University of Galway Students' Union Officer Handbook

Firstly, congratulations on your election as a Students’ Union officer. Whether you’re a returning officer or a new one, being elected to the Students’ Union is a great achievement and an opportunity to represent students at various levels throughout the University, as well as running campaigns and helping students on a one-to-one basis. This handbook provides some practical information about the history of the Union, its existing structures, and information about the University also. It aims to better equip you for the year ahead and can be used as a reference guide throughout the year.

1. SU History

University of Galway Students’ Union was originally established in 1911 as the Students’ Representative Council. This council was short-lived, but 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”. Below are some highlights from the Unions past.

“An injury to one is an injury to all”

1964 -1965

• Led by Michael D. Higgins 600 students marched to protest about “poor relations generally between the University and the local community” as many hotels refused to take visiting students, landladies discriminated against students in summer etc. The protest started at the Archway at University College, Galway and concluded at Seapoint Ballroom in Salthill.

• The Union also supported the Cement Strike at the time.

1969

• College Week (RAG Week) run for the first time after being banned by the Bishop in 1950s.

1970

• In December a protest by 1,000 students is held over not being allowed to use Aula Maxima during College Week for intervarsity ballad competition and other events.

• Also in 1970 300 students attended the courthouse for the trial of Michael Hehir and some are allegedly beaten up by Gardaí which leads to a subsequent protest by the students against Garda brutality and thuggery.

• Students also hold protests about grants this year.

• The Union becomes involved in the Resources Protection Campaign which is against Government ownership of Irish minerals, mining, offshore oil and gas.

1971

• In December three students are suspended following the occupation by 500 students of the Common Room. This occupation was to protest about a small reading room being taken away from students against the wishes of the student body and without authorisation of Governing Body.

• Students marched to Dublin to collect money for the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association, to reassert the demand that there be no collaboration between Free State and Stormont Government and to protest against internment. The march had overnight stops in Loughrea, Athlone, Kinnegad and Maynooth with a mass meeting in Dublin.

1972

• In October a National Day of Protest is held boycotting classes over fees and grants.

• In December a mass meeting is held as part of National Protest Day with the following demands: Repeal of Bill to amend the Offences against the State Act, Forcible Entry Act and Defence of Property Act; Release of all political prisoners; Repeal of Section 31 of Broadcasting Act; End of Government Censorship.

1973/74

• USI forms a working group on Infringement of Civil Liberties in Ireland and subsequently the Union becomes affiliated to Irish Council for Civil Liberties from 1977 – 1982.

1974 - 1975

• The Union supports the strike by the teaching section of the Workers Union of Ireland in UCG who were seeking parity of earnings with their colleagues in UCD.

• The Union attempts to set up an Inter-Union Council in UCG in which each staff Trade Union and section of the College could discuss and act on matters of common interest.

1974 - 1978

• The Union ran and subsidised the Creche/Nursery service for staff and students on Munster Avenue. However, this service had to close in June 1978 due to debts. In 1979 the Union began campaigning for a new crèche/nursery to be funded by College.

1975

• Union opposed the Minister for Educations proposals to restructure higher education.

• The Union supported the Irish Union of School Students.

• A major letter writing campaign to politicians regarding late payment of grants was held.

• The Union encouraged students to only pay the first half of their registration fees in Autumn as a protest against fee increases of 140% over 5 years.

1976

• Problems regarding use of the Common Room as the Aula was used for everything from discos to boxing to debating.

• In November a campaign was launched to highlight student issues of accommodation, grants, fees, lack of facilities and a lack of staff. On the Wednesday tents were set up in Eyre Square to highlight the accommodation crisis. On the Thursday there was a march to town alongside a 24 hour occupation of college offices. The following Monday a silent picket/funeral march was held outside the University Finance Committee meeting. This was followed by a nationwide all-out strike day and another march to town on December 8th.

1977

• Following the USI Grant Campaign, the Grant was increased by IR£150.

• The Union produces a major report on the fishing industry in Ireland arguing in favour of a minimum 50-mile exclusive limit for Irish fisherman to safeguard their interests.

1978

• Campaign by the Union against 7% fee increase by UCG receives huge public support (originally proposed a 15% increase but backed down).

• The SU Constitution is reviewed.

• The Union supports the Anti-Nuclear Campaign.

• A meeting is held entitled “The Future of Irish Education” which highlights the need for a White Paper on Education. This is followed by further marches against increasing fees and cutbacks in education.

1979

• The Union organise a college boycott to highlight the issues of increasing fees and inadequate funding of education.

• Planning Permission is granted for the provision of a bar in the Student Common Room in the Quad which will become the Students’ Union Club (College Bar).

1980

• The Union supports the Postgrad Strike and gives them monies raised in the Aula on Thursday nights. Postgrads are striking due to the withdrawal of the fellowship teaching grant for postgrads by the College.

• The Union pushes for on campus accommodation for students.

• The Union supports the call for political status by the prisoners of H-Block and Armagh Jail. Several UCG students involved in the H-Block campaign claim they are being harassed by the Gardaí.

• The third annual First Year Festival of “Gibs” (Freshers) is held with gigs by Stocktons Wing and Bagatelle.

1981

• The Ballot Box Campaign (BBC) is held to increase the number of students registered to vote in Galway West. A test case is taken to court by the Students’

Union to allow students to register to vote in the constituency where they attend College and this test case is a success.

• A further fees boycott is proposed as part of the Finance for Education Campaign.

• Students hold an occupation of the staff hall to protest against increasing prices, poor service and limited opening times in the staff hall and the restaurant.

• The Union holds a Community Action Week as part of College Week.

1982

• During College Week Gerry Ryan DJ’d the disco at Leisureland and the Manager of Leisureland’s car was set on fire by students.

• The SU is affiliated with the Irish Polish Solidarity Campaign which was set up following the declaration of martial law in Poland. This left students stranded in other countries and interned in Poland due to Union involvement.

• 12th – 21st of May a group of 13 representing the Students’ Union occupy the President’s office. The occupation was initially meant to last 24 hours and was about the proposed increase in fees and the cutbacks in essential Student Services. However, following intimidation from college authorities (student phones cut off, closure of the SU bar and an attempt to cut off the nursery allowance) they decided to extend the occupation. 1,000 students marched in support of this occupation on the eve of their exams. The increase in fees still went through, however.

• A catering boycott of the restaurant was held. Terms of settlement included a freeze on prices and an 8% increase in chip quantity.

1983

• In February three days of action are held regarding education cuts. The Union organises a boycott of lectures, pickets on campus, a march through town and the distribution of information regarding the campaign to locals from a stall set up in Eyre Square. They also join the national march in Dublin.

• The case in favour of the introduction of capitation was put forward by the SU.

• The Union supports the Release Nicky Kelly Campaign after he was wrongly convicted for the Sallins Mail Train Robbery.

1984

• In March a referendum passes to allow for the introduction of a capitation fee in 1984/85 academic year.

• Occupation of Western Health Board offices by some members of the Union regarding the withdrawal of medical cards from students. National USI campaign is successful and the automatic loss of the card by students is gone.

1985

• The Union proposes the establishment of a Student Health Service.

1986

• A referendum in favour of disaffiliation from USI fails.

• The College buys the IMI (Irish Metal Industries) building which is a former ammunitions factory.

1986 - 1987

• The Union joins campaigns against extradition and strip searches in women’s prisons.

• The Pogues, Alison Moyet, The Waterboys, John Martyn and Nik Kershaw play various Union organised gigs.

1987

• The Union organises a boycott of tea and coffee served in the restaurant due to the increase in price of same (tea 33p and coffee 35p). The union serves approximately 2,000 cups of tea a day during boycott at 25p a cup.

• 30 students who were unable to find accommodation in Galway spend the night in the SU common room.

• The Union supports the anti-apartheid movement.

1988

• Sit-ins are held at the library by up to 400 students regarding the cut in library opening hours. This results in the necessary overtime for library staff being sanctioned.

• Students occupy the University Telephone Exchange to protest at the 10% increase in fees.

• The Union is a member of Galway Council of Voluntary Youth Organisations.

• The Union commences operation of cloakroom and exam papers services.

1988 - 1989

• Students are dissatisfied with Ents. offered by the Union. A review of ents. department is held. The Ents. department is not making a profit, poor service, bad PR for SU, poor relations with socs and clubs. The report concludes there is no need for Ents Dept & employees (had full time officer and 2 part time assistants)

• RAG week “important that the emphasis be taken away from drink and that the charity aspect be stressed more”.

• An Exec review is held regarding the possible merger of Campaigns Officer with UDO and change of secretary to publicity officer are suggested.

• Gaysoc is set up and the SU brings people from other colleges with Gaysocs to visit the college.

• Auditors pass motion asking SU not to pay USI affiliation fee and suggest a referendum to disaffiliate. An EGM is called.

• New secretarial service is set up by the SU.

1990 - 1991

• A Union Day is held.

• It is agreed that Exec meetings will be non-smoking.

• A Board of Management for SU is set up consisting of President, VP, College Rep, Independent Rep.

• Management structure for SU commercial services is introduced.

1991 - 1992

• The Union Bilingual policy is formulated.

• Lighting on campus is a big issue.

• Common room facilities for Engineering Department and St. Anthony’s

• A campus laundry is proposed.

• A Library amnesty is held.

• Protests are held about overcrowding and delays over IMI. The College says it can’t develop until the Corrib Rowing & Yachting Club is bought out.

• Campaign against water charges.

1992 - 1993

• The Union decided to re-affiliate to level O of USI.

• The Union adopts a neutral position on pro-life issue.

• Efforts are made to resurrect the Student Assembly.

• The Student Centre campaign is set up.

• A meeting is held regarding living conditions in Baile na Coiribe and 120 residents out of 180 attend same.

• The Union runs “Almost Las Vegas” a pool hall in the IMI

1993 - 1994

• There is disappointment with the content of Cool Chaint which is blamed on time involved in translating/typing due to bilingual policy.

• Students Summer Job Scheme is run by the Union providing jobs for students setting up a computer system for lockers, running a housing survey, typing, cleaning lockers.

• Increase in Under Grad fees and capitation to pay for IMI. The IMI building is due to start January 1994.

• Application for Q mark for Shop and Smokeys

• A Reclaim the Night march is held over attacks at Corrib Village with selfdefence classes being held and rape alarms going on sale.

• Referendum to re-affiliate with USI is held and increase capitation to meet cost of this.

• An Environment week is held with bottle banks being a key issue.

• Complaints are made that permanent college staff don’t speak Irish.

• Honorary Life Membership of SU to Everett Kavanagh.

1994 - 1995

• Following RAG week losses in 1991, 1992 and 1993 the Union aims to revamp RAG week through running a small number of well organised events with an increased emphasis on community involvement and charities.

• Evening students’ rights are an issue.

• Possibility of increased capitation to fund SU.

• Possibility of setting SU up as limited company so any service not trading properly/not profitable can be shut down.

• The Union begins setting up an orientation programme.

• Campus Watch is introduced due to safety concerns on Campus.

• Suggested 24-hour computer and reading room.

• A referendum is held over proposed Nestle ban.

• RAG week charities: Aids West, The Samaritans, the RNLI, VSA, Waterside Women’s Refuge

1995 - 1996

• In February the Minister for Education announces the abolition of Undergraduate fees in Third Level Institutions.

• In July the Minister for Education establishes charge of up to £150 intended to fund student services such as Students’ Union, Societies, Clubs and contributions to cost of registration and exams. Following this the Minister accepted that 3rd Level Institutions may increase this basic charge from £150 to £250. Students’ Unions throughout the country set out a position paper on this charge as they are concerned it may be increased again. Marches are held about fees.

• Aslan and the Pale play the RAG ball other RAG week events include the Bogman’s Ball, the Race of Disgrace and Blind Date.

• The Nurses case begins over non-payment of their fees by Western Health Board.

• Quality of UCG sports facilities is criticised.

• Groups of students are walking to Corrib Village together at night for safety.

• A complaints book for nightclubs is introduced in the SU.

• Concerns are raised over Student Services office allocation in the new IMI building as it is feared this will interfere with autonomy of SU.

• Lack of facilities for Christmas exams is a big problem.

• Recycled paper is on sale in the shop.

• The importance of keeping representational and commercial sides of SU separate is discussed.

• The possibility of introducing an Environmental Officer is raised.

1996 - 1997

• SU home page is set up online.

• In return for the SU agreeing to support the passing of a referendum for £30 increase in capitation the college agrees to install video cameras and extra lights

on Campus to improve security, provide a grant to the Health Unit and build a theatre.

• Proposed that SU accept advertising from cigarette companies.

• The Union Irish policy is drawn up.

1997 - 1998

• Warning leaflets are drawn up regarding accommodation.

• Sabbatical wages to increase in line with USI wages.

• Student help line is set up.

• Smoking is banned in Exec Office

• Group walks to Corrib Village are restarted.

• Opening library on Sundays Campaign.

• USI Pink Training is held at NUI Galway

• Union has a weekly slot on FLIRT FM

• The shortage of computer facilities causes problems.

• SU suing Minister for Education over non-payment of nurses’ fees.

• CAO day at SU office to help 2nd level students fill in their application forms.

• Dail protest regarding nurses’ fees and postcard campaign to Taoiseach regarding same.

• USI capitation campaign is launched.

• The revamp of CRC begins.

• Constitution review/referendum

• Increased investment in Student Services (£120,000 pa)

• Referendum of USI affiliation – SU campaigning for YES vote

• The 4 of Us play RAG Week

1998 - 1999

• Library will begin opening on a Sunday for ten Sundays in the college year.

• Officers receive suicide intervention training.

• Increasing circulation of Cool-Chaint off campus eg. Shop in Corrib Village

• Clamping for bikes is proposed.

• Lack of vegetarian meal options on Campus.

1999 - 2000

• Student nurses and strike continue.

• USI joining SIPTU

• Campaign begins for pedestrian crossings around university.

• Lack of Vegetarian meals on Campus.

• Security cameras/lighting/safety/Garda presence on campus

• Overcrowding and overcrowding causing the spread of disease on Campus is highlighted.

• Reform of 1929 Act to state all lecturers at NUI Galway must be able to conduct a lecture through Irish

• RAG week charities: The Lions Club, Leukaemia Trust, Gorta, VSA, Threshold, Goal – feedback requested on how money benefited people/used and beneficiaries attend cheque presentation

• Submissions for changes to constitution via SU website

• Stall outside exam hall with Disprin, pens, calculators and exam stress leaflets

• Strategic review to incorporate relationship between SU and its commercial services.

• President and Welfare Officer take a pay freeze and contribute the balance to a fund for disadvantaged students.

• Student Finance Survey

2000 - 2001

• Publications manager to be appointed with responsibility for SU newsletter, website etc.

• Cloakroom to be used as SU information point

• Employment Officer to start database of students looking for jobs and employers

• Student petition and protest over use of Sports Hall for non-sporting activities

• Constitutional review

2001 - 2002

• “Sex on Campus” campaign held with sex workshops and sex packs to freshers

• Voter registration campaign

• SU awareness week with SU clinics in Smokeys, St. Anthonys, CSI/Nurses, Nuns Island etc.

• 10K walk

• Overcrowding

• Constitutional amendments dealt with getting rid of Postgraduate Officer and ADO & Womens into Equality & Disability officers

• Dúnáras Shuttle bus was abandoned after ran out of funding and due to a lack of student interest

• Union involved in Green nose day

• RAG week charities: Local- St. Joseph’s Special School, Ábalta. National –CARI, MS Ireland, Meningitis Research, Diabetes. International – Gorta, VSA

2002 - 2003

• Fees protests held.

• Safety week

• USI Fresher packs not handed out as had alcohol vouchers and went against alcohol policy.

• Overcrowding in lectures a problem.

• Proposal to disaffiliate from USI

• Committee to run RAG week, list of events on website from Jan onwards. “Events organised outside the spirit of raising money for charity and taking advantage of the weeks main objectives are condemned by the SU”.

• RAG week charities: St. Josephs Special School, Ábalta, St. Vincent de Paul, MS Ireland, Meningitis Research, Diabetes Ireland, VSA.

• Enforcement and promotion of alcohol policy

• Steps at Quincentenial Bridge/ Zebra crossings campaigns.

• Sticker campaign on drug rape

• SU Clinics at Nuns Island etc.

• Online second-hand bookshop set up.

2003 - 2004

• Levy Referendum – membership fee on top of proposed levy

• Possible fourth sabbatical position of Press & Communications Officer

• Campaign for steps at Quincentennial Bridge

• Campaigns included Cancer Awareness, Healthy Mind, Healthy Eating, Depression, Alcohol, Campus Watch, Fairtrade Campaign, Environment Day, Equality Day and SHAG week.

• RAG week committee “moving focus towards charity. RAG week charities: VSA, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Josephs Special School, Ábalta School, Threshold, Samaritans, Meningitis Research Foundation, Diabetes Federation of Ireland, Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, The Marie Keating Foundation.

2004 - 2005

• Mentor programme

• Tuesday Night Ents begins

• Honorary Membership of SU to Gene Browne (City Bin Co)

• Steps at Quincentennial Bridge campaign continues.

• Online locker system introduced

• Campus parking issue leads to protests.

• Safety Week, Campus Watch

• 10K walk

• Referendum on USI affiliation

2005 - 2006

• Access students involvement with clubs/socs/SU

• Irish sign language classes run

• Tuesday Night Ents continues

• SU review and re-structuring/ Officer roles

• “So you think you’re famous” talent competition held.

• Objection to introduction of €100 levy increase deferred until Sept 2007

• Referendum on student levy increase and constitution changes

• Steps at Quincenntenial bridge opened

• Review and Re-structuring – General Manager, CEO for SUCS Ltd.

• RAG week charities: DEBRA Ireland, Enable Ireland, Galway Association, Galway Rape Crisis Centre, Galway Wheelchair Sports Club, Missionvale Care Centre, STOP, Special Olympics Ireland Games, Threshold.

2006 - 2007

• New Logo introduced

• Access students can join SU, clubs and socs.

• Residence Runs

• Celebrating Diversity week, Mental Health week, Craic Campaign, Voter Registration Drive, Fora, World AIDS Day

• Sign Language classes, French classes and SU book sale held

• SIN TV proposal and Re-launch of SIN website

• Market fair

• ASIST training, PINK training

• CEO for Commercial Services, Admin. Secretary and Communications Officer appointed

2007 - 2008

• Class Reps Referendum held – changes were approved by student body

• University begins collecting University centre levy - €100 each year for 18 years

• Fresher Packs are brought back

• Saw Doctors play RAG week

• Bebo and Facebook sites for the SU set up

• Union supports protesting nurses and hospital staff

• Class reps vote to not hold a referendum on USI membership

• Assistant manager appointed

• SIN boards moderator policy approved

• Case Work policy approved

• Class Reps training moved onto campus

2008 - 2009

• Freshers’ Week changed to Freshers’ Fortnight

• Fees campaign begins with thousands marching to Eyre Square

• Grant information Evening held

• Part Time students become members of Union

• Elections take place in two locations – turnout up on previous years

• Full Time Editor for SIN

• 45th Anniversary Held

• Controversy over visit by Ministers Éamón Ó Cúiv and Batt O’Keefe

• Controversy over Bertie Ahern visit

• National March Against Fees in Dublin

• RAG week raises €32,000 for charity, University withdraws support

• Maths and English support centres established

• Work begins on Áras na Mac Léinn refurbishment

• Union financial year changed to reflect academic term

2009 - 2010

• Third level fees ruled out in the Green Party program for government.

• Life Skills training programme run during year offering sign language, CPR and ASIST training to students.

• 397 registered Class Reps, an increase of 40%

• Rebranding of RAG Week as College Week featuring gigs by Calvin Harris, The Coronas and Jason Byrne. €20,000 raised for Cope Galway, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Peter McVerry Trust and Habitat for Humanity.

• Elections see the highest voter turnout in 10 years due to higher number of candidates running for full time positions.

• SU Loyalty Card launched with over 8,000 sign ups.

• SU Sessions run for 2nd year in the Canteen with 21 acts playing over the year.

• Reading room opening hours increased to 1:30am

2010 - 2011

• Tellyourtd.com launched – 50,000 letters sent to TDs.

• New SU Constitution approved.

• NUI Galway Student Enterprise Awards launched.

• Student Support Act signed into law.

• €22,000 raised during College Week for Ability West and Alan Kerins Projects.

• Life Skills Programme expanded.

• Overcrowding in lecture halls tackled.

• 1,000 NUI Galway students at national demonstration against Registration Fee increase. 2,000 students attend Galway march.

• Largest ever voter turnout in SU Elections.

• Anonymous marking scheme agreed and improved student feedback policy passed.

• Student Assistance Fund protected.

• Corrib Village rent reduction secured.

• Mature Students Officer introduced and Class Reps overhauled.

- 2012

• Reformed Sin newspaper, with a new editor, design and editorial policy alongside the introduction of the SU Pages.

• Raised over €20,000 for the Galway Rape Crisis Centre and the mental health charity SpunOut.ie

• Threw 42 students out of a plane while another 20 walked over hot coals and 34 climbed Croagh Patrick for charity

• Had fees for Repeat Years reduced from €2,350 to €1,600 – a decrease of €750 or 32%

• Sent over 1,000 students to the national student demonstration against fee hikes and grant cuts in November (the highest number from NUI Galway ever)

• Hosted ‘Pink Training’ for LGBT students from across the country

• Organised Ireland’s first ‘Slut Walk’ with the Feminist Society

• Registered hundreds of students to vote in a single day, and watched SU President 1964-65, Michael D. Higgins, become Uachtarán na hÉireann

• Issued over 2,000 student travel cards and sold over 1,000 lockers on campus

• Served over 400,000 cups of tea and coffee and over 80,000 meals throughout our catering outlets

• Organised dozens of music and comedy gigs during the year, including Des Bishop, Natty Wailer, Dead Cat Bounce, David O’Doherty, the Freshers’ Ball, An Seisúin Mór and Neil Delamere

• Launched Ireland’s first staff-student innovation initiative: EXPLORE (www.su.nuigalway.ie/explore) which partners staff and students and provides funding to work on innovative projects on campus

• Opened two new SU-operated cafés in The Hub and Áras na Gaeilge

• Signed the ‘Rag Week deal’, which included: an extra €60,000 a year for a fund for students in financial need, the abolition of the €2 entry fee at the Kingfisher Gym for clubs training, guarantees on free access to the Student Health Unit, more poster boards on campus for the SU, and the long-term protection of the respect given to this University and your degrees

• Began negotiations for universal membership of the Kingfisher Gym, but deferred the vote until next year to ensure we get the best possible deal for students

• Participated in “NUIG Wants It That Way” and helped raise €10,000 for a suicide-prevention charity

• Introduced €5 daily meals in the College Bar, offering good quality food at a fair price, while also improving the SU Card system across all our outlets

• Elected our first SU Mature Students Officer

• Successfully addressed incidences of anti-social behaviour in the Newcastle area, winning commendations from several residents’ associations in the process

• Introduced ‘remote voting’ for SU elections, so students can vote online if they’re off-campus on polling day

• Gained over 2,000 Facebook friends this year, and grew our Twitter followers by 1,000

2012 - 2013

• Lobbied with other SUs for additional €3 million to National Student Assistance Fund. €334,000 went to NUI Galway.

• €3 chicken rolls and €3.50 dinners in College Bar.

• Built new website for Sin newspaper sin.ie

• Worked with University and students to decrease anti-social behaviour during unofficial RAG Week.

• Established two new committees for non-traditional student support and disability cases.

• Put Marriage Equality motion to Donegal Co. Council.

• Áras na Mac Léinn committee re-established due to questions over the use and spending of the levy.

• Opened mini SU Shop in The Hub.

• Plans put in place for North Campus office to open in September 2013.

• Created better access to college via a walkway from Dyke Road to Quincentennial Bridge.

• Handed out over 33,000 condoms on Condom Wednesdays.

• Occupied An Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s constituency office.

• Held first information evening for members of the travelling community regarding third level education.

• Had biggest voter turnout ever recorded for SU Elections as pro-choice Referendum passed.

• Passed Equality Policy, Gender Identity Policy and Marriage Equality Policy.

2013 - 2014

• The grant was protected from cuts this year – which was the first time in four years

• We had national and international coverage on our “Marriage Equality” and “Support for the Boycott of Disinvestments and Sanctions” referenda. 96% percent of NUI Galway Students vote in favour of the Union working to support the Marriage Equality referendum that will take place in 2015. Overwhelming support was also achieved for the BDS Movement, which shows the political awareness and activism of our students.

• Highest part-time election turn-out in SU history.

• The Reading Room Extended it’s opening hours to 24 hours for exams/ extended hours during the year

• The Cloakroom was secured for three years and was redesigned and so continues to hire students as staff and provide an invaluable service

• Student Card replacement fee reduced to €20 after extensive lobbying

• Agreed that repeat exam results will be released prior to college commencement to allow time to register earlier with relevant modules/preferences

• Successfully lobbied to get the lift fixed from the Bialann to outside the libraryas it had been broken for years.

• CÉIM was launched in the College of Engineering, which is an example of Peer Assisted learning at its best. An SU Staff member facilitated the programme and second year Student Leaders facilitated groups of first year students.

• Continuing success of EXPLORE (Irelands only Staff Student collaboration of its kind). Where Students and Staff bring an innovative idea to fruition. They are facilitated by SU Staff and funded €1000 each to make it happen. 28 projects were funded this year.

• Life Skills training programme run during year offering sign language, CPR and ASIST training to students.

2014 - 2015

• After consistent lobbying efforts, an ‘on balance’ favourable budget to students was revealed.

• Following difficult negotiations with University management the Students’ Union remain in control of their commercial operations, being one of the few remaining SU’s nationwide to do so.

• The Union successfully lobbied Galway City Council for a safety audit of the city’s waterways following a series of tragic drownings – this was regarded as an important strategic step to make the city safer, not least for our own members.

• Following very serious revelations regarding gender equality at the University, the President and Vice President robustly challenged the University on issues surrounding this at several Údarás na hOllscoile meetings.

• Following the decision to establish a Gender Equality Taskforce, upon which there was no intention to include a student, the President and Vice President of the SU indicated at Governing Body that the Union would not be supporting the Taskforce unless there was a student. A student was then added to it.

• After the imposition of a new policy regarding deferrals, there was much disquiet among students – the SU lobbied for this policy to be relaxed, which was acceded to by the University.

• Elected 416 Class reps (which is the highest in the last 3 years).

• Repeat Exam results out before term starts and Christmas exam bus service arranged.

• Added 4,000 NUIG students to the Electoral Register to vote in the Marriage Equality Referendum as part of a two year campaign to get the Marriage Equality referendum passed. IT PASSED!

• Raised €12,500 for the SU Charities Console and BeLonG To through events such as the Aquathon, Croagh Patrick Climb, Table Quiz, Christmas Day and Pet Farm Visit & Cake Sale.

• The students of NUI Galway voted via Referendum that the Students' Union will now actively support the legalisation and regulation of the cultivation, sale and possession of cannabis for adults aged 18 years and over.

• Gigs during the year included: Panti Bliss, Foil, Arms & Hog, Al Porter, The Dirty Circus, Karl Spain, Fred Cooke, Eric Lalor and The Viper.

2015 - 2016

• Added more than 2,000 NUIG students to the Electoral Register to vote in the 2016 General Elections which is the most out of any other Institution/Union in the country.

• Raised €22,500 for the SU Charities Irish Cancer Society and the Galway Rape Crisis Centre through events such as the Croagh Patrick Climb, Table Quiz, Christmas Day and Pet Farm Visit & Cake Sale.

• The students of NUI Galway voted via Referendum that the Students' Union will now actively support decriminalization of Drugs for personal use.

• NUI Galway Students’ Union hosted the national Pink Training which is the largest LGBTQ training event in Europe which saw more than 350 students across the country learning about key issues and building a support network for LGBTQ students.

• Working alongside Gigsoc (NUI Galway’s LGBTQ Society), we held the first ever Trans* Awareness week and were the first institution in the country (and possibly the UK) to raise a Transgender flag on campus.

• NUI Galway SU teamed up with USI and SIPTU on a workers’ rights campaign to highlight key issues in the workforce and to educate students on their rights be that in part time employment and beyond. The campaign also sought to increase the minimum wage in Ireland to that of a living wage and is ongoing.

• NUI Galway Students’ Union won Best Large Delegation at the Annual USI Congress in Clare for our contributions throughout the event.

• President Phelim Kelly was short-listed by the Junior Chambers Ireland Galway Top Outstanding Young Persons Award for his work on the Marriage Equality Referendum and the General Election.

• The Students’ Union continues to actively campaign for Safe, free and legal access to abortion in Ireland and to Repeal the 8th Amendment to Bunreacht na hÉireann.

• The Students’ Union voted via referendum to condemn 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

• Gigs during the year included: Al Porter, David O’Doherty, The Dirty Circus, Kevin McGahern, Fred Cooke and comedy hypnotist Michael McCoy.

• NUI Galway Students’ Union was part of the delegation chosen to represent Galway at the European Youth Event in Strasbourg in May. This is a two day gathering of 7,000 young people to discuss key youth issues. The Galway delegation will be representing both the Galway European Youth Capital 2019 bid and the Galway European Capital of Culture 2020 bid.

• NUI Galway Students’ Union reached the final stages of the Online Marketing in Galway Awards for the Social Media Category and the People’s Choice Awards.

• CÉIM was introduced in the School of Law for BA Law students studying in the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies. CÉIM won the ‘Student Engagement Activity of the Year Award’ at the Student Achievement Awards Ireland in April 2016.

2016 - 2017

• The Students’ Union lobbied every TD in Galway on multiple occasions regarding the Peter Cassells Report, the societal benefits of Publicly Funded option and the detrimental impact of an Income Contingent Loan Scheme option.

• We campaigned across campus and in lectures for weeks, mobilizing students to travel to Dublin to march for their future. We filled ten fifty seater buses of 500 students, adding to the largest student demonstration in over 5 years,

• After more than a decade of consideration from NUI Galway, The Students’ Union were committed to seeing anonymous marking of exams being finally introduced. The perseverance of our Vice President / Education Officer proved successful, gaining a unanimous agreement from the University’s Academic Council.

• As the only pilot University in Ireland, we successfully integrated the National Student Engagement Programme (NStEP), where students are seen as partners in decision making - the beginning of a new milestone in our Union’s potential to enhance an environment of academic excellence.

• We have progressed in our aims to achieve excellent working relationships with all University staff, ultimately benefiting our students.

• After three incredibly successful years, through lengthy negotiations our CÉIM programme secured €100,000 funding to run in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies.

• We gained new student representation on both internal and external committees to the University. Internally, we secured representation on new college boards, a student staff liaison committee in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, the Equality & Diversity Committee and were notably involved in the process of appointing the new University President. Externally, we gained representation on the Steering Committee of the Western

Region Drug & Alcohol Task Force (WRDATF) and the Galway Children and Young People's Services Committee (CYPSC).

• Through community outreach we secured additional student accommodation (200+ beds) in the midst of a national crisis.

• The REACT (Responding to Excessive Alcohol Consumption at Third Level) agreement was co-signed by the Students’ Union and the University President.

• We successfully lobbied and secured funding for the continuation of our oncampus free STI Clinic for the second year.

• Our Vice President / Welfare Officer also lead our Union in being successfully awarded the ‘Amber Flag’, as recognition of our hard work in stigma reduction, awareness and training surrounding mental health and suicide.

• We introduced ‘Disclosure Training’ run by Galway Rape Crisis Centre to our list of Life Skills Programmes.

• We welcomed the inaugural team of Equality Volunteers, to add to our established Class Representative System and Welfare Volunteers.

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

• We continued on from two very successful years of voter registration campaigns on campus, and registered an additional 500 members.

• We worked closely with the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) Society to see NUI Galway commit to divesting from Fossil Fuel shares (total of €3.4 million) by the end of 2017.

• We collaborated with a number of external people to successfully run an in depth Workers’ Rights campaign.

• We openly challenged the University on its decision to remove the Irish language requirement for the Presidency.

• During the uncertainties of Brexit, on request of our members we facilitated a referendum on the unification of Ireland, passing by a three quarters vote.

• SU Council's agreement to make a constitutional change to our SU Election regulations combined with an incredible calibre of candidates, saw an increase in voter turnout of over 1,000 students.

• We secured funding to upgrade and renovate our Commercial Services, and welcomed a new Chairperson to the Board of Directors.

• Vice President / Education Officer, Cathal Sherlock, and Equality Officer, Megan Reilly, were nominated for their work at the Student Achievement Awards Ireland 2017.

• NUI Galway Students’ Union won ‘Best Large Delegation’ and ‘Best Speaker’ (Cathal Sherlock) at the annual USI Congress, with President Jimmy McGovern being elected on the Officer Board of the Union of Students in Ireland.

• Our Union donated €15,400 to Galway Lifeboat Station / the RNLI and Threshold after a year of charity events.

• The Students’ Union was nominated for three awards in the Online Marketing in Galway Awards – People’s Choice, Best Website and Best Social Media.

• CÉIM was further rolled out in the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies in 2016/17, where it was made available to Geography students.

2017 - 2018

• We gained new student representation on both internal and external committees to the University. We increased our representation at Academic Council to ensure equal representation across the colleges and the President is now Vice-Chair of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the VicePresident 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• We laid the ground-work for an on campus music festival called “Éalú”.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

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

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

• NUI Galway Students’ Union was part of the delegation chosen to represent Galway at the European Youth Event in Strasbourg in June. This is a two day gathering of 8,000 young people to discuss key youth issues.

2018 - 2019

• We gained new student representation on both internal and external committees to the University. We increased our representation on interview panels for the Dean of Students, Brexit Officer and University Sustainability officer.

• We held a protest during the year around the underfunding of Mental Health services, and secured an extra €5,000 for the University Counselling service.

• We sustained a substantial campaign about seating across campus, including a stunt where we ‘borrowed’ chairs from the Aula Maxima, and had a petition in the form of a chair (Chairlie), as well as a protest in the Quad.

• We worked with the SMART Consent programme to train up over 40 students and staff to deliver Consent classes to over 400 first year students.

• We were nominated for 15 Student Achievement Awards and our Welfare and Equality Officer Clare Austick won Student Activist of the Year on the night.

• We ran Mental Health Mondays during each semester, increasing our presence on North campus by being there once a week to give out free fruit and water.

• We ran themed weeks each semester; on Mental Health, Equality, Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance (SHAG) and Culture.

• We had hundreds of staff and students walk out of class to join us in our Fund the Future Protest.

• We were chosen by USI to have a delegate attend the European Students’ Union Convention.

• We lobbied for a new library to be built and have seen the fruits of our labours in that this has become the number one priority for the University in terms of funding bid for capital projects.

• We attracted national media attention around our journalism students being awarded fees back, as well as our criticisms of Menlo student village for their increase in rent, and our Fund the Future rally.

• We used the opportunity of the opening of Goldcrest to call out extortionate prices in student accommodation.

• We worked closely with the One Galway movement during the year; a collection of Trade Unions and Students’ Union. In particular we hosted the crisis campout during the year, a stunt where we pitched tents in Eyre Square to call attention to how the accommodation crisis is affecting students.

• We lobbied successfully to stop the Hub being used as a catering space during Graduations

• We helped organise and spoke at the Christmas tree lighting this year, using it as an opportunity to speak out against the Direct Provision system.

• We were given the chance to present alongside USI to the Joint Oireachtas committee on Housing around the increases in Purpose Built Student Accommodation. Shortly after this the announcement came that rent pressure zones will extend to PBSA and that student residences will have to register with the RTB; this was a major victory and something the Union has been lobbying for for two years.

• We expanded our Board of Trustees to include former Vice President for the Student Experience at NUI Galway, Dr Pat Morgan, and former NUIGSU Welfare Officer and current Registrar and CEO of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Eucharia Meehan

• We tightened up our processes at our Council meetings, having more motions passed than in previous years, as well as a sustainability policy. We created a documents section on our website where speeches and presentations we have given are posted.

• For the first time ever we presented to the University Management Team on Student Issues, and followed up by hosting a UMT in our Board room for a student specific meeting.

• We worked on the University of Sanctuary committee to secure Sanctuary status.

• We brought motions to the National Students Union around accessible campuses, the Irish language, Hate Crime legislation, sustainability and transport, all of which were passed.

• We have worked closely with St. Angela’s College Students’ Union in the run up to the merger to ensure student representation continues to be strong on their campus.

• We developed links with reps in Shannon College of Hotel Management and committed to being present at their orientation, as well as helping them improve services there.

• CÉIM, our peer assisted learning programme, saw another a great year of success. In September it will be piloted to the School of Psychology, bringing the number first year students CÉIM is offered to up to over 1,500.

• We were honoured to host Pink Training, Europe’s largest Student LGBT+ conference (350 people) ran by the Union of Students’ in Ireland (USI) for the

second year in a row which included 3 days of workshops, safe spaces and interactive talks to support and celebrate the student LGBT+ community.

• Through partnership with Galway City Council we secured €5,000 funding for a second year running to run a mental health campaign.

• We ran our first ever Charity week, with events like the ‘line of euros’ and a special Superclub with Electric

• We ran our first ever ‘Wind down week’ which saw a second and very popular outdoor cinema, as well as free yoga and hula hooping classes.

• We developed a Student Partnership Agreement, to be signed by the University and the Students’ Union; detailing where we commit to establishing committees and working together to ensure students are represented at every level.

• We hosted a European Elections Hustings, to encourage students and the wider community to educate themselves and participate in the vote.

• CÉIM was introduced for 1st year Political Science and Sociology students.

• We raised over €11,000 for the SU Charities COPE Galway & Galway Rape Crisis Centre.

2019 - 2020

• We succeeded in securing funding for the exam buses out to our satellite exam venues in Salthill. Students will no longer have to pay for transport to these facilities.

• We brought forward a proposal and secured €57,000 for the Library Laptop Loan Scheme initiative. Students who don’t have their own personal laptops or can’t avail of a computer on campus will be able to borrow one of the laptops for a few hours a day from the library.

• We distributed 3,000 Keep Cups across campus and had over 3,000 students sign our Sustainability Pledge committing to being more sustainable and environmentally friendly in their everyday lives.

• We helped NUI Galway receive the University of Sanctuary designation through our involvement and contribution on the steering committee since it was initiated in 2017. The University of Sanctuary campaign aims to make NUI Galway more inclusive and welcoming to asylum seekers, refugees and members of the Irish Traveling Community through events, collaboration, courses and scholarships offered. This year NUI Galway offered 6 undergraduate and 3 postgraduate scholarships through the initiative which will be built upon year on year.

• We engaged with both local and national media on many student issues including the cost of student accommodation, the barriers that exist when accessing higher education, the importance of voting in the general election, tips on exam stress and much more to ensure the student voice was always represented and on the agenda.

• We collaborated with the One Galway movement to host a General Elections Hustings on campus to ensure students and the wider community were informed on the different candidates and their policies in advance of casting their votes.

• We coordinated the Freeze the Four campaign to reverse the decision taken to increase the on-campus student accommodation rents by 4% . This included a letter writing campaign, media attention, rallies, protests, attending meetings and camping out and occupying the Quad.

• We helped organise and participated in the second Christmas Tree Lighting celebrating staff and students coming together as part of the NUI Galway community.

• We raised €10,000 for our two chosen charities this year: Sexual Health West and Domestic Violence Response.

• We presented to the University Management Team on student issues.

• We held our first AGM in 10 years at the first Student Council of the year to be more accountable and transparent with the Union’s finances.

• We increased voter turnout out by 4.5% in the Students’ Union Elections Full Time Officer Elections from 2019.

• We ran campaigns on mental health, sexual health awareness and guidance, voter registration, breaking the barriers in accessing education, climate change and sustainability, exam destress and empowering women to participate in sports.

• We increased student engagement on various issues on campus through regular working group meetings on sustainability, the student levy, the constitution and living wage.

• We were actively involved in the crafting of the University’s new Strategic Plan for 2020-2025 ‘Shared Vision Shaped by Values’ where two of the core values ‘Openness’ and ‘Sustainability’ were mainly driven forward by students. Students had their say and were listened to. The University will be accountable in ensuring their flagship goals are achieved in making NUI Galway a more sustainable and inclusive campus.

• We collaborated with the national union, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) throughout the year at national councils, national campaigns and addressing student issues. We sent students to their main events such as Pink Training, Women Lead, the Power of Disability – A National Forum and the Mature Students’ Seminar.

• CÉIM, our peer assisted learning programme, saw another great year of success. The programme was commended in the CINNTE Institutional Review Report and it was recommended the programme be mainstreamed. The number of students offered CÉIM increased by over 35% this year.

• The Students’ Union was involved in a University investment of nearly €200,000 into scoping out more inclusive learning practices. We campaigned to highlight the barriers that students face in their learning environment. This allowed the Students’ Union to plan and facilitate workshops training staff in inclusive practices for teaching, plan an international conference on Universal Design for Learning and launch a new Blackboard app called Ally that enables students to download their learning material in more accessible formats.

• The SU International Officers and Vice President/Education Officer were involved in the ENLIGHT project which is a culmination of teamwork and effort from 9 universities around Europe, working together to create a connected community and support accessible and mobile learning. If funding is granted students will have the opportunity to move between each of these universities, either physically or through online learning, and have a cohesive degree from across the EU. If successful, the opening event of this project will be hosted here in NUI Galway.

• The Union took a more proactive approach to Postgraduate Students, electing over 100 Postgraduate class reps and creating a better environment of engagement between Postgrad students and the Union. A position paper was drawn up of key areas to advocate for Postgrad students on including working and pay conditions, access to resources, stipends, mental, physical and financial support for PhD students and support for Postgraduate Taught students.

• For the third year running, NUI Galway was selected by USI to host Pink Training, Europe’s largest LGBT+ workshop weekend. We had over 300 delegates participant in workshops over 3 days looking at how to make your SU more LGBT+ friendly, how to be a good ally or to explore a part of your identity in a safe environment. We were delighted to be part of such an amazing event highlighting the importance of the LGBT+ community.

• We worked to establish greater links with Shannon College of Hotel Management, speaking at their 1st year orientation, electing several class reps and visiting them several times a semester.

• A working group was set up to look at the core document that governs what we do – our SU Constitution. This working group posed a referendum that challenged what people thought made an effective Students’ Union Executive. While this referendum failed, it posed several important questions about the Students’ Union going forward.

• A protest was held in the lead up to the General Election as the University had handed over the Áras na Mac Léinn building to RTÉ for a leaders debate event. This effectively locked students and staff out of the building and also caused disruptions for many societies. The protest of 70 students was led by the SU Societies Chairperson and the protestors took over space in the Quad to highlight the issue to the University Management Team and voice their frustration at the lack of consultation with staff and students regarding the closure of Áras na Mac Léinn.

• NUI Galway SU was shortlisted for eight categories in the Student Achievement Awards Ireland and won three awards.

2020 - 2021

• We started the “RipOffNUIG” campaign for highlighting financial barriers to education like repeat exam fees that students pay. This included TikTok videos, petitions, letter writing, media coverage, meetings and extensive time being mentioned in the Dáil. We secured €60,000 in refunds for students doing repeat exams and students who receive the special rate of SUSI and Financial Aid Fund(FAF) will not be burdened with the cost ever again.

• We distributed 12,150 reusable masks to students in the SU Pop Up in the Quad for the starting weeks of the semester. This was the only interaction many students had on campus in person this year.

• We reduced the student levy via referendum from €224 to €140 for all students. As a barrier to education that not even SUSI covers, it’s vital to be as affordable as possible. €3 of the levy was mandated by council to go towards the Irish language and CÉIM’s found secure funding.

• The Charity Challenge had almost 400 participants raising money and challenging ourselves to do things out of our comfort zone with 6 challenges over 6 months.

• We raised €13,000 for our three chosen charities this year: Galway Rape Crisis Centre, Helplink Mental Health and Galway Autism Partnership through the Charity Challenge and other events.

• We ran and passed referendums on the creation of an Environmental and Sustainability Officer and changing of the Students’ Union Council Chairperson to an external position in line with best practice in unions across the country.

• We campaigned for accommodation refunds for any students who didn’t need accommodation when the university shut down. All university accommodation refunded students with many private operators following suit. One private operator was removed from the NUI Galway website for not cooperating.

• We ran a lot of successful events including 25 Hump Day Hoolies with the goal of creating new friendships online. Up to 200 students come for some weeks of the Hoolie. Students would stay chatting until late into the night and even kept one call going for a full week. The event was replicated by many other SU’s across the country.

• We presented and wrote regular papers to the University Management Team on student issues.

• We increased student engagement on various issues on campus through regular working group meetings on sustainability, student fees, the levy and nursing and health care staff.

• We increased voter turnout by 4.7% in the Students’ Union Elections Full Time Officer Elections.

• Delivered on a parking refund and price reduction refund to everyone in NUI Galway.

• NUI Galway SU was shortlisted for eight categories in the Student Achievement Awards Ireland including: Access Champion of the Year –#RipOffNUIG, An Gradam Éacht ar son na Gaeilge - Róisín Nic Lochlainn, Club/Society of the Year - Feminist Society, Full-Time Officer of the YearRóisín Nic Lochlainn, International Student of the Year - Mansi Kesarwani, Postgraduate Champion of the Year - Sebastiaan Birema and Welfare Campaign of the Year - SHAG Week.

• Received highest award of gold for Bonn na Gaeilge from USI.

• Got repeat exam capping removed, exam board leniency and deferrals for singular exams with less reasoning needed for students.

• Organised beach cleans along the Galway city coast and held Sustainable Mondays as part of campaigning on sustainability.

• Joined as champions of Galway Park City and passed a mandate at council for this to continue in years to come.

• We helped organise and participated in the third Christmas Tree Lighting celebrating staff and students coming together as part of the NUI Galway community.

• Elected nearly 600 class reps, 450 completed training, over 300 attended our first meeting and record numbers at our college councils.

• We engaged with both local and national media on many student issues including the review of SUSI, COVID-19, re-opening campus, mental health, international student issues and accommodation.

• Worked with USI on campaigns throughout the year including the Education for All Campaign, bringing a bill on student accommodation to the Dáil and a bill on international student insurance to the Seanad.

• We ran campaign weeks such as sexual health awareness and guidance, Seachtain na Gaeilge, diversity, the environment and sustainability, Substance Awareness and Wind Down Weeks before exams.

• CÉIM, our peer assisted learning programme, went online for the year with great success in connecting students together.

• Secured that Scéim Conaithe which will be starting in September to allow for Irish speakers to live with each other in on-campus accommodation.

• Weekly clinics for mature students and disabled students were setup, meet your officer events and essay workshops along with many other events were hosted by our part time officers.

2021 - 2022

• We distributed 7,000 reusable tote bags and 3,000 SU keep cups to students in the SU Pop Up in the Quad.

• We secured additional outdoor seating on campus.

• We raised €11,000 for our two chosen charities this year: Galway Rape Crisis Centre and BeLonG To LGBT+ Youth through different events such as Take Me Out, Sex Toy Bingo, Charaoke, Raffles, Sports Day and more.

• We organised different events such as the Hump Day Hoolie, Vintage Clothing Fairs, Bingo Loco, Taylor Swift Club Nights, Outdoor Cinema and Walk & Talks.

• We ran and passed a referendum on the creation of a full time Vice President for the Irish Language (Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge), becoming the first SU in third level to do so.

• We spoke at several launches in NUIG such as the official launch of their Stráitéis na Gaeilge (Irish Language Strategy 2021-2025) and the launch of the Speak Out Report Tool.

• We presented and wrote regular papers to the University Management Team on student issues.

• We were shortlisted for ten categories in the Student Achievement Awards Ireland including: Access Champion of the Year – Anne Marie Ward, An Gradam Éacht ar son na Gaeilge - Club of the Year – Surf Club, Full-Time Officer of the Year - Róisín Nic Lochlainn and Clodagh McGivern, International Student of the Year – Matthew Connolly, Part Timer of the Year

– Eímear Nig Oireachtaigh, Sai Gujulla and Niamh McGrath, Environmental and Sustainability Campaign of the Year – Sustainable Mondays and Student Pantry, Academic Representative of the Year – Jason Sherlock, Society of the Year – Mincéirs Whiden, Outstanding Mental Health Activism – Mincéirs Whiden

• Received highest award of gold for Gníomhaí Gaeilge for USI/Conradh na Gaeilge.

• We began a partnership with the Hygiene Bank Ireland and did monthly donation drives.

• We created our SU TikTok account which had the highest engagement of any SU on TikTok.

• Organised beach cleans and held Sustainable Mondays as part of campaigning on sustainability.

• We spoke at the first Housing Rally of 2021 and attended other events such as the launch of Galway Pride.

• We helped organise and participated in the third Christmas Tree Lighting celebrating staff and students coming together as part of the NUI Galway community.

• Elected over 600 class reps, 300 attended our first meeting and record numbers at our councils which were returned to in person, and we trained over 100 class reps in JAM card training. We engaged with both local and national media on many student issues including the review of SUSI, re-opening campus, mental health, international student issues, minimum unit pricing, gender-based violence and accommodation.

• Worked with USI on campaigns throughout the year including the Cost of College Campaign, Give Us Our Grads and more.

• We worked with Conferring Office to finally get in-person graduations after 2 years for the classes of 2020 and 2021.

• We ran campaign weeks such as sexual health awareness and guidance, Seachtain na Gaeilge, Diversity, the environment and sustainability, Mental Health Awareness and Brain Week.

• We ran our first ever Consent Week in NUI Galway SU.

• After meeting with the Minister for Higher Education, we secured €9 million allocation for free antigen tests for students

• We ran our #NoInPersonExams campaign, 50% of exams were moved online as a result.

• CÉIM, our peer assisted learning programme, continued to go from strength to strength.

• Weekly clinics for mature students and disabled students were setup, meet your officer events and essay workshops along with many other events were hosted by our part time officers.

• We received a commitment from NUI Galway to provide free period products on campus bathrooms and began the procurement process for this.

• We provided free Irish classes to students.

• We officially launched the “Ask for Angela” scheme in Galway City, working with Galway City Council and local venues to roll this out.

• We launched JAM card with the University

• We held a protest outside the April meeting of Governing Authority to lobby for lecture recordings to be made available for students.

• We worked with class reps to launch the Student Pantry, the first of its kind in third level, to tackle food wastage.

• Two of our Full Time Officers, Clodagh and Róisín, were elected to the USI as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge

• We celebrated NUI Galway’s first Irish Traveller Ethnicity Week, led by our ethnic minorities officer Anne Marie Ward who was the first Irish Traveller ever elected to this position.

• We hosted USI Comhairle Náisiúnta in Galway in June.

2022 - 2023

• Received 9 Student Achievement Award (SAAI) Nominations and won 4 SAAI Awards - International Student of the Year, Environmental & Sustainability, Full-Time Officer of the Year and Access Champion of the Year

• Won the Gníomhaí Gaeilge Gold Award for Irish language Activism

• It was our first year of having a Full-time Irish language officer

• Developed future plans for the Student Pantry

• Held Social Events for Postgraduate Students

• Won Best Delegation, Best Speaker and Best Speech Awards at USI Comhdhail

• Secured more Outdoor seating on campus including Outdoor Pods

• Secured extra Study Spaces for exams

• Launched the SU Síbín a new Social Space in the Library Basement

• Signed the Partnership Agreement with the University around Student-Centred Decision-Making and Student Participation and Engagement

• Hosted our first ever SU Drag Race in Sult

• Seachtain na Gaeilge – Hosted the annual international festival promoting the Irish language and culture

• Seachtain Ghaelach – Weeklong events in Semester 1 promoting the Irish language and culture

• International Conferences: Attended two Enlight conferences in Göttingen and an ESU (European Students Union) Board meeting in Georgia.

• Large scale events: SOS & Hallows with the Socsbox along with Fáilte Fest, Christmas Day and Consent Week.

• Refreshers Fairs for everyone in September and January welcoming them back to the campus

• Launched the Fainne Nua Ollscoill na Gaillimhe for the University which shows fluency in, or a willingness to speak, the Irish Language

• Youth Assembly on Climate change

• Hosted USI Pink Training, Launched An Foclóir Aiteach – the first ever Queer Dictionary in Irish

• International Orientation semester 1 & 2

• Accommodation Protest, WalkOut, PhD Stipends Protest, Gaeilge4All, Cost of Living Protest, CATU Protest, BDS Palestine Protest, Ireland4All, Talk to a TD

• Increased a block of 16 to 32 rooms on Campus as part of the Sceim Conaithe dedicated to students who wish to live together and use the Irish Language

• Raised €19,000 for the SU charities – Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Galway Simon Community with events such as the Shave Off, Galentine's Day Brunch, Take Me Out, Sex Toy Bingo and Drag Race.

• Funding secured for a Consultant Psychiatrist

• Revived the Irish language drama society An Cumann Dramaiochta

• Environmental and Sustainability initiatives such as: Global Activism Week, green careers events, Beach clean-ups, Lunch with the sustainability officer, Wasted Week, SU Climate Crew, Eco-Bricks, SDG Panel and Glassary

• Drafted and Launched the Union’s Environmental and Sustainability Strategy

• Participated in the HSE STI test campaign which was viewed over 2 million times

• Class Reps: 563 Class Reps elected; created and launched E-learning Module for Class Reps; safeTALK Training; Election reforms for Postgraduates

2023 - 2024

• Successfully lobbied University Management to reduce the repeat exam fee by €100, bringing the fee from €295 to €195.

• Through a campaign of intense media pressure, videos, press releases, and a petition which received over 1,000 signatures, we successfully managed to get a private student accommodation provider Hubble Student Living to reverse their proposed rent increases for the coming year, which would have seen students paying an increase of at least 30% cross the board, and up to €11,045 a year.

• Successfully negotiated and lobbied to protect our Students’ Union Commercial Services, and signed a contract for a further 4 years and 9 months, the longest contract achieved in recent years, to allow students to continue to enjoy the benefits of services in student union ownership.

• Raised a record €53,275 for our two chosen local charities, Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Cancer Care West.

• Oversaw the return of RAG Week for the first time in 12 years, with an entire week of events to raise money for charity, a firewalk, a shave off, 5 a side soccer tournament, social event, live music, charity auction and more.

• Shortlisted for a total 21 nominations for the Student Achievement Awards Ireland (SAAI), and won 5, Charity Champion of the Year, Access Champion

Latisha McCrudden, Postgraduate Champion Chris Stewart, Individual Contribution to Student Media Caoimhe Looney (SIN Editor) and Student Media Outlet of the year Galway Pulse.

• Successfully lobbied for and achieved increased student representation across committees including Academic Council, the establishment of a student committee to report on student issues, as well as a standing item at Governing Authority.

• Election of over 500 class reps from right across all colleges.

• Made great strides on our sustainable mission, with themed weeks including Wasted Week, lots of events and informational talks, and most notably progressed the elimination of disposal cups usage on campus, in our own commercial services and otherwise, through engaging with Commercial Services and the newly established Sustainability office.

• Lobbied Buildings & Estates and Commercial Services and successfully achieved increased social seating across the University, Engineering Building, Computer Science, Concourse, Áras Moyola, as well as an additional microwave for Áras Moyola.

• Organised the 2 largest ever student social events ever held in Galway City, Hallows at Halloween and Donegal SOS in February.

• Ran a Men’s Mental Health Week with the theme “Seize the Awkward”, which was shortlisted for “Best Welfare Campaign of the Year” at the SAAI awards.

• Ran an academic integrity campaign to inform students on how to approach completing assignments in an AI influenced world.

• Received significant media coverage throughout the year on both local and national outlets, for various issues including housing, fees, campaigns, and topical issues.

• Organised and participated in several protests, a camp out on Eyre Square, national pre-budget demonstration in Dublin, Palestine Solidarity, launch of Dunlin student village, Postgrad open evening and the Fine Gael Ard Fheis.

• In conjunction with Buildings & Estates staff, established the physical accessibility forum.

• Lobbied for and successfully achieved increased bus transport on all routes students raised concerns over, particularly routes in Connemara.

• Restoration of the T fund.

• Worked with University staff in the launch and implementation of the multisensory room.

• Trans day of remembrance flag raising ceremony

• Established the Student Safety Watch

• Implementation of the free Period Products Scheme

• Drug Con

• First ever kink and free expression fundraiser night in Galway City, with Rathaus.

• Hosted 3 themed Irish weeks, Gaelseachtain and Seachtain na Gaeilge, where all events were free to attend. Passed a motion at Conradh na Gaeilge’s ArdFheis to support the development of Scéimeana Cónaitheachtas na Gaeilge in all Universities and Technological Institutes in Ireland and passed a motion at Comhdháil 2024 to support the development of a full time Irish Language Officer role in all Unions.

• Several visits to Shannon College, pop ups, freebies at exams, and continued lobbying for increased funding.

• Several voter registration drives and information campaigns on upcoming elections.

2024/2025

• Surveyed over 1,700 students on accommodation and compiled a report titled “Generation Emigration, A Call on our Government to End the National Accommodation Crisis”, which was launched in Leinster House with help from Máiréad Farrell, TD.

• Raised €29,443 for our two chosen local charities, Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Galway Autism Partnership.

• Launched Spéir, the Student Pantry’s permanent brick and mortar location on campus, opening twice a week to distribute food to students.

• Shortlisted for a total 15 nominations for the Student Achievement Awards Ireland (SAAI) and won 6 awards including Large Union of the Year.

• Successfully lobbied for and achieved a pedestrian crossing on the Salmon Weir Bridge.

• Oversaw the reestablishment of An Cumann Drámaíochta.

• Successfully reestablished the T-Fund under a sustainable funding model with 3 years of funding committed, giving autonomy to students to make their own informed decisions on what they feel is necessary for their social transition.

• Election of over 400 class reps from right across all colleges.

• Aided our Sustainability mission through Bottle Return Scheme Bins on campus, Battery Recycling now available in An Siopa, holding our first PaperFree SU Election, and running a Swap Shop on Campus.

• Lobbied Buildings & Estates and successfully achieved increased social seating in the SU Síbín.

• Organised the 2 largest student social events ever held in Galway City, Hallows at Halloween and SOS in February.

• Received significant media coverage throughout the year on both local and national outlets, for various issues including housing, fees, campaigns, and topical issues.

• Organised and participated in several protests, including a protest against Údarás na hOllscoile, Palestinian Solidarity, Tóg Raic, the National Student Walkout, and more.

• Hosted 3 themed Irish weeks, Gaelseachtain and Seachtain na Gaeilge.

• Passed 2 motions at Conradh na Gaeilge’s Ard-Fheis to support the implementation of Gaeltacht Semesters in all Universities and Technological Institutes in Ireland, and to support the development of an Irish Language Common Room in all third level Institutions in Ireland. Uachtarán Faye Ní Dhomhnaill and Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge Julieanne Ní Mhullaoidh were both elected to Conradh na Gaeilge’s Coiste Gnó.

• Further developed and implemented An Gradam Gaelach, extending it to Clubs as well as Societies.

• Won Gold in Conradh na Gaeilge’s Gníomhaí Gaeilge award scheme.

• Submitted and passed 7 motions at USI/AMLÉ Comhdháil 2025, as well as winning Best Large Union and Best Quote.

• Several visits to Shannon College with pop ups, freebies at exams, and continued lobbying for increased funding.

• Queer take over night “Gays and Dolls” in Sult with Annie Naggins, Blondielicious, and Inspect her Gadget.

• Hosted our inaugural Rose of Tralee Style RAG Event, crowning Aisling Magner Univesity of Galway’s first RAG Rose.

• Hosted USI Pink Training, Europe’s Largest LGBTQIA+ Conference, as well as the European Students’ Unions European Student Convention 49.

• Saw our highest voter turnout ever with 4,895 votes cast.

• Developed and launched our General Election Guide with assistance from our class reps.

• Hosted a Renters Rights Day in the SU Síbín alongside Threshold and spoke at CATU’s Public Meeting for their campaign “Homes not Holiday Lets”.

• We piloted an Eco-Café, a venue for students to discuss their Eco-Anxieties.

• Launched a new Survivor Informed Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy.

University of Galway Students’ Union Presidents Roll of Honour

1964-65

M.D. Ó hUiginn

1965-66 M.A.G. Ó Tuathaigh

1966-67 Pádraic de Búrca

1967-68 Ralph Ó Gormáin

1968-69 Liam Morris

1969-70 Conor O'Neill

1970-71 P.M. Rabbitte

1971-72 Tony Deffely

1972-73 Seán Mac Aoghain

1973-74 Brendan Glynn

1974-75 Eamonn Gilmore

1975-76 John Curran

1976-77 Mary Carroll

1977-78 Mike Jennings

1978-79 Grainne McMorrow

1979-80 Cathal Guiomard

1980-81 Brendan Smith

1981-82 Aileen O'Meara

1982 Alan Sheerins (July-Dec)

1983 Seamus Henry (Jan-June)

1983-84 Peter Conry

1984-85 Pat Boyde

1985-86 Brendan Wilkins

1986-87 Ger Killeen

1987-88 Pat O'Flaherty

1988-89 Cathy Grieve

1989-90 Neil Whoriskey

1990-91 Daithí MacCartaigh

1991-92 Ronan Mullen

1992-93 Seán Solon

1993-94 Eoin MacCormaic

1994-95 Sinead Molloy

1994-95 Fiona McCauley

1995-96 Fergal O'Flaherty

1996-97 Joanne Murphy

1997-98 Darren McCallig

1998-99 Cormac McCarthy

1999-00 Paddy Jordan

2000-01 Paddy Jordan

2001-02 Pádraig Ó Duinnín

2002-03 Leona Byrne

2003-04 Tony McDonnell

2004-05 Paddy Reilly

2005-06 Paddy Reilly

2006-07 Damien Corridan

2007-08 James Hope

2008-09 Muireann O’Dwyer

2009-10 Donna Cummins

2010-11 Peter Mannion

2011-12 Emmet Connolly

2012-13 Paul Curley

2013-14 Sean Kearns

2014-15 Declan Higgins

2015-16 Phelim Kelly

2016-17 Jimmy McGovern

2017-18 Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh

2018-19 Megan Reilly

2019-20 Clare Austick

2020-21 Pádraic Toomey

2021-22 Róisín Nic Lochlainn

2022-23 Sai Gujulla

2023-24 Dean Kenny

2024-25 Faye Ní Dhomhnaill

2025-26 Maise Hall

2. Students’ Union Fundamental Objectives

The Students’ Union is an independent body whose function is to represent its members and promote, defend and vindicate their rights in the University and elsewhere.

The Unions objectives are to promote and further any matters of interest of their members by:

• Representing registered students and their interests, within the University, by sitting on various committees etc.

• Providing and managing social, recreational and commercial services for registered students.

• Promoting discussion and research into matters of interest to members in particular educational and welfare matters.

• Assisting clubs, societies and other student organisations on Campus.

• Fostering good relations between students and staff of University Galway.

• Encouraging fair and equal access to education through Irish or English for all sectors of Irish society.

3. Students’ Union Constitution

All actions by Officers are governed by the Constitution of the Students’ Union and Officers should make themselves familiar with it in particular the sections which relate to their position (see Constitution HERE). The new SU constitution was passed by referendum on the 10th of March 2011 and came into effect on April 9th 2011.

Articles 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9 of the constitution regarding the Unions’ function, fundamental objectives, authority, College Class Representative Councils and the Executive Committee are the ones that will generally affect Officers on a day-to-day basis and they should pay special attention to these.

4. Students’ Union Structure

4. Students’ Union Structure

Organisation Structure (1)

Organisation Structure (1)

4. Students’ Union Structure Organisation Structure (1)

REFERENDUM

REFERENDUM

REFERENDUM

BOARD OF TRUSTEES REFERENDUM

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

STUDENTS’ UNION

STUDENTS’ UNION COUNCIL

STUDENTS’ UNION COUNCIL

STUDENTS’ UNION COUNCIL

COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Organisation Structure (2)

Organisation Structure (2)

Organisation Structure (2)

PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT

General Manager

General Manager

GENERAL MANAGER

Assistant Manager

Assistant Manager

General Manager Assistant Manager

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Receptionist

Receptionist

Receptionist

RECEPTIONIST

5. Students’ Union Funding

The Students’ Union has an annual budget of approximately €1m which comes from the following sources:

Student Levy

All University of Galway students pay a levy in addition to the €3,000 student contribution. The levy was first introduced in 1997 and has been increased several times since then to fund necessary services for students. The levy currently stands at €140.00 and is distributed as follows:

€40.00 Students’ Union

€25.00 Societies

€25.00 Clubs

€3.00 Áras na Mac Léinn Maintenance

€22.00 Student Health Unit

€6.00 FlirtFM Campus Radio

€5.00 Student Projects Fund

€14.00 CÉIM

Student numbers fluctuate a little each year, but the approximate amount allocated to the Students Union is €650,000.

Students ’ Union Commercial Services

The Students’ Union owns a company which manages some of the services provided by the Students’ Union. This company comprises of Sult, the SU Shop, and Smokey’s café.

A portion of any profits made by those services is used to fund the representational activities of the Students’ Union. The remainder of the profit is retained by the company to develop services on campus.

In addition to the profit share, Sult makes an annual contribution of €3,000 to the Students’ Union, regardless of profitability. This is a condition of the licence agreement between the University and Sult.

Students ’ Union Services

In addition to the services operated by Students’ Union Commercial Services Ltd, the Students’ Union also generates some income from Lockers and Student Leapcards. The amounts generated from those services are modest.

The Executive runs the Union on an ongoing basis and are responsible for the day-today representational functions/activities of the Union. This work can be time consuming and sometimes a bit challenging. It is, however, extremely fulfilling and can be a source of achievement, pride and rewarding experiences.

6.1.1 President: The President co-ordinates the activities of the SU and works with University Management to achieve the best academic environment and quality of life for University of Galway students. The President is responsible for Union finances, co-ordination of Union campaigns and acts as the chief spokesperson of the Union. They oversee Commercial Services of the Union, uphold the Constitution and look after the day to day running of the SU with staff.

6.1.2 Vice President / Education Officer: The Education Officer assists students in areas such as grants, exams, the library and computer facilities. The Officer works with University Management to improve academic services and is a member of Academic Council. The Education Officer also co-ordinates Class Reps and organises the Education Forum (see 15.1).

6.1.3 Vice President / Welfare and Equality Officer: The Welfare and Equality Officer assists students with problems in areas of accommodation, childcare, study, health, finances and social welfare. They also organise the Welfare Forum (See 15.2).

6.1.4 Vice President for the Irish Language: Shall have responsibility for promoting the Irish Language to the general student body and to this end shall initiate campaigns on relevant Irish language issues. Shall represent members on various University committees. Shall organise and chair the Coiste Gaeilge, having at least three meetings per academic year. Shall follow the goals as set out by the Irish Language Strategy for the Union, and develop this as appropriate. Shall support the work of Irish language societies on campus. Shall also be required to give a mandatory report on work carried out at each Executive meeting.

6.1.5 Postgraduate Taught Officer: The Postgraduate Taught Officer is responsible for developing Students’ Union policy on taught

6.1.6

postgraduate issues and lobbying for improved induction, training, services and facilities for taught postgraduate students. They work closely with the Vice-President/Education Officer on taught postgraduate related issues and encourage taught postgraduate involvement in the Union and in University life.

Postgraduate Research Officer: The Postgraduate Research Officer is responsible for developing Students’ Union policy on research postgraduate issues and lobbying for improved induction, training, services and facilities for research postgraduate students. They work closely with the Vice-President/Education Officer on research postgraduate related issues and encourage research postgraduate involvement in the Union and in University life.

6.1.7 Societies Chairperson: The Societies Chairperson represents University of Galway societies on the SU Executive and the USC. They organise the Societies’ Forum (see 15.5).

6.1.8 Clubs’ Captain: The Clubs’ Captain represents University of Galway clubs on the SU Executive and the SRU. They liaise with clubs officers to assist with work during the year. They also organise the Clubs’ Forum (see 15.6).

6.1.9 Mature Students Officer: The Mature Students Officer represents mature students on Campus ensuring their full integration into all aspects of University academic and social life.

6.1.10 Students’ Union Council Chairperson: The SU Council Chairperson chairs the SU Council meetings, represents Class Reps on the Executive Committee and works with each of the College Convenors. The Chairperson of the Students’ Union Council shall be appointed by the Executive Committee. The Chairperson of the Students’ Union Council shall serve for a three-year term and shall be eligible to be appointed for a second three-year term. The Chairperson of the Students’ Union Council shall not be a member of the Union. The Chairperson of Students’ Union Council can be removed by two thirds of a quorate Students’ Union Council. In the absence of the Chairperson at a meeting of the Students’ Union Council, the Council shall elect from one of its number an acting Chairperson for the duration of that meeting.

6.1.11 College Convenors – Each of the 4 College Convenors are also part time officers and they chair their relevant College Council meetings,

represents Class reps and students on the Executive Committee and work with the SU Council Chairperson. They are:

6.1.12 College of Arts Social Sciences & Celtic Studies

6.1.13 College of Science & Engineering

6.1.14 College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences

6.1.15 College of Business, Public Policy & Law

6.1.16 International Students Officer: The International Students Officer represents and supports international students on campus. They develop Union policy on the international experience and represent Union members on various committees. The Officer promotes the integration of International students across campus and liaises with the International Office wherever relevant.

6.1.17 Gender & LGBT+ Rights Officer: The Gender and LGBT+ Rights Officer represents students on Gender and LGBT+ issues and develops Union policies in these areas. They liaise with societies and organise events to highlight Gender and LGBT+ issues facing students.

6.1.18 Disability Rights Officer: The Disability Rights Officer represents students with disabilities on campus. They promote the integration of students with disabilities and run campaigns to highlight inequalities faced by those with disabilities on a societal and campus wide level. They are responsible for developing Union policies as they relate to improving the student experience of those with disabilities and liaise with the Disability Support Service.

6.1.19 Ethnic Minorities Officer: The Ethnic Minorities Officer represents students of ethnic minority on campus. They represent union members on various committees, provide support to students of ethnic minority and liaise with relevant societies. They organise relevant events and campaigns to highlight and address cultural diversity and to promote the cultural integration of students across campus.

6.1.20 Environmental and Sustainability Officer: The Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Officer promotes sustainability and environmental awareness amongst the members of the Union. They are responsible for developing union policy on environmental and sustainability issues. They will liaise with relevant societies and interest groups and will organise relevant events and campaigns to highlight and address environmental and sustainability issues. They shall

represent Union members on relevant university committees and chair the Environmental and Sustainability Forum once per semester.

6. 2 Commitment

Officers of the Union will be required to give their time to the Union as required and will be required to attend weekly meetings of the Executive during the academic term and occasional meetings out of term as required. Officers will also be required to attend meetings of the Students’ Union Council (See Section on SU Council), and produce an electronic Officer report for these meetings. (In addition, full-time Officers are required to present a report to the Executive on a weekly basis). Officers are generally asked to give time over to Orientation, Freshers’ events, charity events and other campaigns during the year as well as at Union events such as entertainment and comedy gigs. The convenors of various University committees will contact Officers in due course by email about their relationship with those committees and the schedule of meetings (See Section on University Committees.)

If an Officer cannot attend any meeting, they are required to give a genuine reason for their absence. Officers will (generally) have plenty of notice of Union meetings or events, so they can organise things around it. All Union meetings schedules will be based on Officers academic timetable and work rosters (a copy of which should be given to the President as soon as possible). University meetings will always be held during the day, probably at an inconvenient time, but lecturers shouldn’t have a problem with Officers missing lectures because of committee meetings as the University has formalised an arrangement to allow for these absences.

Officers should arrive on time for meetings, stay for the duration and be reasonably well presented as they are representing the Union and the students of the University.

6 3 Giving Advice

When asked for information by a student or anybody else Officers must be aware of the potential repercussions of any advice given and should never lie or make anything up. If an Officer does not know the answer to a query they should tell the person that they will check it out for them and then contact another Officer for advice or refer them to the appropriate person. Officers are not expected to fully understand the workings of the Union, their brief, or the University from the very beginning and so should feel free to consult with another appropriate Officer or member of staff.

Unless something is obviously already in the public domain Officers should keep everything confidential, particularly when dealing with case-work for students. Officers are advised never to consult with anybody regarding a case without first asking the student if they are okay with this. It is not okay to discuss Union issues with housemates, friends, family etc., regardless of how trustworthy they are. However, it is acceptable to seek advice from another Officer. A breach of confidence is a very serious matter and will be treated as such.

6.5 Work Plan

All members of the Executive Committee shall be required to present a work plan for the year ahead to the Executive for approval at the start of their term of office. This plan will be reviewed throughout the year and will be used in the planning of the Unions’ calendar of events for the year. Officers are advised to start planning what they want to achieve and how they want to achieve this during the year straight away to allow for planning and budgeting early on.

7 1

General Manager –

Chris Newell

Key duties:

• As the senior member of staff, to develop and agree with the President, the vision, mission and long-term strategy of the Union.

• To monitor and oversee the operational planning of all non-commercial services provided by the SU.

• To assist and advise the President in dealings with the University and other organisations as appropriate.

• Deals with all aspects of Union finances including budgets and expenses.

• Responsibility for drawing up staff contracts and organising payroll.

• Organisation of team meetings and strategic planning meetings.

• Deals with all new contractual proposals including those which entail the provision new Union services.

Reports to: SU President

7 2 Assistant Manager – Joanna

Brophy

Key duties:

• Management of reception and cloakroom staff.

• Responsible for the provision of Union Services including: desk and cloakroom, Student Leapcard, Lockers, Life Skills and other student work

• Training of staff.

• Overall coordination of Fresher’s Week, fundraising events and all other major events/campaigns including: budget, timetable, planning, developing, delivering, enquiries, event reviews, room bookings, PR.

• Editing of SU publications

• Compiling the weekly email and SU social media.

• Responsible for all promotional queries and bookings.

• Ensure stationary supplies are ordered, stored and deployed appropriately

• Maintain attendance and hours worked records and report these to the GM Rep for payroll purposes.

• Safety Representative.

• ETP Representative.

Reports to: General Manager

7 3 Receptionist – Lorna Shanley

Key duties:

• Receives visitors to the organisation, direct them to the Reception seating area, inform the appropriate person of their arrival.

• Maintains the printers and photocopiers in terms of paper/toner supply and reports machinery faults.

• Receives incoming calls and relays messages to the appropriate person

• Assists in the recycling of office and household supplies when requested.

• Provide admin support to Officers and staff, where possible when requested.

• Provide desk services to customers (e.g. Student Leapcards, locker sales and ticket sales).

• Perform day to day administration related to provision of desk service.

• Counts, record and secure daily cash takings from desk services.

Reports to: In the first instance, to the Assistant Manager and then to the General Manager.

7 4 CÉIM Director – Amber Walsh Olesen

Key Duties:

• Strategic development of the CÉIM peer learning programme.

• Manages the delivery and expansion of CÉIM.

• Design of promotional materials to advertise the model across campus.

• Organises planning meetings with academic staff to discuss progress, challenges, support etc.

• Supports CÉIM student leaders to run effective CÉIM sessions.

• Conducts CÉIM session observations and provide feedback.

• Responsible for coordinating research conducted regarding the impact of CÉIM.

Reports to: Students’ Union General Manager

7.5 CÉIM Administrator – Órla O’Donoghue

Key Duties:

• Provides general administrative support.

• Handles day-to-day tasks to ensure effective delivery of CÉIM.

• Arranges logistics of various events including weekly meetings and training workshops.

• Day-to-day support for CÉIM leaders.

• Conducts CÉIM session observations and provide feedback.

Reports to: Students’ Union General Manager

Hours: Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm

Contact Details: orla.odonoghue@universityofgalway.ie Ext: 4290

7 6 CÉIM Engagement Coordinator – Kerry Lawless

Key Duties:

• Provides general administrative support.

• Develops and runs training for student leaders regarding peer learning strategies and activities, IT, health and wellbeing and other relevant topics.

• Manages CEIM’s social media and marketing campaigns.

Reports to: Students’ Union General Manager

7 7 CÉIM Graduate Intern – Drew Hartnett

Key Duties:

• Provides general administrative support.

• Provides support to CEIM leaders

• Manages CEIM’s social media and marketing campaigns.

• Supports the CÉIM Director, CÉIM Administrator and CÉIM Student Engagement Coordinator with various duties as they arise.

Reports to: Students’ Union General Manager

8

1Lockers

The Students’ Union rents out lockers during term time in all areas of the college. Students can book their locker online using the YourSpace website with lockers costing between €15 and €25 for the academic year (IT, Arts Millennium, Cairnes and Nursing lockers incur a €10 refundable deposit). Lost keys can be replaced for a cost of €2 and if no spare keys are available for the locker the lock will be chopped off and a new lock fitted. Usually a member of the Executive volunteers to assist with the chopping open of locks during the year.

8. 2 Student Leapcards

The Students’ Union is the Galway office for the sale of the Student Leapcard which is necessary to obtain the student rate on Iarnród Éireann for those between 16 and 18 years of age inclusive and those over 24 years of age. After applying online Students with a valid student ID can have their applications processed on the spot in the SU and the cards cost €10. This card offers discounts on bus, Luas and train tickets.

8

3 Grinds Register

The Union runs an online grinds register on the YourSpace website with the majority of those offering grinds being University of Galway postgraduate students. Tutors are not checked or regulated by the Students’ Union and costs are agreed between student and tutor. Students are always advised to meet tutors in a public place for grinds.

8.4

Life Skills

The Life Skills programme includes various subsidised short courses which can improve students non-academic skills and add to their CV’s. Courses now include: First Aid, Gaeilge, Sign Language, Self Defence, Disclosure Training, Mental Health Awareness and safeTALK

8

5 CÉIM Peer Learning

Initiated by University of Galway Students’ Union in 2013, CÉIM is a co-curricular academic peer learning programme that supports 1st year students’ transition to higher education, health and wellbeing, academic success, progression and development of transferable skills (graduate attributes/employability). Uniquely, CÉIM is delivered via a

partnership between students, academic staff and the Students’ Union and is a proven model for providing small group academic peer learning on a weekly basis throughout the entire academic year. Groups of 1st year students meet regularly throughout the academic year with trained 2nd/3rd year student leaders from the same discipline. The research on CÉIM consistently shows that regular CÉIM attendees are more likely to perform better academically than those who attend irregularly or not at all. 1st year students at University of Galway also consistently report that CÉIM has helped them settle into university life and make friends. Find out more at www.su.nuigalway.ie/ceim

8 6 Students ’ Union Cloakroom

A free baggage room is available in the basement of the Library building beside the SU Shop. The cloakroom is open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday during term.

8.7 SU Síbín

The SU Síbín is a social space managed by the Students’ Union. The SU Síbín has seating for up to 70 people and incorporates spaces for group work as well as lots of charging points. Opening Hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 7:00pm

8.8 Spéir – Students ’ Union Pantry

Spéir is an initiative developed to encourage more sustainable food choices whilst helping to combat food wastage. The Student Pantry is funded by the Student Levy and managed by the Students’ Union.

8 9 Sult

The Students’ Union operates Sult which provides a social outlet for students in a safe and friendly environment. University of Galway student ID is required for entry. Sult Catering operates a Carvery, a Deli and a pizza menu. Sult shows all of the main sporting events on the big screen and is also the setting for class parties, quizzes, karaoke nights, charity events etc.

8. 10 Smokey ’ s Café

Smokey’s Cafe is the coffee dock on the Concourse of the Arts/Science Building. It serves a full range of drinks and snacks and is open all day.

8 11Students ’ Union Shop

The Students’ Union operates the campus shop which is located in the basement of the Library building where students can buy discounted newspapers, stationery, refreshments, lab coats, dissection kits etc. The shop manager is Liam Buckley

8 12 SU Card

The SU Card is a loyalty Card operated by the Students’ Union. Students can collect points in various outlets and avail of special offers by using the card.

Students’ Union officers have no direct involvement in the day to day operations of the services provided by the Students’ Union. If you have any comments or suggestions, please raise them with the Student’s Union President.

9 University of Galway Students' Union Commercial Services Ltd.

8.9 to 8.13 listed above are operated by Students’ Union Commercial Services Ltd (SUCS). The company is a private limited company which is owned by the Students’ Union. The company strives to provide services in a sound commercial manner while fostering a student focussed ethos.

Any profits generated by the company are kept on campus for investment in the Students’ Union representational activities, or for the development of services. The shares are held in trust for the members of the Students’ Union by the Board of Trustees.

Commercial Services Organisational Chart

10. Students’ Union Campaigns/Events

10 1Budgeting

The Students’ Union does not allocate direct funding budgets to Officers for campaigns/projects. Each campaign/project is funded based on its merits. Submissions for funding will require a brief application to be made outlining the goals, activities and projected costs associated with the campaign to the President. The Union has a limited amount of funding available for campaigns/projects, however, officers are encouraged to introduce new campaigns into the Union, particularly if it relates to their elected title.

10 2 Campaign Timetable

The timetable of Students’ Union campaigns for the year will be decided upon by the Executive at the beginning of their term as Officers to ensure details of the years events can be publicised in the Flirt FM wall planner which goes to print in July. This timetable should also take into account what other events will be taking place during the year on Campus and elsewhere to avoid clashes. This campaign timetable will be circulated to all staff so that they are kept informed and can plan accordingly.

10.3 Room Bookings

The Assistant Manager handles all room bookings for the Executive which includes classrooms, lecture halls, open spaces in buildings (e.g. the foyer of Áras na Mac Léinn), tables, chairs, display stands etc. Full details of Officers booking requirements must be with the Assistant Manager ten days in advance of the event to guarantee the Buildings Office will agree to facilitate same. Details of any outside groups coming on Campus must also be cleared in advance of events by the Security Office and insurance will be required. Officers are also directed to the section regarding contracts with external and internal bodies.

10 4 Planning

Officers will be asked to work with the Assistant Manager to draw up an event sheet for each campaign outlining all of the elements involved including budget, timing of publicity, volunteers needed, equipment needed, risk assessments, insurance etc.

It is expected that all Officers, once they have agreed to run a campaign, will commit to helping out in this campaign and be bound by their decisions. Officers should outline their availability to help out in campaigns the week prior to the campaign. The Students’ Union will endeavour to recruit a team of volunteers for the year at the start of Semester one at Clubs Day, Societies Day and the Volunteering Fair. Volunteers can pick and choose which campaigns they would like to be involved in. Clubs and Societies themselves will also be approached looking for volunteers.

10 6 Campaign Review

A review of each campaign will be held as soon as possible after the campaign has ended to assess the success or otherwise of the campaign and how it may be improved in the future.

11. Students’ Union Communications

111FlirtFM 1013FM

FlirtFM was Galway’s first licensed community and student radio station and was founded as collaboration between University of Galway and GMIT students in the 1990s. FlirtFM is now one of only three full-time student stations in Ireland. In 2008 GMIT withdrew from this partnership. FlirtFM broadcasts all year round and is run by a full-time Manager, Paula Healy, a station assistant and about 100 volunteers. The station is located in Áras na Mac Léinn.

11 . 2 Dealing with the Media

Please find below the Union Press Policy and you might please note that this applies to all media including SIN, Flirt FM, social media and internet forums.

1. The President is the chief spokesperson for the Union, therefore:

(i) The President must be aware of all Press Releases/Press Statements issued, interviews given, comments made.

(ii) All Press Releases will carry a quote from the President and the relevant officer, unless otherwise agreed.

(iii) In the absence of the President, the Welfare Officer or the Education Officer will deputise at the President’s behest.

2. Press Releases / Photocall Notices etc will only be issued by the General Manager or the Assistant Manager.

3. No officer should take it upon themselves to contact journalists or give interviews or information to journalists without first speaking to the President or the General Manager.

4. The General Manager and Assistant Manager should be informed of all dealings between Officers and the media.

In the case of general requests from local media in relation, for example, to followup interviews as a result of a Press Release, prior notification will not be expected.

5. Calls from the media will be referred to the President in the first instance, and then others as appropriate.

6. Requests for Press Releases between meetings may only be made through the President.

7. The President (and other officers where funding is available) shall be presented for professional, outsourced Media Training at the beginning of their term of office.

8. Press Releases issued will be stored in the Press Releases folder on the server.

11.3 On Campus Communications

On Campus Communications include the following: Posters, Pre-Lecture

Address/Shout Outs, SU Council address, Student’s Union weekly email, Staff Intranet, Emails to Groups, FlirtFM, SIN Website, SU Websites, LCD Screens around Campus, SIN Newspaper, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok and Facebook.

114 OffCampus Communications

Local Media – Press, Radio, TV, Websites

Regional Media – Press, Radio, TV, Websites

National Media – Press, Radio, TV, Websites

115 SU Logo

The University of Galway Students’ Union logo is part of the Students’ Union brand and is used on all SU advertising and promotional literature. Our logo is recognisable and endorses all goods, services and campaigns of the Students’ Union.

It is important to note that the Students’ Union logo consists of the illustration of three people and the bilingual title of the Students’ Union. The elements should not be separated.

Our logo defines what a union is: People coming together. There are no identifying characteristics of the people included. The centre figure could be leading on behalf of the group which suggests representation; or the three people could be forming a circle which suggests unity.

The logo should feature prominently on documents, publications T-shirts etc. It should always be surrounded by a defined amount of blank space. This will serve to separate and delineate the logo from the surrounding printed matter.

To avoid misrepresentation of the Union, we do not permit the use of our logo by third parties without express permission.

Two of the most important days in the Students’ Union calendar are the elections of the full-time and part-time elections which are usually held in March of each year. The term of office for each Officer is from the 1st of July until the 30th of June the following year.

To be eligible to run for election, candidates must be a member of the Students’ Union and registered students

A Returning Officer is appointed by the Elections Committee each year to oversee the running of the elections.

Full details of the running of SU elections can be found in Schedule 1 of the Constitution a copy of which is in the Appendix.

13 1Boardroom

Officers can avail of the Boardroom by booking a timeslot at Reception. The Boardroom can set up to eighteen people and is equipped with teleconference facilities.

The SU Office is used for official Union business only. The Union will not be responsible for any items lost or stolen from the SU Office.

13. 2 Post

Outgoing post should be left in the post tray at Reception and incoming post will be kept at Reception. Post that is being sent to another part of the College should be marked “internal post” in the top right hand corner.

13 3 Phones

Full-time officers are provided with a mobile phone and a university extension. Part-Time Officers receive a €20 mobile phone allowance each month. This can be claimed monthly by submitting an expenses form to the General Manager.

Phones should be use for work purposes only.

13.4

Wages

Full-time Officers receive €27,000 per annum (gross) paid on a weekly basis. Full-time Officers must complete a Starter Form to be added to the union’s payroll. Payslips will be emailed to the email address provided on the starter form.

Part-time Officers are unpaid. All Officers are entitled to claim any Union-related expenses using an expenses form which is available at reception.

13 5 Holidays

All Officers are asked to inform the President and General Manager as soon as possible of any planned holidays or exam periods during which they will be unavailable for Union activities. Full Time Officers are entitled to 20 days annual leave in addition to periods when the office is closed. Annual Leave is recorded via HR Locker.

Expense claim forms are available from Reception and receipts, tickets etc., should be attached to these when seeking reimbursement. All expenses must be approved beforehand. These forms apply to normal travel and accommodation expenses mainly such as travelling to USI Congress. Where Officers anticipate any Union-related expenses which are non-travel related or higher than usual they must first inform the General Manager via email (chris.newell@universityofgalway.ie) and these can then be pre-approved. All claims which are deemed excessive by the General Manager will be reviewed.

13.7 Contact Numbers

A list of commonly used contact numbers can be found in Appendix 5. All University offices generally have a four digit telephone extension which can be dialled on any internal University phone (e.g. Joanna Brophy 3704). These can be dialled from external phones/mobiles by putting “49” before the extension (e.g. Joanna Brophy 091 493704) and this will save Officers from going through the main University switchboard. If Officers have a Sabbatical Officer’s personal number they are asked not to make it known to the public. Only give out their SU mobile number or their extension number.

13 8 Office Security

Full-time Officers will receive a set of keys to the office and the alarm code. The last person out of the office on a weekday is responsible for setting the alarm. Prior to setting the alarm they should ensure that all doors are locked, all windows are closed and any electrical equipment is switched off (photocopier, computers etc.). If an Officer accidentally sets off the alarm they should contact Security immediately on 3333 (or 091 493 333 from your mobile).

13.9 Parking

Full-time Officers may apply for a staff parking permit which may be granted at the discretion of the Buildings Office subject to University Regulations and Charges. All Officers are reminded that clamping is in force on Campus and please inform any visitors you will have coming on campus where the (scarce!) Pay & Display spaces can be found. Clamping appeal forms can be found on the Buildings Office website.

Stationery for Officers is ordered as needed by the Assistant Manager and any requests should be forwarded to her. Stationery is for Union related use only and extravagant requests will not be catered to. Headed paper and compliment slips are available for Officer use on official correspondence only. Officers will be given business cards at the beginning of the year some of which will be kept behind the front desk to give out to students with queries relating to your remit.

13 11Clothing

Officers are given SU branded clothing at the beginning of the year which they are expected to wear when they are representing the Union. This clothing should not be worn at non-Union events, when you are going on a night out or by non-Executive members.

13 12 Contracts with External and Internal Bodies

The General Manager and the President must sign off on all contracts which Officers propose entering in to with external or internal bodies. A contract is any agreement written or verbal that Officers may enter into which involves a commitment of Union resources such as money, staff, Officers, space, an endorsement or time. Officers must apply for approval in writing for anything they propose agreeing to which would leave the Union financially or legally liable. Included in this would be agreements (no matter how casual) with internal bodies external bodies such as trainers for courses or campaigns.

13 13 Email/Computers

Each Officer will have their own email account which they are asked to check on a daily basis during term time and every 2 or 3 days outside of term. Officers should always use their Union email address when involved in correspondence related to their position. This ensures continuity from year to year. If there is a query at Reception which is within an Officers remit the receptionist will pass on their email address first and if the query is not answered in a reasonable time by email then the Officers mobile number will be passed on instead. Officers Outlook Calendars will be shared with other Officers and staff.

Officers will receive a large number of emails and attachments relating to their work as well as correspondence from Officers, staff and students. Officers are advised to use folders and to avoid letting their account fill up. Officers should not delete something just because it doesn’t seem important at the time as it could well be in the future. Officers should avoid deleting email relating to “casework” with students unless they are sure that the issue is resolved and that they do not have any recourse to the Officer or the Union. Officers should always try to respond to emails on the day they are received and if they are unsure of how to respond to them should ask for help.

The addresses of the Executive are:

President su.president@universityofgalway.ie

Vice President / Welfare & Equality Officer su.welfare@universityofgalway.ie

Vice President / Education Officer su.education@universityofgalway.ie

Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge su.gaeilge@universityofgalway.ie

Postgraduate Taught Officer su.pgtaught@universityofgalway.ie

Postgraduate Research Officer su.pgresearch@universityofgalway.ie

Societies Chairperson su.socs@universityofgalway.ie

Clubs’ Captain su.clubs@universityofgalway.ie

Mature Students Officer su.maturestudents@universityofgalway.ie

Convenor Science/Engineering su.scienceengineering@universityofgalway.ie

Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies su.arts@universityofgalway.ie

Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences su.medicine@universityofgalway.ie

Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law su.business@universityofgalway.ie

International Students Officer su.international@universityofgalway.ie

Gender & LGBT+ Rights Officer su.lgbt@universityofgalway.ie

Disability Rights Officer su.disability@universityofgalway.ie

Ethnic Minorities Officer su.ethnicminorities@universityofgalway.ie

Environmental Awareness & Sustainability Officer su.environment@universityofgalway.ie

13. 14 Environmental Policy

All Officers are asked to remember to switch off lights and office equipment (including computers and monitors) in the office when they’re not in use. Avoid over-ordering of posters, leaflets etc., for campaigns. Please use the paper recycling system.

13. 15 Photocopying

Officers have access to free photocopying for official Union related business. Please do not abuse this privilege and avoid excessive wastage. Ask a staff member if you are unsure of how to use the photocopiers functions or if it has run out of paper.

13 16 Printing

Officers have access to free printing for official Union related business. Please try to print two pages per sheet where possible and try to keep electronic copies of documents as opposed to paper copies where you can. If the printer runs out of paper please advise a staff member.

13. 17 Health & Safety

All Officers should read and sign off on the University of Galway Students’ Union Safety Statement. Employees (including full or part-time, permanent or temporary, regardless of any employment or contractual arrangement they may have) have the following duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005:

They must:

• Comply with relevant laws and protect their own safety and health, as well as the safety and health of anyone who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.

• Ensure that they are not under the influence of any intoxicant to the extent that they could be a danger to themselves or others while at work.

• Cooperate with their employer with regard to safety, health and welfare at work.

• Not engage in any improper conduct that could endanger their safety or health or that of anyone else.

• Participate in safety and health training offered by their employer.

• Make proper use of all machinery, tools, substances, etc., and of all personal protective equipment provided for use at work.

• Report any defects in the pl ace of work, equipment, etc., which might endanger safety and health.

13 18 Síbín Desk / Office Reception

The SU Síbín Desk and the Office Reception are places of work in which the Union employs staff to administer our services. Officers are not required to work in these spaces.

14. Comhairle Comhaltas na Mac Léinn (Students’ Union Council) Comhairle Comhaltas na Mac Léinn (Students’ Union Council) consists of approximately 400 members representing every class in the University. It is essential to the running of the Union and is beneficial to the running of the University. It also helps bring students ever more closely involved with the workings of the Union and the University. The Council is used by the Union to inform students what is happening within the University and also to get feedback from students regarding any problems, suggestions or positive aspects they have found in the University.

Comhairle meets at least three times per semester and quorum for a Comhairle CML is fifty class representatives

Each of the University of Galway Colleges shall also have a College Class Representative Councils together with a Postgraduate Council. Each College Council will meet twice each semester:

• Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies Council

• Science, Engineering & Informatics Council

• Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences Council

• Business, Public Policy & Law Council

• Postgrad Council

The object of the College Class Rep Councils is to discuss individual faculty issues while Students’ Union Council discusses University wide issues.

The change in the system has resulted in greater participation rates and has received positive feedback from reps. However, these changes need to be continued and improved. A strong class reps system is vital for a strong Union. Attendance is mandatory for all executive members at SU Council and all executive members must prepare a written report and present it to Students’ Union Council. Class Reps is coordinated by the Vice-President/Education Officer.

15. Students’ Union Committees & Fora

Section 10 of the Students’ Union Constitution directs the Executive Committee to establish the following committee and fora:

15.1The Students ’ Union General Meeting

The SU General meeting shall be held least once a year and will act as a forum for reviewing the Union’s activities and finances during the semester. Each Union officer will present a written report of their activities to date for the meeting.

15 2 Education Forum

This is chaired by the Education Officer and meets once every semester to discuss relevant issues arising in the University which affect the education of the student body. The Forum can propose agenda items to SU Council for discussion and is open to all Union members. The Executive Committee may decide to suspend this Forum if it deems that it is no longer necessary. It is open to all members of the Union.

15 3 The Welfare Forum

This Forum is chaired by the Welfare and Equality Officer and meets every semester to discuss any relevant welfare issues in the University which affect students. The Forum can propose agenda items to SU Council for discussion and is open to all Union members. The Executive Committee may decide to suspend this Forum if it deems that it is no longer necessary. It is open to all members of the Union.

15 4 The Elections Committee

This Committee comprises of the President, the Vice-Presidents and the Returning Officer. The Committee oversees the running of all Union elections and decides on matters arising during same which are not covered in the Constitution or its schedules. If a member of the Elections Committee runs for re-election, they must resign from the Committee and the Executive will elect their replacement.

15 5 The Publications & Promotions Committee

The Committee oversees the non-editorial organisation of all Union publications and is comprised of the President, the Vice-Presidents and relevant staff members as

nominated by the Executive Committee. The committee deals with any complaints in relation to Union publications.

15.6 The Societies ’ Forum

This Forum is chaired by the Societies’ Chairperson and meets at least once per semester to discuss any relevant issues which affect the University’s societies. The meeting is open to the auditors of the University’s societies and the Societies’ Chairperson must present a written report of work to date to the Forum.

15 7 The Clubs ’ Forum

This Forum is chaired by the Clubs’ Captain and meets at least once per semester to discuss any relevant issues which affect the University’s clubs. The meeting is open to the captains of the University’s clubs and the Clubs’ Captain must present a written report of work to date to the Forum.

15.8 The Environmental and Sustainability Forum

This shall be chaired by the Environmental and Sustainability Officer and shall meet at least once per semester. The purpose of the Environmental and Sustainability Forum shall be to discuss any relevant environmental and sustainability issues or campaigns The Environmental and Sustainability Forum shall, where necessary propose any relevant agenda items to SU Council for discussion. The Environmental and Sustainability Forum shall be open to all members of the Union.

16. Executive Meetings

16 1Terms of Reference

The Executive Committee is one of the organs of the Students’ Union established by the Constitution. As such the powers of the Constitution are vested in and exercised by this Committee. The Executive Committee (with staff members) shall have responsibility for the day to day representational functions of the Union. All members of the Executive shall have a collective responsibility for the successful operation of the Union. The Committee shall decide Union policy and all members of the Executive shall be bound by these policies. Each member of the Executive is expected to participate in and contribute to meetings. Executive members have a duty to keep themselves well informed of the Unions activities. All members of the Executive must maintain confidentiality on any matter deemed confidential by the Executive.

16.2 Chairperson

The President is the Executive Chairperson and may not delegate this position.

16 3 Schedule of Meetings

The Executive Committee shall meet on a weekly basis during term time. The schedule of meetings shall be set as soon as possible at the beginning of each semester by the President upon receipt of each Officers timetable. Meetings will be scheduled in a manner which ensures maximum attendance. This may, at times, require alternating meetings times and days each week.

16.4 Agenda

The Agenda will be circulated prior to the meeting. A Standing Agenda will be in place and Officers will contact the President to have items added to same. Items on the Agenda will, as far as possible, be classed as action items or information items.

16 5 Minutes

The President shall nominate a member of the Executive to record the minutes of that meeting. A copy of the draft minutes shall be distributed two working days after the meeting to the Executive Members. Confirmed minutes will be placed on the Students’

Union website. Confirmed minutes will also be distributed to SU staff members. The minutes will have a standard format.

16 6Quorum

The quorum shall be seven attendees including the Chairperson. If the number in attendance falls below quorum, the meeting will be regarded as having finished.

16 7 Attendance at Meetings

A member of the Executive who (a.) fails to attend three consecutive executive meetings without sending their written apologies to the meeting or (b.) who fails to attend six meetings consecutively with or without giving written apologies shall be deemed to have resigned and may not run for re-election in the resulting by-election. Executive members must have a valid reason for non-attendance at Executive meetings.

16.8 Order of Business

Will follow standard agenda layout.

16 9 Decision Making

Will be by consensus or vote where necessary. Once a decision is taken by the Executive, whether or not an Executive member agrees with same, they must support this decision and take any necessary actions in relation to same.

16 10 Ruling ofChair

In the event of a tie in a vote the Chairperson has the casting vote.

16. 11Offensive Expression

Executive Committee members are expected to behave in an orderly, respectful and polite manner at meetings. Threatening or offensive behaviour and language in any form will not be tolerated.

16 12 Standing Orders

In addition to these rules extra Standing Orders may be introduced as the Committee deems necessary.

The President and two Vice-Presidents are required to give a report on work carried out at each Executive meeting. Part-time Officers will give an oral report of their activities to each Executive meeting. In addition each Officer will present an end of year report to the Executive covering all of their work during their time in office.

16 14 Emergency Executive Committee Meetings

May be called at any time by five Officers or the President.

16 15 Mobile Phones

As a matter of courtesy officers are asked to keep mobiles switched off during meetings

17. Conduct of Officers

As elected Officers of the Union Officers have a responsibility towards the students that they represent and also to the Union itself. An Officer’s role is to serve the students.

Officers must behave in an appropriate fashion at all times and in all situations (this includes internet forums) and avoid any conduct that could be considered unbecoming of an Officer.

An elected Officer holds a position of responsibility and trust and they must never abuse or take personal advantage of this position. Officers must be aware that their position as an Officer can be taken as an endorsement of the things they say. When Officers are approached for information on an area outside of their remit they should direct the query to the appropriate Officer. Where Officers are acting in their personal capacity on a project/event they should ensure they are not identified as an Officer of the Union. Officers should also be aware that when they are wearing their Union clothing they are on display as a representative of the Union.

18 1Proposing a policy

An Executive member may propose a policy relating to an issue that they feel the Union requires a position on at an Executive meeting. If the Executive agree that this policy is necessary the proposing Executive member will approach the President or Assistant Manager to draw up the policy document. This draft policy document is then put before the Executive for approval. Once the Executive has passed the draft it becomes SU policy as per the Constitution. New policies will also be brought before the Students’ Union Council for their approval and they may, if they see fit, overturn same.

18. 2 Repealing a policy

Policies which become outdated, irrelevant or which do not reflect the Union’s position any longer can be repealed by the Executive. Where necessary a new policy will then be drawn up to reflect the accepted SU position on the matter.

18 3 Policy Categories

1. Education

2. Welfare

3. Union Organisation

4. National Affairs

5. University Management

6. Campus

18.4 Policy Identification System

Policies will be identified as follows: Welfare/01/23 i.e. This is the first Welfare Policy to have been passed in 2023

The Union’s website address is www.su.nuigalway.ie. The website contains a wealth of information covering every aspect of University life including welfare, grants, fees, SU Council, the Executive Officers and information for postgraduate students. Officers should have a read through the site and become familiar with its contents as they will be referring people to it throughout the year. If you have any suggestions for information relating to your position which you feel should be on the website please inform the President.

Students can access the SU services such as booking lockers, registering SU cards and the grinds register via the YourSpace website.

The Union also has Twitter and Facebook pages along with Instagram, Tik Tok and Snapchat accounts which were set up to increase points of contact with students.

20. University of Galway History

The University was originally one of three Queen’s Colleges set up by Act of Parliament introduced by Sir Robert Peel and passed in 1845 enabling “Her Majesty to endow new Colleges for the advancement of learning in Ireland”. The sister colleges were located in Belfast and Cork. The college opened for teaching on October 30th 1849 with 37 professors and 68 students and a year later became a part of the Queen's University of Ireland. Women students were admitted around the turn of the century and in 1906 Alice Perry graduated from the college, believed to be the first female engineering graduate in the world having received a first class honours degree in civil engineering. The Irish Universities Act, 1908 made this college a constituent college of the new National University of Ireland, and under a new charter the name of the college was changed to University College, Galway. The university was given special statutory responsibility under the University College, Galway Act, 1929 in respect of the use of the Irish language as the working language of the college. The university retained the name University College, Galway until 1997 when the Universities Act, 1997 changed the name to National University of Ireland, Galway and made the college a constituent university of the National University of Ireland.

The original University architect, Joseph B. Keane, used local stone quarried during the Famine, and like his fellow architects at Cork and Belfast was strongly influenced by the Gothic Revival in architecture which was then in full swing. The Clock Tower at the Quadrangle building is a very good rendering of the tower of Christ Church, Oxford. Newer parts of the university sprang up in the 1970s and were designed by architects Scott Tallon Walker. The 1990s also saw considerable development including the conversion of an old factory into a student centre and sports hall. Áras Moyola and the J.E. Cairnes Business School in North Campus were the most recent building additions. The new Sports Centre was opened in August 2008, being run by Kingfisher. The new Cultural Centre in Áras na Mac Léinn was opened in 2009. The new Engineering School Building costing €60million was completed in the summer of 2011. Future building projects in the pipeline include major improvements to Campus infrastructure and a Water Sports Centre. These developments are outlined in the colleges “Campus of the Future” master plan.

Presidents ofthe University

• Rev. Dr Joseph W. Kirwan 1845-1849

• Edward Berwick 1849-1877

• Sir Thomas William Moffett 1877-1897

• William Joseph Myles Starkie 1897-1899

• Dr. Alexander Anderson 1899-1934

• Monsignor John Hynes 1934-1945

• Monsignor Pádraig de Brún 1945-1959

• Dr. Martin J. Newell 1960-1975

• Dr. Colm Ó hEocha 1975-1996

• Dr. Patrick F. Fottrell 1996-2000

• Dr. Iognáid G. Ó Muircheartaigh 2000- 2008

• Dr. James J. Browne 2008 – 2017

• Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh 2018 – 2024

21.

University Tour

1. Starting Point: The Quadrangle

-point out Aula Maxima and art gallery in here

-Built between 1845-49 with Famine money

-The only one of the Queens Colleges with 4 sides (Cork only has 3)

- Áras Failte for general enquiries is now located under the archway

2. Point out exit on to University Road and position of Hospital and University Pharmacy (10% discount for students)

3. Walk past Áras Ní Éimhigh. Explain at this point about parking that they need a permit for same which they now need to pay for. Maps available on buildings section of University website showing student parking areas.

Point out Áras de Brun – Maths and Zoology are in here along with the SUMS Maths Support Centre – let them know that Áras is the Irish word for building

Point out Áras na Gaeilge and that there is a Café there where they can practice their Gaeilge.

4. Bring them down to the Reading Room and show them the pods on the way – need student ID card for entry. For the meeting pods they need to go to the Security Office to get access added to their ID cards. Point out the shiny lockers available from their friendly Students Union register via yourspace only €15-€25.

Show them SU shop and call in to the SU Síbín and tell them all about it.

Show them Canteen. Food is also served in Sult breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, soups and huge dinners/pizzas. Cloakroom run by SU and FREE.

5. Outside library let them know library opening hours. Tell them how important it is that they take the library tours which are running. Show them on campus Pharmacy. At this point let them know that in general opening hours for offices etc. in college 9.30am to 12.45pm and 2.30pm to 4.45pm. Tell them ISS Helpdesk is in Library foyer for any tech problems/WIFI Access/Blackboard etc.

6. Bring them down to Arts Millennium building and bring them in to show them the theatres. For Arts students show them up to the Arts Faculty offices. Point out the theatres at the end of the corridor.

7. Bring them over to the Chapel. Show them Common Room where they can relax/study.

Bring them toward Distillery Road and point out St. Declans house where Chaplaincy is.

Show them Counselling office and where International Students Office is.

Show them the Security Hut and ask them all to save the 24hour number for security in their phones 091 493 333 – warn them about walking home alone and let them know Panic Alarms available in SU Shop. This is where they can get meeting pod access added to their ID Cards.

8. Before going under Quincentenial bridge point out the Sports Complex.

Point out Áras Moyola – Nursing, Sociology & Politics (Soc&Pol) here.

Point out Engineering Building.

Point out St. Anthonys, Cairnes Building – SU lockers available in Áras Moyola, Engineering and Cairnes Building.

Point out Friars.

9. On way back to Concourse let them know that each building has a different code eg: Quad =A Arts Millennium = AM St. Anthonys = SH Cairnes = BS Human Biology = HBB

Bring them in to Concourse via Bank of Ireland point this out and also point out the lockers again which are available to rent.

Point out the main lecture theatres along the Concourse and also let them know about the colour coding Green=Physics Yellow=Geography Blue=Chemistry Red= Bio Chemistry

Show them there is a Science Concourse = SC

And Arts Concourse=AC show them AC 213/214/215 classrooms

Point out the SU Notice Board to them

10. Bring them to Chemistry corridor – walk down it to IT Building show them where the Careers office is – Bring them into top floor of IT building – Leave IT for Áras Uí

Cathaill let them know there are 2 computer labs here and labs in nearly every building on Campus open generally 8am to 10pm weekdays 8am to 6pm weekends

Show them Student Registry Helpdesk, Fees, Exams, Access and Accommodation office in Áras Uí Cathaill

11. Bring them into Áras na Mac Léinn bring them up to SU and give them all a free magazines, condoms etc.

Show them Health Unit – free GP service but very small amount of staff for 19,000 students. Need to book appointment online.

Show them main Bailey Allen hall and FlirtFM.

Bring them into the Societies Space and show all the resources including SocsBox.

Show them the Hub Common room with kitchen and the Alive office.

12. Show them Sult – Great dinners, sambos, craic, pizza etc.

Point out Bank of Ireland Theatre, O’Donoghue Building and make way back to Concourse via Smokeys

Tell them Smokeys has cheapest coffee on campus.

Point out the Tapestries which cost €20,000 each

Show them the big yellow “Brian King Statue” and let them know this and the concourse and library are all protected structures as examples of groovy 70s architecture.

13. End at Library and again encourage them to do library tour. Tell them about the Free Academic Writing Support Centre in the Library. Also tell them about Clubs & Societies Day and any other SU events coming up.

Tell them the SU loves them all and dispense free hugs.

22. University Committees

Below is a list of the main University Committees.

22. 1Governing Authority/Údarás na hOllscoile (Subject to Election)

The SU has three seats on this committee which oversees and approves the decisions of all of the main college committees. An elected Postgrad rep also sits on this committee and it’s sub-committees. The Students’ Union is now limited to only one SU officer on each subcommittee.

The five sub-committees of Údarás are: (only members of Údarás sit on these committees)

• Standing and Strategic (SSTR)

• Finance/Resource (FRC)

• Audit & Risk Committee

• Academic Council (AC)

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

22 2 Standing and Strategic

This committee oversees the elements of the University strategic plan and reports to Governing Authority. It also sets the agenda for Údarás.

22.3 Finance/Resource

This committee decides where the University budget goes.

22 4 Coiste Straitéiseach

University Gaeilge Committee focusing on the Irish Language Strategy

22 5 Academic Council

This committee which looks at the main issues raised at faculty meetings. The SU has 12 seats on this.

22.6 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

This committee receives information from the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion campus committees and looks at minority issues across the campus.

22.7 Crèche

This committee deals with issues regarding the campus créche.

22.8 Accessibility Committee

This committee looks at parking and other mobility issues on campus.

22 9 Safety Working Group

This committee formulates policy and makes recommendations regarding the safety, health and welfare of staff, students and visitors to the University.

22. 10 CUSP

CUSP is the University’s sustainability group. It is made up of a wide range of academics, admin staff and researchers.

22.11USCG

This is the formal body in the University with responsibility for all matters of policy and funding in relation to societies in the University.

22 12 Student Projects Fund

This committee makes decisions on what submissions to fund from the student projects fund. It meets annually in May/June of each year.

22.13Quality Enhancement Committee

This committee is responsible for improving the overall quality of the services delivered by the University.

22 14 Coiste Feabhais Acaduil

This committee looks at academic quality issues.

22 15 College Boards (4)

These committees meet every two months during the academic year to consider issues of concern such as new courses, student affairs and policy.

22. 16 Academic Planning and Resource

This committee formulates policy on academic issues and oversees academic resource allocation.

22 17 Áras na Mac Léinn Fund Group

This committee oversees the allocation of the Áras na Mac Léinn fund and approves projects

22 18 Student Complaints Procedure

This committee meets when a complaint is lodged.

22. 19 Student Discipline Committee

Deals with any student discipline issues.

22.20 Parking Management Appeals Group (PMAG)

This committee hears appeals to clamping.

22 21College Campus Radio Ltd

This oversees the operation of Flirt FM.

22. 22 Student Health Unit Board ofDirectors

This oversees the health unit.

22. 23 Strategic Heads ofFunction

This committee includes all the Directors of various Student Services Units, including the Health Unit, Student Counselling, Disability Office, Access Office, etc. It discusses matters around the provision of student support services and any pertinent issues associated therewith.

22 24 The Financial Aid Fund Committee

This committee oversees the administration of the Financial Aid Fund, as well as a subcommittee which hears emergency cases.

22 25 The Emergency Financial Aid Committee

This committee will assess emergency cases as they emerge, particularly after closing dates.

22. 26 National Student Engagement Working Group

Two key strands of work: A National Student Training Programme and the Development of Institutional Capacity.

22 27 Library Strategy Committee

This committee formulates policy in relation to all aspects of the Library service.

22 28 SUCS Board ofDirectors

This Board oversees the operation of Students’ Union Commercial Services.

22 29 Sexual Violence, Harassment prevention and Response Committee

22 30 Student Retention Committee

Formulates policy to avoid students dropping out of College.

22.31ISSE Survey (Student Survey)

All aspects of the Irish Survey of Student Engagement including promotion.

22.32 Exam Appeals Committee

Exam result appeals.

22 33 Academic Skills Committee

Development of students’ academic skills.

22.34 Teaching & Learning Committee

22 35 Exam Security Board

22.36 Exam Interview Board

22 37 University ofSanctuary

Access to Third-level Education for those living in Direct Provision and members of the Traveler Community.

22.38 Research & Innovation Committee

22 39 International Committee

22 40 OTHER Committees

• Student Experience Executive

• Student Death Protocol

• Student Digital Pathways Project Board

• University of Galway App and Web Governance

• Behaviour Change Working Group

• Operations Group ( Laptop Loan Scheme)

• Disability Steering Group(2 SU reps)

• Learning Commons Project Senior Stakeholder Group

• Academic Regulations Committee

• Pilot Proctoring Project Team

• Aspire Advisory Committee

• Widening Participation Committee

• Intercultural Campus Working Group

• LIFT Steering Group (Leading Ireland's Future Together)

• Student Support for Remote Learning (not sure if this will still happen next year)

• Enlight

• Behaviour Change Working Group

• Virtual Learning Environment Subgroup

• Plagiarism Policy Working Group

• Academic Strategy

• Open Educational Resources Committees (multiple committees)

• UniCov Comms group

• Universal Design for Learning Working Group

• Student Welfare Support Group

• Athena Swan SAT

• Substance Use Steering Group

• Mental Health Strategic Funding Committee

22 41Non- University Committees (some are SU committees, USI Committees or with Volunteer Organisations):

• USI Welfare working group

• USI Equality working group

• Galway Sexual Health Forum

• Drug Taskforce west

• BMW Working Group

• Academic Affairs Working Group

• Postgraduate Working Group

• USI Presidents' WG

• SU Elections Committee

• USI National Council

• USI BMW Working Group

• USI Campaigns Working Group

• SU Events Crew

• SU Climate Crew

• SU Executive Committee

• Bord na nIontaobhaithe CMLOÉG / NUIGSU Board of Trustees

• Galway City Council's Joint Policing Committee on Anti-Social Behaviour

• Galway Children Youth Person Services Committee (this is becoming a statutory/named committee that will pass with SU Presidents)

• Coiste Cultúrtha AMLÉ

• Coiste Gaeilge – SU

• Meitheal an Phlean Teanga (Gaillimh le Gaeilge)

• USI Gaeilge Working Group

23. University Policies

All University policy documents can be found on the College website. The following is a list of the key policy documents that Officers will need to be familiar with:

• Anti-Bullying Policy for Students

• Alcohol Policy

• Abridged Alcohol Policy

• Policy on Supports for Students Experiencing Pregnancy Maternity & Paternity

• Authorised Absences

• Drug Policy

• Student Sexual Harassment Policy

• Mental Health Strategy

• Missing Student Protocol

• Procedures for the Recognition of a new Sports Club

• Clubs Financial Management Procedures

• Student Complaint Procedure document

• Postering Policy

• Procedures on Payments to Clubs, Societies, Mentors and Students

• Student Death Protocol

• Student Code Of Conduct

The following strategic documents also provide an insight in to the University’s plans for the future:

• Campus of the Future

• Sports Strategy

• Vision 2020 2015-2020

• Strategic plan 2020-2025

24. University Colleges

A College is all the academic members of staff, lecturers and Professors associated with that area of study e.g. Science or Law. Colleges meet every two months during the academic year and consider the issues of concern such as new courses, student affairs and policy. Every three years they elect one of their members as Dean who can then be re-elected for a further 3 years.

College Executive Dean Email

College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies

College of Business, Public Policy and Law

College of Science & Engineering

College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences

Graduate Studies

Professor Rebecca Braun artsdean@universityofgalway.ie

Professor Geraint Howells geraint.howells@universityofgalway.ie

Extn

Prof Walter Gear Walter.gear@universityofgalway.ie 3615

Prof Martin O’Donnell CMNHS@universityofgalway.ie

Prof Dónal Leech donal.leech@universityofgalway.ie 2416

Please note the “Campus Directory” which can be found on the University of Galway homepage. This Directory contains contact numbers, emails and locations for all members of staff in the College HOWEVER it has not been updated for some time!

25. University Bodies

Please note that as a general rule the opening hours of most University Offices are 10:00 – 12:45 and 14:15 – 16:45.

25. 1Access Office

The Access Office is in Áras Uí Chathaill and the Access Officer is Imelda Byrne (Ext 5215). 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. This involves a wide range of educational approaches and specialist services targeted at large numbers of students who are classified by the Higher Education Authority as 'non-traditional.'

The Access Centre helps individuals realise their educational potential irrespective of their educational background, age or personal health circumstances. It provides support for students participating on access programmes, students with disabilities and mature students.

25 2 Admissions Office

The Admissions Office is located on the First Floor in Áras Ui Chathail. Stephen O’Dea is the main Admissions Officer (Ext 4284).

25.3 Alumni Relations (merged with University Foundation)

Their mission is to create and maintain a vital connection with NUI Galway graduates. They work to keep graduates informed about, involved with, and connected to the University. Office staff maintain alumni records, manage alumni events and produce the alumni publications. The Alumni Office organizes the annual University Gala Banquet & Alumni Awards and the Alumni Reunions.

25 4 Buildings and Estates

Buildings and Estates is responsible for the planning, development, maintenance and management of the university estate (buildings and grounds). Buildings and Estates is located in the Quad. Denis O’Connor is the Director of Physical Resources (Ext 2135) and Dean Pearce is the Facilities Manager (Ext 5363). The services provided by the Buildings Office can be divided into these broad categories:

• Environment

• Planning and Development (Major capital developments/Master planning)

• Maintenance Operations and Projects (Maintenance Requests/Building & Refurbishment Projects)

• Facilities Management (Space Management/Service Help Desk/Security Services/Insurance Services/Cleaning Services/Move Management etc)

25 5 CELT

The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching aims to foster a culture of excellence in teaching and learning and promote methods that encourage active learner engagement and critical thinking. They are research-led and participate in international organisations and fora in the areas of teaching, evaluation, technology and higher education research.

Locally CELT are responsible for:

• Academic Staff Development

• Audiovisual Services and Classroom Systems

• Learning Technologies and Media Production

• An Teanglann (Language Labs)

• Teaching & Learning Policy

25 6 CKI

University of Galway’s Community Knowledge Initiative places communities at the centre of debate and helps educate students for civic engagement. The CKI has four main areas of focus which are: Volunteering, Service Learning/Community Based Learning, Research and Knowledge Sharing. The CKI promotes volunteering through the ALIVE programme. This programme offers students a chance to volunteer with organisations. Students can attain an ALIVE certificate which recognises their volunteering contribution. The CKI offices are located in the Institute for Lifecourse & Society Building. Lorraine Tansey is responsible for the ALIVE programme (Ext 5346). The ALIVE office is in the Hub, Áras na Mac Léinn.

25.7 Information Solutions & Services

ISS is charged by the University with:

• Providing an effective, secure and confidential computing service to the academic departments and offices of the University;

• Supporting the University network and providing email, Intranet and Internet services to all staff and students on a University-wide basis;

• Delivering a reliable, consistent, high availability service while continuing to develop the technology infrastructure of the University;

• Co-ordinating the technology strategy of the University.

25.8 Conferring

The conferring office is located in room 223 on the 1st floor of Áras Ui Chathail.

Conferring is run by Registration/ Academic Records office which is also responsible for:

• Updating and maintaining the syllabus file data for all courses within each Faculty in the University, including all assessment details.

• Providing advice on the set-up of new programmes in regard to the Syllabus File, Marks and Standards and their relationship with semesterised examination timetables.

• Planning, organisation and management of the University's conferring ceremonies.

25.9 Exams Office

The Exams Office is located on the first floor of Áras Ui Chathail and Colette McGuinness is the Examinations Officer (Ext 3048). This office publishes exam timetables, distributes exam results, supplies exam result transcripts and provides information regarding repeats, appeals and rechecks of exams.

25 10 Fees Office

The Fees Office is located on the first floor of Áras Ui Chathail and this office provides information on student fees and grants. Contact fees@universityofgalway.ie or phone ext 2386

25. 11Library

The Library and its website provide the following services: Exam Papers, Inter-Library loans, Library Catalogues, EndNote, Off Campus Access, an Ask a Librarian feature and Group Study Rooms. Library tours run all year round and the library has extended opening hours coming up to exams. John Cox is the University Librarian (Ext 3712).

The President of the University, Prof Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, began his term in office in January, 2018 (Ext 2110). His office is located in the Quadrangle.

University Management Team Members are:

President

Deputy President and Registrar

Bursar / Chief Financial Officer

Vice-President: Equality and Diversity

Vice-President: International

Vice-President: Engagement

Vice-President: Research and Innovation

Chief Operating Officer

Secretary for Governance & Academic Affairs

Director of Human Resources

Dean of Graduate Studies

Professor Prof Peter McHugh

Professor Becky Whay

Sharon Bailey

Helen Maher

Mr. Alex Metcalfe

Dr Paul Dodd

Professor Jim Livesey

John Gill

Caroline Loughnane

Josephine Hynes

Professor Dónal Leech

Dean of Students To Be Appointed

Executive Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies

Executive Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law

Executive Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Executive Dean of the College of Science and Engineering

Professor Rebecca Braun

Professor Geraint Howells

Professor Martin O'Donnell

Professor Walter Gear

25 13 Dean ofStudents

The Dean of Students has particular responsibility for ensuring that the university structures, environment and support services underpin the educational and personal development of students. The Dean of Students works in collaboration with Student Services to enrich the student experience. The Dean of Students is also the first point of contact for students who may wish to submit a complaint, and she holds the role of University Disciplinary Officer.

25 14 Security

Gerry Nolan (2378), Supervisor, manages security services which is a 24/7 service. Security personnel are in-house employees during the day and contract security firm employees for night time and weekend shifts. Security services including opening and closing of buildings, foot and van patrols of the campus, the operation of CCTV systems, access control systems, traffic control for events, issuing keys and liaising where necessary with the Garda Siochána. Information regarding opening and closing times of all buildings can be obtained from this office.

The service is based in offices at No. 14, Distillery Road. Security can be contacted at all times on extension 3333. If Security staff are on patrol, extension 3333 hunts onto a mobile phone, which will take a few seconds to connect.

25 15 Student Registry Helpdesk

The Student Registry Helpdesk is based on the ground floor of Áras Uí Chathail where Shauna Prenga is the Manager (Ext 3443) and their services include the following:

• Registration, Exams and Admissions queries

• Prospectus pick up

• Thesis Submission

• Replacement ID Cards (€20 charge)

• Transcript Requests (One weeks notice required)

• Validation and stamping of forms e.g. social welfare, medical card, drug payment, USIT J1s

• Change of Name/ Change of Address requests

• Statements e.g. letters of attendance

26. Student Services

The units that come under Student Services include the Access Centre, Accommodation and Welfare, the Career Development Centre, Chaplaincy, Student Counselling and Societies Office. Sports, Student Health Unit and the University Crèche. John Hannon is the Director of Student Services. The role of the Director is to provide leadership in the integration of the student services functions and for the provision of high quality and comprehensive non-academic support and wellbeing services for students. The Director works with the Dean of Students for the Student Experience to ensure appropriate working partnerships are in place with colleagues, students, and external stakeholders, which are conducive to the effective realisation of the University’s strategic aspirations in relation to student support and wellbeing, and to the student experience.

26 1Personal Support

The Accommodation Office: helps students find appropriate accommodation in Student Residences, family accommodation (lodgings), flats, apartments or houses. They can also help if problems arise with property owners. The office is located upstairs in the Áras Uí Chathail building next to Áras na Mac Léinn.

The Counselling Service: located at 5 Distillery Road and offers students help with a wide range of problems such as: work-related stress; study problems; loneliness; coping with personal loss and grief; sexual conflicts; other personal problems. This service is confidential and free of charge. A walk in support and advice slot is run Monday to Thursday 14:15 to 16:15

Chaplains/Deans of Residence: located at St. Declans on Distillery Road the Chaplaincy provides social, spiritual, emotional, financial and personal support to students as appropriate. They are also available to liaise with academic Departments, Faculties and other University Offices on behalf of students.

Child Care Facilities: the University provides financial assistance to students towards child-care services which is subject to a means test. Information is available from Una McDermott in Student Services Office, Áras Ní Eimhigh. A list of community based child-care services is available from this office. One Parent Family Group meetings are also held. Key Contact: Una McDermott (Ext 5282).

Disability Support Service: provides support and assistance for students who have a disability or specific learning difficulty. Covers the following conditions/disabilities/learning difficulties: Arthritis, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes, Depression, Epilepsy, M.E., Motor Difficulties, Specific Learning Difficulties, ADD/ADHD, Visual Difficulties, Hearing Difficulties, other significant on-going illnesses which may affect a students studies. Key Contact: Bernie McGee, Disability Officer (Ext 3541)

Mature Students: Trish Bourke the Mature Student’ Officer provides a range of advisory and support services for mature students and prospective mature students. Her office is located in room 225 in Áras Uí Chathail (Ext 2695).

International Affairs Office: located at 7 Distillery Road this office provides an orientation programme for newly arrived foreign students; provides advice, information and support services for all International students; runs Host Family Programme; holds social/cultural events. Key Contact: Prof Becky Whay, Vice President International (Ext 3412).

Student Health Unit: A General Medical Service is provided in the Student Health Unit in Áras na Mac Léinn. Surgery Hours are 9.15am – 12.30am and 2.30pm – 4.30pm (first come, first served). Ext 2604 or 087 2623997 in emergencies/out of hours.

26. 2 Career Development Centre

The Career Development Centre: is open to all students and recent graduates of NUI Galway and is located in the Arts/Science Building (Concourse). Students can call in and use the Information Room, pick up a copy of the “Career Matters” newsletter or talk to a Careers Adviser. Key contact: Josephine Walsh (Ext 2504).

Placement Office: interacts with business and industry to facilitate undergraduate students undertaking the Professional Experience Programme (PEP) and postgraduate students participating in the Graduate Experience Programme (GEP). Key contact: Annette Dolan, Senior Placement Officer (Ext 3168).

27 1Clubs

There are now over 45 active sports Clubs at University of Galway which aim to promote the social and community life of the campus. The definition of a sports club is that it “will always accommodate some kind of athletic endeavour and/or competition or seek to support, appreciate and promote athletic endeavour”. Each club is both recreational and competitive in nature, allowing for beginners to join and make their way through the ranks. Michael Heskin is the Director of Sport (Ext 4545)

Clubs are divided into the following categories: Indoor Clubs; Field Sports; Off Campus; Martial Arts and Water Sports. The Sports Centre also have a selection of non-competitive recreational sporting activities.

27 2 Societies

Like Clubs, societies also promote the social and community life of the campus however they normally accommodate in the main activities involving intellectual discourse or political discourse or the performance arts or artistic appreciation or activities connected with social issues or environmental issues or activities in support of some charitable purpose. Some societies may host sports events as part of a social programme for their members but such events will be subsidiary to the main focus of the society. There are over 110 active societies on Campus which are divided into the following categories: Academic; Volunteering & Religious; Artistic & Performing; Social & Cultural; Special Interest: Social Action and Political; Lifestyle & Wellbeing.

The University Societies Committee is the formal body in the University with responsibility for making recommendations to the Student Services Committee on all matters of policy and funding in relation to societies in University of Galway. The Societies Officer is Ríona Hughes (Ext 2088).

The Students’ Union is affiliated to the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). USI does at a national level what the Students’ Union does at university level and was founded on the principle that students together are more powerful than students apart and today represents 350,000 students throughout Ireland, North and South.

USI campaigns for the right of all students to education and for student’s rights within the education system. USI lobbies politicians and government departments as well as forging links with interest groups, youth groups, trade unions and individuals who will support student causes. USI organises and demonstrates on a national, regional and local basis.

Irish students’ interests are represented by USI at national and international level. USI is the only organisation recognised by the Government to represent students on national bodies. USI Officers are the sole student representatives on the boards of several Irish educational bodies such as the Higher Education Authority, Higher Education and Training Awards Council and National Qualifications Authority. USI has also recently re-established links with the National Union of Students in Europe to represent students at a European level.

USI provides training for everyone involved in students’ union structures at the start of the year and throughout the year. USI offers resources to unions by producing materials such as briefings and campaign packs for local use. USI publicises student issues and enhances the profile of students’ unions on radio, television and through the printed media. USI campaigns run throughout the year on issues such as fees, cutbacks, mental health awareness, access to education and maintenance grants.

Appendix 1

CONSTITUTION OF UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY STUDENTS’ UNION

Read the SU Constitution HERE

Appendix 2

Constitution of the Students’ Union – Schedule 1: Elections

Read Schedule 1: Elections HERE