College Tribune - Volume 35 Issue 5

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Issue_05.35

Emma Hanrahan Deputy News Editor

U

CD Confessions needs no introduction. The infamous social media page with over 18,000 followers has quickly cemented itself into the culture of UCD. The Instagram account, best known for publishing the innermost thoughts and feelings of UCD students, made waves last week when instead of providing the usual instalment of gossip,

Independent Student Media

posted a campaign to re-open nominations for the UCDSU elections. This year the UCDSU elections are largely uncontested with all the main Sabbatical Officer positions being awarded to ‘SU hacks’, many students have since complained about the lack of transparency and engagement within the union and brought the legitimacy of the UCDSU into question.

The College Tribune spoke to the creator of the page to understand the motivations be-

hind this seemingly-sudden dive into student politics and to learn more about what it’s like to be the confidant for an entire university.

1. Why are you beginning to talk about SU politics now? Is there a specific event that is leading to your involvement or is it regarding the number of election candidates?

Read the full story on page 3...

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Deeks Praised for 'Improving Student Experience' on Final Day in Charge of UCD

U

Hugh Dooley News Editor

CD hosted a reception on Friday to bid farewell to outgoing UCD President Andrew Deeks as he resigns to take up the role of Vice-Chancellor at Murdoch University in his hometown of Perth, Western Australia.

After being presented with an

original watercolour painting by the designer of UCD’s new UCD Centre for Creative Design, Former UCD President Andrew Deeks said, "Life isn't about money, it's about experience" on his reasoning to come to UCD after getting a paycut just after getting the job.

Read the full story on Page 12...

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Editorial

Editorial

It’s that time of year again when we are all inundated with campaign Instagram and Twitter accounts requesting to follow us, lecture addresses by different candidates and the constant million-dollar question, “what does the Union even do?”

However, we’re not really inundated this year. Largely because all bar one of the sabbatical positions in UCD’s Student Union are uncontested and the fact that we don’t even have a candidate for Graduate Officer nor any Arts College Officer. Far are we from the days when Belfield would be buzzing with candidates electioneering and gathering crowds.

Engagement with the Union is at an all-time low. And the Union has no one to blame but itself. A largely uncontested election makes it even more difficult for students to engage with it. Who wants a boring election, knowing voting or not voting won’t really make a difference to the end result, anyway.

The only engagement the Union really gets is when candidates gather signatures to get nominated for a position. The threshold for signatures required is worryingly low. From a student body of thirty thousand, 150 signatures suffice to allow a student to put their name forward for election.

Furthermore, how are students supposed to engage with an election that only really becomes known to them on campus a mere week before voting begins? The promotion of the election takes place largely where SU hacks already exist; at SU Council or on Socials followed by these hacks.

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Editor@collegetribune.ie +353 1 716 8501

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What about the student population outside of this circle?

The Returning Office can also share the blame for how detached the Union has gotten from students. The process of canvassing happens far too late for students to really have time to make up their minds and digest the different campaigns of the candidates. Information about upcoming elections should be spread from the start of the academic year.

Students don’t care about the Union, if they did, we would have more people putting their names forward to take part in the election. The disengagement with the Union has gotten so extreme, that the resident college meme page, UCDConfessions seems to have more influence over students than the Union that is supposed to represent them.

The lack of contested races in this election seriously casts a shadow over the legitimacy of the incoming Union. Can we really have a democratic Union if it does not matter how we vote when there is only one (likely) outcome with uncontested candidates on the ballot paper? The next sabbatical team certainly has a challenge on its hands before it even takes office, and that is, to address a growing gap between it and the students it is supposed to represent.

It's a constant cycle, should we blame students for not engaging with the Union, thereby threatening its influence to bring about real change or should we blame the Union for not engaging students?

We don’t know the answer, but certainly, the College Tribune believes that UCDSU, the election shambles is your fault.

Connect With Us

PO Box 74, Student Centre, UCD, Belfield Dublin 4

Letters to the Editor should be sent via email and no longer than 300 words.

The Team Mahnoor Choudhry - Co-Editor Conor Paterson - Co-Editor Hugh Dooley - News Editor Emma Hanrahan - Deputy News Editor Rhoen Eate - Features Editor Angelina Pierce - Ents & Lifetyle Editor Callum Buchan - Sports Editor Jack McGee - Head of Investigations Rosie Roberts-Kuntz - Assistant News Editor Mark O’Rourke - Business Correspondent Louise Kennedy - Law Correspondent Danielle DerGarabedian - Political Correspondent Ruth Delaney - Arts & Lifestyle Correspondent Jack Donlon - Music Correspondent Sophie Melia - Film&TV Correspondent

@collegetribune www.collegetribune.ie Download our app on the Google play store for androis users or the iTunes for iOS users!

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News

Fact-Checking UCDConfessions

5

By Jack McGee

High Rent, Low Quality: Student Spends Months in Freezing UCD 12 Accommodation

By Rosie Roberts Kuntz

Signatures Being Gathered For Referendum After USI Give Presentation at 13 SU Council

By Hugh Dooley

Features

Have UCD Students Outgrown the Students' Union?

19

By Harry O'Donoghue

The Gentrification of UCD

Manny & Conor - For Getting On With Each Other The SU Elections only having 1 contested race - for making our job to produce this paper easier Special thanks to Hugh Dooley for designing our front page and Election Special Cover.

News Tips Sometimes the best news story is right under your nose.

For any news tips, on and off campus, please contact the editor via social media, telephone, email, or traditional mail.

Letters to the Editors Criticisms and comments on any articles published in our publication are always welcome.

Volume 35 - Issue 05

Alternatively, you’re welcome to stop by our Newman Building Office.

By Rory Fleming

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Intro to Politics: Where does UCDSU Derive Its Power From?

By Louise Kennedy

23

Lifestyle Ireland’s Place in Dramatic Cinema

By Sophie Melia

26

UCD’s Classical MuseumWe Don’t Know How Lucky We Are!

By Angelina Pierce

28

Interview with Brother Josh

By Jack Donlon

29

Sport UCD AFC: Season So Far

By Callum Buchan

31

Sarah Lavin Sets Personal Best En Route to World Championships' Final

By Callum Buchan

32

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News Volume 35 - Issue 05

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

News

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“If anyone knows what the people really want it’s me.”

UCD Confessions Breaks Silence on UCDSU Emma Hanrahan Deputy News Editor

U

CD Confessions needs no introduction. The infamous social media page with over 18,000 followers has quickly cemented itself into the culture of UCD. The Instagram account, best known for publishing the innermost thoughts and feelings of UCD students, made waves last week when instead of providing the usual instalment of gossip, posted a campaign to re-open nominations for the UCDSU elections. This year the UCDSU elections are largely uncontested with all the main Sabbatical Officer positions being awarded to ‘SU hacks’, many students have since complained about the lack of transparency and engagement within the union and brought the legitimacy of the UCDSU into question.

most people and [ just having] 6 people running reflects that I received suggestions from students about making these roles part-time instead. Having 3 part-time students per role, I think that would be amazing and they would get paid (so there would be an incentive), this would increase student participation in the union.”

date, would you run in the by-election?

“I would consider running as a part-time candidate! Getting paid €6,000 would be great, while making the place I love better.”

“100% Imagine if I made you read over 500 confessions frustrated with the Students’ Union, you’d want to do something about it as well.”

5. If you ran, would you consider revealing your identity to gain support from students?

The College Tribune spoke to the creator of the page to understand the motivations behind this seemingly-sudden dive into student politics and to learn more about what it’s like to be the confidant for an entire university.

1. Why are you beginning to talk about SU politics now? Is there a specific event that is leading to your involvement or is it regarding the number of election candidates?

“I’m not usually a political type of person, but after seeing several hundred confessions upset about how this election is going, with 6 candidates in 6 positions, all being in essentially the same course I felt I had to speak up. We can’t just accept the only candidates that applied. It’s a flawed system that has to change.”

2. What are you hoping to achieve with the RON campaign against the Sabbatical Officers?

“I’m hoping that this flawed system will change. I know tons of people that want to hold one of the 6 current sabbatical roles, but they are not willing to take a full year off. That’s not reasonable for

3. Do you think it is realistic to expect three students to be as effective as one full-time officer?

“Totally, [having] 3 students creates a team and increases diversity, a big issue I never previously thought about, with no people of colour ever being in the SU Sabbatical positions in the past 5+ years.

[There is a] lack of different course representation as well.”

4. If you successfully RONed a candi-

“Hmmm, I haven’t thought about that yet tbh, but I’ve been at UCD for a long time and read over 15,000 confessions.

So if anyone knows what the people really want it’s me.”

6. Your account is based on the amplification of student voices, you now seem to be finding your own voice on student politics, is this a result of these confessions?

“

Imagine if I made you read over 500 confessions frustrated with the Students' Union

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COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Continued From Page 3 7. In a previous interview, you mentioned that the SU reaching out to ask you to encourage students to vote in SU elections was a highlight of running the account. Would you say your attitude towards the SU has disimproved since then? If so, why?

ical [officers], This has to change, and I stand by the 3 part-time workers that get paid €6,000 and can attend class.

The current SU model is outdated, I saw a confession today “Nobody wants to take a year off and hand out condoms for a full year.” That sums it up.”

“Yes, it has [disimproved]. I was having calls with the SU President [Ruairí Power] this year (Really nice guy by the way) and I made clear exactly what students wanted. But, regarding the results, I saw from our meetings, no change was made. I realised I’m not watching this for another year [I] had to speak up about it and propose a way to improve this broken system. Even Ruairi [Power] agrees the engagement is a joke, but why is that? Are we just going to blame the students like past SU members? No, it stems from not feeling represented by the union.”

*Editorial note: UCDConfessions stated there is no accountability system built into the Students’ Union. However, there

Volume 35 - Issue 05

“Nobody in mind yet since I’ll still be here next year. [I] will probably decide later on, [I] still love the page too much.”

14. That’s understandable, there have been rumours that you edit the content of confessions to dramatise them more.

Is this true?

“That depends, I usually don’t change anything but if I get a confession DMed to me and it’s just not good enough I’ll tell the person it won’t be accepted and then they decide to dramatise it. I’m not

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active on this account and had so few followers it wasn’t fun. But now every day is great. I look forward to the moment when I check the Google sheet every day and read wild stories I could never be allowed to post.”

18. So ultimately you’re happy with your decision to create the account? Also, final question, what inspired you to create it?

“Oh 100% happy, It made my time at UCD so much better, knowing all the little secrets. I even get told about how it

8. What have the reactions been to you posting about re-opening nominations?

“Oh the comments were a war zone, I was shocked. I saw some SU members from 5 years ago or more, including old presidents, commenting [and] hating on the idea of fixing this broken system.

It’s easier to deny a problem than it is to fix it. But the students have been so supportive, I was amazed! ‘Thanks for speaking up for us,’ So many congratulatory DMs ‘Thanks for standing up for the silent majority’.”

9. You mention being in contact with the SU president, has the SU reached out since the post?

“Got a message from the president, ‘fairly disappointed about the post’ and then mentioned he would be down for another call. So I responded, and got left on seen. I wanted the call though, we need dialogue to fix the SU. He also acknowledged how it’s not great to have uncontested roles. But it isn’t acceptable to have a vote with 6 candidates and 6 spots, that’s not an election as so many pointed out, so let’s not call it that even.”

10. Now, do you mind if I ask you some general confessions questions before I let you go? That is, if you have nothing left to say about the SU election?

“Currently, the SU has no real accountability. In any job, you have a boss that can fire people based [on] productivity or poor results. We don’t have any mechanism like that in the SU*. We fund it, so this page is the ONLY real voice that can push back for the students. Yet when we criticise the SU, the blame is always shifted, “That campaign failed because of UCD hostile management” not us, “Lack of student engagement” [sic]. Even blaming government regulations, after today’s post that pointed out that those requiring visas from many countries can’t run in our SU as sabbat-

is an impeachment process which can be undertaken by students who are unhappy with their SU representation. The most recent use of this was in 2017 when then SU President Katie Ascough was impeached.

doing it myself.”

15. Ah very good, what has been the highlight of running the account so far?

“I don’t put much pressure on myself to post but if I don’t post for a day I’ll always get a few messages or confessions about it. Or over Christmas break, I got messages like “ARE YOU DEAD????” and I was like, I’m good.”

“Honestly, probably the people I met through it. So many people around UCD have messaged me at one point and met cool people that I wouldn’t have otherwise and also the sense of community it builds for people is amazing. I got a confession about how over lockdown my “like to make new friends post” is the reason that their friend group got made and is still together to this day, 2 years later.”

12. I’m guessing that you still run this account alone then? If so, do you have any ideas of who will take over when you graduate?

16. Ah I’m glad to hear that, I would have thought it was lonely learning about others but not being able to reveal much about yourself.

“Yeah, I’m still running it myself and what am I doing with it after I graduate is the #1 question I get asked. Since people think I will just somehow send them the account over.”

“That’s true, that is frustrating sometimes, like making good friends with people but can never meet [them].”

11. Do you find that there is pressure to post everyday, how do you juggle that responsibility with college?

13. So you don’t have anyone in mind to take over? Can I ask how long you have left in your course?

17. Have there been any moments like that when you have wanted to give up the account?

Never recently. 3 years ago when I wasn’t

makes for amazing small talk with new people “Hey did u hear about what happened in ______ confession yesterday”.

And now I’m also happy to use this platform to give a voice to all the students that are not ok with this election and hopefully create real change. Instead of the 5th year in a row where microwaves get promised again.”

The Student’s Union elections will take place on the 30th and 31st of March. Students can vote online or in-person. To learn more about the candidates and how to have your voice heard go to the UCDSU website.

“

Oh the comments were a war zone, I was shocked.

I saw some SU members from 5 years ago or more, including old presidents, commenting [and] hating on the idea of fixing this broken system.

”

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Volume 35 - Issue 03

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

SU Elections

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Fact Checking UCDConfessions Campaign to ReOpen Nominations for UCDSU Election 2022 Jack McGee Head of Investigations

T

his past week, the anonymous Instagram gossip account @ucdconfessions posted a number of criticisms of the way in which the Students Union is structured.

This article runs down some of the major claims made by the account in its posts from March 24th and 25th. It reviews the hard facts associated with each (when relevant), before providing separate, subjective analysis (again, where relevant).

5 of the 6 candidates are in the same two courses: Law with Social Justice or Sociology This claim is disputable.

Facts: Three candidates are in/ graduates of Law with Social Justice, and one is in Pharmacology. The disputable area is whether Social Policy & Sociology and Economics & Sociology are considered distinct courses.

Background & Analysis: Hair splitting aside, the real issue being targeted by this claim is a perceived lack of educational diversity in the coming UCDSU Executive. It may be unsurprising to some that student government is dominated by those in courses relevant to politics and activism. Whether voters consider this relevant to their choice will remain to be seen.

You are automatically a member of the Student Union, and that your union fees “directly” fund 6 full time SU Sabbatical Officers This claim is technically true.

Facts: Upon registration at the University, every UCD student is automatically a member of the Students Union. The cost for this membership is automatically incorporated into your existing registration fees.

A student can request to withdraw from the Union in a process called “disaffiliation”.

Background & Analysis: While registration fees do pay for a significant portion of the SU’s operational costs

You are not allowed to hold a UCDSU Sabbatical position and actively attend UCD in the same year.

This claim is true.

Facts: the UCDSU Constitution does state that Officers “shall pursue their duties on a fulltime basis”.

Current SU Sabbatical officers are primarily graduates, and therefore “don’t have the same accountability and can just coast”.

This claim is misleading, or at least highly subjective.

Facts: Any member of the UCDSU can be elected to a Sabbatical post. As each position is constitutionally a full-time commitment, current students must take a year out from their degree, and graduates cannot hold another full-time job. This is not unique to the UCDSU: a number of society and student media positions are also sabbatical, although these, as a general rule, are unpaid.

Sabbatical officers are held accountable internally through two processes. First, and most regularly, they are required to give a report at every SU Council meeting outlining their progress on certain issues. At this point, they are required to answer questions based on their report. Second, in the event that the IADB upholds an appeal or formal complaint against an Executive officer, the officer can be suspended, reprimanded, and/or have their remuneration deducted.

They are also held accountable externally by elections. Even if an officer is not running for reelection or election to another post, they can be impeached and removed from their position by a majority vote of the Union’s membership (i.e. the student body).

Background: Much like Section 2, this criticism is an example of selection bias. Candidates who are qualified enough to successfully secure nomination and run for a position on the SU Executive have been involved in University politics

for a long time. Naturally, it follows that these persons would tend to be final year students and graduates. It is unclear why these traits would make them less effective as officers.

The current UCDSU executive failed on campaign promises to lower rent, host huge festival style events, and to get microwaves in all buildings.

This is a mixture of false and true.

Facts: The current UCDSU executive did not outright promise to lower costs for students.

When running for his position, current SU President Ruairi Power said to the College Tribune that “I can’t promise anything with regards to fee reductions. I don’t have control over it, but I can promise campaign”. The SU has organised a number of demonstrations on this issue.

The Executive also did not promise “microwaves in all buildings”, as the @ucdconfessions account holder himself admitted to in a comment underneath one of his posts.

Until just a few weeks ago, Covid-19 restrictions prohibited “huge festival style events”.

Since then, a number of society balls and other social events have taken place both in and around Belfield. Relevant as well is the scheduled return of Trinity Ball. Ents Officer Sarah Michalek kept her manifesto “purposefully vague”, which makes verifying both her work somewhat difficult.

Students who are not EU citizens cannot become Sabbatical Officers due to “current SU rules”.

This is mostly false.

Facts: There is nothing in the UCDSU constitution that requires Irish or EU citizenship to be held by a Sabbatical officer.

Furthermore, the SU has previously had non-EU Sabbatical Officers.

Although it depends on the citizenship of the particular student, graduates of Irish universities who are not Irish citizens can generally apply for a oneyear extension on their student

residency without the need to secure an employment permit. This is called “Stamp 1G”, and it is a 12 month extension where the person is allowed to pursue a full-time job (student residency only allows for parttime employment). However, such a residency permission for a current student at an Irish university is not provided for in the law. Furthermore, those in Ireland on other permissions may have a significantly more complicated path to securing residency stability.

Background & Analysis: While immigration status does complicate a person’s access to Sabbatical participation, these restrictions are a consequence of Government policy, and apply universally to any form of paid employment in Ireland. The only alternative to this would be making Sabbatical positions either unpaid or part-time.

Because of the 1G Stamp, those on Stamp 2 permissions can participate in UCDSU Sabbatical positions once they have graduated from university.

However, they cannot take a “year out” from their studies to do this.

The UCDSU could effectively be run by splitting down sabbatical positions into a number of parttime paid positions.

This is untested, but likely false.

Facts: See section 3.

Background/Analysis: It is unclear how splitting sabbatical positions into a number of lower-paid positions will make the UCDSU any more effective.This is true whether you make the position a rotational one (i.e. one person takes each trimester) or a split one (i.e. three people take the same job).

A rotational model would severely overwork the person holding the position, even if it were to only be a temporary arrangement. Each UCDSU Sabbatical position is a full-time job, and is associated with a significant level of responsibility.

It cannot effectively be performed by someone whose time and energy is split between that and another pursuit. Providing the compensation associ-

ated with a part-time job for a full-time position would likely only make it harder for those from low-income backgrounds to take on this work. Constant turnover would also make the Union’s messaging less clear, and undermine the Union’s ability to deal effectively with individual student cases.

A split model would overcomplicate the working process of a Sabbatical officer to a prohibitive degree. The sensitive student information often dealt with by Sabbatical officers would be placed at significant risk by having it shared between multiple people. Splitting the roles would also likely mean that the SU would lose its control over a number of board seats, which are critical for the Union’s oversight into University affairs and advocacy for student issues.

Like the previous approach, it would also muddle the Union’s message and simply incorporate more red tape into proceedings. Furthermore, considering the current level of student engagement with the SU, securing multiple officers for each position could be difficult.

“

Considering the current level of student engagement with the SU, securing multiple officers for each position could be difficult

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Volume 35 - Issue 05

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Volume 35 - Issue 05

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

SU Elections

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UCDSU Election Candidates Defend Their Policies Before Small Hustings Crowd

A

Hugh Dooley News Editor

t 6 pm on Thursday evening, the candidates for the upcoming UCDSU elections gathered in the UCD Village for the annual Hustings event.

This event provides students and student journalists from both university papers, the College Tribune and the University Observer, an opportunity to ask questions about manifestos and other points of interest. Although less than 40 people attended the event, the students present were encouraged to ask questions after each candidate speech, however, both newspapers were asked to submit their questions before the event.

Entertainments Officer: Ciara Moroney, the sole candidate in the race of Entertainments officer said that she hopes to hold workshops and talks on sexual violence and harassment to allow students to feel safer at events if she was elected. She spoke about having a designated liaison at every event to further these goals. Her plans for events focus on extending the accessibility of Ents events to all students by holding events in various locations around campus, such as the UCD Village in the hopes of engaging more students.

Welfare Officer: Next, Welfare Candidate, Míde took the floor to discuss her manifesto, explain her experience within the Union and take questions from the floor. Firstly, Míde

was asked if the cases taken on by the Welfare Officer should instead be addressed by an accredited professional.

However, Míde maintained that there is an importance and a need for peer to peer guidance.

Additionally, she reminded the room that there is now an accommodation officer which has decreased the caseload for the Welfare Office but that in some cases professional help

When asked if she would vote to join the USI, the candidate insisted that she would, when asked if this would further damage the union's image and issues with engagement she argued that the USI, as a union of unions, could allow UCDSU to work with other SUs across Ireland who have achieved better engagement with students, such as the University of Limerick. Robyn took her last few minutes on the podium to ex-

“if elected I would be the chief spokesperson of the union, but I am not the union, the students are the union” and that she would aim to “respark messaging again and get people engaged.” Greenough noted that the union has a branding issue and that UCDSU should promote the real work that they do and showcase the behind the scenes work such as the peerto-peer support we provide, to get people more interested in student politics.

would be advised. Míde's manifesto contains four main points mental health, housing sexual health, and student empowerment.

plain that she cares about the role of campaigns and engagement and insists that she is taking the role as seriously as if the race was uncontested.

Campaigns & Engagement Officer: The sole candidate for the role, Robyn O'Keeffe said "It is a shame, I would have liked to have seen my race elected [...] because I know I am the best person for the job!" when asked how she would address @UCDSU's 'crisis of engagement' in the Executive Elections.

The President: Finally, the current Welfare Officer and the only candidate for President and CEO of UCDSU CSL, Molly Greenough took the floor.

Asked if she thinks being elected in an uncontested race would have an impact on her legitimacy as President if elected, Greenough said “I would be lying if I said that was something I haven’t thought about, however, [the current Executive team] were all [elected] uncontested except Ruairi Power and I think we've done a good job this year.”

All photographs on this page are credited to Hugh Dooley

“I want to make it clear that I am not doing this for the CV, I just know that UCD is full of good people and I care about those people.” In response to concerns that uncontested elections may lead to difficulties in being recognized by UCD management, Greenough joked that the incoming UCD interim-President was also chosen without competition, “Mark Rogers you were also uncontested!” before arguing that

A speaker from the crowd asked what she would do to combat the elitist, clique mentality of the union," I didn't know people thought that about us, that's the sort of thing people don't say to your face" before mentioning that she would attempt to make running for class representative more accessible to students to counter this difficulty.

Education Officer: The only contested sabbatical race of the night was for the role of Education Officer with both Darragh

Kane O-Toole and Martha Ní Ríada speaking late into the evening to the gathered students. O’Toole was asked about some “difficulties in having [his] election material shared on UCDSU socials” which he had mentioned in his interview with the College Tribune and whether he felt he had “been dealt with fairly by the Returning Office of the UCDSU?” by the panelists. O’Toole said that he “wished for more empathy” from the Returning Officer, Stephen Crosby, but that he understood that the rules in place had to be followed. Both candidates put heavy emphasis on the policy aspect of the role, speaking at length about how they would attempt to inform students better about their options when it comes to coursework and module choice.

Martha Ní Ríada spoke briefly about the casework aspect of the job, although neither candidate put serious emphasis on that aspect of the role, despite it making up about half of the actual workload.

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UCDSU ELECTIONS 2022

Conor Paterson Co-Editor

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aw with Social Justice graduate Molly Greenough is running unopposed for the position of President in this year's UCDSU elections. The Massachusetts native is the current Welfare Officer on the sabbatical team and has vast experience in the student’s union.

The College Tribune sat down with Greenough to discuss her campaign and plans if she is elected. In her manifesto, Greenough touts her experience and passion which would make her a President fighting for students and someone who can make ‘UCD a more vibrant, safe, and welcoming place for all students.’

She describes her experience as ‘unique’ and says she has ‘experienced what it is like to be a member of the SU from a num-

Molly Greenough for President ber of different angles.’ There is no doubting Greenough’s experience, having been a class rep and ENTs forum member, Law College Officer and Mental Health Campaign Coordinator.

If elected, Greenough will follow in the footsteps of current President Ruairí Power. She told the Tribune that in terms of political direction and key issues, she hopes to ‘continue on his track.’

A key issue in this year's UCDSU elections are the number of uncontested races and the Presidential race this year is one of them. Greenough said this outcome ‘certainly raises some engagement issues, to say the least.’ She recognises this will make it ‘a difficult time for the Union.’ and admitted she is disappointed that her own race is uncontested. In an effort to address this crisis in engagement, Greenough has emphasised the importance of establishing a ‘community’ on campus, the priority for which is to have a

heavy ‘on the ground presence every single week on campus.’

What is perhaps lacking here is a fresh approach to converting these ideas into concrete progress on engagement and a plan to reach out to disenfranchised students who are apathetic towards the union.

A Greenough Presidency would see a new relationship forged between the UCDSU and the next UCD President. When asked about this Greenough stressed that she is ‘underratedly charming,’ and argued that this years SU has had some success off the back of this. However, she went on to say about the potential next President that ‘if they didn’t like the ‘it’s not me, its Ucd’ protest, they certainly won’t like me when I’m angry.’

When it comes to her role in the selection of a new President, Greenough said ‘I would like to see candidates going forward that actually have experience working with Students.’ She added that she would ‘strongly

encourage against anyone who comes from corporate backgrounds.’ Perhaps Greenough’s ‘underrated charm’ shone through when she quipped in that if she ‘had a dime for every time students were referred to as customers on governing authority, I might be able to afford a UCD accommodation.’

Greenough’s experience and charm is certainly a key asset in her campaign. Recent developments due to the ‘UCD confessions’ page have increased the possibility of a RON victory in

some of these uncontested races, however. She will have to ensure a wave of disenfranchised students do not topple her candidacy in which her close ties to the UCDSU are front and centre

“

they certainly won’t like me when I’m angry

UCDSU ELECTIONS 2022 Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich for Welfare Officer Emma Hanrahan Deputy News Editor

T

he College Tribune spoke to Míde Ní Fhionnlaoich, the sole candidate for Welfare Sabbatical Officer in the 2022 UCDSU elections. The Connemara native is a Stage 4 law and social justice student and the current SU Mental Health Coordinator.

Ní Fhionnlaoich is motivated to run because she has seen first-hand “how life has gotten so much harder for students in UCD” and she “wants to do something to help that”.

Míde’s manifesto focuses on four main points: student empowerment, mental health, housing, and sexual health.

When asked how she believes her time as Mental Health Coordinator will be beneficial if elected Welfare Officer, Míde explained: “I've gotten the chance to feed into a lot of the mental health policy stuff that we've been doing behind the scenes…I've been looped into exactly what's going on boards and committees [and]

what's going on with the mental health strategy, as well as that have seen the struggles that students have been going through.”

Speaking on the pipeline in recent years from welfare officer to SU president Ní Fhionnlaoich remarked “I think the reason that we've seen previous welfare officers for the past two years go on to run for president largely comes from the fact that you're looking at the biggest issues in UCD for students and the ones people would likely want to run on a platform for as president.”

When asked if she aspires to become president herself next year Míde clarified “I'll have to get elected as welfare officer first! It's something I wouldn't necessarily rule out but definitely wouldn't be something that I’d have as the idea. I think I want to be a welfare officer, to be a welfare officer and I think to have that in your head going into it is a bit cynical.”

This year, all six sabbatical officer roles are uncontested,

”

when asked what she will do to ensure that there are multiple candidates for welfare officer next year Míde said “I do think it should be top of the agenda of any officer in the union to look for a replacement. There's no point in being a very good welfare officer, or a very good anything, if there's no one coming after you to continue that work because a lot of the stuff in UCD takes a number of years to build up on and if we don't have that continuity we have nothing.”

She continued “Welfare is a tough role and everyone knows it but at the same time if you do your research if you go into it knowing what to expect you can do it and you don't have to be an ‘SU hack’ or have years of experience with the union you just need to care.”

Finally, Ní Fhionnlaoich was asked her opinion on the UCDSU re-joining the USI “I think the USI offers us a lot of opportunity when it comes to having access to government [and] having access to avenues of lobbying that we currently

have to work extremely hard to get or don't get at all. They're not without their flaws, I think they have a serious engagement issue, but they have access to rooms that we don't and while they do have all these issues we can't make them more effective from the outside but we're still hamstrung by their ineffectiveness from the outside.”

“ Welfare

is a tough role and everyone knows it

”

29-03-2022

Mahnoor Choudhry Co-Editor

Volume 35 - Issue 05

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

SU Elections

9

UCDSU ELECTIONS 2022 Martha Ní Ríada for Education Officer

M

artha Ní Ríada, a final year Law with Social Justice student, is running to be the next UCDSU Education Officer in this year’s only contested race against opposing candidate, Daragh Kane O’Toole. She is the social secretary of UCD’s Literary and Historical Society, a member of the academic advisory group and a member of UCD GAA. Martha spoke to the College Tribune on everything ranging from her reasons for running in the election to her campaign.

She’s running to be the next Education officer because “there are things [I] want to see in our education system changed”.

The three biggest issues facing UCD students that need to change are “communication regarding academic supports, educational supports themselves and awareness of diversity and inclusion in the student

body as lecturers presume that students come from a certain background”.

Martha believes she is qualified to be the next Education Officer because she “has passion and is willing to put the work in.”

What makes her different is that “[I] have experience with working with staff and focus groups with students to find out what the main educational problems are and because [I’m] on societies, I know how UCD works and what’s good and bad about it’”.

When asked if she has any experience in the Union, Martha said no but that “it is a positive thing because the Union can come across as very cliquey”.

She said it’s good “to get people from all areas of UCD involved in the Union”. She agreed that her opponent’s campaign has an advantage for having prior experience in the Union but she does not believe that the experience means that one will be a

better education officer. “I have experience coming from other areas which I think will also be helpful”.

“I think being approachable is really important” as an education officer, “having a lot of casework, people need to feel comfortable to come and talk to you”. As well as this, Martha says an Education Officer should be able to “work alongside staff and committees” and “someone who is innovative and can think outside of the block to try and get the ball rolling on problems down the line but also work on day-to-day goals”.

When asked about the Creative Showcase which Martha would like to establish in her role as Education Officer, Martha said that “my idea of education is a holistic approach [...] in the working world, creativity is so essential. You use it day-to-day but people tend to treat it like a side thing, but being creative is

where innovation comes from.

I think this needs to be valued for students”.

When asked what sets her campaign apart from her opponent’s, Martha said her campaign has “more tangible goals for this year and not just things continued from past years”.

She believes that she will be a better Education Officer than her opponent because she “has the passion to do it [...] and the

points of [my] manifesto and the things I want to get done are better”.

“

The points of my manifesto [...] are better

UCDSU ELECTIONS 2022 Daragh Kane-O'Toole for Education Officer

Mahnoor Choudhry Co-Editor

D

aragh Kane-O’Toole is a final year Economics and Sociology student running in this year’s UCDSU Election’s only contested race for the position of Education Officer. His campaign is opposed by Marta Ni Riada, a final year Law with Social Justice student.

The College Tribune interviewed Daragh on the four main points of his manifesto, which are: Education Essentials, Careers Events, Teaching & Learning and Expenses.

When asked why he is running to be UCDSU’s next Education Officer, Daragh said “I believe Unions and think they’re important to society and although our Union isn’t without flaws, it overall does benefit the students of UCD”.

When questioned on what these flaws are exactly, Daragh answered that “on the bounce back from Covid, engagement has struggled, especially towards the end of the year.” He was then asked how he thinks

this engagement can be rebuilt, “I think providing simple practical improvements to students’ lives, you can bring them back into recognising and feeling some sort of connection to the Union”. He went on to state that “I feel like students can appreciate when you represent them on national stages but when you can really identify with their domestic issues in UCD”.

Amongst the different expenses of studying at UCD, Daragh criticised the cost of buying lunch on campus and the repeat and resit fees for exams.

“The amount of money UCD makes from these repeat, resits and rechecks, it doesn’t add up to the stress it causes students”.

When asked whether reducing these fees is actually feasible, Daragh answered that has been speaking to “various different people on various different committees” and has the idea that for multiple resits and repeats, UCD could take a set amount of money rather than asking for a complete waive of

”

the fee. Daragh believes he is “more diplomatic”.

Daragh spoke about the importance of “representing different student experiences in UCD” and how the committees he sits on “although aren’t perfect, give an opportunity for this representation”.

Representation “is a gradual change but I do believe that these committees are where long term change in UCD comes from, despite bureaucratic structures being slow”.

When asked if he is in favour of joining the Union of Students Ireland, Daragh although didn’t give a straightforward answer, said he would be in favour of joining it and said there “should be a temporary reduction in the costs for joining USI”.

Daragh his campaign has gone “reasonably well” in comparison to his opposing candidate’s campaign. He believes students should vote for him over his opposing candidate because he has worked closely with the structures of UCD in

his various roles in societies and students’ union things”.

Daragh believes he is better organised because he “runs a society and played a big part in neurodiversity week”. He said, “although the LnH is a big part of UCD, I’ve done a role much more serious than Martha I’ve been part of the Societies Council and the SU Council”.

He said his experience of being inside the union as well as outside of it is an advantage over his opposing candidate.

“

Although the LnH is a big part of UCD, I’ve done a role much more serious than Martha

”

10

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SU Elections

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UCDSU ELECTIONS 2022 Robyn O'Keeffe for Campaigns & Engagement Officer Conor Paterson Co-Editor

F

inal year Social Policy & Sociology student Robyn O’Keeffe is running to be the Campaigns and Engagement Officer for the UCDSU in an uncontested race. She has previously been a class rep, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences College Officer, Environmental Campaign Coordinator and FoodSoc auditor. The College Tribune sat down with O’Keeffe to discuss her campaign and manifesto.

With responsibility for engagement, if elected, the number of uncontested races in this year's elections has been a source of disappointment and anger for many and something O’Keeffe will have to grapple with. When asked about this, she struggled to fully identify the source of the problem saying ‘it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where the issue is.’ She pointed out the number of signatories a candi-

date required to be on the ballot may be too high and said the union needs to do a better job in ‘promoting the roles of the officers.’ While O’Keeffe clearly brought solutions to the table in addressing a lack of candidates, the wider engagement problem spoken about by other candidates was not addressed when discussing the problem of so few contested races this year.

A stong line in her manifesto states ‘We need to go back to the basics. We need better promotion, clearer communication, and full transparency from the Union.’ O’Keeffe is not afraid to call out where the Students’ Union is falling short and this line will resonate with many students who feel disenfranchised with the union that they rely on to be their voice.

She wants to tap into the great resource that is class-reps for the union which she describes as ‘the backbone of the union.’ The effective utilisation of

class-reps and the return to full, normal in-person operations is what O’Keeffe sees as the way to ‘get back to the basics.’

On key campaign issues, O’Keeffe sets out the areas of gender equality, anti-racism, sustainability and housing.

These topics are familiar sights on manifestos, particularly for the role of Campaigns and Engagement Officer. She places huge importance on sustainability, unsurprisingly given she is the current UCDSU Environmental Campaign Coordinator. This will be welcome news to many students who are also passionate about the issue. She wants to work with UCD Estates and UCD Green Campus to run workshops and courses to help students ‘reduce their energy use and wastage while living on campus.’ O’Keeffe cited a lack of engagement between the SU and Green Campus to bring the great ideas of Green Campus to fruition which she says ‘they have really great ideas, howev-

er, a lot of the time they are not executed.’

When it comes to the role of Campaigns and Engagement Officer, O’Keeffe admitted that while planning for her manifest she ‘tried to divide the priorities of both.’ She came to learn, however, that ‘to have strong engagement, you need to have successful campaigns’ and that ‘they work together quite well.’

Whether an O’Keeffe officership can help push both aspects simultaneously remains to be seen.

“

to have strong engagement, you need to have successful campaigns

UCDSU ELECTIONS 2022 Ciara Moroney for Entertainment Officer

Rosie Roberts Kuntz Assistant News Editor

T

he College Tribune spoke to Drogheda native Ciara Moroney about her ongoing campaign for the role of Entertainments Officer in the upcoming SU Election. Ciara, a final year Pharmacology student and the current auditor of Food Soc, is running uncontested for the position.

Ciara feels her work with Food Soc over the years, culminating in her position as auditor, would lend itself well to the role of SU Ents Officer. In fact, her time with Food Soc was what drew her to the position in the first place. When she was approached for the role of ENTS officer, she felt everything fell into place.

When asked why she in particular is suited for the job, Ciara explained that her connectivity with students as Food Soc auditor is key. “I go to all the events, I’m there, I’m present, connecting with students ... that connectivity is really important for the position.”

Given her close ties with FoodSoc, we asked whether she would struggle to focus on societies other than her own.

Ciara responded that, having worked with other societies, this would not be an issue.

We asked whether she was in favour of collaborating with societies more generally and she responded that “it’s a great way to go … I do agree that you should be working with the societies to engage more with the students.”

We asked Ciara whether she thought her race being uncontested was down to a lack of engagement with the SU in general, or down to a particular issue with the ENTS role itself.

She believes there is an engagement problem this year, potentially due to the transition from being online to in person: “I know for myself from working with Food Soc how hard it can be to transition from being online”. This is why she has included the use of UCD campus as a major goal in her manifesto, believing it would “boost people’s willingness to take

”

part in the SU.” With regards to this transition into what will likely be the first academic year with zero Covid restrictions since pre-pandemic times, we asked whether Ciara felt equipped to rise to that challenge. Although she was reluctant to give away any ideas too soon, she mentioned that she would like to bring back some older events as well as new ones. Additionally, she felt, having enjoyed first year fully on campus, she has a good knowledge of what campus life can be like without restrictions.

The use of the Entstagram was something Ciara felt was done well this year, and is something she hopes to maintain. She sees it as a good way to “reach a lot of people at once”. More crucially, it will aid her in another key aspect of her manifesto, which is inclusion.

Ciara believes we should join the USI, seeing it as “an opportunity to communicate with those in the same position as you” and a medium through

which to “exchange ideas”.

Ciara left us with a final message: “Whoever you decide to vote for in the upcoming election the most important thing to remember is to register to vote, you can do this on the SU’s website … it's a right that you have and you should use it. […] Count on Ciara for Ents because I want to make a better UCD community and student life and increase the community feel on campus.”

“

Count on Ciara for Ents because I want to make a better UCD community and student life and increase the community feel on campus.”

”

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News

Deeks Slammed Over Defence of Beijing-Linked Institute

P

Rosie Roberts Kuntz Assistant News Editor

resident Andrew Deeks has been criticised over the renewal of the Beijing-Dublin International College contract. In his most recent President’s Bulletin, he gave notice that the contract would be extended until 2030, on foot of “independent quality reviews by UCD and the Chinese Ministry of Education”.

News of the renewal sparked controversy among members of UCD staff, which led to the President’s defence of the decision. In a weekly email to staff, he described staff concerns as “misguided”. In particular, it was said, the president was “ disturbed by implicit suggestions that the political loyalties of some colleagues can be inferred from their ethnicity.”

Academics have since criticised these comments by the President. In a letter signed by 13 senior UCD academics, it was stated that the issue was not about the ethnicity of the staff,

but the issue of independence governing teaching provided by the institute. It said, “This is, after all, a state-funded Chinese entity under the control of the ministry of education of the People’s Republic of China.”

Of particular concern among staff was the President’s interpretation of academic freedom which, they believe, implied that “autocratic regimes are merely cultural variants that should be treated as such”. Signatories included professors in the schools of politics, philosophy, English, sociology and art history.

The institute, which opened in 2012, oversees the education of 1300 students. The President’s Bulletin has lauded it as a “model of excellence for transnational education in China”.

Since its inception, the institute has been subject to criticism, particularly in relation to the teaching of a class on Chinese politics to UCD students, an issue which was flagged due to China’s human rights records.

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 05

29-03-2022

Deeks Praised for 'Improving Student Experience' on Final Day in Charge of UCD

U

Hugh Dooley News Editor

CD hosted a reception on Friday to bid farewell to outgoing UCD President Andrew Deeks as he resigns to take up the role of Vice-Chancellor at Murdoch University in his hometown of Perth, Western Australia.

After being presented with an original watercolour painting by the designer of UCD’s new UCD Centre for Creative Design, Former UCD President Andrew Deeks said, "Life isn't about money, it's about experience" on his reasoning to come to UCD after getting a paycut just after getting the job.

Deeks then continued saying, "UCD is built on an incredible student base, the students here are the most fabulous in the world."

Marie O'Connor, who was named the first female Chair of the Governing Authority of UCD in 2019, spoke at the event congratulating Deeks on how he has improved the "student experience" in the college.

"Thank you for coming to Ireland and answering UCD's call" She went on to "Wish him and his family every success" applauding the Australian on his success in UCD. "Andrew's vision was to foster growth and

take advantage of the opportunity of being a global university." And for embracing "the goal to be Ireland's global university, and expand[ing]international students to over 9,000."

The current Deputy President and Registrar, Mark Rogers, will become Acting President and will hold that role until the Governing Authority appoints the next President. Rogers was not present at the event as he is currently in isolation.

Andrew Deeks’ eight-year tenure in UCD was not without its controversy, having attracted consistent criticism from presidents of UCDSU and from the students and staff of UCD.

Deeks has received criticism from then-UCDSU President Joanna Siewierska who called on students “question the patronising and sexist undertones” of the Presidents’ comments under her leadership, labelling Deeks' “attitude to the voice of students is tokenistic at best, and patronising and quite sexist at worst.”

Professor of Politics and former head of the UCD School of politics, David Farrell, reacted to the resignation saying, "I’ve mixed feelings about his departure. He introduced some very good reforms, but hopefully going forward the university reviews its approach to China," another topic the former president was criticized regarding.

High Rent, Low Quality: Student Spends Months in Freezing UCD Accommodation Rosie Roberts Kuntz Assistant News Editor

A

UCD student was recently stuck with no heating for several months in his on-campus accommodation, The College Tribune has learned. Caillum Hedderman, from Limerick, spoke to us and to DublinLive about his experiences living in UCD Village.

In his interview, Caillum informed DublinLive that his heating was broken for a 5 month period. A first year student, he feels he is lucky to have the accommodation in the first place, but notes that it has come at a serious financial cost.

“I was lucky enough to get cam-

pus but I’ve been working the last couple of years to save up and my savings have definitely been hit by moving to Dublin.”

He continued, “The rooms are overly expensive but I consider myself one of the lucky ones even though it’s a crazy position to be in saying that I’m paying over €1,000 a month for a bedroom, bathroom and shared kitchen.

“The big issue is that there isn’t government support for young people and poverty levels that are rising among students.

“Students are missing meals because they’re struggling to make rent and a lot of my friends from home decided

not to go to college this year because they didn’t have enough money to move out.

We asked Caillum when he first brought the issue to the attention of staff in UCD. He informed us that he raised the issue in December, after having lived without heating for 5 months. After the article was published by DublinLive, Caillum told us, it was resolved “as a matter of urgency”. In terms of compensation, he continued, nothing was offered, nor did UCD Residences provide him with an alternative form of heating. After contacting the SU, President Ruairí Power gave him a space heater whilst he awaited maintenance.

Another student, Jack McGee,

spoke of his experience with UCD accommodation. As an international student, Jack has had no choice but to rent during the course of his studies.

Whilst living in the Glenomena accommodation in first year, he experienced a bedbug outbreak in his flat. Upon reporting the incident, he waited an entire semester for relocation to a temporary room; at this stage, he told us, the infestation was so severe that it took another month and several treatments before the room was habitable again. All of this was despite him showing pictures of the outbreak, as well as the bites on his arms: “The bites were so bad at the beginning that the UCD doctor thought I had an infection.”

In terms of compensation, Jack told us, UCD covered his dry cleaning fees. The current cheapest rental accommodation available in UCD is €754.26 per month, in the Blackrock Halls accommodation. On average, however, students can expect to pay €1,055.48 monthly. In light of this high rent, low quality dilemma, Caillum left us with the following message: “It’s so important that residents are aware of their rights and abilities. Make yourself aware of how to send a maintenance request. If you’re as frustrated as I am, along with other students, with the service provided for the price we are paying, make sure to get involved with the SU and make sure our voices are heard.”

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Volume 35 - Issue 05

Signatures Being Gathered For Referendum After USI Give Presentation at SU Council Hugh Dooley News Editor

O

fficers and staff of USI gave a presentation to UCDSU Union Council after recent discussion rejoining USI. Shortly after the presentation, Ruairi Power, UCDSU President and Daryl Horan, C&E Officer began collecting signatures in the hopes of triggering a referendum.

More than 1,500 signatures would need to be collected in order to reach the 5% threshold necessary to hold a referendum on the topic, while the referendum was originally planned to be held during the upcoming UCDSU Executive Elections.

The College Tribune understands it may be delayed until the by-election due to a lack of contested races.

Speaking to SU Council a number of weeks ago Clare Austick, USI President explained the function of the Union of Students Ireland and its ongoing national campaigns. Austick was joined by Ben Archibald, USI General Manager, and Caoimhe O’Carroll the USI Vice President for Dublin upon the invitation of Darryl Horan.

“This is the free-rider problem” said USI General Manager Ben Archibald on UCDSU staying outside of the national union, arguing that UCD students are

benefitting from USI’s work despite not being a member union. Asked by a class representative why UCDSU should rejoin the national body, O’Carroll responded that UCDSU would benefit from the national representation which USI offers, saying they could offer additional “weight behind [the] voice” of the UCD students.

Speaking to The College Tribune about the cost of rejoining USI after Union Council, USI President Clare Austick said: “First of all, to break it down, it’s €5 per year for a full-time student, €2.50 for a part-time student.

It depends on the arrangements that the Students’ Union has with the college, whether it’s the college who pays it, or whether [it’s students who pay].

If UCDSU makes some kind of arrangement with the college in terms of how they fund it, or if it’s an additional levy […]

I fully believe in the value and the strength of the national voice.

Today was about providing awareness information on the work that [USI does] and how we’re structured. A lot of people wouldn’t even know the positions that we have or that we’re made up of 11 members.

So [we wanted to explain] how we actually operate as a national organisation.”

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13

UCD Ukraine Statement Leads to VP of Social Science Resignation and TD Criticism Mahnoor Choudhry Co-Editor & Emma Hanrahan Deputy News Editor

Dublin Rathdown constituency TD, Neale Richmond condemned UCD’s statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This came just days after UCD Professor Ben Tonra resigned from his position as Vice Principal in the College of Social Sciences and Law for Global Engagement in response to the statements of the University’s leadership to the invasion of Ukraine Neale Richmond, a Fine Gael TD for the constituency in which UCD’s Belfield campus is based took to Twitter to publish the letter he has written to Deeks on its “worrying approach to the #UkraineCrisis and the resignation of Prof Ben Tonra“. The letter states that “labelling the invasion of Ukraine as a ‘situation’ is significantly understating what is an invasion of a sovereign state.

War has returned to Europe and the results are catastrophic”.

Richmond notes in his letter that “as a global university, UCD is well placed to take a stand against Russia, to raise awareness on the reality of what’s happening in Europe”.

He further goes on to state that “there are undoubtedly stu-

dents of UCD from Ukraine, who have family in Ukraine or indeed who are living this crisis first-hand and who urgently require complete and total support, not just ‘concern’.”

The letter compares UCD’s statement to the statements of other Irish universities such as Trinity College Dublin and Dublin City University. Richmond has called the resignation of UCD School of Social Sciences and Law Vice Principal for Internationalisation and Global Engagement, Professor Ben Tonra, a “principled approach”. He hopes this will lead to “deeper consideration from UCD of their position when it comes to Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine”.

departing President and speaks to an issue that is systemic and is institutionalised and needs to be addressed”.

“Look at the statements issued by any other credible international universities and compare and contrast it to that of UCD, you don’t need me to tell you what the problem is!”

Deeks’ President’s Bulletin on the evening reiterated UCD’s statement but Deeks went further to state “to be clear, UCD deplores and condemns the action of the Russian Government and military in invading and attacking the people of Ukraine.

This act of aggression is a violation of international law and is completely unjustified”.

Tonra resigned from his position on the 1st of March with “immediate effect” and took to Twitter to explain that “he does not “share the values underpinning UCD’s global engagement strategy”. Speaking to the College Tribune, Tonra stated that UCD was “afraid that if they gave ground on the issue of Ukraine that they would be challenged and have to give ground with respect to the issue of the Confucius Institute and the Irish Institute for Chinese Studies. And that just encapsulates what I think is a serious problem for the university which goes beyond a

Speaking exclusively to the College Tribune after his condemnation, Richmond said that he welcomes Deeks’ statement “but it [was] belated and clearly only came following a series of protests and the unfortunate resignation of one of UCD’s most well regarded academics from a leadership position. The leadership of Ireland’s largest third level institution should have led the way rather than being shamed into issuing a stronger statement than their initial weak statement of concern. The response is in stark contrast to that in institutions such as Trinity and DCU“.

has contacted them all and they are deeply traumatised by what has unfolded. We will work to extend supports and care to them.” In a press release from the 15th of March,

sential that access to education is maintained, and I confirmed to the commissioner that Ireland is ready to support any actions proposed by the Commission to make sure that remains the case.”

Irish Universities to Welcome Ukrainian Students with Open Arms Adam Van Eekeren Reporter

M

inister Simon Harris has announced that plans are being put in place to welcome both third level Ukrainian and Irish students who were studying in Ukraine that wish to continue their studies here in Ireland.

This news comes soon after the recent announcement that Ireland is set to welcome 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine.

The Independent states that following a meeting on Monday with EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, concerning higher level students fleeing Ukraine, Higher Education Simon Har-

ris has stated that “We will look after any student who comes here”. This came with the announcement that Ukrainian students will become eligible for the SUSI grant, which typically allows students to have their €3’000 fees paid for by the state.

According to the Irish Examiner, Harris has also stated that he believed the biggest issue facing the incoming students would be the English language supports. On the topic Harris said “This is crucial to ensuring people have the ability to understand the information being presented to them, and to help them embed in Irish society”.

These welcoming words were

mirrored by Trinity Provost Professor Linda Doyle, who in an Independent article said Trinity would do “anything they can” to support Ukrainian students. According to the same article Trinity currently supports 12 of Ireland’s 170 Ukrainian students in, of which another 27 are studying in UCD. Simon Harris also referred to fitting Irish students back into Irish courses from Ukraine as an “immediate priority” to the Irish Examiner. Currently there are 12 Irish students registered who have left Ukraine and a further five believed to still be there according to The Independent.

Harris said “My department

Harris further highlighted the importance of education for everyone saying that “It is es-

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UCD’s Autumn 2020 "Return to Campus" was Shambolic. Here’s why:

Jack McGee Head of Investigations & The Fócas Team

T

hroughout the fivemonth planning process for the attempt at reopening campus in September 2020, UCD’s administration misled the community with faulty projections, rejected academic staff’s concerns, and prioritized a hypothetical “campus experience” over student wellbeing.

The Planning Process Preparations for the Autumn Trimester began in late Spring of 2020. Administration predicted in a Discussion Document that the “risk of [a] second wave related shutdown… [is] real but low”. Accordingly, they started to visualize what a socially distanced campus experience might look like under the government’s current Covid restrictions.

Prospects were immediately grim. A study from Estates Services conducted at the beginning of the planning process estimated that under 2m social distance, Belfield could host a maximum of about 2,200 students. This is only about 13% of the University’s typical capacity of ~16,700, and posed a serious threat to the University's reopening plans, which had already committed to providing as much on campus time as possible.

Tests of a hypothetical 2-meter distanced campus immediately failed. According to one email obtained during our investigation, a rough and generous estimate from the School of Economics suggested that their classes alone would take up a “considerable piece of the total available [rooms]” if 2m distancing was allowed, which Deputy President Rogers called “an interesting test of reality”.

Nevertheless, planning for the Autumn trimester continued in spite of these projections. It also, apparently, took place in near-universal disagreement with the University’s academic community.

Academics seemed to bristle at the idea of reintroducing the campus experience this early

into the pandemic. Concerned for student and staff safety, and restricted in space, Schools initially scheduled far fewer classes in person than University administration expected. Some Schools had very little interest in on-campus classes at all.

For example, even at this early stage, the School of English, Drama and Film planned for their undergraduate students to spend 85-90% of their learning online.

This clash in priorities caused its first issues on June 18th, when administration, in their own words, “had to reject initial plans from some Schools and send them back for people to add more F2F teaching.”

The frustration was echoed by Deputy President Rogers, who wrote: “It is clear that different areas seem to be taking very different approaches that are not in line with the draft framework and the inconsistency of approach will significantly reduce overall capacity so this will need to be an iterative process. We have committed to delivering as much face to face activity across the week as we can to encourage students to come to campus.”

Administration had made expensive promises to the student community, and to the country as a whole. Rather than reevaluate their priorities in the face of staff pushback, admin doubled down.

Picking Guidelines by Convenience?

At this point, it was becoming increasingly clear that UCD could not operate in any kind of meaningful way under 2 meter social distance. Well before any official indication was given by the government that higher education could operate under reduced distancing, the University’s administration began to pivot to 1m distancing.

1 meter distancing would allow the campus to operate at ~34% capacity, and would open up a number of rooms rendered useless under the stricter guidelines.

Management gave schools just one week to completely re-

schedule their timetables under these new guidelines. This planning took place in spite of the Public Health Subcommittee’s previous understanding that “the reproduction rate of Covid-19 could be considerably impacted by a reduction to 1 meter”.

On August 7th, the Irish Universities Association advised universities to follow 2 meter social distancing, with 1 meter distancing to be allowed under exceptional circumstances. UCD did not significantly revise its planning in light of this, and continued to effectively use 1 meter distancing as the rule, rather than the exception.

This is likely because UCD had no choice but to follow the plan to which they had committed: Rogers himself admitted on June 30th that “It will be difficult to pivot back from 1m to 2m from a wider timetabling perspective in any event.”

Questions around the validity of UCD’s approach had to be settled by Simon Harris personally. It is not clear whether public health experts were consulted on this decision.

The Announcement On July 8th, Deputy President Rogers announced that “most undergraduate students will be in classrooms around 40-60% of the normal schedule, with most graduate students having between 75 and 100% of normal classroom time.” These “targets” were reiterated in national media by UCD’s representatives.

There are a number of significant issues with this estimation. While revised 1m distancing timetables had been submitted by schools the day before this announcement was made, the first round of timetable analysis was not yet complete. In fact, according to the documents we obtained in an FOI request, it would be 12 more days before the Registrar received its first briefing from Estates Services on teaching space allocation. This is the data that would be most relevant to the amount of classroom time a student might have (as opposed to raw, un-

processed timetables). Considering that timetables were “not yet stable” as late as August 25th, which forced registration to be delayed, these numbers seem inherently unreliable.

At the time of the July 8th announcement, when representatives from the Students Union asked Deputy President Rogers for clarification as to where these numbers specifically came from, his responses were reportedly vague and simply reiterated what was already shared in the general announcement. Furthermore, documents received in our sweeping FOI requests did not provide any basis for the projections released to students on the 8th.

Therefore, based on the information available, we cannot identify where these specific percentage estimates came from.

This announcement was followed by a revised estimate released on August 7th. According to these numbers, the new estimates were 30-70% on campus time for undergraduates, and 20-86% for postgraduates.

These new figures were taken directly from another timetable processing report issued on the 31st. Despite the fact that timetables would still be undergoing analysis until as late as September 15th, the University did not continue to revise these estimations after this announcement. This is likely because each successive report predicted a wider margin of campus time for the overall student body. It appears that some Schools were scheduled to have significant amounts of time on campus, and others would have recorded just a few hours at most. Therefore, it appears that projections given by University management were inherently unreliable, because they failed to provide enough nuance as to what individual students could expect at critical points in the pre-registration process.

This inconsistency in numbers (both those that were made public and those that were kept internal) was symptomatic of the severe disorganization and infighting that plagued UCD’s campus reopening efforts. One

email giving an update on a number of Colleges suggested that, as late as September 24th, only 16% of the classes registered at that point were scheduled to take place at 1m social distance, with over half taking place at 2m, and a considerable portion online. This appears to be a consequence of individual Schools refusing to schedule as much on campus class time as administration expected.

We have also received numerous reports that a frustrated President Deeks scolded staff at a Heads of School forum for not scheduling what he saw as enough time on-campus. This meeting reportedly took place just two days before UCD was forced back into online learning by the campus’s “temporary” move to Level 4 restrictions.

Resistance to the administration’s efforts to reintroduce campus learning were not entirely internal. Speaking confidentially to the College Tribune, academic sources warned students as early as July that the figures provided by administration were exaggerations.

In summary: 1.

2.

Administration gave the infamous “40-60%” and “75-100%” estimations by drawing on faulty data that they should have known was unreliable and inapplicable to the general university population.

Throughout the planning process, administration had to strong-arm Schools into scheduling more class time on campus. In what they must have seen as a semi-organized effort to secure student and staff safety, many Schools appear to have refused to schedule the level of on-campus time sought by administration.

This is the first of a two-part special report by the College Tribune Investigations Team. The second will assess why we believe some of these decisions were made, and what the University community can learn from both this specific story, and from our experiences throughout the pandemic in general.

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29-03-2022

Features

Sleeping Out For Homelessness UCD’s Awareness Week for SVP

Rhoen Eate Features Editor

members-only policy, however, with all students and staff being welcome to join and take part after 9 pm every day. All that was needed was a sleeping bag, blanket and maybe a pillow.

H

omelessness has always been an issue plaguing this country, and this year is no different.

According to Focus Ireland, there is an astonishing 9,150 people homeless nationwide as of January of this year. A significant percentage of this figure is the student population of Ireland. But with the monstrosity that is finding reasonable accommodation, along with the

Not only is this a commendable approach to raising real and striking awareness for the current catastrophe that is the issue of homelessness in this country, but it shows the true dedication of those willing to help. It shows that the supports they offer are truly available for use and not just for show with a wait time of two to five working days. Because they recognize that emergency and crisis isn’t on business hour terms. Real-life is twenty-four-seven.

“

Because they recognize that emergency and crisis isn’t on business hour terms. Real life is twenty-four-seven.

”

sky-rocketing cost of living, are we surprised? No. Furious? Absolutely.

Last week, UCD’s St Vincent De Paul (SVP) society teamed up with Maynooth, University College Cork and Dublin City University’s respective SVP and

Simon Societies to bring to the student body ‘Homelessness Awareness Week’. A week aimed to bring forward the issue of homelessness in this country’s youth of today and provide support for those who may find themselves in such difficulty.

The week began on Tuesday evening with a panel discussion on the Experiences of Women and Non-Binary in Homelessness featuring the guest speakers Aideen Quilty (Associate Dean of Social Sciences UCD), Ena Norris (CEO of Daisyhouse

Housing Association), and Clara O’ Flynn (Any time of the Month). The talk, housed in Newman’s R Theatre, saw an excellent turnout with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and many open ears.

To add a lighter air to the week, a screening of ‘The Lady in the Van’ took place on Thursday for the ‘Spice Bags and Social Justice’ Event in the Newman Building. Once again, people flocked to the showing with friends to have a great time while supporting an even greater cause.

By Thursday, UCD’s SVP society had already raised €750 with the help of student body donations and various fundraising initiatives, including a helping hand from UCD’s Dance Society. But the main – and most impressionable - event from the society was the nightly ‘Sleep Out’ where members of UCD’s SVP society slept outside the doors of James Joyce’s Library to “raise 24/7 awareness of the homelessness crisis” running rampant in Ireland’s modern society. This feat wasn’t restricted to an exclusive

The UCD SVP has also been encouraging the sign-up of new volunteers during this week of events and awareness, so be sure to check out their Instagram bio for links etc. Maybe make a donation or two, as the links are still open and running. But for those of us poor students really living up to the name, any time donated is much appreciated – even moreso – for such a wonderful cause, for any level of volunteering.

It is always said to those who want to change the world, “start at home”. And with ‘Home’ having this ongoing crisis for too many long years now, it’s the more people that start that give light to a glimpse of a finish.

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Features

17

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2022 Rhoen Eate Features Editor

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CD Campus was abuzz last week with the celebration of Neurodiversity as Staff and Students alike joined together for talks and workshops to “explore the concept of neurodiversity through the lens of art, culture, architecture, business and technology”.

Organised by UCD’s ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)’ Group, the week of events boasted a multitude of guest speakers, webinars, in addition, to live, inclusive events with the

“

This celebration Week of Neurodiversity really is our collective step in the right direction

”

aim of sharing the “lived experiences” of the neurodiverse within our population while shedding a light on the “latest best practice”. Through the focal point of art, culture, architecture, business and technology, the neurodiverse view on the world was explored and praised while advice was given on how to fully embrace such uniqueness and flourish in adult life while doing so.

The week catapulted to a tremendous start with Monday’s 10 am ‘Launch’ event, where Neurodiversity experts such as Blanaid Gavin, Deirdre O’ Connor, Jeffrey Glennon, and Tina Lowe, introduced the concept of Neurodiversity, its meaning, and the necessity of raising awareness in places of learning, workplaces and across society as a whole. Keeping in line with the focus on accessibility, the EDI has ensured to make the launch available online and is well worth giving a gooch.

The UCD Student’s Union followed suit with a student event hosted at 6 pm that Monday zoning in on the topic of ‘What is Neurodiversity?’, an informal and relaxed student event where guest speakers met with students over a cosy bite to eat in the UCD Global Lounge. The result? A lively turnout with a warm atmosphere, bustling with talks of inclusion and increased visibility of support on campus.

Tuesday and Wednesday saw the two Webinars ‘Neurodiversity and the Built Environment’ and ‘University and Beyond’; concentrating on the importance of inclusive spaces within architectural design concepts as well as life after university, respectively. Both events proved to be a great success with helpful discussion panels receiving a healthy engagement.

Thursday gave a more recreational edge to the week with the screening of ‘The Reason I Jump’ – a film following a Japanese teenager’s life as a non-verbal autistic person - in UCD Cinema and a 5 pm Masterclass on ‘Supporting Neurodiverse Students and Employees’. The masterclass, which is part of a monthly online series, served a treat both those identifying as neurodiverse, and their allies as renowned speakers cover a wide range of topics surrounding the subject of neurodiversity. With a new masterclass taking place

on the fourth Thursday of every month, the issue is further highlighted as holding ongoing relevance in our society, and not just an annual affair. The webinar also extensively highlights that their services are open to those who both have and have not received a diagnosis, which serves as a massive relief to many who struggle for support while waiting for professional help or may not even be able to get a diagnosis.

The week finished with, yet another all-inclusive webinar hosted by the UCD Access and Lifelong Learning Centre, where Julie Tonge (Disability Officer) and Fiona Quinn (Disability Support Specialist) delve deep on The University for All Initiative, supports in UCD for Neurodiverse Students, tips for healthy student life, as well as where to go for advice.

Overall, it is safe to say that the week of events and raising awareness for the reality

of many staff and students on-campus was a major success. Events were both enlightening and inclusive, and worked extensively in releasing the stigma that has shrouded the issue of inclusivity for too many years in this country.

Raising the realisation of the privileged edge that many of us inherit without question yet fail to acknowledge as we go about our day-to-day amblings is as important as ever as we endeavour to make UCD - and indeed our society in its entirety - the all-accepting, all-inclusive, and fair campus that it strives to be. This Celebration Week of Neurodiversity really is our collective step in the right direction to recognise that we are all here, we are all equal, and we all have a place.

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29-03-2022

UCD ACCOMMODATION NIGHTMARE UNANSWERED MAINTENANCE REQUESTS, SEWAGE WATER AND MICE INFESTATIONS Mahnoor Choudhry Co-Editor

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ouse infestations, poor waste disposal services and a lack of maintenance services are just some of the problems revealed to the College Tribune from a series of interviews conducted with students who have lived in University College Dublin’s searingly high-priced campus accommodations.

These problems surfaced during the 2020-2021 lockdowns and have persisted to this academic year too, manifesting themselves even in UCD’s newest Student Village where students lived without an adequate waste disposal system for the first five weeks of term.

Frustrated with the lack of support provided by UCD Estates, some students turned to the College Tribune to speak to us about their experiences. This article is a compilation of student experiences in campus accommodation.

Living on-campus accommodation during the lockdowns was described as “an anxiety-inducing experience” where students recalled being lonely and fearful of Residential Assistants (RA) coming in “whenever they pleased” to check if there were any gatherings happening.

One student spoke about 2 RAs and 2 security guards who came into an apartment and broke up a gathering of 5 friends who told the students that “people are dying because of people like you”. The student noted how upsetting it was to hear this when students were far from their families and these social bubbles were the only interaction they could safely enjoy. The students were brought to a disciplinary hearing for ‘abusive’ behaviour when they responded saying “it’s not fair” and were fined €75 each.

Some students who were the only ones living in their apartments requested Estates to

let them move into another near-empty apartment so that they would not be alone and scared. These requests, however, were largely ignored and led to a situation of one apartment housing only 1 student throughout the different residential buildings.

The most jarring incident spoken about was a mice infestation in UCD’s Merville residence. The student spoke about seeing mice running across countertops and in kitchen cabinets several times from the 25th of January to the 26th of February. Numerous maintenance requests were filed with UCD Estates vis SISweb to no fruition. Upon contacting Estates directly, the student was told that proof needed to be sent in regarding the mice and was advised that they were only coming into the building due to students leaving unopened food inside kitchen cabinets.

The student noted that the response to the service requests was “no better than having a sh***y landlord in town” and that living on campus during

the lockdowns “felt like a prison”.

The UCD Student Village, which opened up at the start of this academic year, has also been called “disappointing” by many students living in it. One student spoke about how no showerheads have been installed in Platinum rooms for which the rent is 11k per annum. The accommodations also lacked bins and waste disposal facilities for the first five weeks of term.

Students offered Platinum rooms before term began were compelled to accept the accommodation despite the soaring rents, being told that all other rooms had been taken due to offers being made to first-year students. However, first years, who generally get priority for on-campus accommodation were not offered their rooms at the same time as CAO offers had been delayed.

Students living in the platinum accommodation also spoke of constant disturbances by ongoing construction around them and complained of the services

such as communal areas which were promised to them before their lease began not being provided until the spring semester of the academic year.

the rainwater harvesting tank for the Village studio apartments. As compensation, students were given a €30 One4All gift card.

“I would never have chosen to live in the Platinum accommodation if I knew how little I would be getting for eleven thousand euro a year,” one student commented. A significant issue was the maintenance service requests which the College Tribune was told “are never answered”. Students have reported various issues with taps and water systems not working to no avail. Furthermore, the maintenance services can come into tenants’ apartments and rooms with little to no warning and many students have complained of a lack of respect for privacy as a result.

Campus accommodation has been under fire from students in the last 5 years due to rents across the residencies increasing without the quality of the services provided on campus.

The cheapest accommodation, Belgrove, costs €7.5k per annum, with the Penthouse suites in the new Student Village costing almost €11.5k per annum.

Despite paying more than what one would pay for a student house off-campus, students complain of basic maintenance issues not addressed by the UCD Estates service.

Furthermore, in January it was reported by the University Observer that wastewater was channelled into the Village’s residents’ toilets. The foul wastewater containing urine and faecal matter flooded toilets due to a mix-up of pipes where sewage was connected to

The College Tribune has been collecting these student experience stories of living on campus throughout this academic year and is reporting on these experiences only.

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Politics

19

Have UCD Students Outgrown the Students' Union?

Harry O'Donoghue Politics Writer

I

n light of the recent electoral controversy facing the Student Union questions are once again being raised as to the effectiveness and purpose of the student representative body. Crises resulting from financial mismanagement, out of touch representatives, and an increasingly delegitimised electoral process have dogged the Union in recent years. Resulting from an exceptionally low, if not non-existent pool of potential candidates up for election, has raised questions as to the authenticity of the UCDSU election process such as only certain individuals being able to run due to its mainly sabbatical positions.

If we take a look at the last decade of the UCDSU performance, wherein 2012 it was revealed that financial mismanagement led to over €1.4 million in debt requiring a UCD bailout, the Union diminishing its national impact by leaving USI in 2013 to ‘’focus more intently on local issues’’. Its internal strife peaking with the impeachment of former-president, Katie Ascough, and its continued conflict with UCD management on the issues of rising prices and continued privatisation of campus life as well as with the Dublin City Council over rent prices and the flagrant misuse of student housing. It seems as though the student political body has been busy so none can deny the sincerity and diligence of the Union’s staff.

Yet when comparing today's Student Union it is important to remember its predecessors, which at the height of its prominence in the late 80s and early 90s, served as an influential force not only in on-campus life but also in wider Irish society. It was the UCDSU that challenged Ireland's repressive overtly-fundamentalist laws first on the illegality of contraceptives and then the censorship of information relating to safe abortions.

Famously bringing it all the way

to the Supreme Court of the European Union. This reflected a time when throughout Europe and the world, student bodies represented a much larger politicised force than that of the present and were a force that made serious challenges.

That is not to say that the current UCDSU and those that staff it fail to try and follow in the footsteps of their predecessors maintaining a clear focus on social issues with a recent emphasis on issues regarding consent and this year's spiking epidemic. Today though, the UCDSU has largely failed to stop the relentless tide of the corporatisation of campus life and UCD management’s crusade to turn every aspect of third-level education into a profit-seeking investment vehicle despite numerous protests over the matter.

The issue of rising costs and decreasing capacity to challenge them is not unique to UCD. It can be seen throughout Ireland with other student bodies as well having failed in their attempts to curtail the

“

The UCDSU once stood at the very forefront of political and social change in Ireland against an openly antagonistic government

”

ever-increasing prices of student living and been left unsuccessful in their fight for the reintroduction of universal free third-level education in the state. While in the wider European context, Student Unions on the continent similarly have seen a diminishing in their influence which peaked in the widespread unrest of 1968.

Ever since student radicalism has decreased and their Unions increasingly sidelined.

The UCDSU once stood at the very forefront of political and social change in Ireland against an openly antagonistic govern-

ment. While on the continent the student Unions were an integral part of a movement that was pivotal in ‘68 yet today both have seen their power and influence diminish and while not the failings of any individual and potentially more a commentary on the present wider political moment.

Perhaps it is time to look more critically at the supposed voice of the student population with a potential eye for restructuring towards the goal of a more impactful and more representative body.

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The Gentrification of UCD:

"UCD is fast becoming a place less welcoming to a certain cohort of students"

U

Rory Fleming Politics Writer

CD is Ireland’s biggest university, with over 32,000 students. Given the size of the student populous, it is fair to assert that of these tens of thousands of students, their ethnic and economic backgrounds will vary considerably. This discrepancy in circumstances and opportunity should undoubtedly be at the forefront of the college’s mind, with the aim of removing as many barriers to education as possible.

Unfortunately, in recent times it appears campus administrators have turned a blind eye to cultivating this diverse student body. On the official UCD website, the college is quoted as saying it seeks to ‘create an in-

“

One might have hoped the college would seek to lighten the economic strain on students by offering more affordable alternatives on campus

”

clusive educational experience for all’. However, numerous recent decisions would suggest that bulking up the college finances is of greater importance to the powers that be.

Perhaps the most galling of these decisions are those surrounding student accommodation on campus. The topic of the housing market in the capital is a well-beaten drum but tends to be an issue that students bear the brunt of. Giv-

en the scarcity of affordable accommodation in the immediate vicinity of Belfield, one might have hoped the college would seek to lighten the economic strain on students by offering more affordable alternatives on campus.

Any such notions were dashed immediately at the outset of the autumn term, with the college announcing that on-campus accommodation such as Roebuck would increase by 13.5% from €930 to €1055 per month.

There is an understanding and acknowledgement from students that accommodation is costly for UCD to provide, however there can be little justification for such an egregious price increase and this form of profiteering from an essential service certainly leaves a sour taste.

Another source of grievance for many students was the issue of the student centre levy during the pandemic. Despite the closure of campus itself through numerous periods of lockdown,

which sometimes stretched for a number of months, students were expected to still fork over the €254 fee. It doesn’t seem like a reasonable policy to have students paying for the entitlement of utilising gym and swimming facilities when they aren’t available.

On-campus parking permits were another source of ire for students this academic year.

Permits rose to the lofty heights of €50 per semester, almost a 25% jump on years gone by.

Something which is made all the more irritating by the fact the permit doesn’t even guarantee you a space, with those arriving after 9am likely to be left high and dry. Some may argue the college is trying to encourage students to embrace public transport, my rebuttal to these people would be to try and get a seat on the 17 on a rainy January morning.

A lighter example of UCD’s covert process of gentrification is the notorious chicken fillet roll debacle. Now costing €4, it is

quite simply another attempt to gouge students of their already limited funds. Whilst the college themselves aren’t

“

financial footing.

Overall, it is clear to see how UCD is fast becoming a place less welcoming to a certain cohort of students. This process of gentrification must be rectified immediately if UCD is to remain a centre of academia available to all. A multi-faceted student community is vital to maintaining and further cultivating the exuberant campus experience which we all so enjoy.

A lighter example of UCD’s covert process of gentrification is the notorious chicken fillet A multi-faceted student communiroll debacle

“

”

setting the price of the rolls, it does serve to further the growing sentiment around campus that UCD and its environs are becoming a place that’s less accepting of those of a certain

ty is vital to maintaining and further cultivating the exuberant campus experience which we all so enjoy

”

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Politics&Irish

21

Uasdátú: Feabhas ar an gCaidreamh idir an Ghaeilge agus Institiúidí Rialálala sa bhliain 2022 Doireann Ní Shúilleabháin Eagarthóir Gaeilge

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headh a fhios ag éinne a bhfuil cúrsaí polataíochta mar ábhar spéise dóibh gur tháinig deireadh leis an maolú teanga san Aontas Eorpach ag tús na bliana. Is é an bhaint phraicticiúil ar sin ná go bhfuil dualgas ag gach insititúid a bhfuil baint acu leis an tAontas anois chuile cháipéis oifigiúil a aistriú go dtí an Ghaeilge.

Is bean Éireannach í an Ombudsman Eorpach darb ainm Emily O’Reilly agus thapaigh sí an deis a chuid náisiúnachas a thaispeáint don domhan mór ina hóráid sa Pharlaimint mí is an lá inniu. Shocraigh sí an tuarascáil bhliantúil a thaispeáint trí mhean na Gaeilge chun aitheantas a thabhairt ar an ardú stádais atá faoi bhorradh faoi láthair. Ba iad ábhair airgeadais na cloiche ba mhó ar a paidrín, ach d’eascraigh pointe thábhachtach faoi chúrsaí teangmhála aníos ina cuid cainte chomh maith. Bhí si den tuairim go raibh an tréidhearcacht maidir le nósanna rialála fíor thabhachtach, sa lá atá inniu ann ach go háirithe, agus gur chóir do na hinistiúdí uillig a seacht ndicheall a dhéanamh caighdeán árd a choinneáil sa réimse sin amach anseo.

Is éasca an nasc idir teanga agus an dlí a aithint go soiléir, agus baineann sé leis an gcoincheap a aithnítear mar ‘forlámhas an dlí’. Caithfear an deis a thabhairt do shaoránaigh na dlíthe agus treoirlínte oifigiúla a bhfuil feidhm acu orthu a chur ar fáil i slí atá intuigthe. Ní cialaíonn sé sin go mbeadh an teanga a úsáidtear sna cáipéisí sin so-thuigthe i gcónaí, ach ba cheart iarracht leagan de shaghas éígin dóibh a sholáthair ar son na cothromaíochas.

An féidir a rá go leantar leis an smaoineamh sin in Éirinn faoi láthair? Tharraing cinneadh ón rialtais gan leagan Gaeilge ar threoirlínte maidir le comhartaí COVID 19 a fhoilsiú raic fíochmar sna meáin Gaeilge ag tús na Pandéime. Cé gur

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Tharraing cinneadh ón rialtais gan leagan Gaeilge ar threoirlínte maidir le comhartaí COVID 19 a fhoilsiú raic fíochmar sna meáin Gaeilge ag tús na Pandéime

gcaithtear leis na teangacha sin ag leibhéal rialtais. Is cosúil go mbeadh brú de shaghas éígin curtha ar Éireann an dea-chleachtas sin a leanúint ón pbointe seo ar aghaigh.

Ba chéim dhearfach é an Bille Teanga a bheith rite ag Dáil Éireann le linn Mí na Nollaig seo caite. Ciallóidh an cinneadh sin go mbeidh sé mar dhualgas ag an Stáit cainteoirí Gaeilge a fhostú i 20% de na postanna a bhíonn ar fáil sna hearnálacha phoiblí. Is docha go mbeidh tús curtha le feachtaisí fostaíochta faoi dheireadh na blianna seo.

”

Deir Eoin McEvoy, teicneolaí oideachasúil linn i gCOBAC go bhfuil sé mar sprioc ag scoil na Gaeilge, an Léinn Cheiltigh agus an Bhéaldoideas mac

foilsíodh ceann níos déannaí sa bhliain, is cruthúnas é sin ar an neamhaird a thugtar ar an Gaeilge mar teanga oifigiúil sa tír seo.

léinn a chur ar an eolas faoi na deiseanna fostaíochta atá bainteach leis an teanga atá ar fáil faoi láthair.

Toisc gur cinneadh ag leibhéal an Aontais é sin, beidh rian na bearta a dtarlóidh amach anseo le brath níos cóngaraí dúinne.

Bíonn tíortha eile na hEorpa, cuir i gcás an Eilbhéis, ag plé le níos mó ná teanga amháin lá in ndiadh lae, agus níl claonta ar bith le sonrú sna slite ina

"Tá an t-ádh dearg linn faoi láthair go bhfuil flúirse post ar fáil don té a bhfuil Gaeilge mhaith acu.

Níl le déanamh le léargas a fháil ar éagsúlacht na bpost sin ach súil a chaitheamh ar ghrúpa LinkedIn Scoil na Gaeilge, an Léinn Cheiltigh agus an

“

Ba chéim dhearfach é an Bille Teanga a bheith rite ag Dáil Éireann le linn Mí na Nollaig seo caite [...] Is docha go mbeidh tús curtha le feachtaisí fostaíochta faoi dheireadh na blianna seo

”

Bheáloidis UCD ag https://www.

linkedin.com/groups/12590331/, áit a bpostálaimid eolas nua beagnach gach lá faoi dheiseanna nua atá tagtha chun cinn in earnáil na Gaeilge.

Tá liosta fada folúntas le fáil ar https://peig.ie/foluntais/ chomh maith nó is féidir an haischlib #siógnabpost a úsáid ar na meáin shóisialta le teacht ar eolas faoi na folúntais is deireanaí.

Fadó ní raibh i ndán don té ar

theastaigh uathu an Ghaeilge a úsáid go gairmiúil ach an mhúinteoireacht ach is iomaí réimse eile anois inar féidir oibriú trí mheán na Gaeilge chomh maith leis an múinteoireacht: díreach anois i mí Feabhra tá poist ar fáil d'aistritheoirí, cócairí, craoltóirí, oifigigh pleanála teanga, profléitheoirí, taighdeoirí, riarthóirí agus bainisteoirí oifige, léiritheoirí, teicneolaithe oideachais, múinteoirí, ceartaitheoirí agus comhordaitheoirí meán sóisialta - agus Gaeilge ina riachtanas dóibh ar fad."

Níltear á rá nach mbeidh dúshláin ar bhealach na spriocanna teanga áirithe sin a bhaint amach. Ní dóigh le héinne gur thar oíche a dtarlóidh na hath-

ruithe móra atá de dhíth sna rannóigí go léir ach oiread. Ach, is torthaí dearfacacha iad na cinntí sin, ag leibhéal an Aontais agus sa dlí Náisiúnta araon, chun stádas cuí a thabhairt don Ghaeilge le gníomhaíochtaí dlíthiúla atá buan agus soiléir.

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Business

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 05

29-03-2022

Should We be Able to Opt-Out of UCD's Students' Union?

Mark O'Rourke Business Correspondent

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his week UCD students go to the polls, albeit virtually, to decide on the composition of the Student’s Union for 2022/23. All students registered with UCD and who are pursuing recognised degree or diploma courses are members of UCDSU and all of these, excluding those studying abroad, are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections.

Students are tasked with electing a team of six full-time paid sabbatical officers, as well as a team of College Officers. However, this year’s elections are remarkably uncontested. Only one sabbatical position, Education Officer, is contested, with no candidate being successfully nominated for the

“

It would serve to allow those who feel strongly about leaving the union to exercise a right they would have in any other type of union

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role of Graduate Officer. In last year’s elections, the position of UCDSU President was the only contested sabbatical position.

While in 2020, the positions of Education Officer and Welfare Officer were contested. Just three candidates were successfully nominated for College Officer positions, with just the Law College Officer position being contested. Less than 4% of those eligible voted in the 2020 elections. While just 15% of eligible voters cast their vote

in last year’s elections.

The above shows a noticeable lack of engagement in UCDSU from the UCD student body.

However, UCDSU faces no real consequences for the lack of engagement, with students unable to leave the student union.

Can it really be said that UCDSU is representative of the student body when just 15% of people decide who represents the full student body in elections that are largely uncontested?

Union’s Legitimacy Voluntary membership is central to the legitimacy and operation of other forms of unions.

Take for instance a worker who joins a union. They are free to leave, meaning that if they feel as though the union is not adequately representing their interests or if they disagree strongly with a union position, they can withdraw their union membership. This serves to give unions a mandate to represent the interests of its members, as members will simply leave if they feel as though they are not being represented.

This is not the case when it

comes to UCDSU, or any student union for that matter.

While the quality of representation and services provided by UCDSU are outside the scope of this article, the issue of mandatory union membership is not simply a question of UCDSU’s performance. It is one of fairness and the legitimacy of the Union itself.

Constitutional Rights In 2018, Trinity College Student’s Union held a student referendum on a constitutional amendment that would allow Trinity students to opt-out of Trinity College Dublin’s Student Union. While the referendum was narrowly defeated, the debate around mandatory Student Union membership raises some legitimate questions.

Freedom of association is a constitutional right, but so too is the right to disassociate.

Throughout a number of cases the Superior Courts have acknowledged the existence of the right to disassociate, and they have declared it illegal for a worker to be compelled to join a union. Does the same apply to student union member-

ship? Likely, yes.

While the merits of a legal challenge against mandatory student union membership are credible, such a case is unlikely to see the light of day. The most likely route for change to come about in this area is through the actions of individual student unions. Under the terms of UDCSU’s constitution such a change would require a constitutional referendum. Such a referendum can be held on the written petition of 5% of the total registered membership of the Union or at the direction of the Union Council, although the latter route is less likely.

UCDSU is no stranger to taking strong stances on divisive social and political issues, as is their right. However, such stances will undoubtedly come into conflict with the strongly held views of portions of the student body. Is it fair that a union which students have no choice but to be members of, may publicly espouse positions that they strongly disagree with?

An opt-out mechanism for UCDSU members is not about

weakening the Student’s Union. If anything, the opposite is true. An opt-out system for SU membership would serve to strengthen the SU’s voice, as it would allow them to conclusively say how many students they represent. This would give UCDSU a real mandate to represent the students that wish to be represented. An opt-out system would be a step towards a fairer, more democratic, and an ultimately more representative union, by simply giving students the choice of whether they want to be represented in the first place.

It is worth noting that if an optout mechanism was introduced for UCDSU membership it is unlikely that there would be an immediate mass withdrawal of members. However, it would serve to allow those who feel strongly about leaving the union to exercise a right that they would have in any other type of union. As students go to the polls to choose who they want representing them in their SU, is it time we allowed students to choose whether they want to be represented at all?

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Volume 35 - Issue 05

Law

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

23

The College Tribune’s Law Section is Proudly Sponsored by the Maples Group

Intro to Politics: Where Does UDCSU Derive its Power From?

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ith the SU elections approaching it is worth considering the purpose of the SU. And no this doesn’t mean what events they’re planning for the next year (although this is of utmost concern), what this means is an exploration of the wider rights and powers of the SU as a body. Where do they derive any form of power from and how can this be manipulated to the greater benefit of us, the students?

inent voice on social issues, these issues have in recent years been more inward looking. This is most likely due to the pressures the University has exerted on students in terms of

Executive, campaign coordinators and entertainment reps.

financial and commercial aspects of the Union.

The Union Council meets every two weeks and here reports are given by the various officers

However, somewhat controversially the UCDSU is not part of the Union of Students in Ire-

Louise Kennedy Law Correspondent The History of UCDSU. The UCDSU is the successor of the Student Representative Council with the SRC being formed in the early 1900s under the guidance of one officer, the SRC President. In 1975 UCDSU was born, initially consisting of 3 officers; the President, the Education Officer and the Social, Cultural, Welfare and Travel Officer.

Initially, the SU was an outward-looking body, leading the fight on issues of social justice and human rights for students across Ireland. A beacon of radicalism and social change, the SU in 1979 faced the threat of legal action after the sale of condoms on campus during a time when the sale of contraceptives without prescription was prohibited.

Other notable stances include the fight to publish information on abortion with a seminal case reaching the European Court of Justice the outcome of which provided that the distribution of information on the service of abortion could not be blocked. This issue remained live and be contrasted with the decision of the SU President of 2017 campaigning to remove abortion information from the SU Handbook. Once more the SU raised its power on issues of social justice and ensured the information remained, a testament to their storied past.

While the SU remains a prom-

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The SU was an outward-looking body, leading the fight on issues of social justice and human rights for students across Ireland

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rent increases and substantial fees, but this inward approach is not to say that the SU does not still fight a good fight!

How is the SU Governed?

The Executive body of the SU is comprised of six full time sabbatical officers who are commonly recognised around campus in their various roles as well as nine part time college officers, representing the various ‘colleges’ on campus.

The SU is then governed by the Union Council, which is comprised of elected class reps, the

“

“

The SU has been bestowed no external powers or responsibilities and while recognised by the University, it is hard to pinpoint exactly how much sway they hold in matters of importance.

Despite sounding like a cliché, if it is the students who wield the power, the only way to get the most from the SU is to make your opinions heard

with questions asked by other council members as to the ongoing projects and campaigns. The central aim of the Council is to guide the work of the Union and to formulate various policies and mandates throughout the year.

land (USI) after leaving several years ago, although recently efforts are being extended to rejoin the organisation. The value of the USI lies in its working relationships with the powers that be, such as the Minister for Higher Education. There is simply strength in numbers and so the USI undisputedly has more bargaining power than the SU alone. While changes may be necessary for UCDSU to re-join and stay this time, this is certainly a topic that any SU candidate should be well versed on!

”

All of this is neatly enshrined in the UCD Students' Union Constitution which can be found on the SU website for some light reading! The Constitution sets out the fundamental objectives and structure of the Union as well as providing the structure of the Board of Directors, a body which governs the

”

What Can the SU Do?

Considering that the SU is not currently a part of the USI, what can they really ‘do’ for students is a question that is regularly asked. On an examination of the history and structure of the SU above, it is clear that the SU has been bestowed no external powers or responsibilities and while recognised by the University, it is hard to pinpoint exactly how much sway they hold in matters of importance.

The SU only exists because students place their reliance in it.

While the University itself has its own legislative foundation, the same cannot be said of the Union. Without students it is clear that the SU has no power, no rights and no responsibilities. That leads to the conclusion that the power behind the Union is the students, so how then can we ensure that the SU represents our best interests?

Get the Most Out of Your Union!

Despite sounding like a cliché, if it is the students who wield the power, the only way to get the most from the SU is to make your opinions heard. Be it elections, ‘townhalls’, campaigning or simply knocking into the SU office, be sure to make your voice heard on matters that are important to students. After all, the SU is the voice of students and (despite the odd bit of SU slander) they are there to speak up when it matters.

So be sure to get out there come election time and make your voice heard! After all these are the people you’ll be seeing on a massive banner over the concourse for the next academic year…

Opinion

24

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 05

29-03-2022

Ireland’s “Global University” Disappoints Those Seeking A Global Experience Beyond World-Class Teaching

I

Mahrukh Abbasi Contributor

first stepped onto UCD’s enormous Belfield campus in 2018. Despite having lived in Ireland for most of my life, my Pakistani ethnicity has always afforded me an extra dimension to my identity, that my Irish peers do not share.

Likewise, having attended primary and secondary schools with incredibly large cohorts of international students, I have always felt most comfortable amidst inter-cultural learning environments. To be completely frank, if I can’t switch in and out of at least two different languages with the people I’m grabbing lunch with, I know I’m going to be bored.

It should come as no surprise then to discover that after my first semester of studying Law at UCD, (a course notorious for

its lack of diversity), I was seriously considering transferring or dropping out. Now in the last semester of my degree, I can bring myself to admit that I regret wholeheartedly buying into UCD’s “Global University” self-branding.

Don’t get me wrong, I hold a track record of opportunities that would have never been possible outside of the platform that UCD provides. UCD has allowed me to volunteer, get involved in clubs, represent the university at exciting, publicized events; and even try my hand at running one of the largest societies on campus, the International Students Society. But these experiences were something that I had to fight extraordinarily hard for, and my expectations were frequently mismanaged. Worst of all, I struggled to find people that looked like me, trying to achieve the things that I wanted to achieve.

It made me wonder, where are all of the international, nonIrish students? Do they really just not care about university extracurriculars? Would they actually prefer to camp out in the library all day instead?

Should I be with them?

Diversity and different cultures are worth our attention, and it should be difficult for anyone to pretend otherwise. The unfortunate lack of representation and diversity in UCD life outside of the lecture hall is something that I could have never imagined when I first made my application as an 18year-old to what is frequently touted as Ireland’s “Global University.” There isn’t a doubt in my mind that the hundreds of other international students who also made the decision to study in UCD for its alleged global experience feel similarly. In fact, I have encountered countless testimonies this year

alone saying as much.

In my capacity as Auditor of UCD ISS I have witnessed my committee work tirelessly over the last seven months to make it possible for international students to immerse themselves in Ireland’s culture and to feel like they are on the same playing field as any other fraction of the student body. However, the obstacles that my committee and I have faced in arranging trips, events and activities for our international members have much been larger than I suspect many other societies or clubs on campus face.

For example, earlier this year I discovered a well-known business was quoting us rates that were almost x3 higher than was quoted to two different clubs, despite our relationship with the business being longer.

There seems to be an assumption that international students are prime targets for cash cows.

This is far from the truth. The majority of international students are not from particularly wealthy backgrounds. Coupled with how little they know about Ireland, a potential language barrier, and a disproportionately higher cost of living to most other European cities, international students are facing an extremely predatory climate and UCD’s response to this threat is lacking.

The university experience should always go beyond GPA and college credits gained.

What you do in your spare time matters just as much as what you put on your LinkedIn. UCD must either enhance efforts to protect its international students better and follow up on its promise of the global experience, or UCD must better inform international students of what awaits them and their social lives from the moment that they arrive at Dublin airport.

Applications Now Open for 2022/2023 College Tribune Editorial Team Job Description

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Editors, Correspondents and Contributors.

The Editors are responsible for recruiting a team of Section As the Tribune is an independent body, the position is Editors during the summer, providing any necessary training to unwaged. However, the Editors may take home any surplus them and recruiting a design team, social media team and finance revenue after the running costs and other expenditures have team as well as recruiting and maintaining contributors throughout been covered at the end of the year. the year.

The College Tribune is entirely self-funded. It is the only How to Apply independent student newspaper and the first of its kind to have its own app. The responsibilities of the Editors also includes sourcing Interested candidates should email the current Coadvertising for the paper in order to cover print and daily running Editors Manny Choudhry and Conor Paterson at costs. editor@collegetribune.ie with a copy of their CV As head of the newspaper, the Editors are tasked with continuing and a 500 word statement of interest. the Tribune's tradition of investigative journalism in UCD, as well Email subject lines should be titled as follows: as coverage of any and all UCD-related sport, arts, lifestyle, "Name_Editor2022/2023 Business, Law, Politics and other stories to the fullest extent possible.

29-03-2022

Volume 35 - Issue 05

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Opinion

25

Empowering Students…

Through UCD Confessions?

Danielle DerGarabedian Politics Correspondent

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n Instagram, UCD Confessions has grown into a popular page where students convene in the digital sphere to share their UCD horror stories and laugh about the college experience.

The person behind the account has been an enigma and chooses to remain anonymous in the content they provide. While the account rarely sports controversial content, mostly posting people’s sexual encounters and attractions anonymously, in the last few days two posts have been released which question the legitimacy of UCDSU’s nomination regime and sabbatical positions.

Now that UCD Confessions has become involved in the 2022 student elections, since

it claims to speak after receiving “hundreds of confessions”, questions can be raised. One can question the impact and influence this social media account can have in spreading information, whether an anonymous figure can claim to speak for students on a mass scale and on the user’s comprehension of the UCDSU’s inner workings.

in its claim that “5 out of the 6 candidates are all from the same courses: Law with Social Justice or Sociology.” A simple look at the positions available and the candidates manifesto make clear this is not entirely true. Only three candidates are actually in the Law with Social Justice course and one is in Sociology, a degree typically categorized as an arts degree.

In their post, UCD Confessions called for a re-opening of nominations for the SU elections due to the supposed poor representation that were present on the ballot this election cycle.

The individual behind these posts has stripped down the complexities of the SU sabbatical roles and the low engagement of UCD students choosing to only see an uncontested race.

From a critical standpoint, one can go so far as to say the first post spreads false information

The post also does not specify which students are prevented from undertaking a sabbatical position and why (but does so in a second post). The misinformation present in this post speaks to a prevalent issue of any individual’s ability to spread false information through the internet to incite discourse.

UCD Confession has not considered the wider political implications of why various races are uncontested beyond the

issue of international students and students who are not Irish nationals being unable to run due to their visa status. While this is an extremely important issue, this is not necessarily within the scope of the SU’s power. What is more at issue is student engagement from outside the Union and was not quite addressed. COVID-19 has resulted in a decrease in student participation in various activities and as time progress this is likely to change as students integrate back into on-campus life.

It is difficult to dismiss what is being posted on the UCD Confession page completely as it puts into perspective the need for more diversity within the SU, representation for international students and the issue with sabbatical positions. It is clear that it has at least placed pressure on the SU as current

UCDSU president Ruairi Power released a statement on the matter on 26 March via Twitter, acknowledging the Union has not had enough people from migrant backgrounds running and the intention to sit down with students in the coming week on how to rectify the situation.

It is easy to dismiss that UCD Confessions may have more power than it knows what to with if students are reading controversial posts at face value and if the anonymous user behind the account believes he is representing the student voice by merely reading messages anyone can send in.

Gaeltacht UCD UCD Global Centre for Irish Language & Culture

Tá Comórtas Theach na Gaeilge UCD 2022-'23 Beo Anois!

Spriocdháta, 11 Aibreán 2022 Tuilleadh eolais: ucd.ie/irish/ga

Film & TV

26

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 05

29-03-2022

Entertainment & Lifestyle

Ireland’s Place in Dramatic Cinema

Sophie Melia Film & TV Correspondent

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here is no doubt that the movie industry has a strong connection to the people of Ireland. Whether its Irish actors, writers, directors, camera men or the country being a host for small local movies or big Hollywood dramas, it is something that we ought to be proud of. Our little island has inspired some brilliant movies, both past and present. However, since the pandemic, there has been a big push to celebrate and support local Irish products and I believe this should include Irish-made movies.

There are many female led movies being released this year. An Cailín Ciúin is the film adaptation of Foster by Claire Keegan which many people might recognise from the Leaving Cert English curriculum! It tells the story of a ten year old girl who lives with her aunt and uncle

for a summer in 1980’s Ireland.

It explores key tensions such as rural versus urban life, blood related family and chosen family, as well as transitioning from a young child to a pre-teen.

Wildfire is another movie everyone should see. The movie tells the tale of a woman returning from being missing and she creates a greater bond with her sister. As they begin to reminisce about their dead mother, a dangerous truth is revealed and the sisters must stick together to get through it. This is set in counties that border Northern Ireland and explores estranged family relations and how violence can play a part in daily life.

The Wonder is the second book adaptation on this list. Written

by Emma Donoghue, the story is about a British nurse Libby, who aids a young girl who has been starving herself for months. It explores Ireland in the late 1800’s and how we were

as a nation under British rule before the Rising. It explores the extreme religious beliefs people had, how people lived in poverty and oppression, with each character learning something from the extreme actions of the young girl they look after.

Lastly, Rose Plays Julie conveys the journey of a university student who goes to find her birth parents. When she makes some strides in learning about her heritage, she faces some hard truths in building her relationship with her birth mother. She learns about being put up for adoption and the violent partnership her parents have. This movie explores the dark side of family, but especially the difficult relationship some women

can have with their mothers.

There are also many Irish actors breaking major film boundaries this year. Jessie Buckley from Killarney has made a name for herself after her role in The Lost Daughter, which has her nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars. Colin Farrell’s most recent role as The Penguin in The Batman (2022) has just made his name known to another generation of moviegoers.

Barry Keoghan has also landed many major Hollywood roles but has had his real break in the industry for being cast as the Joker in The Batman (2022).

Ruth Negga who starred in Passing, a very underrated

movie of 2021 in terms of public viewing but has gained the attention of major critics and award personnel as it has been nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Golden Globe Awards and British Academy Film Awards!

Wherever you can, whenever you can, try to keep an eye out for some Irish faces in the industry!

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Volume 35 - Issue 05

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Film & TV

27

Review - Disney’s “Turning Red”

The story centres on Mei Lee, a thirteen year old, Chinese-Canadian girl growing up in Ontario in 2002, whose loving but overbearing mother reveals that the women in their family have been given a blessing that became ‘later an inconvenience.’

When Mei’s emotions get the better of her, she turns into a giant red panda, representing how scary and uncontrollable puberty feels but presents it in a way that is accessible to young people. It's an interesting idea, and the film does a great job at depicting what it’s like to be going through puberty.

Firstly, Mei’s priorities change.

She becomes less focused on meeting her mother’s high expectations and becomes obsessed with boys, her friends,

“ Turning

Red was definitely a surprise now even as college students.

In fact, the film succeeds in making almost all the characters seem relatable to their target audience, with glasses, braces, and the kind of clothes we cringe now to remember that we wore. The panda that Mei changes into is also clumsy and awkward, something which a lot of young teenagers will relate to. It’s certainly a good idea

to be discussing periods, hormones, and body changes in a way that is accessible to young people. Too many young teenagers hit puberty and can’t discuss it out of embarrassment, whereas Turning Red encourages discussion on the issues, the good and the bad, that come

with puberty. It deals with some topics- in my opinion- a little too openly for a film that people below puberty age would be viewing, but that’s an argument for another article.

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Opening up about needing support is a healthy message, especially in today’s world of ultra- capable ‘girl- boss’ characters

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W

ith the recent push in animation toward diversity and representation, I was curious to see what Pixar’s new film Turning Red would have to say for itself, given the fact that mainstream animation has seen a turn in recent years from the usual stories we know. Turning Red was definitely a surprise; I did not expect to see a movie marketed for children where the plot would deal with puberty.

parties, and the quintessential early 2000’s boy band, 4town.

The friendship between Mei, Miriam, Priya and Abby really shows how, during puberty, your friends are your family.

In Mei’s case, they are how she controls the inner panda. Mei’s emotions are all out of balanceshe cries, is quick to anger, and becomes overwhelmed all too easily- something we can all relate to as young teenagers and

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Emma Mooney Film & TV Writer

The overall message of the panda seems to be that embracing

your innermost self is the key to being happy. Mei’s mother and grandmother encourage her to repress the panda, as they themselves have suffered because of it. In this instance, the panda is a metaphor for the overwhelming feelings Mei is dealing with. However, Mei’s father and her friends point out how, since she got her gift, she has become more fun, confident, and carefree.

It’s a good message to be sending to young people that hiding their emotions is not the key to living a more fulfilled life, particularly during puberty. Opening up about needing support is a healthy message, especially in today’s world of ultra- capable ‘girl- boss’ characters that young girls can aspire toward but not relate to. While I’m not sure the physical changes that happen during puberty were exactly what Turning Red nailed, it certainly acknowledges the emotional changes young people go through. It is important to see such issues depicted, as it encourages young people to discuss what they are going through in a time we all remember to be difficult.

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Arts&Lifestyle

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 05

29-03-2022

UCD’s Classical Museum- We Don’t Know How Lucky We Are! Angelina Pierce Entertainment & Lifestyle Editor

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s we approach the end of the semester, there has never been a better time to discover the treasure trove of antiquities that are located here in UCD. You either know and love the Classical Museum or you have yet to have the pleasure. The museum is currently in the Newman building in room K216, where I was fortunate enough to discover my favourite spot on campus in my first year, largely thanks to being a classics student.

However, the museum is open to all, and I highly recommend that if you have not yet already,

to now take advantage of this unique opportunity on campus and pop down for a visit. I was delighted to have the chance to chat to the curator of the museum, Dr Jo Day, who splits her time between the museum and lecturing here in UCD, which she calls her dream job!

Here on display in the museum is a vast collection of antiquities such as Greek vases, Roman and Greek coins, Egyptian antiquities, papyri, terracottas, bronze and bone objects that were used in ancient daily life, just to name a few. Some of the most recent and largest acquisitions are Greek and Roman funerary stelai and a marble sarcophagus.

What is most interesting about the museum is that although

it is a fantastic collection, it is relatively small and yet it is still the largest collection of Greek and Roman antiquities on show in Ireland. This country seriously lacks something of the same calibre and no other collection like it is open to the public. The museum began collecting antiquities in 1910 and it was used primarily as a teaching tool for classics.

Over the years the original collection was assembled by Rev. Henry Browne through gifts and exchanges with museums such as the British Museum and the Ashmolean. Today the collection largely remains unchanged, bar a few more acquisitions such as the stelai and sarcophagus. However, the museum has held exhibitions in the past such as “The Muse-

um of Ancient History: An Exhibition of Contemporary Art,” which Dr Day curated alongside Pádraic E. Moore last year, so keep a lookout for any upcoming exhibitions!

During the pandemic, the museum was unfortunately closed for a period but is now back into the swing of things. Regardless of what you are studying, the museum is open to anyone and everyone. Dr Day notes that although yes, mainly Classics, Archaeology and History students are more familiar with the museum, there is no reason why it would not be of interest to everyone else.

seum that you can learn from and even have it relate to your studies. Classics are so completely embedded in everyday life and hence the museum is in and of itself a perfect stepping stone to understanding such subjects and their history or to get inspired yourself. Dr Day also welcomes societies of all kinds to contact her to arrange visits and plan activities in the museum, events which have been very successful and enjoyable in the past. So, if you find yourself with some time on your hands, why not visit the museum for a truly unique experience right here on campus!

Whether you are in commerce, art, drama, English or anything in between, there is always something to find in this mu-

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

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incent Van Gogh once said, “paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter’s soul”.

If only he knew how true that statement would one day be.

In the 21st century we are the ones privileged enough to see his vision come to life. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a genuine escape into Van Gogh's soul through his beautiful paintings.

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience has been a travelling exhibition for many years now.

This summer, Dublin is in luck!

Running in a secret venue in Dublin, everything about this event is teeming with enchantment! In this unique vibrant experience running over several months from May to September, we get an insight into the life of one of the world’s most remarkable men.

Van Gogh: The Immersive Ex-

perience follows the life of Van Gogh himself, on a moving journey through his finest and most renowned works. This experience breathes new life into the artwork, sure to captivate a new audience of even the most novice art enthusiasts. Let this 360 degree digital light show guide you through eight of Van Gogh's most famous works from golden warmth of “Sunflowers” to the everyday calm of “Bedroom”.

The experience, although an art show, is not like any museum or exhibition you have ever experienced before. This creative, unique experience truly brings to life art in a way that’s never been done before. Let the colourful lights glide over you as you become part of the artwork itself. These vibrant and passionate displays of light and colour truly expresses the talent and emotion in this art.

So, you don’t have to feel guilty about a day trip where you could be working or studying instead – at least this one will be educational. With a student

rate ranging from only €12.60 to €17.90, this is an opportunity that no one should miss!

“

let yourself enjoy a summer stroll through a kaleidoscope of the vibrant colours and talent of Van Gogh

“

Saoirse Wilson Arts & Lifestyle Writer

The clever choice of different music which reflects each of the

eight paintings in this experience, enhances the all-consuming nature of this experience.

It adds emotion, power, and intensity. This increases how immersed one will feel in the work of Van Gogh. Don’t just see, but feel the world created on a canvas brought to life in a new glory! Experience some of the finest artwork in the world in a way that generations before us were never as lucky to. So, let yourself enjoy a summer stroll through a kaleidoscope of the vibrant colours and talent of Van Gogh.

Don’t feel judged if you don’t know the style of brushstrokes, or the techniques used to create these masterpieces. Whether you consider yourself a modern-day Picasso, are searching for that perfect Instagram picture, or are simply just on the hunt for an exciting day out, this exhibition has something in it for you!

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Volume 35 - Issue 05

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Music

29

Interview with Brother Josh An Insight into the Irish Music Industry, and What Makes a Band Tick!

Jack Donlon Music Correspondent

I

met Josh and Dáire Bass, the two cousins who are the driving force behind the band Brother Josh, in the Hairy Lemon. First on our agenda was ordering three pints of Guinness, and after those had been secured, we sat down for a chat. Music has been a constant in both of their lives from a very early age. In fact, they first started playing music to-

“ I’ve learned

from this industry that you never get your hopes up, because it's brutal

“

gether when Dáire was ten and Josh was eight, and it wasn’t long before they had played their first gig, supporting Don Baker, an Irish blues musician and family friend. They haven’t looked back since, and their strong bond, when it comes to both their musical chemistry

and friendship, is clear to see.

As Dáire puts it, “Myself and Josh work very well as a team, because he does all the work”.

Over the years, despite being involved in other projects, they have established themselves as a reputable cover band (although they don’t use the Brother Josh name while doing so). “There is an unfair stigma put on cover bands”, Josh says, perhaps hinting at the idea that they are viewed as being less talented than other musicians, but the money they earn from these gigs allows them to inject resources into their own projects. “It puts bread on the table”, Josh goes on to say. They

can do two cover gigs at the weekend, and use the earnings from those to finance their studio time. In terms of recording their own material, they had to take quite an unorthodox approach to recording the demos for their songs due to lockdown. Looking for ways to layer sounds and experiment, Josh eventually discovered that Garageband was a viable tool to use. He cited the amount of free time he had during the lockdown period as a sort of blessing in disguise. “I’m very obsessive”, he went on to say, and he would spend countless hours perfecting his recordings.

When they did eventually get

into the studio, the two experienced musicians were able to record the majority of the instrumentation themselves, and they also inserted Josh’s Garageband files into the music software Pro Tools. “When we went to record, it was the two of us laying down everything, apart from the drums' ', Dáire says. With the help of their sound engineer, they were able to record their music quite seamlessly. We then moved onto the challenging nature of the music industry. Their experience has allowed them to establish connections in the industry over the years, but despite this, they still told me of the importance of remaining

grounded. “I’ve learned from this industry that you never get your hopes up, because it's brutal”, Josh says, but despite this, they feel their dedication will pay off, and you have to admire their devotion to their craft.

Brother Josh’s debut single, titled ‘Crawl Back’, definitely reflects the duo's experience.

It is polished, well produced and has a heavy, layered sound, which incorporates many different sounds and instruments.

It's certainly guitar music, but it has its own unique feel. I definitely look forward to their upcoming EP and future projects!

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COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 05

29-03-2022

29-03-2022

Volume 35 - Issue 05

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Sport

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UCD AFC Winless in Premier Division But No Whipping Boys Callum Buchan Sports Editor

Promotion and signings

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niversity College Dublin AFC were promoted to the League of Ireland Premier Division for the 2022 season following the Students playoff win against Waterford FC at the end last season.

It was always going to be difficult for Andy Myler’s to make the jump up to Ireland’s top flight as a university side competing with those clubs with the best squads and, crucially, the biggest budgets in the country.

One of the most pressing challenges that UCD has faced over the years is replacing their talented players when they inevitably move onto bigger and better things after they graduate, such as Liam Scales who has excelled for Shamrock Rovers and now Celtic FC since his time in Belfield.

However, this off-season was somewhat unusual for the College as they managed to hold on to the majority of their star players, despite the mounting interest in some including the strike partnership of Liam Kerrigan and the 2021 First Division’s top scorer, Colm Whelan.

Nevertheless, Myler did lose one of his key figures in attack in the window with creative midfielder Paul Doyle signing for a rebuilding Dundalk side.

Although UCD do not have the traditional post-promotion spree in the transfer market given their circumstances, there were incomings to the College’s squad. Defender Alex Dunne and left midfielder Dy-

lan Duffy signed from champions Shamrock Rovers, a move which numerous players have made the other way over the previous few years. There were also other reinforcements at both ends of the pitch as Kian Moore moved from Bohemians to offer competition to the Students’ goalkeepers and striker Thomas Lonergan was prized away from cup winners St Patrick’s Athletic. Whilst Eric Yoro has been promoted from the youth ranks at UCD and has impressed at centre back thus far this season.

Results this season A trip to Tallaght was first in store for the College as they were thrown straight in the deep end on their return to the Premier Division. It was no sur-

prise that Rovers put three past UCD to no reply in the opening game of the season. However, their defence shored up in the following game with two back-to-back scoreless draws at home against Finn Harps and fellow promoted-side Shelbourne, who are now managed by former Ireland international and two-time Premier League winner Damien Duff.

Despite the positive record at the back, the once free scoring Students were struggling to find the net until Sam Todd and Kerrigan scored in their fourth game of the season away to Drogheda United. These goals proved to be no more than consolations as the home side won the tie 4-2. This result will concern Myler more so than the Rovers game as Drogheda are

tipped to be a team who could find themselves battling for survival with the College. Two Dublin derbies were next for UCD as they looked to bounce back after the defeat.

St Patrick’s Athletic proved too strong for the Students with a 2-0 win, a scoreline which flattered UCD considering the dominance of Pats’ performance with Chris Forrester running the show from midfield. The result of the season thus far came when Bohemians made the trip to Belfield.

UCD managed to hold Bohs to a 1-1 draw with a second goal of the season for Todd, meaning the College remain unbeaten at home this season although their search for that elusive win continues.

Taking the positives UCD currently sit at the foot of the Premier Division table on three points, yet there is reason to see the glass as half full. It was no secret that the side would have a major challenge avoiding relegation this season, but the danger is being on the wrong end of ‘cricket score’ results. These matches were too common in the club’s last stint in the top flight in 2019 which included a 7-0 loss to Rovers and a 10-1 trouncing

by Bohs. The College finished the campaign with minus 57 goal difference. So far, this season has been a significant improvement on this and Myler will hope this continues and they begin to pick up a couple of wins.

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SPORT Sport

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 05

29-03-2022

Sarah Lavin Sets Personal Best En Route to World Championships' Final Callum Buchan Sports Editor

her ankle. It appeared that this would be another Games which Lavin would have to watch from home with the thoughts ‘what if?’. However, a global pandemic threw a major spanner in the works for every facet of life with sport being no exception and the International Olympic Committee opted to delay the event until the following year due to the public health risks posed by COVID-19.

In the history books

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niversity College Dublin alumna Sarah Lavin made waves at the 2022 World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia. The 27-year-old broke her personal best in the 60 metres hurdles twice en route to the final on March 19.

Lavin’s new record time set on the heats in the morning didn’t last long as she broke the eight second mark for the first time in her career in the semi-final, clocking a time of 7.97 seconds which was enough to secure her place in the final. Lavin made history in Belgrade becoming the first member of Team Ireland to make it into the finals of the 60m hurdles, whilst also being the first Irish finalist in any event for 12 years, since David Gillick in Doha.

In the final, the Limerick-native posted a time of 8.09 seconds which meant a seventh-place finish with French hurdler Cyréna Samba-Mayela winning the event. Lavin remained positive after the race in her interview to RTE Sport as she said, "I want a major medal and for that to happen you have to be in a global final first… I still have to be immensely proud of today. Seventh in the world!”.

Incidentally, it was Gillick who

was doing the interview.

Injuries and setbacks

Formative years as an athlete

Competing in the Olympics was seen as the natural progression and almost inevitable for the hurdler during her promising career in university as Lavin set her sights on Rio 2016. However just a couple months prior to the Games, injury struck the then 22-yearold as she sustained a stress fracture in her foot which ruled her out of her first Olympics.

This foot injury was a symptom of Lavin developing the condition ‘relative energy deficiency in sport’ (RED-S) as a result of over-training and under-eating.

At the peak of her troubles, the athlete found herself weighing as low as 57kg and cited seeking perfection in her trade and image as a reason for the situation. Despite the potential of RED-S ending a career early, Lavin managed to recover from

Lavin’s excellence in athletics and academia earned the hurdler a move stateside from her home in Lisnagry, Limerick as she began a pre-Medical degree on a scholarship at Princeton University in 2012. However, Lavin opted to leave Princeton after one term in New Jersey after sustaining a shin injury and preferring competing in the European Junior Championships.

It was a bold move by the young athlete to return home from an Ivy League college, but it was to UCD’s benefit as she enrolled at Belfield in 2013 studying Physiotherapy. Lavin excelled as an Ad Astra Scholar with successes including intervarsity records for indoor 60m hurdles.

the condition and become competitive enough again in the field to be in contention for the next Olympic Games. The hurdler credits her coach, Noelle Morrisey, with helping her back from this setback as the two have a special relationship which has been forged over 20 years of working together.

Tokyo Olympics It was tunnel vision for Lavin to be a member of Team Ireland at Tokyo 2020 after the disappointment of missing the Games four years before.

By 2019 all was going to plan as she secured a fifth National victory in the 100m and recorded a five-year best time. But things rarely move smoothly in elite sports and Lavin found herself nursing another injury with an Olympics on the horizon after tearing a ligament in

This meant that Lavin could compete in Tokyo. It seemed like she had positive momentum going into the event as she set a personal best in the 100m hurdles in the build up to the Games. However, the Limerick athlete finished seventh in the field in Tokyo, a result which left her bitterly disappointed.

Lavin later stated that she was not 100% going into the competition after pushing her body to the limit in the build-up and carrying hamstring and back problems during her preparations. In a recent interview with Off the Ball, Lavin revealed that her phone’s home screen is a picture of that race to remind herself of that feeling of defeat and act as motivation for improvement in the future.

Smashing her personal best and making the World Championship final certainly shows an upward trajectory since Tokyo and how that motivation has driven her to be her best.