Vote David Magee for SEFS Rep on March 11 th & 12 th
My name is David Magee, and I’m running for the position of Science, Engineering, and Food Science Rep (SEFS Rep) in the upcoming Student Union elections on the 11th & 12th of March. I’m a 3rd year Microbiology student having come through the Biological & Chemical Sciences route. I am the current Academic Rep for my class, having carried out the same role for my second year Biological Sciences class last year. I have represented classes both large and small at Student Council. I act as the current Deputy for all academic reps for Biological Sciences, acting in place of the SEFS Rep when required. I am also in my second year as a Peer Support Leader, and sit on the Administration Group. This involves working very closely with students from across the university, from a broad range of courses, and have an understanding of some of the issues faced not only by incoming first-year students, but by students as they progress through their academic lives. Finally, I’m the founding captain for the first Tag Rugby club in UCC. This experience has imbued in me an extensive knowledge of setting up and chairing a committee, finding a suitable training venue, acting in a leadership role as head coach, and liaising with the Irish Tag Rugby Association. With these experiences, I firmly believe that I am a more than capable of representing the students of the College of Science, Engineering, and Food Science at Students Union Exec meetings. I have the confidence and leadership abilities to chair the College Clinic each month, represent you at monthly Student Council, and at any other academic committees required. ●
One of the largest issues in the College of SEFS is the inconsistency of marking in practicals. We’ve all seen, heard, or experienced the common tale of 2 students with the same work, done separately, one of whom gets flying marks, while the other is given a token pass. This could be remedied by making marking schemes for these practicals available from the start of the module, so that each student knows exactly what their work is worth and ensure that work is marked fairly. If elected I will work with the Education Officer to bring this into place, and provide clarity and peace of mind for the students of SEFS.
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In addition, few departments offer marks for knowledge based on theory behind practicals, during continuous assessment. If elected I will seek to amend this and encourage departments and schools in the college to offer a percentage of practical marks for pre-practical questions.
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Many incoming first year students don’t have much experience in writing reports for practicals. If elected, I will work with the College of SEFS and the First Year Experience Coordinator to equip these students with the necessary skills to report on practical work. This service will be extended to higher years if there is a demand.
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If elected, I will work hard to ensure that every class in the College of SEFS is represented at College Clinic and Student Council. This includes all classes predominantly based in “satellite” campuses such as the North Mall campus, and the Western Gate Building. If elected, I will commit to spending at least 3 hours a week around Main Campus, the Western Gate Building, and the North Mall campus. These “walkabouts” will allow students of SEFS to bring forward issues that they feel necessitates involving the SEFS rep. This is also an opportunity to promote the role of the SEFS rep and to answer any questions that students may have about it. As a Peer Support Leader, I have experienced the Mentor programme for SEFS from both a first year’s and a Peer Supporter’s perspective. I believe that this programme could be introduced again for incoming first years so that they may have a member of staff that is approachable and seems less intimidating than approaching a lecturer after a lecture or tutorial.
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These proposals are the basis for what I would hope to achieve throughout the year. However matters may arise during the year that will require the attention of the SEFS rep, and I am confident that I am prepared to respond to these issues effectively. I will also ensure confidentiality for students that have concerns regarding sensitive information.
Thank you for your time and should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me by email on d.p.magee@umail.ucc.ie or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DavidForSEFS and don’t forget to vote David Magee #1 on March 11th & 12th.