WIT Students’ Union Elections 2014
Candidate Manifestos
www.witsu.ie
Candidate Running For President
Christina Fitzharris For the last nine months, I have been privileged to represent the students of WIT as your Welfare Officer. It truly has been a life changing and rewarding experience. I have worked tirelessly to ensure that the students’ voice was heard across all campuses and all decisions that have been made in the best interests of all students. It is important that every student has a positive experience during their time in WIT. I understand that a student’s life is not 9-5 and I am passionate about representing each and every student and making sure their needs are met at all times. About Christina? My name is Christina Fitzharris, I’m a 22 year old Social Care graduate and over the last number of years I have been very active on campus. I am currently the Deputy President for Welfare (Welfare Officer) in WIT Students’ Union and I am seeking for your support to become President of WIT Students’ Union. I studied in College Street campus for three years and I have been based on the Cork Road campus for the past year in the Students’ Union. I have an in-depth knowledge of both of these campuses and what the students of each campus needs. This year has given me a better insight into what students in the granary and other campuses need and I will do everything in my power to resolve any issues WIT students are facing in the upcoming year. Experience · Deputy President for Welfare 2013/2014 · Governing Body member 2013/2014 · Clubs and Societies Finance board member · Director of Diverse Campus Services · Member of USI Welfare Working Group · Welfare Crew Member 2010-2013 · Chairperson of WIT LGBT Society 2012/2013 Achievements:
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ASIST Trained Completed Understanding Self Harm Training Completed Common Purpose Frontrunner programme Health Promotion Training Elected onto USI’s National Campaign Sub Group Completed USI’s Student Activist Training Delivered a workshop on ‘Coming Out’ at USI Pink Training 2013
What I want to achieve Union of Students in Ireland As members of USI, I will ensure there is more presence on campus by USI officers and WIT students will acknowledge the benefits of USI. I will also ensure that all USI campaigns are rolled out effectively on campus. If elected I will also guarantee the views of WIT students will be recognised at a National Level through USI National Council and all of USI’s working groups. Accountability If elected I will ensure that all officers not only work hard, but work hard as a team. We will be accountable to every student and to help students understand the work every member of the team is doing. I will make monthly officer reports mandatory and ensure that they are published on our website so all students can inspect them and to communicate more efficiently with our students. Technological University From my experience in sitting on Governing Body this year, I am already fully aware of the T.U process and how it is developing in WIT. If elected as president I will do my utmost to ensure this process and development will not affect students negatively and they will be represented in all elements of this process. Marriage Equality In 2015 there will be a referendum on marriage equality in Ireland, I promise to work tirelessly and passionately to help students register to vote and to mobilise students to the polling stations. I will lobby for the referendum to take place on a Friday or Saturday and I will ensure that the student’s voices are heard in this vote. Volunteering Opportunities I will set up a volunteering network for students with a list of local and national organisations and companies looking for student volunteers. This will help students use their free time effectively and will help students build up there c.v in a time where jobs and experience in many areas are extremely difficult to get. Entertainments Events are a big part of the Students’ Union and if elected president, I will continue the high quality, low cost events WIT Student’s Union has been delivering over the past number of years. I will also promise to include more alcohol free events throughout the year, especially during weeks like Fresher’s Week and Raise and Give Week, so that there is always something to suit everyone on campus and to help promote responsible drinking. Finance This year saw the implementation of a new funding agreement between the college and the Students’ Union. I will continue the negotiations and the work this team started this year and will fight for students to have adequately funded student’s services to enhance their time spend in WIT. Why you should vote Christina #1 for WITSU President As described by the WITSU Constitution, the President is the chief representative of the students in WIT and has a number of areas to be responsible for, including, representation, finance, organisation, supervision and guidance of policy, interpreter of the constitution and to chair a number of bodies. I have the experience to lead the Union into great successes. I have proven myself time and time again in my role as Welfare Officer and I shall do this again as President. I am passionate about representing WIT students, hardworking and dedicated to work in the best interest of WIT students. But overall, I will always have time for each and every student in WIT and no matter how big or small the problem, I will do my utmost to help YOU.
Candidates Running For Education Officer
Bo Last I am a second year business student, here at WIT. Currently I am seeking votes, specifically your vote. Your vote will enable me to represent you, as the WITSU EDUCATION OFFICER 2014/2015. For the past two years I have been Class Rep. This has allowed me to gain an in-depth knowledge of the needs of my fellow peers and the mechanics/ structures with which to facilitate change. Through my Student Union experience I have developed strong team, listening, communication and organisational skills. These are skills that I can bring to the role of Education Officer. These are skills that I can use on your behalf. The name is LAST, BO LAST and the last promise I will make to you is that while there is a last breath in my body I will work on your behalf. Just Remember BO LAST will put you FIRST. MY FOCUS ON WIT STUDENTS’ UNION KEY ISSUES Top quality education embraces a rich, positive, holistic experience. I want to insure that your third level education within the WIT structure is as positive and productive as it gets. 1. The SUSI Grant system is still problematic. The relationship between WIT, SUSI and the student needs to be more transparent and efficient. I have identified this as a target area for the education officer facilitation. 2. Fast and effective internet provision is a key component to quality learning in 2014/2015. I believe the education portfolio needs to focus on working with Aidan McGrath to improve this essential facility. 3. Our third level education experience has developed against a background of increasing student registration fees. I believe that in the democracy where all are equal, enough is enough. 4. I believe there needs to be greater liaising between student life and learning and the SU education officer to insure that every student is aware of any supports that they may have a right or entitlement to. 5. The Erasmus is a very value asset to WIT students. We are no longer live in the closed island of our grandparents. The Erasmus programme allows students to experience global, cultural, educational and social opportunities. I would like to promote this opportunity and raise awareness of its huge positive benefits.
6. On the current student union website there are names and details regarding subject grinds. Students may require grinds for many reasons, sometimes through no fault of their own. I believe that if grinds are advertised on the SU website they should be regulated and competitively priced. 7. Many students have expressed a concern around the length of library opening hours, specifically during study weeks. As somebody who has found our libraries a valuable asset, I would feel privileged to campaign for extended opening hours at all times. Many of our sister third level institutes are open until 10pm and 11pm on a week night basis. 8. I would like to organise a campaign focusing on the importance of class attendance, if you’re not in, you can’t win. Lack of attendance effects grades and holistic college experiences. In group work module experiences, somebody else’s lack of attendance could actually affect your grade. 9. I have been made aware that there is an inadequate supply of law books currently in the Cork Road library. Many students studying business etc must complete law modules. Where modules present in subject areas at different campus sites, adequate books must be available on all sites. Our time is precious. 10. WIT currently has an effective student union class representation system. Every student has a voice that if they exercise it, can be a heard. Growth and change is possible. Each year it is essential that class reps are properly trained. I believe my two years SU experience will give me an inside needs knowledge into providing skills in- service and training. 11. Team skills are essential during every stage of life. A class and the students in it work most productively when they work as a team. I believe class reps need specific training in the areas of team bonding and interpersonal skills. 12. As education officer I believe it would be very important to be available to the general student body on a regular basis. 13. I believe that the career office and the WITSU education officer needs to work more closely together to help students investigate and identify quality work experience for holiday periods. Improved CV preparation, interview preparation and employment contacts would not just ease the worrying financial burden, but give us paid on the job valid work experience in our chosen area. With specific reference to the Granary: 1. There has been an ongoing difficulty with the usability of printers. This is not acceptable. These are essential tools in the learning process. 2. The issue of early closing of Granary buildings during key weeks needs to be addressed. 3. Talking to students on the ground in the Granary, I was made aware of their sense of isolation. I have listened and heard. This is an issue that I will prioritise. 4. Lacks of apprioprate parking permits are causing the student body in the Granary much hardship. Again this situation needs to be singled out for priority. With specific reference for College Street: 1. A big thing I heard was the IT facilities and printers need to be maintained faster when they are not running. 2. Any music student who has instrument problems I am happy to help. I am committed to making your unique college experience as productive and positive as possible. I guarantee you my upmost commitment and focus. I look forward to meeting and talking with as many fellow students as possible in the coming days, so remember that name LAST, BO LAST, VOTE NUMBER ONE FOR EDUCATION OFFICER.
Eoin Murphy My name is Eoin “Scruff” Murphy and I would love to be your new Education Officer next year. I hail from a lovely little parish in the south of Kilkenny, Glenmore. During my spare time I enjoy playing all types of sport, mostly hurling, listening to music and reading up the current affairs of the world outside of WIT. I am currently in 4th year of Recreation and Sports Management student where I have enjoyed my time here immensely. I would love to be given the opportunity of staying in WIT for another year where I can help the students of WIT to a better education. Class Reps: Class Reps have become increasingly more important in creating the link between class students and the Union Executive. Important also is the link between the Union and the Class Reps, this is crucial as the Union has the voice to impact change on behalf of the student body. But more importantly in order for the Union to be a true and effective representative body for the students of WIT, it needs to hear what the thoughts and issues of students are on the ground. This can only be achieved with a strong and active Class Rep system that is able to effectively input and guide the Union Executive. This is a significant issue for me as I feel strong links need to be upheld and made stronger in the future. In particular, I would like to assess what additions and improvements can be made to Class Rep training and the communication strategy between the Union and the Class Reps system. Representation: The Students’ Union has to power to on behalf of the students to enforce change. From my point of view this representation needs to be strong and true. It would be unfair to voice my own opinion as I would not be representing the student body. As a Students’ Union Officer sitting on committees that have the power to impact such a volume of people requires a massive amount of responsibility. I feel I’m in a position to lead from past experiences and I am fully willing to listen and actively hear what the needs of students are across all campuses so that I can fully represent students at the highest level. I want to make sure that the Students’ Union is always working hard for every student and to achieve this I hope to run weekly Education clinics on each campus so that I can meet and assist students with whatever issues or concerns they may have. Services on Campus: Currently the opinion on the ground about the services on campus suggests a major deficiency in Wi-Fi accessibility and connectivity. The ongoing problem surrounding the quality of computer performance also needs to be addressed as does the matter of computer quantity. In today’s economic climate the ability to purchase personal computers is declining, increasing the need for the availability for more computers in the library. Also, the use of the sole computer room in the library to carry out ELearning Support classes disrupts students at inappropriate times all the while rooms lie dormant in the Walton Building.
Career Services and Support: It is felt that following graduation, graduates may not have the required skills to acquire a position in their chosen industry of work. More support is needed for these students while there in the college setting. Helping students to obtain these necessary skills is not doubt key topic. As Education Officer I promise to work closely with the Institute Careers Office to develop and promote more relevant and career focused talks across all of the Institute campuses. The aim of this work will be to ensure that students are more prepared and ready for life after college. Furthermore, I want to work with the various college authorities such as Clubs and Societies and Student Life and Learning to set up more initiatives to help recognise the good work and commitment being carried out by so many students and provide relevant workshops such as IT and presentation skills so that students can expand their skills and add any additional training and experiences onto their CV. SUSI Grants: Access to education must be made accessible for anyone who wishes to achieve a third level education and for many students they rely on the support they receive from obtaining a grant. In recent years there have been continued problems and delays with the SUSI grant system and I promise to actively work in the best interest for WIT students to campaign for better efficiencies within this system and help any student with any issues they may face with their grant application. Moodle Supports: There is no doubt that moodle is a very important tool for students to obtain class notes and also in the submission of online assignments. There is also an issue surrounding the availability of some lecturer’s notes not been uploaded. Another major issue surrounding moodle is the adequate training of users, lecturers need to be up to date with the functionality of the online site. Education Campaigns: The Education Officer for the Students’ Union plays a vital role in ensuring that the educational experience for every WIT student is a positive one. The role expands into all areas such as quality assurance, dealing with class or individual student concerns and running campaigns. I want to continue the good work that has been achieved by the Students’ Union in recent years and continue to develop and promote relevant and important education campaigns such as; Exam Stress and Preparation, Knowing your Education Rights, International and Mature Student workshops. Furthermore, I promise to actively campaign on any issues that affect WIT students. For instance I plan to continue to fight for better pay and recognition for our hard working student nurses who are currently in the middle of fighting to get their work fairly recognised. Multi Campus Approach: Currently there is a division between the campuses of WIT. The Cork Road campus is unfairly tagged as the WIT “main campus” where College Street and The Granary have as much to offer to the overall college experience in Waterford. At present Waterford Institute of Technology is one of the leading Institutes in the country, however a more united student body will help create an even better student experience for every student. I promise that I will be committed to ensure to give my time and effort to work with all students across every campus so that the needs and concerns are always heard.
Robert Hynes Hi my name is Robert Hynes and I am currently a final year student in Waterford Institute of Technology. I am running for the position of the Deputy President/Education Officer 2014/2015 for Waterford Institutes of Technology Student’s Union. First a little bit about my-self. I’ve been a student of W.I.T for the past four years and hold a Higher Certificate in Legal Studies, a BA in Legal Studies with International Trade and I am currently finishing my Honours BA in Legal Studies with Business. I have also been an active member of the W.I.T LGBT Society for the past 2 years, this with my 2 years of being a class representative has given me a lot of experience with campaigning and a strong passion for a student’s right to stand up and have their say. If elected some of the areas that I would be looking to improve on are; • Education Campaigns Education campaigns in the past were a great way for students to participate and learn many different skills. Sadly however these education campaigns are few and far between at present which I believe is a pity as there was always an informative aspect to these campaigns, especially in relation to exam preparation, study help and career preparation. If elected I would be looking to bring a new life to these campaigns for the benefit of all students. Such campaigns would include career guidance and preparation for entering the employment field, as well an important look at bringing much needed training workshops that students have been asking for in Health and Social Care courses such as manual handling and first aid. It is important to remember that you can receive a great deal from your course but there can be other outside aspects such as these training workshops that if taking advantage of correctly can open up more doors and opportunities. • Peer Study Support Peer study support schemes are in use in many colleges around Ireland currently and I have a great belief in them and as Education Officer if elected I would hope to implement one in W.I.T. The main aspect to this scheme would be that students who are further on in their degree’s volunteer to help provide support to students who may be looking for a little extra understanding. This would be co-ordinated through the Education Officer and a structure will be set up with what study supports are available. This is a scheme that I believe will be of a huge benefit to many students and is one I am intent on implementing next academic year.
• Mature Students/International Students Returning to education and beginning education in another country can be a daunting experience and It would be my pleasure as Education Officer if elected to help mature and international students transition into the education environment of W.I.T as much as I can. I would also look at implementing more training courses to help this transition with a special attention towards when it would be most effective to hold these courses. • Class Representatives Class Representatives are one of the greatest resources that the Students Union has on hand to keep in contact with the student body and as a Union we must answer to them. As an Education Officer for the Union It is as one of the most important aspects of my position to co-ordinate effectively with Class Reps on delivering any information needed to all students. It is my belief that the Class Reps must be kept updated as much as possible. Therefore I would be proposing that Class Rep Councils be held monthly to keep the pathways of communication open between Class Reps and the Students Union. Class Rep training is something I believe has worked great in the past and I will continue with this at the start of semester 1 next year with a refresher course for all Class Reps in semester 2. • Case Work A main objective as Education Officer is to help the students of W.I.T with their grant applications if any issues arise and to assist students with any information they may need on examinations, repeats or re-sits. As an active committee member of W.I.T LGBT and current Secretary of the Society I have dealt with numerous issues surrounding case work with LGBT Students, therefore I am fully aware of the need to help students in any issues be it Educational or other that they may come across during their time in W.I.T and to assist in getting a satisfactory result. Therefore if elected I would work with these students and in conjunction with the Welfare Officer to give as much support as needed and would consider dealing with this case work as a priority and would wish that students feel that they can contact me with any of these issues and I promise to assist as best I can. • College Street Year after year promises are made to the students of the College Street Campus that the SU presence will increase to deal with any issues students may experience on a day to day basis. However I feel this is a promise that year after year is not met sufficiently and I feel this as I have been on the College Street Campus for my 4 years in W.I.T. and have witnessed it first-hand. I feel it is about time this is changed and I will be starting with my own position whereby I shall make myself available to any students on campus for at least one day a week and these times will be announced through or social networking sites to give the students a chance they deserve and to be assisted and heard.
Candidates Running For Welfare Officer
Deirdre Dunne My name is Deirdre Dunne, I am an exercise and health studies student in my final year, and since starting college in WIT in 2010 I have spent 4 years as an active member on the Welfare Crew and 2 years as class rep. I completed Samaritan training, pink training, and have volunteered during raise and give week, I have also been an active participant in USI campaigns. During these 4 years I have learned a lot about the issues facing students on a daily basis. Issues such as personal health and safety in college, mental health awareness, financial difficulties, and educational supports are top of my agenda during my term as welfare officer. I intend for my position as welfare officer to be transparent with the exception of individual casework which will be 100% confidential. During my term as welfare officer I will focus and develop the following areas: Mental Health: Mental Health is an area I am very serious about addressing. During the Positive Mental Health week I hope to address issues such as suicide, depression, anxiety and stress. I would like to educate students of the dangers of keeping it to themselves and encourage them to talk about these issues openly at any time of the year and not just during mental health week. I will also co-ordinate SAFETALK training for students that wish to avail of the opportunity. I would like to organise students in the college to participate in the Pieta House Darkness into Light walk. Pieta house works closely with people with mental health issues and its plan is to turn the tide on suicide. Accommodation/Finance: Accommodation and Finances can cause huge amounts of stress to students. I aim to tackle these issues by introducing a ‘Mind your Money Day’ which will include inviting organisations such as MABS onto campus to help students budget. I will also work alongside USI in promoting their fresher’s packs which include budgeting tools as well as rent books.
Equality: Marriage equality is a hot topic at the moment with the referendum scheduled for next year. I hope to encourage students to get involved and develop an understanding of the issues that have led to the referendum and register to vote. Student voting is considerably low. It’s time we made ourselves heard. Rainbow week is an important campaign and I would like to run it as a welfare campaign in conjunction with the LGBT society in the hopes it will increase awareness and promote LGBT issues. I also hope to make the “ShoutOut” training available for students who wish to participate in this course. I hope to organise events for mature students throughout the year including coffee mornings, study workshops, and an entertainment event during rag week. Finally I will introduce a welfare and equality module at class rep training to deal with the equality issues and welfare campaigns and encourage involvement in the welfare crew. Sexual Health: Sexual health has always been a very important aspect of student welfare. The SHAG week campaign and the free distribution of condoms on Wednesdays will continue and the SHAG week campaign will be rejuvenated to highlight awareness and promote services available to students both on and off campus. I will link in with USI around their campaigns and promote them in the college. Casework: I understand fully that as welfare officer there is a phenomenal amount of individual casework. Having completed Samaritans training in 2012, I understand the importance of confidentiality and this training also gave me an excellent insight into the problems that many people encounter. I am empathetic and aware that many students find it difficult to ask for help, through my own experiences and difficulties while attending college I feel that the role of Welfare Officer will put me in an ideal position to provide guidance and support to all students whatever the issues. I am fully committed to booking a room for 2 hours every week on the college street campus to facilitate a drop in service. General Welfare: I will encourage students from each of the college campuses to get involved in the welfare crew in order to successfully include them in each of the campaigns. Student safety and wellbeing is important to me and I will continue to emphasise the importance of it. The campaigns that are currently in place already will be rejuvenated and given a new lease of life. I have lots of new ideas to roll out during the year. For example I intend to hold a sports activities day and I want to include men’s health days. I will also organise for more promotional events on campus.
Meadhbh Roche I am a final year HEALTH PROMOTION student in WIT. I am 21 years old and I am running for the position of WELFARE OFFICER 2014/2015. As I have been elected class representative this year I feel I have gained a great insight into the work of the students union. I feel I am hard working, passionate, approachable and motivated which are necessary attributes needed for the position. Having nearly completed my degree in Health Promotion I feel I have great experience and knowledge about the different aspects of welfare. Through my voluntary work and placement I have been involved with social media campaigns, sexual health training and education, emotional health workshops and smoking policy. Relevant Experience · Class Representative -2013/2014 · Volunteer Comhairle na Nog – October 2013-Present · Sports Ball Committee – February 2014 – Present · Squashy Couch Placement/ Voluntary work – February 2012-December 2013 Healthy Living I will work alongside campus services to lobby for healthier options available on all campuses to make healthier eating the cheaper option. I would have a theme for each week to raise awareness about different issues, for example, oral health week. I will have workshops to show students easier, cheaper and healthier options to eat and workshops’ showing unhealthy contents in food such as how much sugar is in a fizzy drink and how much salt and fat are in deep fried food. I seek to have fruit smoothies and fresh fruit juices available on all campuses. Sexual Health I feel this is a major component of student life and many are afraid to talk and access services, for example, sexual health clinics and contraception. I want to bring more awareness to the area of sexual health by having workshops on safe sex for all first years. Condom Wednesdays are very popular so I would distribute leaflets about safe sex along with condoms to raise awareness. SHAG week is a very successful and informative week in the college year. I would make these more fun and interactive for the students in all campuses, for example, I would also work with campus services to bring in once a month free STI checks on campus for all students.
Mental Health Mental Health is a major aspect of everyday living. It is important students of all ages are able to access user friendly services, where they feel safe, comfortable and respected on campus. As social media is now a part of everyday living for most students, I would run a social media campaign to raise the awareness of mental health by getting students to create videos around the area and posting them on the Facebook and Twitter pages. Positive Mental Health week would continue to be run with more emphasis on getting the students involved with different workshops all over the campus. Information stands will be erected at different locations throughout the college with information on various topics. Finance and Accommodation Students face financial problems every year ranging from rental issues to day to day finance. I will be there to support and help students through the hard time. I will be there to provide the right information and guidance. If elected I will work alongside the education officer to lobby for grant office opening hours which are student friendly and more accessible. Provide advice and information for those renting accommodation, for example, USI rent book. Write up a handbook for tips on how to cut costs and save money when being a student. Work alongside the education officer to advertise jobs and volunteering opportunities advertised on the SU official page and Facebook page. Equality International students day is a very important day and will be ran again as well as a culture and ethnicity day twice throughout the year to help international students feel at home in a different country. Evening and day events will be held for mature students to help with the integration back into education and to act as a support for them, for example, Meet and Greet days. The Rainbow week will be continued to be ran as it is an important and highly beneficial week. I will work closely with all societies to make sure if any difficulties arise I can be of support and help to them in any way possible. In Conclusion If elected I would organise more fun exercise classes in all campuses, for example, zumba. I would work closely with the clubs and societies to raise awareness about joining and the benefits especially for first year students. I realise this position is not a 9-5 job and I promise all the students in WIT that all emails, calls and texts will be answered and I will be there to listen to all students if they need me. Thank you for reading my manifesto. If you have any questions, queries or suggestions please do not hesitate to ask or tell me. I hope to see you over the coming weeks and I hope you can give me your #1 vote for Welfare officer.
Candidates Running For Communications Officer
Gerard Considine I am a first year student studying for an LLB Bachelor of Law, and I am running for Communications Officer as I believe I can be a valuable asset to the Student’s Union and Waterford Institute of Technology as a whole. I have a number of issues, which are outlined below, that I feel I can address. 1) W.I.T. Students Union Website. My first act as Communications Officer would be to instigate a complete re-haul of the W.I.T. Students Union webpage. In its current format, the site looks outdated, it lacks appeal and it’s not very professional in appearance nor is it user friendly. I hope to improve this by introducing lots of colour and adding that extra ‘WOW’ factor that can be seen on many Student Union sites around the country. The current site consists mainly of two plain colours; a sandy yellow and red. The college colours themselves, which we should be proud to display, should be prominent on the page. The majority of Student Union sites all have large user friendly big, hyperlinked pictures on their sites. These not only look attractive, but they enable you to get to where you want to go on the site. They’re quick, easy and accessible. The homepage should contain all the important information a good website should consist of. As communications officer, I would insure that the webpage emulates what students are used to working with online, by making it a more interactive and appealing site, one that can rival those of our peers. 2) W.I.T. Communications Facebook Page. I also want to take the current W.I.T. Students Union Communications Facebook page to the next level. In its current format, the page acts as a mere link between W.I.T. Students Union and their students. What I propose is, that the page becomes an all-out communications hub, a focal point of all college life so to speak. Therefore, I would suggest a full amalgamation of all W.I.T. Student’s Union’s Officer’s pages into this communications hub, with access to be given to the page to all Officers. The result being, that all W.I.T. Students Union traffic will be reduced. Information on everything, for everyone, from one page. It’s a communications page, the more posting on it by other Officers, the more it will fulfil its role.
Not only would I suggest a focal point for officers, but I would also suggest one for students as well. I want to create a Student forum, where students can contact the Officers of the Union directly with any questions or problems. This would result in matters being settled quickly and effectively, as all Student Union Officers will have administrative access to the page. 3) Text Alert System. The communications page can be missed on many Facebook feeds. Students simply interact more with other pages and so ones like this tend to slip by the side-lines. As well as that, there are many students who simply do not use Facebook and as a result, students could miss out on Communications news. To combat this, I suggest a Text Alert system similar to what is being used by the Clubs and Societies. Messages of upcoming events, news and general important stuff can be sent directly to the students. As with the suggestion of the Facebook page, I would further suggest that all news and events from all other officers be sent directly to the students through this platform. The ultimate objective of a Communications Officer is to ensure that all students are aware of what’s going on around the campus. I think the only way you can fully be sure that students are in the know is by using a text alert system. 4) Closer Ties With All Three Campuses. It is my opinion that there is a general consensus that both College Street and the Granary fall to second and third place behind the main campus in regards to events and activities and notice. Having spoken to students in the Granary, I have heard first hand that many feel their campus is almost forgotten about. I want to ensure that students in both of these campus are fully aware of what’s going on around W.I.T. To combat this, I want to attempt to link these campuses, share the wealth so to speak, and bring some of the bigger activities to College Street and the Granary to meet the student demand. This could potentially end the stigma shrouding both and actually put them on the map alongside the main campus.
Mark Fennessy About Me I am 23 years old and a second year student in Criminal Justice Studies in College Street. I have put myself forward for the position of Communications Officer of the Students’ Union for the college year 2014/2015 and received the required number of nominations. Some of the main roles of the Communications officer are: • To help promote Students’ Union events, activities and campaigns throughout the year. • Help raise awareness of the services provided by the Students’ Union. • To act as Secretary to Executive, Union Council and General Meetings. • The advertising and awareness of the Executive, Union Council and General Meetings. Over the past two years I have been involved in the Students’ Union and have been a member of the welfare crew, entertainment crew and the RAG Crew. I’ve been involved in selling tickets for events, setting up of venues and helping to promote events such as Fresher’s Week, the Halloween Ball and the Raise and Give (RAG) Week events. I have also been involved in helping to promote welfare campaigns such as Live Life Safe Week, Positive Mental Health Week and SHAG (sexual health awareness and guidance) Week. I feel that my involvement with the students’ union over the past two year has given me a good insight into the running of the students’ union and a good knowledge of the role of the Communications Officer.
Over the last year I have also been involved in clubs and societies as both as Treasurer to the Criminal Justice Society and as the student representative for Academic Societies on the Clubs and Societies Finance Council. Through my involvement with clubs and societies I have gained experience in working in a team to achieve objectives along with the organising and promoting of events and activities. As a member of these committees I have gained experience which if elected I feel would be of benefit to me in fulfilling the role of Communications Officer.
Experiences in WIT • • • • •
Welfare Crew member 2012-2014 Entertainments Crew member 2012-2014 RAG Crew member 2012-2014 Treasurer of the Criminal Justice Society 2013-2014 Student Rep for Academics Societies on the Clubs and Society Finance Council 2013-2014.
Aims for the Academic year 2014/2015 •
To help promote Students’ Union Events, Activities and Campaigns, through the use of posters and social media.
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To accommodate students from all campuses whether they’re in Cork Road Campus, The Granary, The AT Building, or College Street Campus.
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To regularly update the Students’ Union website; working with the other officers to ensure the content is up to date.
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To work with the other officers to raise awareness of the work being carried out by the Students’ Union and the services it provides.
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To develop the Students’ Union Facebook pages, including the witsu communi cations page that was set up this year, to make information more accessible to students.
• To work with the other officers to encourage more student feedback and suggestions on the Students’ Union events, campaigns and communications. • To liaise with the clubs and societies office and help to promote clubs and societies events where possibly. •
Last but not least; to fulfil my role as secretary to the executive, union council and general meetings to the best of my ability.
Candidate Running For Entertainments Officer
Emily Phelan My name is Emily Phelan, I’m a 20 year old student in second year studying LLB Bachelor of Law. I have chosen to run as W.I.T Entertainments Officer and have received the required number of nominations for the coming academic year – 2014/2015. In my first year I was involved in W.I.T Ladies soccer, I have played and captained various teams throughout my life and have developed excellent leadership and organisational skills which will help in the position of Entertainments Officer. I’m outgoing and can handle pressure easily, during the course of my first year I took part in “Fight Night” and won my fight. It was during my second year in college where I really got involved in the Students Union. I dived right in and joined the Welfare crew where I did such activities as: • Worked for the Union promoting the various special weeks – Love your Body Week, Mental health Week, Equality Week Etc. • Raised money for charities • Raised money for Movember • Took part in the 24 hour silence I also joined the Rag crew where I helped Robin Spencer make sure that Rag week ran smoothly. I also sold tickets and raised money for charity. Being a member of the different W.I.T crews has helped me come out of my shell and made me a more confident and sociable person. As the Entertainments officer my main role/functions will be to: • Organise and help with promoting events throughout the year. • Communicate with Class reps to help in organising class parties. • Help with the arrangement of class hoodies. • Organise class trips. • Confer with the various clubs and societies. • Organise the most important events of the year including Raise and Give Week (R.A.G Week) and Fresher’s Week.
I think last year’s Entertainments Officer did an amazing job so I will be doing my best to continue the trend but obviously I would like to introduce my own ideas to try and improve on what has been done before me. I will be hoping to organise an Entertainments crew for the whole year and not just R.A.G Week. The crew will help out with events year-round and help organise daytime activities. At the beginning of the year I will be handing out surveys to get an idea of what the students would like and do my best to include these recommendations as much as I can. My priority as Entertainments Officer is to find out what YOU want and give it to you. My main focus as Entertainments Officer will be to create an atmosphere of fun and inclusion. I will be doing my best to help students integrate into the social aspects of their college lives. To do this I will try to host Movie nights and I hope to hold a Charity Barbeque. I want to create an atmosphere where students feel like they really belong in the college. I will be attempting to reach out to the fringe groups of the college. I will be working closely with the international society to help organise events for the international students and I will be doing the same with the mature students. I will be doing my best to improve your nights out in whatever way I can. I plan to organise buses from College Street to the dome for events. I will be letting you know of all the best drink promotions available. I also will be trying to organise more events in the Dome Bar between R.A.G Week and Fresher’s Week. Among other things I hope to organise the following events/activities: • Sports Day • Bachelor Auction • Karaoke Night • Sponsored Skydive • Singles Night (Traffic Lights) • Battle of the Bands • Pub Crawls for Charity • Time Traveller Ball • Rag Week Parade • End of Year Ball As the Entertainments Officer I will give you one of the best years in your college lives. I have the ability and the desire to make this a year you will never forget.