NUI Galway Students’ Union Annual Report 2017-2018

NUI Galway Students’ Union Annual Report Tuarascáil Bhliantúil Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh

ANNUAL REPORT

2017-2018

Contents•Clár na nÁbhar

1 3 5 7 9 11 13

Presidents Foreword • Focal ón Uachtarán

2

Mission Statement/Highlights • Ráiteas Misin/Buaicphointí

Executive Committee 2017/18 • Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2017/18

4

SU Council • Comhairle an Chomhaltais

SIN Newspaper • Nuachtán SIN

6

Elections • Toghcháin

Students’ Union Policies • Beartais Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

8

CÉIM

Life Skills • Scileanna Saoil

10

Fundraising • Tiomsú airgid

Entertainment & Events • Siamsaíocht agus Imeachtaí

12

Campaigns • Feachtais

Students’ Union Services • Seirbhísí Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

14

Incoming Executive 2018/19 • Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2018/19

Lorcรกn Lorcรกn

1

Presidents Foreword Focal ón Uachtarán

This year I had the absolute honour of being President of the NUI Galway Students’ Union! You have the privilege of steering a ship that has so many working bodies and instuments that sometimes it can be difficult to keep up. You rely on the support of your team, your friends and your family, you seek guidance and counsel from past Presidents on issues and topics relating to the student movement that go back years and you must manage the successes of the Union but more importantly you must take responsibility and be accountable for the failures and ensure that we as a Union learn from those going forward. You have the duty of fulfilling the constitution as it reads that it is our main focus to “promote, defend and vindicate the rights of it’s members at all levels of society”.

for both undergraduate and post-graduate and also ensuring the protection, promotion and respect of the Irish language.

The core objective and vision of the NUI Galway Students’ Union this year has been to improve the overall engagement of the student body, to empower students, ensure that they realise their full potential and that results can be found through active and effective student engagement. Our goal has been and always will be to challenge the status quo, that we promote active citizenship and that we strive for a better society within the walls of the University but also nationwide.

The successful daily running of the Students’ Union comes down to our dedicated and supportive staff –Amber, Órla, Lorna, Joanna and lastly Chris Newell, whose counsel, companionship and support has been invaluable throughout the year.

Progressing battles that past executives have championed has continued this year and NUI Galway Students’ Union’s ongoing contribution to fight for publicly funded education following the release of the Peter Cassel’s Report in July 2016 has been critical and effective, nationally calling on the Oireachtas Committee to choose the publicly funded option, as the only option to enable social mobility, break poverty traps and empower the youth of this island.

Our year not only focused on challenging the barriers surrounding access to education, but also: academic supports; gender inequalities; sexual consent; accommodation rights for tenants; stigma surrounding mental health and suicide awareness; the 8th amendment; current legislation on alcohol and drugs; we worked with external bodies such as the Galway City Council and other Unions, the infringement of worker’s rights; the Direct Provision system and standing up for the basic rights of asylum seekers; barriers surrounding LGBT+ issues and ensuring we progress in trans rights; issues that students with disabilities face; the reluctance to take responsibility for our planet; the promotion of healthy diets and lifestyles; ensuring student representation

Of course all we have achieved would not have been possible without the support and work ethic of many people. I extend my gratitude to the staff of NUI Galway who positively engaged with us throughout the year - the Academic staff, Student Services, Buildings and Estates and the University Management.

Also to our Board of Trustees for their oversight and our very hardworking Students’ Union Commerical Services Ltd. staff for their services to our students, societies and clubs.

Our SU Council and Class Representatives, who have been the real heroes and the backbone to the progress and success of our year.

Lastly I extend the warmest of thanks to our Executive Committee and two Vice-Presidents, Megan and Andrew, who have battled tirelessly to support thousands of our members with every individual encounter and through campaigns. All we have achieved would never have been possible if not for their dedication and expertise.

The union in its 54 year history harbours a concept to which enough doesn’t exist, because enough implies sufficiency and sufficiency implies in the end.

If one studies enough, one need not study more, if one learns enough, one need not learn more and if one does enough, one need not do more. As I look at todays executives, outoging and incoming, we strive to be as reflective of our student body as possible representing nationalities, fields of study, genders, age and ultimately different walks of life, I realise that the thread that holds us all together and forever binds us into the legacy of this Union is the belief that enough ironically isn’t enough at all.

On behalf of myself, Andrew Forde, Megan Reilly, our Executive Committee, our staff and SU Council in its entirety, I present with pride the annual report 2017/18 of the NUI Galway Students’ Union.

“Ní neart go cur le chéile”

Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh UACHTARÁN CHOMHALTAS NA MAC LÉINN 2017/18

2

Mission Statement/Highlights Ráiteas Misin/Buaicphointí

NUI Galway Students’ Union was originally established in 1911 as the Students’ Representative Council. This council was short-lived, the re-establishment of the body was proposed in 1913. The council was firmly established by the mid-1920’s, and in the 1960’s was formally developed into the university’s Students’ Union, then known as Comhairle Teachta na Mac Léinn.

Founded in 1964 the function of the Union as per the Constitution shall be “to represent its members and promote, defend and vindicate the rights of its members at all levels of society”.

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An online Meal Plan Service was put in place following the securement of a €20,000 grant. Recipes, Shopping Lists and online tutorial videos for 6 weeks were for students.

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Through partnership with Galway City Council we secured €€5,000 funding to run an “Exam De-stress Campaign” including exam packs, pet farms, basketball pop-ups, and ice-cream days.

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We laid the ground-work for campus music festival called

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We chaired a Q&A session on Project Ireland 2040 and spoke about the importance of Student Engagement in relation to future plans. Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Minister Seán Kyne, Minister Eoghan Murphy, Minister Denis Naughten and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar were present.

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The executive was reformed through a referendum to be more reflective of our student body which included the introduction of a Disability Rights Officer, an International Students Officer, Gender and LGBT+ Right Officer and Ethnic Minorities Officer.

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Promotion of the Galway Safe App encouraged our members to be vigilant around the Galway Waterways and also to understand their mental health through our partnership with the Western Regional Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce.

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The Union brought in to the Welfare Office pregnancy tests, which are made available to students on request.

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Following the retraction of health care for medical students on placement, we worked with USI to launch a partnership with VideoDoc which is an online medical consultation service which is free of charge.

“An injury to one is an injury to all” Highlights 2017/18 •

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We gained new student representation on both internal and external committees to the University. We increased our representation at Academic Council to ensure equal representaiton across the colleges and the President is now Vice-Chair of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the Vice-President for Welfare now sits on the Garda Appeals Committee and externally we are a member of the ONE Galway Movement, Galway Alcohol Strategy and the “Coiste Stiúrtha Planála Teanga”.

With St. Angela’s College Sligo and NUI Galway merging, an arrangement was found to ensure that both the NUI Galway Students’ Union and the St. Angela’s College Sligo Student’s Union could continue their work for the respective representative bodies.

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PINK Training – We were honoured to host Europe’s largest Student LGBT+ conference (350 people) which included 3 days of workshops, safe spaces and interactive talks to support and celebrate the student LGBT+ community.

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We worked in tandem with the library to increase opening hours for students around exams.

an on “Éalú”.

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We brought our members to Galway and Dublin to have their voices heard nationally, on issues regarding access to education, the 8th Amendment, LGBT+ issues, Housing, Homelessness and the Direct Provision System.

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We continued on from two very successful years of voter registration campaigns on campus, and registered an additional 3,000 members to vote.

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At the Student Achievement Awards Ireland 2018 we were nominated for 7 awards to which we had 4 winners!

We worked with the CUSP committee to plan that smoking would be phased out on campus by 2021.

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We started engaging the student body through new platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat which now have garnered a following of 2,000 and 4,000 respectively. These methods of communication are key to informing our student body of what we do on a day to day basis.

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We acted as a mean of communication and support for students during Storm Ophelia and Emma.

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In relation to the environment, we took part in the Galway City Mayor’s Plastic Free Initiative, USI Switch off Campaign and SUCS Ltd’s coffee cups will now all be compostable.

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We have campaigned to be a University of Sanctuary, which is a student and staff initiative, it’s core focus is to be more inclusive and welcoming to asylum seekers and refugees.

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Through working with Buildings and the Sports Office the Dangan Sports Bus Service was reinstated and we expect it to recommence in September 2018.

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Women in Leadership – we had the highest representation of any Students’ Union at this event.

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€30,000 secured for cloakroom refurbishment in order to ensure a 5-day automated service.

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We are now a member of the “One Galway” Trade Union movement.

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Student Independent News – There are now plans in place to give SIN a home in the shape of a communal space and office opposite the Students’ Union Shop.

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Bhí ár Lá Dearg againn. Máirseáil 100 mic léinn trí sráideanna na Gaillimhe chun agóid a dhéanamh ar son ceartaí dóibh siúd atá ina chónaí sna Gaeltacht agus a labhraíonn Gaeilge gach lá.

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We secured €20,000 in funding to increase the amount of essential appliances for students around campus such as microwaves and water coolers

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Secured €7,000 funding for more recreational areas around campus.

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With an increase of 2 new charity events (NUI Galway Students’ Union 5k and Charity White Collar Fight Night vs GMIT) our Union donated €20,500 to Amach LGBT+ and Domestic Violence Response.

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Following on from last year’s work, we ensured that the anonymous marking of exams was finally introduced and implemented across the university.

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Through community outreach in tandem with the university we secured additional student accommodation (300+ beds) in the midst of

a national crisis that continues to this day.

We also opened up communication channels with the “Save the Westwood Campaign” and attended marches against homelessness and the housing crisis. We also worked with “HomeShare” to encourage students to live with elderly residents.

3

Executive Committee 2017/18 Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2017/18

Vice President / Education Officer Leas Uachtarán / Oifigeach Oideachais

Andrew Forde

su.education@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3658

President / Uachtarán

Vice President / Welfare Officer Leas Uachtarán / Oifigeach Leasa

su.president@nuigalway.ie 086 385 5502

su.welfare@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3659

Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh

Megan Reilly

Oifigeach na Gaeilge

Equality Officer Oifigeach Comhionnais

Mature Students’ Officer Oifigeach Mic Léinn Lánfhásta

Postgraduate Officer An tOifigeach Iarchéime

su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie 0044 749 305 8229

su.equality@nuigalway.ie 087 917 8232

su.maturestudents@nuigalway.ie 086 314 4619

su.postgrad@nuigalway.ie 086 275 8527

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 087 670 8339

su.clubs@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810

su.council@nuigalway.ie 085 765 1824

su.arts@nuigalway.ie 085 176 2031

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 hInnealtóireachtaagus na Faisnéisíochta

su.science@nuigalway.ie 085 756 8143

su.medicine@nuigalway.ie 087 246 3624

su.business@nuigalway.ie 085 703 6220

su.engineering@nuigalway.ie 085 763 8918

Cónall Ó Corra

Ruth Sweeney

Seán Guinan

Clare Austick

Conor Ó Beoláin

Sarah Murphy

Eugene O’Flaherty

Emily McNamara

Fiachra Mac Suibhne

Colm Duffy

Sabrina Vaughan

Christopher D’Arcy

4

SU Council Comhairle an Chomhaltais

For 2017/2018 the Students’ Union had an elected Class Representative pool in excess of 750 leaders.

The increase in representative numbers arose as a result of our engagement with postgraduate taught students, postgraduate research students and a campaign in which the Union collaborated with the University staff to elect and register undergraduate class reps.

At our SU Councils’, Class Representatives held the Students’ Union executive to account, provided direction on Students’ Union policy and debated motions put forward by their fellow representatives.

Class Reps also attended an Emergency motion to rally support for the March for Publicly Funded Education, attended their College Councils and took part in the SU Elections and Leadership Evening.

With a concerted effort to standardise the election process across NUI Galway and the work of the Students’ Union Executive to collectively take responsibility for electing representatives, we were fortunate to have a diverse and vocal pool of Class Reps contribute to the work of the Union. Our SU Councils were overseen by our SU Chairperson, Emily McNamara, who provided fair and balanced leadership throughout the meetings.

Through the National Student Engagement Programme we provided Class Rep Training whilst also recognising the work of the Class Rep by providing them with a hoodie.

The Class Representatives of 2017/2018 proved themselves engaged student leaders and made a meaningful impact on the student experience of their peers!

SU Chairperson, SU College Convenors and Postgraduate Officer of 2017/2018 A special thanks to the work done by the Chairperson, College Convenors and Postgraduate Officer on electing and engaging with Class Representatives.

• • • • • • •

Council Chairperson – Emily McNamara Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies Convenor – Sabrina Vaughan Science Convenor – Seán Guinan Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences Convenor – Sarah Murphy Engineering & Informatics Convenor –Christopher D’Arcy Business, Public Policy & Law Convenor – Fiachra Mac Suibhne Postgraduate Officer- Colm Duffy

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SIN Newspaper Nuachtán SIN

SIN (Student Independent News) is Galway’s only student newspaper with 12 issues - one per fortnight – published over the academic year and a circulation of 6,000 copies. SIN is student and campus focused, celebrating the achievements of NUI Galway’s students, athletes, artists, writers and staff.

2017/2018 Highlights: • • •

2017/2018 Team: • • • • • • • •

News and Features - Connell McHugh Opinion - Teodora Bandut Lifestyle and Fashion - Amy McMahon Entertainment - Michael Glynn Sport - Graham Gillespie Online - Aine Kenny and Marie Coady

Special issues were published throughout the year, including a Halloween issue, a Christmas issue, a Valentine’s Day issue and one issue with an Elections supplement in the run-up to the Students’ Union Elections. Each of these issues had its own unique design, with matching graphics and images, courtesy of designer, Shannon Reeves.

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Rebecca Fisher was nominated for a Smedia award in the Irish-language category.

Martha Brennan secured an internship with the Irish Times.

Aine Kenny was shortlisted for the INM summer internship.

This year SIN contributors interviewed new NUI Galway president Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh as well as members of Galway’s All-Ireland winning hurling squad, Izzy Wheels founders Ailbhe and Isabelle Keane, and covered many other topical student issues and stories.

SIN is published in association with the NUI Galway Student’s Union, but retains editorial independence.

6

Elections Toghcháin

In March and April the campus was engulfed in election fever for the Students’ Union elections. Forty-seven students put their names on ballot papers seeking election to the 2018-2019 Students’ Union Executive. An earlier referendum in February had amended the SU Constitution to merge/alter some Officer positions whilst also creating 5 new positions.

Three polling stations and an online Remote Vote option were available for students to cast their votes. Colm Jordan oversaw the elections ensuring a fastidious adherence to procedure and regulations.

Despite the high number of candidates and one referenda, the overall voter turnout across the full and part time officer elections was disappointing. A further review of the election process is scheduled for the coming year to address this issue. The April referendum created a further position of Ethnic Minorities Officer which will be filled at the start of the 2018/19 academic year.

The successful candidates in the elections were:

Position

Name

President Megan Reilly Vice President / Education Officer

Louis Courtney

Vice President / Welfare and Equality Officer

Clare Austick

Oifigeach na Gaeilge Adhna Nic Dhonnchadha Mature Students’ Officer Chuka Paul Oguekwe Postgraduate Taught Officer Cameron Keighron Postgraduate Research Officer Jibran Abbasi Societies Chairperson Brandon Walsh Clubs Captain Ryan Guilfoyle SU Council Chairperson Sabrina Vaughan Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies Rían McKeagney Convenor of the College of Science

Scott Green

Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences

Liezel Ravenscroft

Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law

Clodagh McGivern

Convenor of the College of Engineering & Informatics

Roshan George

International Students Officer Daniel McFadden Gender and LGBT+ Rights Officer

Alex Coughlan

Disability Rights Officer Muireann O’Sullivan

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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 2017 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 issue of couples of the same gender availing of Civil Marriage Passed March 2014 The Students’ Union has a policy of supporting couples of the same gender availing of civil marriage. Following the national referendum in May 2015, this policy has been fulfilled.

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 include 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.

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CÉIM

Supporting the first year experience Initiated by NUI Galway Students’ Union in 2013, CÉIM is an academic peer learning programme that supports 1st year students’ transition to higher education, health and wellbeing, academic success and progression. CÉIM is delivered via a partnership between students, academic staff and the Students’ Union and was offered to approximately 750 students in 2017/18. During the 2018/19 academic year, CÉIM will be further rolled out in the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies to Political Science and Sociology students, which will bring the number of students being offered CÉIM to 1,200.

CÉIM is based on the well-evidenced Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) or Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) model used in over 30 countries. 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. Research shows that regular CÉIM attendees on average achieve considerably higher grades (10-19% higher) than irregular and non-attendees.

CÉIM in numbers Since 2013: • 2,450 1st year students have been offered CÉIM peer learning to date Smooth transition to higher education • Navigating the system at NUI Galway • Developing independent learning skills

• • • • •

1,210 hour-long peer learning sessions have been provided 180 2nd and 3rd year leaders have received intensive leadership training 9,350 hours have been volunteered by CÉIM leaders 99% of Engineering leaders have completed the programme 91%ofArtsleadershavecompletedtheprogramme

‘I really think there’s a need for people to help first years through this year because I found it daunting and having those CÉIM leaders there was a great comfort. It made me feel like I was being pointed in the right direction’ 2017/18 1st year student ‘We have a space to really apply our passion for our courses and enjoyment of helping others, while at the same time learning new skills and improving skills ourselves. It gives not just students but leaders that feeling of community within the college’ 2017/18 CÉIM leader ‘Active learning, academic engagement, learner development, confidence building, leadership and employability, community and resilience – CÉIM does it all!’ Dr Iain Mac Labhrainn, Director of CELT

Academic success • Building learning communities • Developing discipline identity • Practising academic skills • Using the language of the discipline and discussing threshold concepts

Supporting progression to 2nd year

Start of 1st year

2nd Year

Building social networks • Developing a sense of belonging • Supporting student health and wellbeing

Development of transferable skills • Supporting graduate attributes

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Life Skills Programme Scileanna Saoil

The Life Skills Programme saw the Students’ Union running courses throughout the year to allow students the opportunity to enhance their life skills away from their academic studies and also improve their employability.

The programme continues to go from strength to strength with over 500 students completing 12 different courses.

Sult and their suppliers ran two hugely popular Bar Skills Training courses in semester two with all the registration fees donated to the SU Charities – Domestic Violence Response & AMACH! In partnership with Galway Rape Crisis Centre a course in Disclosure Training was again offered to students this year which equipped them with the skills to deal with appropriately with a disclosure of sexual violence.

Child Protection Training was offered in partnership with the ALIVE volunteering office.

A free Mind Hacks course was held in October to help students deal with stress and build resilience. Helplink Support Services facilitated the training.

The SU worked with the Emergency Services Training Institute to bring more Occupational First Aid, Manual Handling and Cardiac First Responder courses to Campus. These classes gave students vital lifesaving skills to allow them to deal with emergency situations.

In semester one and semester two Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) courses were again run on Campus in conjunction with the HSE to equip students with the skills to recognise the danger signs for someone who is a suicide risk.

The SU teamed up with Professional MMA Fighter Benjamin Davis from Shaolin MMA Galway to provide a very popular Mixed Martial Arts for Self Defence course.

A series of sign language courses were held during the year which gave students the basic skills needed to converse in sign language with deaf people.

The Students’ Union also worked with Galway One World Centre to bring their popular Anti-Racism training course back to campus.

Students got to de-stress and improve their flexibility at the SU Yoga classes which are now held all year round.

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Fundraising Tiomsú Airgid

NUI Galway Students’ Union ran a selection of unique charity events this year raising €20,500 for our chosen charities: Domestic Violence Response and AMACH! Domestic Violence Response is a community led organisation responding to the issue of domestic violence in Galway County. AMACH! is a volunteer run organisation which represents and advocates on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in Galway city and county.

In November we held our SU Run Day with a fun 5k run on campus on a, thankfully, sunny Sunday with over 120 staff and students taking part in the charity event.

Christmas came early again to NUI Galway with our massive Christmas Day fundraiser at Sult in partnership with Electric Garden & Theatre in November raising an amazing €10,000 for Domestic Violence Response/AMACH! There was a traditional Christmas dinner, Christmas carols, crackers, advent calendars, cheesy Christmas tunes and lots of prizes for the best/worst Christmas jumpers along with a whole lot of other early Festive merriment!

In November, following weeks of training, NUI Galway students took on their bitter rivals in GMIT for a Charity Fight Night to raise money for a number of charities including Domestic Violence Response and AMACH! In December students got to take part in The Ultimate Study Break again with the Big Fat Charity Cake Sale AND Wooly Ward’s Petting Farm Visit during study week. Campus was invaded by rabbits, gerbils, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, chicks, hens, turkeys, geese, ducks, sheep, goats and Kuzco the Llama. There was also plenty of cake, tea, raffle prizes and tunes from Flirt FM. The event raised over €600 for Domestic Violence Response/AMACH! The Gourmet Tart Company, Murrays, Mocha Beans, Café Temple, BakingSoc and our wonderful volunteers all generously donated tasty treats for the event.

SU Officers, staff and volunteers took to the streets of Galway on a cold, wet and windy Saturday in February for their annual Charity Collection Day during which they convinced the good people of Galway to part with their spare change – over €1,000 worth of it!

On a snowy, cold and sunny Saturday in February the brave students of NUI Galway and members of the NUIG Mountaineering Club took part in the SU Charity Croagh Patrick Climb and raised €1,763 for charity.

Our SU Charity Comedy gig featured comedian David O’Doherty in January in the O’Flaherty Theatre with all proceeds going to the SU Charites from a hilarious night.

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Entertainment & Events Siamsaíocht agus Imeachtaí

Freshers’ September 2017 Freshers’ events this year included another massive week of Orientation which included our Outdoor Cinema at NUI Galway, Speed Friending, Bingo, DJs, photo booths, karaoke, Clubs day, Societies day and the ALIVE Volunteering Fair. The Freshers’ Fair was back with student friendly companies, inflatables, freebies and yummy food from market stalls welcoming students to campus. 12,000 copies of the free SU Diary were snapped up by students in less than two weeks!

Freshers’ Gigs included comedy hypnosis with Michael McCoy, tunes from Red-Tape, DJ’s, karaoke and Bingo Loco at Sult. Students and staff also got the opportunity to sign up for the Coke Zero bike scheme for free in September.

Working and Travelling Abroad Fair The sixth NUI Galway Students’ Union Working and Travelling Abroad Fair took place at the end of January in Áras na Mac Léinn. This FREE Event brought together J1 Visa Companies, travel companies, volunteering/adventure companies, internship and training companies to help NUI Galway students plan their summer. There were also delicious market stalls to keep bellies full as summer plans were hatched!

Comedy Over the year NUI Galway students again had a chance to see award winning comedians on Campus at a fraction of their usual ticket price with all gigs just€5!

The year’s comedy kicked off with an amazing sell out gig from fabulous comedy hypnotist Michael McCoy as part of our Freshers’ events in September and our SHAG week in February.

In October comedian Neil Delamere brought his show to a sold out O’Flaherty Theatre with support from Gearóid Farrelly.

During Equality Week campus favourites Steven Sharpe and Steve Bennett presented A Stevening at Sult.

During SHAG week The Dirty Circus came back to Sult with their own special brand of Comedy, Burlesque, Cabaret and Sauciness!

In January one of our campus heroes David O’Doherty returned to play another sold out NUIG SU charity comedy gig.

Pink Training In November we were delighted to host 300+ delegates attending Union of Students in Ireland (USI) Pink Training 2017 along with GIG Soc. Pink Training is the largest LGBT+ training event in Europe bringing together hundreds of LGBT+ students and their allies to get informed about their rights, their access to power and what they can do to bring about positive change in Irish society.

Study Week De-Stress Events In April we held a number of events to give students a well needed break from the books including an ice cream van giving out free ice cream, a welcome return of Wooly Ward’s Pet Farm, a confidence building workshop and an inflatable basketball game. During exams we also distributed exam destress packs including sweets, stress balls and a colouring book. Sult and Smokey’s Café continued to make sure everyone was well fed with free porridge during exam season.

Outreach Projects In February & March the SU organised 46 NUI Galway teams who competed in the Marchathon Challenge. 178 staff & students took part, with the 46 teams taking a total of 33,083,800 steps over the 4 weeks of the challenge despite the arrival of the Beast from the East! So that’s 26,467 kilometers or just under two thirds of the way around the earth’s circumference!

Throughout the year we hosted the hugely popular Vintage Clothing Sale on a number of occasions and this is an event we hope to continue next year.

In February we hosted the Road Safety Authority shuttle and crash simulators on campus for a very informative Road Safety Awareness Day. Rugby NUI Galway Students’ Union partnership with Connacht Rugby continued in 2017/18 with students benefiting from huge discounts on tickets for all of the Connacht home matches throughout the season.

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Campaigns Feachtasaí

NUI Galway Students’ Union ran many campaigns throughout the 2017-18 academic year. Ranging from welfare campaigns, mental and sexual health weeks etc. to exam de-stress campaigns, Repeal the 8th and more.

show support to the LGBT+ Community. These events focussed on highlighting and addressing important issues as well as fostering a sense of community, inclusivity and celebration of people between staff and students across NUIG and Galway City.

Welfare campaigns are a staple of SU campaigns, and this year included two Mental Health weeks; one each semester, including positive pebbles across campus, talks, and the signposting of services both on and off campus. We incorporated the NUIG #littlethings Mental Health and Wellbeing Campaign, highlighting things you can do for yourself and others that will have a positive impact on how you feel and how you cope. RTE news did a piece on our Welfare Crew around exam time; to show that there are always supports available on and off campus for those who need them.

We were also involved with SolidariTea; a coffee morning organised by lecturers and students to show support to the 4 women taking the gender inequality cases. 100’s of students, lecturers and staff turned up on the day and tweeted from afar to show support.

Sexual Health and Guidance Weeks (SHAG) were run in both the first and second semesters. There were extended hours of the free weekly STI clinic in the Student Health Unit during both weeks. This year we flipped SHAG week on its head and instead of the traditional focus on contraception and STIs, we expanded to include much more on sex positivity. To this effect we introduced Sex Toy Bingo to NUIG, a fun and inclusive night with a focus on having more open conversations about sex. We also ran a Q&A with a Sex shop owner, a menstrual health workshop, and a saucy cabaret by the Dirty Circus during the week. Sex toy bingo has become a popular event in Students’ Unions all across Ireland now, and we won a USI Student Achievement award for it!

The SU led two very successful Exam De-stress campaigns in each semester. The first ‘Are you well?’ focused on wellness and taking care of each other, and the second included many fun de-stress activities, such as ice cream vans, hula hoops on campus, and our very own de-stress guide and colouring book!

This has been the pivotal year for the Repeal the 8th Amendment campaign, and the Students’ Union has had heavy involvement in it. In September we brought 150 students to Dublin to take part in the National March for Choice. Throughout the year we registered the most amount of students to vote out of any institution in the country (around 3,000). On top of that our Students for Choice Taskforce has held fundraisers and canvassing training, given out hundreds of badges and postered the campus with Reasons to repeal.

Equality Officer, Clare Austick established a group of volunteers known as the ‘EqualiTeam’ who ran a series of great events throughout the year. There were two Equality Weeks, one each semester with over 15 events organised; including panel discussions, information evenings, seminars and stunts on Direct Provision, Disabilities, Gender Inequality, Repealing the 8th Amendment and Universal Design for Learning. More light-hearted events included a lip sync battle and drag event, a cultural food fair, a disability-friendly movie evening, music & comedy nights and the Official Launch of the University of Sanctuary Campaign. Rainbow badges were distributed across campus by the EqualiTeam to

Oifigeach na Gaeilge Conall O’Corra organised Lá Dearg na Mac Léinn in April; a day of action to express our anger in regards to the lack of opportunities available to Irish graduates and the young people of the Gaeltacht.

13

SU

Lockers ...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

SU

...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

Cloakroom ...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

SU Life

Skills

...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

Students’ Union Services

SU LOCKERS

Secondhand

Bookstore

...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

Seirbhísí Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn Gaeilge

SU LOCKERS

SU LOCKERS SU LOCKERS

SU LOCKERS

SU CLOAKROOM

grinds REGISTER SU

SU CLOAKROOM Caife

SU LOCKERS SU LOCKERS SUSU CLOAKROOM

Life Skills

grinds REGISTER SU

SU LOCKERS

grinds REGISTER SU

SEOMRA CÓTAÍ AN CHOMHALTAIS

grinds ENTS

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SU

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SEOMRA CÓTAÍ TAISCEADÁIN AN CHOMHALTAIS AN CHOMHALTAIS

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NUACHTÁN SAOR IN AISCE

Student Independent News

Second Hand SIOPA LEABHAR ATHLÁIMHE

BOOKSTORE an Chomhaltais

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Clár Scileanna Saoil

clár

SU Sult SU CLOAKROOM Students’ Union Life Skills Sult were flat out all year with Class Parties, charity REGISTER fundraising, events, signature pizzas, ourStudents’ ever Union SU Students’ Union popular Bia Boxes, an improved sandwich bar menu..

Life Skills ENTS ENTS BOOKSTORE the list goes on.

Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn theClár money you spend campus stays on campus.

SUon LOCKERS SEOMRA CÓTAÍ Scileanna Saoil AN CHOMHALTAIS SultSecond contributes €30,000 to the Student Projects Fund Siamsaíocht DIANCHEACHTANNA Hand SIOPA LEABHAR an Chomhaltais SU CHOMHALTAIS SEOMRA CÓTAÍ BOOKSTORE every year making the biggest single contributor SU CLOAKROOMAN it ATHLÁIMH ANECHOMHALTAIS to the fund.

Sult also contributes €30,000 directly to Clár Scileanna Saoil Siamsaíocht REGISTER SIOPA LEABHAR an Chomhaltais Siamsaíocht Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn SIOPA LEABHAR theBOOKSTORE Students’ Union regardless of it’s profit levels. an Chomhaltais ATHLÁIMH E ATHLÁIMHE

Over 18 weeks of term we hosted the following: Students’ Union

Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn Student Employment OverSiamsaíocht 50% of our staff are students and in Sult, over LEABHAR Chomhaltais 85% anof our staff areSIOPA students.

ATHLÁIMH E Students’ Union

SU

Second Hand

• • • • • • •

ENTS BOOKSTORE Charity Fundraising Events: 23 Class Parties: 127 Club Parties: 91 Departmental & Postgrad Staff Parties: 128 Society Events: 136 Students’ Union Events: 43 Live Sport on the Big Screen: 48 Second Hand

Students’ Union Shop The Students’ Union shop continued to provide discounted newspapers, cheap water & fruit and all of your stationary needs again this year. The shop has won numerous awards over the past number of years including “Best Confectionery department” Award in the ShelfLife Magazine Awards for the best sweet temptation section ever!

Cafés Smokey’s Café, Caifé na Gaeilge and the Wall Café are still the top spots to relax over coffee between lectures on Campus. Smokey’s Café added extra microwave facilities added for students. The Wall Café remained open all year long to cater for students and staff who spend more time on campus than off campus.

SU Card The SU Card enjoyed its eighth birthday at the start of the year. It’s a great way to get better value and it’s our way to thank students and staff for supporting us. Throughout the year the IT system in our outlets has been developed to ensure students can use their SU Cards in all Students’ Union outlets.

Some highlights of the SU Card in 2017/18 • • • •

1,940,000 points awarded 1,700 free dinners 10,800 free teas/coffees 9,000 active accounts in 2017/18

Reinvesting in You As always, the profits earned from any Students’ Union services are reinvested in the Students’ Union to further develop and expand what we do for you.

What makes the Students’ Union services unique is

...Do Chomha

SU CARD AN CHOMHALTAIS

Clár Scileanna Saoil

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clár DIANCHEACHTANNA TAISCEADÁIN

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SU TAISCEADÁIN

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...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

SU

SU CLOAKROOM

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TAISCEADÁIN AN CHOMHALTAIS

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SU LOCKERS

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Second Hand

SU

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an Chomhaltais

Second Hand

BOOKSTORE

Siamsaíocht an Chomhaltais

This year Sult and Smokey’s Café continued distibuting free porridge to make sure that NUI Galway students weren’t starting the day on an empty stomach especially during exams. In Smokey’s alone we gave out 1,200 FREE breakfasts!

Sponsorship of Student Events Over the course of the year we support many of the good causes run by the different charities, clubs and societies on campus.

Lockers The Students’ Union rents lockers in various locations across campus. 1,749 student lockers were rented this year.

Student Leap Cards A massive 2,396 students purchased Student Leap Cards through the Students’ Union in 2017/18.

Secondhand Books The Secondhand bookshop service continues to go from strenght to strength. We sold 1,568 of your books this year.

Students’ Union Cloakroom The Cloakroom is run and managed by the Students’ Union. Cloakroom staff are all students and the service is provided free of charge to students on Thursday and Fridays during term time.

Students’ Union Diary 12,000 free Students’ Union diaries were distributed in the first semester. The diary is a useful resource for students and contains information on exam dates, campus facilities and Clubs & Societies.

SIOP AT

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14

Incoming Executive 2018/19 Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2018/19

Vice President / Education Officer Leas Uachtarán / Oifigeach Oideachais

Louis Courtney

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 6138

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 hInnealtóireachtaagus 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

Jibran Abassi

Rían McKeagney

Roshan George

Election in September

su.ethnicminorities@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810

www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU