all year, leading the SU and making sure that we listen to you. We think it’s time you think about replacing us! All officer positions are up for election and the elections will be taking place in March 2019.

The full-time officers – the President, the Vice-President / Welfare and Equality Officer and the Vice-President / Education Officer – will all be elected on Thursday 7th of March 2019.

Nominations for these positions will open on the 21st of February 2019.

The part-time officers will all be elected on Thursday 14th of March 2019 with nominations opening on the 28th of February 2019.

The Students’ Union Council Chairperson will be elected on the 4th of March 2019.

Nominations will open on Monday 18th February 2019. Please note that only registered Class Reps can run for, nominate and vote in this election.

For more information the Students’ Union elections please contact studentsunion@ nuigalway.ie

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STUDENTS’ UNION POLICIES BEARTAIS CHOMHALTAS NA MAC LÉINN NUI Galway Students’ Union adopts policies on various issues. Policy can be set by the Executive Committee, SU Council or a referendum of all members of the Students’ Union.

The following policies have been agreed by referendum in recent years: Students’ Union position on reunification of the island of Ireland. Passed March 2018 NUI Galway Students’ Union supports the reunification of the island of Ireland and calls on the State to hold a national referendum on the question of such reunification.

Students’ Union position on the Direct Provision System. Passed March 2016 The Students’ Union condemns the direct provision system which is inhumane and denies asylum seekers their basic rights and calls for its abolition and replacement with a system which respects the human rights of asylum seekers. In line with policy supported by the Migrant Rights Centre and other concerned NGOs. Students’ Union Position on the Decriminalisation of Drugs. Passed March 2016 The Students’ Union has adopted a position actively supporting the decriminalisation of drugs solely for personal use.

Students’ Union position on the legalisation and regulation of the cultivation, sale and possession of cannabis. Passed March 2015 The Students’ Union has adopted a position supporting the legalisation and regulation of the cultivation, sale and possession of cannabis.

Students’ Union Position on the campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against the State of Israel Passed March 2014 The Students’ Union adopted a position in support of the campaign of “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against the State of Israel” (BDS Campaign).

Students’ Union Position on the Issue of Abortion Passed March 2013 The Students’ Union has a Pro-Choice position in support of the national campaign for full reproductive rights, which includes a woman’s right to abortion, whether elective or medically necessary.

No Platform Policy. Passed March 2012 The Students’ Union is mandated to oppose any invitation to members of various organisations to speak at the University. Full details available on the Students’ Union Website.

More information on Students’ Union Policies is available on www.su.nuigalway.ie

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CÉIM Shared Learning/Foghlaim Roinnte CÉIM CÉIM is an academic peer learning scheme for 1st year Engineering, Geography, BA Law, and Political Science and Sociology students. Based on the well-evidenced Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) model used in over 30 countries, CÉIM was initiated by NUI Galway Students’ Union in 2013 and is run as a partnership with students and academic staff.

How it works Student leaders from higher years facilitate weekly study sessions for small groups of 1st year students, creating peer-led learning communities where it’s easy to ask questions in a friendly environment.

CÉIM supports 1st year students to: • Transition successfully to university • Make friends in their discipline • Succeed academically • Develop study skills • Practice transferable skills • Complete their studies Impact of CÉIM • 80% of 1st year Arts students surveyed in 2017/18 say CÉIM helped them make friends • Regular CÉIM attendees on average achieve higher grades (10-19% higher) than irregular and non-attendees What 1st years say about CÉIM ‘Three of the people that I met through CÉIM are now amongst my closest group of friends.’

‘I struggled settling in at the start of this year and I think CÉIM really helped me find my way around and settle in better.’

‘Working in smaller groups really helped me learn, especially things I didn’t understand.’

More Information: www.su.nuigalway.ie/ceim

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ALIVE is NUI Galway’s Student Volunteering Programme ALIVE works with schools, charities, community organisations and within NUI Galway to provide volunteering opportunities in a wide variety of roles. We help NUI Galway students to volunteer in the area of their choice which suits their individual needs, interests and time commitments.

ALIVE is here to offer students information, advice, guidance and support throughout their volunteering experience. We also reward student volunteers’ efforts with the NUI Galway Presidential Award for Volunteering, the ALIVE Certificate.

Apply for the NUI Galway Presidential Award for Volunteering, the ALIVE Certificate for being a Class Rep. NUI Galway and the Students Union want to thank you for your commitment to your class – celebrate at the end of the year at the ALIVE Ceremony – where all NUI Galway student volunteers party! You can earn an ALIVE Certificate from NUI Galway to recognise the time you give to your class for volunteering as a Class Rep. All you have to do is tell us what you did as a Class Rep and how that volunteering made an impact!

How do I get my NUI Galway Presidential Award for Volunteering, the ALIVE Certificate?

Apply online today! Fill in your Certificate application online at www.yourspace.nuigalway.ie For further information contact ALIVE: Lorraine Tansey, Student Volunteer Coordinator Tel: 00 353 (0)91 49 5346 Web: nuigalway.ie/alive Email: alive@nuigalway.ie

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The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is the national representative body for the 354,000 students in third level education on the Island of Ireland. USI are a membership organisation – our members are our affiliated Students’ Unions around Ireland, North and South. USI is not made up of the officers alone, it is made up of every student in every affiliated college in the country – it’s your union, it’s your national voice!

USI works for: • • • • •

An education and training system open to all, irrespective of any consideration of national origin, race, sex, sexuality, creed, political beliefs or economic circumstances, so that each individual can realise their full potential in the service of the Irish people.

An education and training system that through the development of art and literature, natural and social sciences truly serves the interests of the people of Ireland.

The right of students to a decent standard of living, with the right to adequate financial support, proper housing and future prospects of employment in Ireland.

The defence and promotion of all democratic and human rights.

The provision of student services for the benefit of the membership on the principle that control of student services should lie with the membership.

USI is run quite like a local Students’ Union on a national scale. Instead of class reps, we have SU sabbatical officers who represent your college in USI National Council, just like you represent your class at SU Council. Every member SU sends a certain number of delegates to Annual Congress (which is USI’s main decision making body) at a ratio of one per 1,000 students and you could be one of your college’s delegates.

• • • • • • • • •

President – Síona Cahill Vice President for Campaigns – Michelle Byrne Vice President for Academic Affairs – Oisín Hassan Vice President for Welfare – Damien McClean Vice President for Equality and Citizenship – Aisling Cusack Vice President for the Border, Midland and Western Region – Barry Clohessy Vice President for the Southern Region – Lorna Fitzpatrick Vice President for the Dublin Region – Colm O’Halloran Vice President for the Irish Language – Aoife Deasy www.usi.ie • enquiries@usi.ie

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The National Student Engagement Programme was launched in April 2016 by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). The collaborative initiative began with two key strands of work: 1.The National Student Training Programme: - Each pilot institution will run a new class rep training programme.

2. Developing Institutional Capacity: - Each pilot institution will review current student engagement practices, identify good practice and future work streams.

Working under the guidance of the National Student Engagement Principles, the National Student Engagement Programme will develop student capabilities to engage at all levels across the higher education system.

Class Rep Training The programme sets out to achieve the following aims: • •

To develop student capabilities to engage in quality enhancement, quality assurance and other related activities at all levels of the higher education system.

To support institutions in developing processes and activities which support/facilitate the meaningful engagement of students.

To strengthen the value placed on student engagement across Ireland and develop tools and resources to support a common understanding and build effective practice.

To lay the foundations to develop work beyond the pilot phase, to inform the implementation of a National Student Training Programme and increase capacity to progress this student engagement initiative.

hair Oiliúint Tosaigh • •

Ranga

The programme also provides support to the institutions in developing processes and activities, in parallel with student training, which will support the continued engagement of students and extend the benefits of the student training to the wider student population and learning community.

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NOTES/NÓTAÍ

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CLASS REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL SCHEDULE 2018/2019 Semester 1 - 2018

Date Mon 15th Oct Thurs 18th Oct Tues 23rd Oct Tues 23rd Oct Thurs 25th Oct Tues 30th Oct Weds 31st Oct Mon 12th Nov Thurs 15th Nov Mon 19th Nov Mon 19th Nov Tues 20th Nov Weds 21st Nov Weds 21st Nov Mon 26th Nov Mon 26th Nov

Time 6pm-8pm 6pm-7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm-7pm 6pm-7pm 6pm-7pm 2pm–3pm 6pm – 8pm 6pm – 7pm 2pm-3pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 8pm 8pm till late

Room Kirwan Theatre AC204 MY127 Lecture Theatre 3 AC204 AC204 ENG2003 Lecture Room 2 Students’ Union Exec Office Kirwan Theatre AC204 Students’ Union Office AC204 MY127 Lecture Theatre 3 AC204 ENG2003 Lecture Room 2 Kirwan Theatre Sult

Semester 2 - 2019

Date Mon 21st Jan Weds 23rd Jan Thurs 24th Jan Mon 28th Jan Mon 28th Jan Tues 29th Jan Tues 29th Jan Mon 11th Feb Tues 12th Feb Weds 13th Feb Thurs 14th Feb Mon 25th Feb Mon 25th Feb Tues 26th Feb Mon 4th March

Time 6pm – 8pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 2pm-3pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 8pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 2pm – 3pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 9pm

Room O’Flaherty Theatre ENG2003 Lecture Room 2 MY124 Classroom 1 Students’ Union Exec Office AC204 AC204 AC203 O’Flaherty Theatre AC204 ENG2003 Lecture Room 2 AC204 Students’ Union Exec Office AC204 MY123 Seminar Room 1 O’Flaherty Theatre

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SCEIDEAL CHOMHAIRLE NA NIONADAITHE RANGA, 2018/2019 Building Concourse Arts Concourse Áras Moyola Arts Concourse Arts Concourse Engineering Building Áras na Mac Léinn Concourse Arts Concourse Áras na Mac Léinn Arts Concourse Áras Moyola Arts Concourse Engineering Building Concourse Sult

Meeting SU Council Law/Commerce Council Health Sciences Council Arts Council Science Council Engineering Council Postgrad Council SU Council Law/Commerce Council Postgrad Council Science Council Health Sciences Council Arts Council Engineering Council SU Council CR Christmas Party

Building Arts Concourse Engineering Building Áras Moyola Áras na Mac Léinn Arts Concourse Arts Concourse Arts Concourse Arts Concourse Arts Concourse Engineering Building Arts Concourse Áras na Mac Léinn Arts Concourse Áras Moyola Arts Concourse

Meeting SU Council Postgrad Council Engineering Council Law/Commerce Council Science Council Arts Council Health Sciences Council SU Council Arts Council Engineering Council Law/Commerce Council Science Council Health Sciences Council Postgrad Council SU Council

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NUI Galway Students’ Union is a proud member of the Union of Students in Ireland Ball bródúil d’Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn is ea Comhaltas an Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh www.su.nuigalway.ie

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