DCU Office Of Student Life Biannual Activity Report VOL 2, ISSUE 2; April 2014

OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE MISSION STATEMENTOUR VISION• To have a great reputation for our achievements and ambitions.

• To be at the heart of student life, fully engaged with all students.

• To be the informed and legitimate voice of the student body.

• To be adaptable, proactive and relevant to the entire student body.

• To encourage and cultivate innovative ideas and activities.

• To create a fun, safe and supportive environment with a strong sense of community.

• To help our students gain lasting friendship, great memories and ex-periences for life.

OUR MISSION“OSL will be a platform for Clubs, Socs and the Students’ Union to foster an environment which

enhances the life of every student and enables them to unlock their full potential”

LETTER FROM

THE EDITORNICOLA LEDDY, Marketing and Communications Co-Ordinator. 1.REPRESENTATION

2.AWARENESS

3.COMMUNITY

4.CHANGE

5.EVENTS

6.OPPORTUNITIES

7. HELP & SUPPORT

What a year it’s been! So much has happened over the last semester, and we’ve rounded it all up in this magazine for you.

My main goal in my job was to increase student engagement, making students more aware of the fantastic opportunities and services that the Office of Student Life, SU, Clubs and Socs provide- So hopefully you’ll leave DCU with some great memories.

I’m sad to say that I will be leaving DCU this year but I will never forget my time as a student and staff member here. There’s so many people who work with The Office of Student Life, Students’ Union and Clubs and Socs to make DCU student life what it is. From the bottom of my heart I want to say congratulations and thank you for making DCU an amazing place to be!

Special mention to CS student Anni Hayes who worked so hard on the layout of this magazine :)

Enjoy!

REPRESENTATION

CIA

RÁ

NA

AR

ON

LOR

NA

It was impossible to ignore the return of students for Semester 2. January was just too quiet without yee! It’s been a fantastic Semester so far and we’ve hit a lot of our targets like holding the Hub Referendum and of course, the Mock Wedding and the thousands it raised for our chosen charities. My favourite memory of this Semester however will always be taking to the floor in Strictly Come DCU. Absolutely bricking it, with not a drop of Irish dancing experience in me, I somehow clicked and high kicked my way through it! There’s still work to do though, and there will be until my final day in office.

Spending the past two years working at DCUSU for the students of DCU has been the best first job I could have imagined! It has been such a fantastic learning experience, and I’ve got to know so many more people who I never would have crossed paths with during my four years as a student. I can truly say that I’ve had a ball! I’m really happy that we’ve met and exceeded so many of the targets this year, including smashing our target for our chosen charities, having online voting for the first time in the short history of DCUSU, and of course securing a massive Yes vote to fund the building of a new Student Center extension. I look forward to working hard up until June 20th to keep progressing this and the many other projects that we’ve worked on this year! Slán go foill DCU!

I’ve been putting off writing this piece for fear of getting emotional! Personally I’ve achieved goals this semester I didn’t think I would in the next ten years; yes getting married being the main one! I am so delighted seeing us reach (and smash!) our target of raising €10,000 for our three chosen charities. My highlight of the semester was definitely getting involved in the different events hosted by clubs and societies; two strictly come dancing competitions, several talent shows and my trip to Ghana with DCU Global Brigades! Each event has left me with great memories that I know I’ll never forget.

DCU... I’m gonna miss ye!

SABBATICALS REFLECTO N S E M E S T E R T W O

Students ran for Elections in 2014=an increase of

In total, exec and sabbaticals sit on committees:28SU Executive

Executive

Heads and Deans

OSL Employment SubcommitteeStudent Infrastructure Development Committee

Society Life Committee

E Portfolio Working Group

Post Grad Representation Working Group

Student Complaint Review Panel

“New DCUSU” Group

SPD Governing Body

Volunteer Expo Committee

SU Events Committee

Disciplinary Committee Club Life Committee

Special Olympics Group

Electoral and Referenda Committee

University Standards Committee

Civic Engagement Forum

Class Representative CouncilDCU Academic Council Student Fees Group

USI National Council

Library Committee

OSL LIFE Comms

Governing Authority

Office of Student Life CommitteeSPD Academic Council

2014

2013

70Class Reps

in Attendance.

4 Class Rep Councils

with an average of

M O T I O N P A S S E D T H I S S E M E S T E R :To support the Nurses Demonstration-Shauna Kilbride, Class Rep and Nurse’s Officer: “Having the motion passed from CRC meant that even more students could support our campaign and were aware of the demonstration on March 6th. Without the support of the SU and the entire student body the campaign would not have reached as many people as it did. Through the support of the SU and CRC, we made a video and had a banner to make sure that student nurses had their voices heard”.

2637.5%

AWARENESS

€7,500 spent on awareness campaigns70% of students said that our awareness campaigns made a positive impact on university life.

MENTAL WEALTH WEEK

DRINK AWARE CAMPAIGNS

Niteline1800793793

DCU Students’ Unionwelfare@dcusu.ie017005652

///AWARENESS///HELP AND SUPPORT///

Lorna Finnegan says, “We decided to raise awareness around mental health late in semester

two as it is a stressful time for all students with exam and assignment deadlines looming! We wanted to

provide information and create awareness of the services available to students during this stressful

time! We focused on mental ‘wealth’ and how to keep a positive balance in life. Something as simple as a

cup of tea in the evenings can go a long way to get rid of stress and negative thoughts.

Sam Pearson & Aisling Sinclair “We decided to enter into the dare2bdrinkaware competition as we want-ed to use our creative skills to promote this very worthy cause. Having our content broadcast over the SU’s social media was very valuable because of the natural reach the SU have. It was a very im-portant step of the snowballing effect a campaign

needs to achieve during its launch. “

The Please Talk logo was put

onto 24 DCU GAA jerseys to promote a positive attitude towards Mental Health.

John Whelan, Chairperson of DCU Hurling Club: “Lorna inquired about getting the Please Talk logo on our jerseys at the start of the year. We were only happy to oblige. The issue of suicide and mental health is one of the biggest issues in today’s society, we think the Please Talk message is more important now than ever in our close knit college”.

2

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y

4 >2085Rediscover Cycling

workshops

reuseable coffee cups sold by the

Restaurantpeople per weekengage at the SU and Sustainability DCUCommunity Garden

OFF THE BOOZE ON THE BALL

180 students signed up after our Off the Booze on the Ball campaign! Driven by the GAA’s ASAP programme, ‘The Challenge’ offers participants the opportunity to press pause following the hectic social calendar of the holiday season. For some clubs, The Challenge is also used as an opportunity to fundraise in a fun and healthy way – everyone who registers receives an information

pack with practical tips on how to implement a healthier lifestyle as well as a sponsorship card.

We started the BYOC- Bring Your Own Cup! Bring your own cup to SPAR or Zest Café (Sports Centre) for any hot beverage you will be given a discount!

students nominated their mate to go for election. Sometimes all people need is a littleencouragement to realize that they’re fit for the job- it worked and we got more candidates than last year!

NOMINATE A MATE WEEK80

10

COMMUNITY

The national Winning Team of Marchathon 2014 was DCU team the Donegal Dolls!! (Team Captain : Tanya White ). We launched our Marchathon campaign to promote a healthier and happier campus in association with the Smarter Travel Campus Programme. For more info visit: www.smartertravelcampus.ie/mar-chathon

MARCHATHON

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AWARDR A G S O C I E T Y

“We were absolutely delighted to have won the Civic Engagement Award for the second year running in DCU. Within this category every society is working towards a common goal- to help others, so to be picked out from such stiff competition was an honour. Our committee and volunteers have worked really hard this year to

provide innovative events to engage students, such as RAG Relief and the RAG Rumble. These events have influenced more students to get involved in our social projects and take the initiative to set up their own projects as well, which is always our main aim in RAG”.Charlotte Lally, RAG Soc

€11,500raised this year for our 3 chosen charities> HeadstARTS, CARI and Smiles for Shauna from numerous events over the year.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service collected 275 units of blood“Those precious 275 units of blood have enhanced

the lives of so many patients throughout the country over the past

few days and it is indeed a great reflection of the thoughtfulness and generosity of the students at DCU. Please convey our thanks to all of these val-ued donors”. Mary Deery

Donor Services

€723.71 raised for the Irish Cancer Society from our Daffodil Day Coffee Morning. .

SOCS HIGHLIGHTS 2 0 1 3 / 2 0 1 4Katie Mannion, Enactus:“It was probably the joy in the faces of our HeadstARTS members when Santa visited our Christmas showcase. Their happiness was unforgettable.”

Alan Toye, Harry Potter Soc:“Definitely winning the Ireland Quidditch Intervarsity.”

Freya Drohan, Style:“8.10pm on Thursday March 6th…550 people falling silent as the lights dimmed, a remix of Foals ‘Late Night’ blasted through the Wright Venue sound system and 28 models stalked out onto the catwalk, Wonderland: The DCU Fashion Show 2014 was finally coming to life.”

Jake Ryan, Friends:“Taking part in DCU’s Best Dance Crew. The reaction when we performed was amazing. It was exactly the kind of support a new society dreams of. Placing second made it even better!”

Jessica Dowdall, Music:“Over 100 people at our Pyjama Jammy Jam in semester 2; tunes, mini mosh-pits & cupcakes galore!”

Claire McManamon, SVP:“Our highlight here at SVP was hearing that one of the elderly people we visit on a weekly basis “was like a new woman”. Adopt A Grandparent is one of our new initiatives this year in collaboration with the RAG society. Feedback like this reminds us of how worthwhile our volunteering is!”

Niall Farrell, MPS:“Besides the ongoing production of content from both the TV and Radio station, the highlight or highlights this year for MPS is the DCUtv 24 Hour Broadcast and the DCUfm 12 Hour Broadcast, raising in total €6,000 for our chosen charities.”

Shauna McGauran, Dance:“It’s hard to pick just one highlight from the great year DCU Dance have had. From producing 3 of the biggest events on campus this year, to winning the All Ireland Intervarsities for the fifth year in a row, to achieving all we wanted with dance week. We’ve had a very successful year.”

Michael Isichei, Africa:“The Africa society has tripled in size and attracted students from a diverse range of backgrounds. The event we’re really proud of is our food and clothing festival which attracted over 100 guests, including students from DCU and students from other colleges. This years Africa Society committee have done a fantastic job.”

AthleticsIndoor Track & Field: Men’s & Women’s Team Champions for 7th successive yearCross Country: Men & Women’s Team Champions

GAA Ladies O’Connor Cup Semi-finalists Purcell Cup Semi- fi-nalists.

GAA Men’s Fresher C All Ireland CHAMPIONS 2014

Volleyball Women’s Student Sport Ireland League final Runners up

Badminton Intervarsities Cup Runners-Up:DCU “A” Intervarsity Runners-up. DCU “A” Student Sport Ireland League Champions and DCU “B” Runners Up

Basketball Women’s Division 1 Champions Division 3 Champions Intervarsity Champi-ons 2014

Handball Intervarsity: Ryan Treanor- Men’s C Champion.Cian Daly Men’s A Champion. Terry McElvaney, John Walsh, Cian Daly and Aishling O’Keefe- Open Plate champi-ons.

Sarah Hogan, Art Soc:“We held a wide range of workshops and organised many intersoc events. The increase in membership and the diversity of those who joined contributed to an amazing year for Art soc!”

Seán Byrne, Law Soc:“Hosting the 3rd Annual DCU Law Society Novice Moot Competition, and the upcoming inaugural Aoife King Internal Moot Competition.”

CLUBS HIGHLIGHTS 2 0 1 3 / 2 0 1 4

Boxing National IATBA Tour-nament: National IATBA Tournament: 5 gold medal wins, winning the highest scoring university club overall.Two senior elite gold medals for Claire Grace (69kg) and Ceire Smith (51kg).

Canoe Intervar-sities1st Canoe Polo 1st White water

Golf3 players received R&A BursariesIrish Colleges Stroke Play Championship: Amy Farrell 3rd

Karate Intervar-sities: 5th place over-all out of 16Individual Results First place junior mens team kataFirst place junior wo-mens team kumiteSecond place intermediate womens team kataFirst place interme-diate womens team kumite

Rugby Women Beat Sligo IT 69-10. Hosting the Men & women’s rugby 7’sSoccer Men CUFL League Division 3 ChampionsCollingwood Cup Semi finalistsHarding Cup Plate Winners

Swimming & Waterpolo Swimming Intervar-sities: 3rd overall in men’s category Men’s relay team finished 3rd in both the 4x50m freestyle and the 4x50m medley

Soccer Men’sCUFL League Premier Division semi –final-istsCUFL League Division 3 Champions>Collingwood Cup Semi finalists>Harding Cup Plate Winners

Tae Kwon Do Inter-varisties: Silver and Bronze medals for Cian Keogh and Aidan Smyth respectively in BB Heavyweight, >Bronze for Robin Butler in Lightweight, and DCU won Gold in Colour Belt team sparring.

Tennis Men’s Intervarsity Champions

Weightlifting Intervarsities:DCU took home all the medals in the 85kg class. Ian Darragh qualified for Junior European’s, Senior European’s and World Universities all at the same time with a 258kg total @ 83.8kg.

2,426Students voted in the

SU Elections.

CHANGE

E L E C T I O N S 2 0 1 4

R E F E R E N D A

DCU STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS CANDIDATES

STUDENT CENTRE

ONLINE VOTING

USI

President:Kenneth BrowneAllan StevensonDave Whittle

Vice President for Education:Gary GillickFionnuala MoranSean Rooney

Vice President for Welfare:Catherine ConneelyEve KertonCiaran Martin

Clubs Officer:Ross McCarrick

Societies Officer:Lindsay Butler Niamh Lister Erin O’ Reilly Jake Ryan Mark Young

Science & Health Convenor:Kim Sweeney

Engineering & Computing Convenor:Mariane GalpoJessica McGrathDanny Walsh

Business School Convenor:Jack Butterly

Humanities & Social Sciences Convenor:Dan Connolly Curtis Aoidin FeeFionnuala Jones David Mathews Peadar O’ Goill

Office of Student Life Ordinary Member:Megan KavanaghRebekah Stacey

DCU students were asked ”Do you wish to affiliate to the Union of Students in Ireland, where a ref-erendum on affiliation must be held at the end of every three years?” 1,451 students voted.

The results were: Yes - 726 No – 725The referendum passed by 1 vote; DCUSU will therefore affiliate with USI.

2,426 DCU students voted for a new Hub! Currently, DCU students pay €38 each year to repay a loan on the existing student centre. The new student centre will mean a massive increase in the building’s social space.The current Old Bar space will be demolished and replaced by a modern 4 storey extension.

Aaron Clogher, President says: “Introducing On-line Voting was an objective of mine since I took up office last year. We looked at a number of providers and methods of conducting online voting and settled on Moodle for the USI Referendum as it is a system known to all students, easily accessible and free of charge for the Students’ Union. I was really happy that we achieved this target and hope that we can roll it out to elections also in future years. It was particularly useful given the tight nature of the result that we had a solid start to the system.”

YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION EXEC 2014 /2015KENNETH BROWNE - SU PresidentI’m delighted to have been elected SU President. It’s something I’ve wanted for a very long time and I’m extremely grateful to every single person who contributed to my campaign and gave me their vote.

My goals for next year:

1. I want 2014 / 2015 to be the year of mental health in DCU. We have had mental health weeks over previous years but I want to see continued campaigning and awareness through the year.

2. During exam weeks I want to extend the library hours until 1am.

3. I want to work on policy with CLC to ensure that DCU Clubs are prioritised over external organisations for use of the new facilities in St. Claire’s.

GARY GILLICK- Education OfficerAnother year coming to a close... with an even better year ahead! I am in absolutely great form since being elected and cannot wait to get started this summer!

Things I hope to achieve next year include:

1.Giving the SU a more approachable vibe! 2.Developing an accessible tutoring database for the student portal pages.3.Utilising the class rep system for a peer-to-peer mentoring system.

EVE KERTON- Welfare OfficerI can’t describe how thoroughly overjoyed I am to be elected as Welfare Officer, I’ve wanted this post since Orientation Week of first year.Three goals of mine for next semester are:

1. Inclusion:I want everyone to make the most of their time here in DCU. Commuters, Freshers, mature students, and people who feel like they are on the periphery of student life deserve excellent support, free events and widespread opportunities. I will do my utmost to ensure this.

2. Removing stigma:Mental and sexual health both stem from the same place, our bodies. I want to promote free STI checks, offer workshops on sexual and mental health and provide the best services in both fields.

3. Fitness:I intend to work with Clubs & Socs to provide free fitness classes for the student population, not just those competent in the sport. I really can’t wait to get cracking, thank you all for the support!

YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION EXEC 2014 /2015PEADAR GILL- Humanities and Social Sciences Convenor I’m delighted to be a part of the DCU SU Exec and all they do. I cannot wait to have my say and be a voice for the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.My main goals this year are:1.Make Uaneen contributory for more courses within the faculty2.Make the roll of convenor more visual, let people know what I am up to.3.Build on Rapport between courses by implementing social nights.

LINDSAY Butler- Socs OfficerThanks everyone who voted for me, I hope I will do you all proud! My 3 main goals for next year are: 1. Make societies more approachable for 1st years. 2. Increase Intersociety events 3.Meet monthly with chairs of societies

JACK Butterly- Business Convenor.I’m really looking forward to working for students next year and helping them with any issues they may have throughout the year.Things I hope to achieve:1.Increase involvement & representation from students in the Business school in the SU along with Clubs & Socs.2.Work with the Student Alunmi Initiative 3.Improve the social atmosphere within the school

DANNY WALSH- Engineering & Computing ConvenorI’m delighted to be elected engineering & computing convenor. I’m really looking forward to working closely with class reps to represent everyone.I’m going to work towards:1.Fostering a more social ethos amongst the schools.2.Working to inform students of the support systems available to them.3.Getting class reps more excited and involved with crc.

KIM SWEENEY- Science and Health ConvenerIm really looking forward to being Science and health convener for the coming year .Next year I would like to:1.Improve student engagement with the Students union and get more S&H students involved2. Work on Improving the Intra placement system 3. Give Support & raise awareness for the NursesI feel we have a great team for next year, and I look forward to working with them all to improve the Students’ Union for everyone.

ROSS MCCARRICK- Clubs Officer I can’t wait to start putting some of plans into action. Some of my goals include-1: Better representation for small clubs within the college to help build interest and support.2: A stronger emphasis on fitness and well being around campus and through each faculty.3: Strict regulation when it comes to grant applications.

EVENTS

#lovebeingbackThe first

week of semester

brought great events such as

Numero Bruno, Stevi Starr, Zumba

Classes, Like a Fire gig, Speed dating, Take

me Out, Rom-Coms, a SHAG stand, and 300 FREE Subways! Clubs and Socs

also held a Refreshers’ Fair, which gave you the chance to join a club or soc for just

€2 for the whole semester, which meant 800 new

memberships!

12 “S***E” NIGHTSNOW THE MOST POPULAR WEEKLY EVENT IN DCU!

12 “S***E” NIGHTS

raised for our 3 chosencharities from the Mock Wedding Charity Ball

€8,850

CLUBS & SOCSAWARDS

The very first DCU Students’ Union Awards are being held this year on Tuesday 29th April in the Hub.

We want to formally recognise and honour students who went above and beyond to better students’ lives this year. For those who gave an outstanding contribution to the Students’ Union and who were instrumental in

our achievements over the past year, we want to award you!

Awards will be given to students who have given the most outstanding contribution to many aspects of the Students’ Union, including the Electoral committee, Class Rep Council, Media Crew, Welfare working group and many more!

WINNERS 2014CLUBS SOCS*Club of the Year* Boxing

*Most Promising Fresher Female*Michelle Clarke

*Most Promising Fresher Male* Shane Little

*Award for Excellence in Coaching*- Jamie Pilkington (Tennis)

*Communications & Marketing*- Weightlifting

*Most Promising Club *-Badminton

*Team of the Year*- Ladies Basketball

*Sports Personality of the Year*- Lindsay Peat -Basketball and Gaelic Football.

*Best Society* Dance Society

*Best New Society* Friends Society

*Most Improved Society* Africa Society

*Best Society Event* Media Production Society - 24Hr Broadcast

*Communications & Marketing Award*Redbrick Society

*Civic Engagement Award*Raising & Giving Society

*Best Poster* Snowsports Society

*Most Promising Fresher*Eoin Luc O’Ceallaigh - Raising & Giving Society

“Society Personality of the Year*Francine Kwan- Dance Society

During exams, the Mezz was converted in a De-Stress Zone, with bean bags

and free fruit.

HELP & SUPPORT

Help and support has been a vital cog in my welfare wheel this year. In order for me to help and support the students throughout the year I have worked closely with the student advice centre and the services available within the campus.

In our first campaign week we hosted free STI clinics with the help of the health centre on campus, this was a great way of highlighting the service that is already there for students all year round at a promotional free rate.

Throughout semester one, the counselling service provided a fantastic mindfulness weekly workshop which was highly attended And focused on mental well being and stress reduction.

In relation to finance, I work closely with the

Student Advice Centre in relation to supports available and information for students seeking financial help.

Throughout many of our campaigns, we have engaged with the interfaith centre: during SHAG week we held an AIDS remembrance service, during Safety Week we held a service for those injured or killed in road accidents and in mental health week the Interfaith Centre hosted and aided many of our events.

As Welfare Officer, I feel the engagement we have with the services available are crucial to creating awareness to students; it is important that they know no matter what the issue, there is help and support available around the corner.

€5,500 Spent on student services, such as Niteline

LORNA FINNEGAN, WELFARE OFFICER

We’ve partnered with Uni Tuition who are providing grinds for DCU Students by DCU GradUates. As exam season comes around, if you’re in need of some extra tuition, then visit UniTuition.com and get in touch with them!

THE HELPDESKI N N U M B E R SThis Semster:New Leap cards - 135Leap card top ups - 1041Bus tickets - 659Travelcards - 895Ticketmaster tickets - 234Binding jobs - 300 On average we welcome approximately 150 students to the desk every day.

PLEDGE2REG72 students signed up to be able to vote in the

European Elections

OPPORTUNITIES

€11,000

MEDIA CREW

spent employing Ents Crew this year

25 STUDENTS ADDED TO THEIR MEDIA PORTFOLIO THROUGH WORKING WITH THE

20 students availed of our first ever SU candidates worshop

1st year CS student Catherine Devine had articles published in last semester’s IMPACT magazine- “Writing for the IMPACT magazine was a great opportunity as it encouraged me to take part in different events and to talk to

people around DCU in order to get good stories. It also gave me a chance to build my portfolio and to improve my media skills. I’ve gained so much confidence already from this and developed my writing skills ”

>

25 students used the CV workshop available during Careers Week

WELFARE WORKING GROUPLorna Finnegan writes: “The welfare working group has played a crucial part in planning campaigns throughout the year. As Welfare Officer, I found it extremely helpful to receive the students’ input and ideas on what they would like to see during campaign weeks. The welfare working group consisted of mainly class reps as well as active students around campus - I tried to keep it open to any interested students as I felt the more the merrier!

Aodán Farrelly, a member of the Welfare Working group this year writes “Being in the Welfare group this year was a great experience for me. I have made so many great memories such as taking part in the 24 hour sleep out, and bombarding people with bottle of water for a GAA campaign. I would completely advise anyone to join next year as you 100% won’t regret it.

“

”

THE UANEEN MODULE

Anni Hayes, Uaneen (Contributary) student writes - “It’s amazing that the time and energy I spend on extra curricular activities actually helps towards my degree. I really feel like Uaneen makes me a more well-rounded graduate. As a Media Crew member, I’ve worked hard producing videos, designing posters, web

graphics and publications for the Students’ Union; and I’ve also been involved in MPS since first year. I’m delighted that I can get recognition for this through the Uaneen Module. My Uaneen Portfolio is something I can be really proud of, a lot of my best memories of student life are documented in there, along with everything I’ve achieved in the past three years”.

136 STUDENTS CHOSE THE UANEEN MODULE THIS YEAR60% OF THESE ARE CONTRIBUTORY

IN TOTAL GROSS €3,500 PER WEEKLindsay Butler, waitress in the nubar-

‘It’s handy studying, living and working on campus, I can roll out of bed at 9.45 and be

ready and in work by 10! I get along really well with all the other staff members, and enjoy my friends being able to pop in and say hello, it really breaks up the day for me!

THE NUBAR EMPLOYS 20 STUDENTS“

”

“The opportunity to be part of a club and play a sport you love is one of the best things you can do in your years in DCU. I’ve learned so much about myself from being part of the Boxing Club. From setting it up last year, I developed great organisational skills and loved working with people to make the club better.From a boxing perspective, Iv learned hard work really does pay off. Last year I was beaten in the 3rd level finals. I worked really hard over the year and came back better and stronger, beating

the boxer who beat me in the finals last year. We all trained so hard. It was all worth it, winning gold in the 3rd level championships and having 5 winners in the tournament. We are the number one 3rd level club in the country, another achievement of DCU Boxing for the year 2013/14. It’s great to see the club and the boxers grow. Being part of a club can present so many opportunities to grow in the sport and as individuals and I’m so happy to be part of it all”.

“Being Chairperson of Global Brigades DCU this year has given me more opportunities than I could have ever wished for. As a new and developing society in DCU we wanted to give students the extraordinary opportunity to volunteer abroad, but on a personal level I have gained so much. I have made some of the best friends over the past year and we now consider ourselves not

only a society but a family. I have learned the importance of team work, load sharing and simply having fun. Overall I have really enjoyed the year as chair person of global brigades and would encourage anyone thinking of getting involved in a society commitee not to let the chance pass them as you only have opputunites and experiences to gain from it”.

TERRY KEEGAN

KIM SWEENEY

CLU

BS

SOCS

&

EXEC- Socs Officer

SABBATICAL OFFICER

MELANIE MURPHY- Secretary of Class Rep Council- “I have gained so much from becoming a Class Rep in my final year at university, and furthermore, the secretary of the Class Rep council. I’m more confident, engaged and active than I’ve ever been in my adult life. I’ve met so many people and have learned a tremendous amount about my own capabilities.The role of Class Rep enabled me to represent classmates academically and to be there for them through difficult times, and in

doing so I’ve developed my communication skills, my problem-solving skills and my time management skills, all of which are highly applicable to life in general. I feel that becoming a class rep was the first step in establishing myself as a confident, engaged and active DCU student and person in general; it’s been the best year of my entire life. I’d advise anyone to go for the role of class rep as it enables you to develop as a person and to make the most of your time at university!

CLASS REP

Being a Students’ Union Sabbatical Officer is the best first job you could ever want. You are presented with numerous opportunities from day one. Through this position, I’ve had the chance to work with DCU staff on projects like increasing Post Grad Representation, the new ePortfolio and the new Hub. I’ve made a lot of contacts within and outside the University that will hopefully prove useful in time to come. Along with work in DCU, I’ve been able to meet other student leaders across Ireland and the world and share ideas on how to better our students’ experience.

The role of Societies Officer has been amazing, it has brought me so many opportunities and experiences that I’m incredibly grateful for. I’ve worked with amazing people on the SU Executive and the Society Life Committee on campaign weeks, organising events, grant applications, setting up new societies and helping old ones with any problems/queries. I’ve gained so much leadership experience, organisational skills and most of all, had unreal craic! So glad I ran for election and now I’m delighted to say I’ll be in DCU for another year, as Welfare Officer!

Claire

Christina Prendergast2014 Arts Bursary Recipient

Spent on student services, such as Niteline

ARTS BURSARYIn total, there was

given in Arts Bursaries this year to our students.€4,000

Dance Classes

Stage Directing Classes

Setting up video production company

Yoga Classes

Competition Entry

Acting Classes

New camera

Film Workshops

Enrolment in Musical Theatre Classes Photo ExhibitionRecording studio time

Art Classes

Comic Books

Singing Classes

Equipment

Writing Classes

Further Education

I have received the Arts Bursary for the last 2 years and it’s been a huge benefit to me as a student. As well as the financial help that the award provides, it also looks great on my CV and is a great talking point in interviews. Through the Bursary, I’ve been able to set up my own exhibition that will be opening in DCU very soon. For me, the Bursary has acted as a great stepping stone towards achieving new goals and I’d encourage students from all faculties to apply.

Over the years we’ve given Bursaries towards

“

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