University of Galway Students' Union Welcome Magazine 2022 by SIN Newspaper University of Galway

Welcome Fáilte

Your SU President

Hi everyone, I’m Sai Gujulla and I’m your Students’ Union President for the academic year 2022/2023! I was previously your Convenor of Science & Engineering 21/22 so I have experience in dealing with a variety of issues related to academics and welfare such as cost of course essentials and overlapping assignments.

So, please feel free to message or email me if you have any issues/suggestions or just to have a casual chat! We are here to ensure that you have the best university experience possible and to make sure that your voice is heard! So, please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time and I look forward to interacting with you this year to build a university for everyone.

Your SU Vice President / Education Officer

Hello everyone, my name is Joe and I will be your VicePresident for Education in the 22/23 academic year. My mission is to champion a culture of transparency, cooperation and engagement within our student movement. I hope my research-based cooperative approach will lead to noticeable changes in your day to day experiences.

I originally became involved in the student movement due to my own struggles growing up with dyslexia. I wanted to support students struggling in their attainment of education. I passionately believe “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” I will endeavour to ensure all students can reach their fullest potential.

Your SU Vice President/ Welfare and Equality Officer

Hi my name is Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer and I have been elected as your Vice President for Welfare and Equality for the coming year. That means it is my job to support you through any issues you might face whether they be mental health, financial, academic etc.

I hope to be someone you can rely on for help and I encourage any student to reach out with any problems and we can work together to solve them! I will strive to make sure every student has equal opportunity and equality of access. My door is always open!

Your SU Vice President for the Irish Language

Haigh a chairde! My name is Barry Ó Siochrú (sé/é) and I’m so so delighted to be your first Vice-President for Gaeilge. I’m from Tralee Co. Kerry studying Gaeilge agus Léann an Aistriúchán. I’m looking forward to this opportunity to be a voice for Gaeilge and for students. I spent two years involved with the Cumann Gaelach and a couple of other societies and I was on CMLOÉG Coiste Gnó 2020/2021 as the Societies Chairperson.

If you have any questions about anything or are looking for some Gaeilge guidance, I’m always here to give some tips and tricks. This is the first time any university will have a Vice President for Gaeilge so I’m really looking forward to working with all students to make this year a fabulous Gaeilge year. Ag súil mór le bualadh libh!

Your SU Part Time Officer Team 2022 -2023

Tom Forde Holly Leech

Rain Puiman Yan Jack Reidy

Vickie Popoola Tahsin Kamal

Raimey O’Boyle

Greta Westerwald MPA

Malena Thren

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

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

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

Convenor of the College of Science and Engineering / Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta agus na hInnealtóireachta

Your Students’ Union CoucilComhairle Chomhaltas

Na

Mac Léinn

Comhairle Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn is made up of class representatives from every class in the University. This body reviews and directs the work of the Students’ Union and it’s also an opportunity for class representatives to raise issues affecting their class.

How do I get involved? Class Rep elections will be held from the start of the year via the YourSpace platform until every class is represented. Once you are elected you will receive training and attend Class Rep and Comhairle Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn meetings during the year to act as the voice of your class.

What’s in it for me?

• Skills and engagement training

• Experience to enhance your CV

• Expand your network

• Make new friends

• A free Class Rep Hoodie!

Contact Joe on su.education@oegaillimh.ie for more information about becoming a Class Rep

The Student LevyIt’s Your Money

All NUI Galway students pay the Student Levy in addition to annual fees. The Student Levy is used to fund a number of student activities such as the Students’ Union; Clubs; Societies; Student Health Unit; Campus Radio; and the CÉIM Peer Learning Programme.

The Levy is required because the University does not provide adequate funding for these services. Other colleges have much better facilities that their students do not have to subsidise, and their students’ union, clubs and societies also receive better funding.

This is something your Students’ Union is always working on. Last year the Student Levy was reduced from €224 per student to €140 per student which means NUI Galway students are no longer paying the highest levy in the country.

The Student Levy is distributed as follows:

Total

€140.00

The Student Levy is your money so if you have any questions about how it is spent, be sure to ask! Simply contact the SU President, Sai, on su.president@oegaillimh.ie The Students’ Union presents its accounts to Comhairle Comhaltas na Mac Léinn (SU Council) each year and they are also available to download from our website.

Peer learning for 1st year students

CÉIM is an academic peer learning scheme for 1st year Engineering/Construction Management, Geography, Law, Political Science and Sociology, and Psychology students. Based on the wellevidenced 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 between students, academic staff and the Students’ Union.

CÉIM supports 1st year students to:

• Transition successfully to NUI Galway

• Make friends in their discipline

• Succeed academically

• Develop study skills

• Practice transferable skills

• Complete their studies

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.

Impact of CÉIM

• Regular CÉIM attendees on average achieve higher grades (11-31% higher) than irregular and nonattendees

• 83% of 1st year students surveyed in 2021/22 say CÉIM helped them meet others on their course

What 1st year students say about CÉIM

‘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.’

‘...allowed me to gain friends and build connections where I felt I could easily ask for help’.

‘... it is an amazing scheme!’

www.ceim.su.nuigalway.ie

Your SU Services

Student Leap Card – We are a Student Leap Card agent so you can apply for the card online and then call to our office upstairs in Áras na Mac Léinn with your code so we can print the card off for you. You can also top up your card with credit in our office and save money when you travel.

Students’ Union Shop – The Students’ Union operates the campus shop in the basement of the Library building. Here you can buy NUI Galway hoodies and t-shirts, phone credit, laptop bags, stationery, newspapers refreshments, lab coats, dissection kits, confectionery, minerals, hot beverages and all the grocery essentials you need. We also have an online shop.

Lockers and Cloakroom – We rent out lockers across campus and you can book yours on www.yourspace.nuigalway.ie. Our free cloakroom service is open during term in the Library basement near the SU Shop.

Sult – Sult is everyone’s favourite on-campus bar/food/music/live sport and event space. It’s located beside Áras na Mac Léinn and is run by your Students’ Union. Sult offers the best coffee on campus along with top quality food and beverages at great prices. It’s the place to be for class parties, fundraisers, club and society events, DJs, bands, comedy, karaoke and lots more! Outdoor seating is available on our Riverside Terrace.

SU Card – Before you do anything else make sure you get your SU Card! It’s free and can be used in our SU Outlets – Sult, Smokey’s and the SU Shop – to collect points, get deals and save you money.

Students’ Union

Smokey’s – Smokey’s Café on the Concourse is a great meeting spot with amazing coffee, snacks, juices, smoothies, wraps, toasties and lots of sweet treats!

AN CHOMHALTAIS

Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn an Chomhaltais AN CHOMHALTAIS

Siamsaíocht an Chomhaltais

Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn an Chomhaltais AN CHOMHALTAIS

Siamsaíocht an Chomhaltais

SIOPA LEABHAR ATHLÁIMH E

Entertainment and Campaigns – Throughout the year we will be running lots of campaigns and events to get you engaged and help you meet new people. From SHAG Week to the outdoor cinema we’ve got lots planned! Join the Welfare Crew or the Events Crew if you want to get involved. You can also sign up for our Charity Challenge.

Bookshop – We operate an online second-hand bookshop where you can buy or sell books to other NUI Galway students.

Life Skills – Our Life Skills Programme offers a chance to further your development outside of the academic world through classes such as: First Aid, Sign Language, Suicide Prevention, Disclosure Training and AntiRacism Training. Classes are at a reduced rate and fill up fast!

Grinds and Skills Register – We run registers on our website for grinds and skills. Here you can find people to help you with your subjects or advertise your own skills and make some cash.

SIOPA LEABHAR ATHLÁIMH E

ACTIVE* CONSENT TIPS FOR HANDLING A DISCLOSURE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

DON'T DO

Don't ask "Were you drunk?/Are you sure?/Why did you go home with them?":

That sounds like you think it's their fault. Try to listen without judgement.

Do say "I believe you":

Telling someone about a negative sexual experience can be very stressful. Let the person know that you believe them, and are here to support them.

While it is

difficult to hear about someone's negative experience, take a breath and try to focus on their feelings, instead of your own. Don't say things like "I'm going to kill them!":

Don't rush them into sharing anything they don't want to: They might just tell you a bit, or they may tell you the whole story.

Don't say "You HAVE to report it!":

Whatever happens next should be the survivor's choice. Pressuring them to take action they don't want can be disempowering and retraumatising.

Do ask "What do you want to do next?":

They might not know what they want to do right away, but whatever happens next needs to be the survivor's choice.

Do ask "How can I help?":

You could offer to find out about support services like student counselling, SU Welfare, or your local Rape Crisis Centre. Even just listening can make a huge difference.

Do look after yourself:

Hearing about a negative sexual experience can be very difficult. Make time for your own selfcare and mental wellbeing.

Fundraise for the SU Charities

Your Welfare

Here’s a list of just some of the many supports available for you and if you’ve any questions please contact Cora your SU Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer.

• Student Assistance Fund – Provides Financial Aid for students experiencing Financial Hardship.

• Accommodation and Welfare Office – The Accommodation and Welfare Office can advise you on accommodation and other wellbeing issues. Threshold also offer free advice on accommodation issues.

• Access Centre – The University’s Access Centre aims to create a supportive learning environment where students who have experienced socio-economic disadvantage, students with disabilities and mature students are enabled to access and succeed in third level education.

• FLAC – FLAC provide free legal advice for students.

• Student Health Unit – The Student Health Unit provides on-campus medical care to NUIG students. You can book your appointment via their website.

• Disability Support Service - The Disability Support Service is available to NUIG students who need supports or reasonable accommodations due to the impact of a disability, ongoing physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difficulty.

• Sexual Health – You can get free condoms and pregnancy tests from the SU Office if you need them. Sexual Health West offer great advice and services too. Watch our for our SHAG Week campaigns during the year to learn more about your sexual health and wellbeing.

• Active* Consent – The programme supports young people to have positive and confident sexual health and well-being through Active* Consent.

• Galway Safe App - The “Galway Safe App” uses GPS technology to offer support to people detected lingering in particular waterside areas of the city late at night or early in the morning.

• Your Mental Health – The Student Counselling service is an important free resource for NUIG students. You can also get support from the Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Centre.

• Being LGBTQA+ on Campus – Bród Soc is NUI Galway’s LGBTQA+ society, which provides a safe place for LGBTQA+ students to come and meet and to socialise in a fun atmosphere. NUI Galway is a welcoming and diverse campus but should you encounter any issues of discrimination or harassment in any form please contact the Students’ Union.

• The Student Pantry – is an initiative developed to encourage more sustainable food choices whilst helping to combat food wastage. All members of the University community are welcome to attend and take what food they will use.

• Speak Out – is an online tool where you can anonymously report experiences of violence, bullying, and sexual harassment https://nuig.speakout.ie/

Your Education

Here’s a list of some of the many supports available for you and if you’ve any questions please contact Clodagh your Students’ Union Vice President/Education Officer

• Library – During your time at NUIG you will use the Library for a range of services. You can study there, work collaboratively with colleagues, borrow course books, use the library’s online resources to search for information and be creative in the Maker Space. They run great skills training sessions throughout the year too.

• ATS – Attract Transition Succeed (ATS) Mentoring Programme aims to provide peer mentoring and appropriate support services that will enable participating students to successfully complete their educational objectives while making college life, exciting, fulfilling and successful.

• SUMS – SUMS is a free drop-in Mathematics and Statistics support center for all NUIG undergraduate students.

• Academic Writing Centre – The Academic Writing Centre offers free one-on-one tutorials on essay writing for students. They can help you if you are having trouble starting your essay or choosing an essay topic.

• ComputerDISC – ComputerDISC (Computer Programming Drop-In Support Centre) is a free resource for all NUIG students that are enrolled in computer programming or software development courses.

• Academic Skills Hub – NUIG’s online Academic Skills Hub aims to support students to develop key skills required for academic success.

• Career Development Centre – The Career Development Centre supports students in developing and implementing successful career plans, liaises with employers on graduate recruitment and facilitates a work placement module for a number of academic programmes.

• Employability Award – The Employability Award recognizes what you have learned and the skills you have developed through work and extra-curricular activities.

• ISS – Information Solutions and Services (ISS) are here to help you with any IT problems you might be having. They have a helpdesk in the Library or you can contact them online.

• DigiChamps – DigiChamps are a staff/student partnership at NUI Galway that’s all about developing your digital confidence and skills.

tuesdays & wednesdays

Your Spare Time

• Sin Newspaper – Sin is Galway’s only Student Newspaper and was the winner of College Newspaper of the Year Award 2019. Sin is out every two weeks with 6 issues per semester. It’s your student and campus focused news source so make sure to read up on what’s going on. You can also volunteer to help out with the paper if you want to try writing or photography - we would love to have you on board.

• Flirt FM – Flirt FM 101.3 is the award winning student radio station for Galway city. The station is by, of and for the third-level students of Galway. They’ve lots of fantastic volunteering opportunities so why not tune in and get involved.

• NUI Galway Sports Clubs – There are over 50 sports clubs on campus for you to try for free! They range from Archery to Athletics, Basketball to Rowing, Mountaineering to Frisbee – their aim is to involve as many students as possible in activity. Each club offers activities, training and social events for all levels and abilities.

• Student Societies – There are over 120 student societies on campus providing the ideal way to make new friends who share your interests, learn new skills and broaden your university learning experience. They organize trips, events, guest speakers, workshops, classes, parties and glamorous gala balls.

• ALIVE Student Volunteering Programme – ALIVE has a bank of projects that you can volunteer with and gain the NUI Galway Presidential Award for Volunteering “The ALIVE Certificate”. Volunteering is a great way to meet new friends, make a difference, give back to the community, build your skills and have fun!

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR VOLUNTEERING

Volunteer projects with environment, health, education, international, arts and more!

You are invited to complete your online Volunteer Diary and you can achieve the Campus Award for Volunteering

Volunteer

Visit nuigalway.ie/alive to view volunteer projects and sign up!

Visit us for the Chat

ALIVE is located Ground Floor Aras na Mac Leinn

Campus Map

Léarscáil den Champas Campus Map

Campas Thuaidh, an Daingean Nor th Campus, Dangan

Áras Spóir t, an Daingean The Spor ts Pavilion

Páirc Ghnó an Daingin A Dangan Business Park A Páirceáil agus Taisteal Park and Ride

Chear ta an Duine Irish Centre for Human Rights

Oileán an Iarla Earls Island

Scoil Scannán & Meán Digiteach Huston Huston School of Film & Digital Media

Áras Mháir tín Uí Riain Ryan Institute (Mar tin Ryan Building)

An Chearnóg Quadrangle

Áras na Mac Léinn (Sciathán Bailey Allen)

Áras na Mac Léinn (Bailey Allen Wing)

Bitheolaíocht Dhaonna

Human Biology

Áras Uí Chathail (S.I.D.)

Áras Uí Argadáin

The Hardiman Building

Áras Dán na Mílaoise

Ar ts Millennium Building

Foirgneamh na nDán/na hEolaíochta

Ar ts/Science Building

Áras Oirbsean

Orbsen Building

Foirgneamh IT IT Building

ándála

An tIonad Spóir t Spor ts Centre

An tIonad Taighde agus Nuálaíochta

Research & Innovation Centre

Áras Mhaighe Seola Moyola Building (Áras Moyola)

Innealtóireacht Engineering

Áras Cairnes

Cairnes Building

An tIonad Taighde don Chothú Sláinte Health Promotion Research Centre

Eochair Legend

Príomhbhealaí isteach d’fheithiclí Main vehicular entrances

Príomhbhealaí isteach do choisithe

Main pedestrian entrances

Slí inrochtana trasna an champais (do dhaoine maolghluaiste)

Accessible route across campus (for the mobility impaired)

Foirgnimh do sheisiúin eolais na chéad bhliana

undergraduate orientation

Forbair tí nua ar an gcampas New campus development sites

Ardaitheoirí Elevators

Caiféanna agus bialanna Cafés and restaurants

Beár an Choláiste Bar

Áiteanna Páirceála ar an gCampas Parking Loc ations on Campus

Spásanna Roinnte Comhaltaí Foirne & Mac Léinn

Áras na Gaeilge

Ionad Drámaíochta, Amharclannaíochta agus Taibhléirithe Uí Dhonnchú

Áras na Gaeilge O’Donoghue Centre - Drama Theatre & Performance

Spásanna Foirne

Spásanna ‘Íoc & Taispeáin’ (Í & T ) Pay & Display Spaces (P&D)

Spásanna Mac Léinn Student Spaces

Spásanna do Chuair teoirí Amháin Reser ved Visitor Spaces

Cuasa do Dhaoine faoi Mhíchumas Disabled Access Bays

Chuig an Aerfort & Bóthar Bhaile Átha Cliath To Airport & Dublin Road

Anailísíochta Sonraí Insight Insight Centre for Data Analytics

Baile na Coiribe Corrib Village

An Naíolann The Crèche

Baile na Coiribe Corrib Village

An Séipéal Chapel

Droichead na gCúig Chéad

Quincentenary Bridge

Sign Up TODAY It’s

FREE

Get your free SU Card and earn points or free products every time you shop with us. Your SU Card can be used in any of the Students’ Union’s outlets.

• Sult

• Students’ Union Shop

• Smokey’s Café

Students’ Union outlets are open longer than other outlets, have the best prices and sell a huge range of products, so you will quickly start to earn beneﬁts. Also, when you spend money in SU outlets, that money stays on campus supporting student jobs and students’ union services. No other campus operator can say that!

Here’s what your SU Card gets you everyday

• Collect 2 points for every €1 spent*

• Buy 10 teas / coffees and get 1 free

• Special SU Card prices on food and drinks in Sult

Look out for the

Fáilte chuig d’Aontas. Welcome to your Union.

A bhuíoch le d ’Aontas, tá tú mar bhall d’Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn. Le 63 bliain anuas, táimid aitheanta mar ghuth na mac leinn in Éirinn agus táimid láidir mar gheall arrannpháir tíocht na mball, cosúil leatsa.

Thanks to your SU, you’re a member of the Union of Students in Ireland. For 63 years we’ve been the recognised voice of Ireland’s students and we’re strong because of members like you getting involved.

Is tusa AMLÉ . Tá lúchair orainn tú a bheith linn.

You are USI. We’re glad you could join us.

Ceard a chreideann AMLÉ | USI’s beliefs

Access to education is a fundamental right of all people in Ireland

Rochtain ar oideachas ...

...mar bhunchear t ag muintir na hÉ ireann uilig

Tá cear ta ag mac léinn... maith le tacaíocht airgeadais , tithíocht chuí agus poist shábháilte .

Students have rights to a decent standard of living including financial support, decent housing and decent safe jobs in Ireland, among others

Rannpháir tíocht na mac léinn...

...i gcur chun cinn agus cosaint cear ta daonna agus daonlathacha uilig

Students should be active in the promotion and defence of all human and democratic rights

Oibríonn AMLÉ ar do shon | What we do for you

Guth láidir amháin ar do shon...

...stocaireacht, feachtasaíocht agus idirbheartaíocht le polaiteoirí Rialtais agus eagraíochtaí oideachais.

A

strong unified voice

for you

lobbying, campaigning and negotiating with government, politicians # and education bodies

Ag tacú le d'Aontas Mac Léinn

Ag oiliúint d'oifigigh Aontas Mac Léinn agus ag cabhrú leo ionadaíocht a dhéanamh ort ar bhonn áitiúil, náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta.

Supporting

your Students' Union

Training and assisting your Students' Union o icers to represent you locally, nationally and internationally

Freastal ar riachtanas na mac léinn...

...feachtais mheabhairshláinte, eolas ar shláinte ghnéis agus obair ar an inbhuanaitheacht, tithíocht agus tacaíocht airgeadais.

Meeting students’ needs

Mental health campaigns, sexual health info and work on sustainability, housing and the environment.

1UNION NATIONAL 374,000 STUDENTS STUDYINGIN 32COUNTIES WITH

1 VOICE STRONG

Vice President for the Border, Midlands and West Region of USI

Hannah Brennan

Sai Gujulla President, CMLOÉG and member of USI Comhairle Náisiúnta

Here’s

some of our

Top Tips for life in Galway:

1. Buy a decent rain coat. Galway is known as the “Graveyard of Umbrellas”

2. Always walk in single file over the Salmon Weir Bridge or prepare to face death by a thousand dirty looks.

3. Don’t ask the DJ to play Galway Girl. Any version. Ever.

4. If you’re feeling sad/angry/hungover go and walk the Prom. You’ll feel better with the added bonus of beautifully sculpted cheekbones from the wind

5. Everywhere in Galway is a 10 minute walk (if you walk fast enough).

6. There’s always free stuff in the SU Office – condoms, pens, tampons, sweets, wall planners, rent books, advice, hugs etc. – just call in and ask nicely.

7. Join as many clubs and societies as possible. Get all the free pizza and pad out your CV with achievements like “Treasurer of the 4th Largest Home & Away Appreciation Society West of the Shannon”.

8. Carry a campus map with you at all times. You won’t get lost and you can also mark in where the treasure is buried.

9. Soggy socks are the depths of human misery. Always have a spare pair of socks within arm’s reach #WetAtlanticWay

10. Remember to always be a bag of cans and not a bag of cant’s.