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CONTENTSPAGE 5: Your Sabbatical Officers

PAGE 6: Where We Stand, 2009/2010

PAGE 8: Registration Fee & Grants

PAGE 10: Your Programme Officers

PAGE 12: Your Executive Officers

PAGE 15: SU Returning Office Notice

PAGE 17: Seachtain na Gaeilge

PAGE 22: What’s On?

PAGE 23: UCD Sports Fixtures

PAGE 24: 51 More Things To Do In UCD

PAGE 26: Seeking Financial Assistance

PAGE 27: Accommodation Issues

PAGE 30: UCD Students’ Union: A Brief History

Editor: Rob LowneyContributors: Michelle McCormick, Scott Ahearn, Executive & Programme OfficersDesigner: Trevor FinneganPrinted by: Speciality Print LtdPhotography: Dan Hayden, Colin Scally, Robert ManningSpecial Thanks: Stephen Whelan, Paddy O’Flynn, Giselle Jiang, Mary from HR

Editorial

Hi guys,

Welcome back to UCD - I hope all went well in your exams and you’re settling back in nicely. Remember, the Sudents’ Union is here to help you with any problems you might have. Our contact details are overleaf, or just pop into our offices on the ground floor of the Student Centre. We achieved a lot last semester, the biggest victory being the shelving of the government’s proposals to introduce tuition fees or student loans. UCD Students’ Union led the way on a national scale on this front. We, along with our colleagues in Trinity and DIT Students’ Unions, lobbied Green Party and other politicans over a period of several months, eventually leading to this committment secured in the Revised Programme for Government. It’s also been a very challenging time, and for certain, with many more challenges to come. UCD is feeling the pressure of public sector cutbacks and staff shortages. These are only set to worsen during this semester and beyond. The SU is committed to working with the university to deliver top-class facilities to all UCD students in the most fair, and most efficient, way possible. The new semester brings with it change and renewal. This is evident within the SU’s activities too, as a new generation of Sabbatical Officers begin their journey, begining with the elections on 3 and 4 March. If you’re interested in running or being part of the elections process, visit www.ucdsu.ie/elections for more information.

Gary RedmondSU President

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SABBATICAL

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The President: Gary Redmond is the first officer of the Students’ Union and is responsible for all its actions. You can talk to him about pretty much anything – from a project you think the SU should undertake, to a problem you think the SU should tackle, and everything in between.president@ucdsu.ie (01) 716 3110 | 087 960 6130

The Welfare Officer:

Scott Ahearn can help you with

non-academic problems, such as

mental health issues, personal

issues, financial issues, etc. Even if

you’re lonely or looking for a chat,

pop into his office. He’s always there

to help.

welfare@ucdsu.ie

(01) 716 3112 | 087 291 7245

The Ents Officer:

Mike Pat O’Donoghue is here to ensure that

you have a good time in UCD. He’s responsible

for booking acts in the bar, organising seasonal

balls (and the epic UCD Ball), as well working

with your Class Reps to arrange class trips and

parties. If you have any ideas for Ents, drop him

a line.

mikepat@UCDEnts.com

(01) 716 3113 | 087 935 8559

The Campaigns & Communications Officer:

Paddy Ryan is responsible for the organisa-tion, co-ordination and implementation of all SU campaigns throughout the university. He also co-ordinates Class Rep activity and the distribu-tion of SU materials. If you have any ideas for campains you think the SU should run, drop into him.

campaigns@ucdsu.ie (01) 716 3122 | 085 289 3930

The Education Officer:

Donnacha Ó Súilleabháin can help you with any academic problems you might encounter. It could range from issues with your grant install-ments or module registration, to issues with your exams or continuous assessment. Get in touch with him if you need anything.

education@ucdsu.ie (01) 716 3111 | 087 952 7156

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Tuition Fees & Student LoansThe SU’s campaign against Government proposals to introduce tuition fees or student loans came to a welcome – and successful – end in October. The Green Party, in its revised Programme for Government, secured free third-level education for the lifetime of this Govern-ment. This pivotal commitment came after a sustained period of lobbying politicians by the SU during the summer. One of the high points of the campaign was the full-page ad published by UCD Students’ Union, in conjunction with other SUs around the country, which appeared in The Irish Times on 17 August, the day on which the CAO issued its first round offers. This ad publicly ‘named and shamed’ politicians who supported fees or student loans, and led to the Green Party re-enforcing its stance on free third-level education.

GrantsFor an update on the SU’s grants campaign, see page 9.

Student Services Charge/Registration FeeFor an update on the Student Services Charge/Registration Fee campaign, see page 8.

Financial AssistanceSU Welfare launched a number of financial assistance initiatives this year. Weekly financial advice clinics were hosted by the Money Advice and Budget-ing Service (MABS), allowing students to manage their money better. Additionally, three new assistance funds have been established – the Emergency Fund (in conjunction with UCD Saint Vincent de Paul Society), the Student Health Assistance Fund and the SU Bookstore Assisted Purchase Scheme. The Welfare Officer has also been active in supporting students who have applied to the Student Assistance and Student Welfare Funds. For more information on finan-cial assistance, email welfare@ucdsu.ie.

Student Health ServiceAfter a two-year battle, the SU secured the best deal possible under the current circumstances, for the future of the Student Health Service. Within the Quality Review of UCD Student Services completed last semester (commissioned by the Universities Act 1997 and drawn up by external experts from both Irish and international universities), it recommended that the Student Health Service charge per visit to secure its future. The money generated will be

ring-fenced within the Student Health Service, and will initially be used to cover holes in its services, before being used to provide extra staff and facilities, particularly with the move to the bigger suite in the Student Centre extension.

Student Centre LevyThe SU successfully managed to lobby the university to refund approximately €180,000 to the students after in incor-rectly charged an additional €7.50 per student in the Student Centre Levy in September. The refund was distributed to the students via the societies, sports clubs, Student Welfare Fund, Student Club and SU shops. Going forward, new measures are in place to ensure the levy is correctly charged each September.

Class RepsThis year’s Class Rep elections were a huge success with over 300 nominations, an increase of about 65 per cent on 2008/2009. A huge recruitment campaign was mounted, resulting in only 26 vacant seats on council. If your constituency has no representative, and you’re interested in running, contact the SU Returning Office. All information is available at www.ucdsu.ie/elections.

STI ScreeningThe SU’s subsidised STI screening service found a new home in the UCD Student Health Service this year, after a successful two years in Dr O’Grady’s clinic in Donnybrook. Bringing the service closer to home makes it easier for UCD students to attend. To make an appointment, just phone the Student Health Service on (01) 716 3133.

Dublin BusFollowing the cancellation last year of the number 10 bus from Belfield after 10pm, the SU participated in several rounds of negotiations with UCD, Dublin Bus and drivers’ trade unions to re-instate the service, which eventually occurred. It is under constant threat of being removed again, however, unless student anti-social behaviour is curbed.

Out-of-Hours Study AreaFollowing several months of negotiations with the Registrar’s Office, a committee was established to implement a late- night study area. Located in ‘The Rendezvous’ in the Restaurant Building, it operated from 11pm-3am on week-nights, and 9pm-1am on weekends, in the run-up to exams. A decision will be made shortly by the committee on

whether to maintain the service. This decision will take into account the number of students that used the service last semester.

SU NitebusFollowing the cancellation of a regular service in 2006, the SU re-introduced the Nitebus to bring UCD students home safely and cheaply on a Wednesday and Thursday night from the city centre. The service has been hugely popular, and will continue for the remainder of this semester.

Exam SupportThe SU provided a free exam shuttle bus during the two-week exam period, to help students get to the RDS for each of their exams. A stand was manned by SU officers in the RDS, providing nourish-ment and help to any who wished to avail of it. A handy Exam Guide was also produced to give some tips and advice.

EntsEnts had a successful first semester, with one of the world’s top DJs, Deadmau5, taking the stage in the Student Bar in November. Other highlights include the Halloween Ball, the Christmas Week festivities and the

excellent line-ups in the Thursday Night Live series.

‘How To’ TalksIn conjunction with the UCD Student Counselling Service, the SU ran a number of ‘How To’ talks to help students cope with mental health issues. Following their success, the SU is organising a second round of talks for this semester.

UCD BallSet for 23 April, the UCD Ball will double in size this year to a capacity of 8,000. The SU has been working since the summer on its organisation, which will intensify in the weeks and months ahead. More information will be avail-able later in the semester.

And Much More...These are just some of the SU’s highlights from the past semester. For a full, comprehensive list of what the SU has been doing for you, you can download the fortnightly Sabbatical Officers’ reports from www.ucdsu.ie. If you have any problems that you think the SU should tackle, get in touch.

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STI ScreeningThe SU’s subsidised STI screening service found a new home in the UCD Student Health Service this year, after a successful two years in Dr O’Grady’s clinic in Donnybrook. Bringing the service closer to home makes it easier for UCD students to attend. To make an appointment, just phone the Student Health Service on (01) 716 3133.

Dublin BusFollowing the cancellation last year of the number 10 bus from Belfield after 10pm, the SU participated in several rounds of negotiations with UCD, Dublin Bus and drivers’ trade unions to re-instate the service, which eventually occurred. It is under constant threat of being removed again, however, unless student anti-social behaviour is curbed.

Out-of-Hours Study AreaFollowing several months of negotiations with the Registrar’s Office, a committee was established to implement a late- night study area. Located in ‘The Rendezvous’ in the Restaurant Building, it operated from 11pm-3am on week-nights, and 9pm-1am on weekends, in the run-up to exams. A decision will be made shortly by the committee on

whether to maintain the service. This decision will take into account the number of students that used the service last semester.

SU NitebusFollowing the cancellation of a regular service in 2006, the SU re-introduced the Nitebus to bring UCD students home safely and cheaply on a Wednesday and Thursday night from the city centre. The service has been hugely popular, and will continue for the remainder of this semester.

Exam SupportThe SU provided a free exam shuttle bus during the two-week exam period, to help students get to the RDS for each of their exams. A stand was manned by SU officers in the RDS, providing nourish-ment and help to any who wished to avail of it. A handy Exam Guide was also produced to give some tips and advice.

EntsEnts had a successful first semester, with one of the world’s top DJs, Deadmau5, taking the stage in the Student Bar in November. Other highlights include the Halloween Ball, the Christmas Week festivities and the

excellent line-ups in the Thursday Night Live series.

‘How To’ TalksIn conjunction with the UCD Student Counselling Service, the SU ran a number of ‘How To’ talks to help students cope with mental health issues. Following their success, the SU is organising a second round of talks for this semester.

UCD BallSet for 23 April, the UCD Ball will double in size this year to a capacity of 8,000. The SU has been working since the summer on its organisation, which will intensify in the weeks and months ahead. More information will be avail-able later in the semester.

And Much More...These are just some of the SU’s highlights from the past semester. For a full, comprehensive list of what the SU has been doing for you, you can download the fortnightly Sabbatical Officers’ reports from www.ucdsu.ie. If you have any problems that you think the SU should tackle, get in touch.

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What is it?The Student Services Charge (colloquially known as the Registration Fee), is a charge that all EU students pay in Irish third-level institutions. It was established in 1996 following the government’s abolition of tuition fees, and was intended to go towards student services such as examinations, student advisers, registration, sports clubs, societies, etc.

How much is it?The Registration Fee currently sits at €1,500, a far cry from the £150 it was 14 years ago. The first major jump in the fee happened in 2002, and it has gone up steadily since. It rose exorbitantly in 2009 from €900 to €1,500.

What’s the problem?Aside from the continuous rise in the fee, SUs around Ireland discovered that for the past eight years, universities have been diverting a portion of the Registration Fee income to cover other costs arising. This first happened in 2002, when the Higher Education Authority told third-level institutions that their core grant (which is given to them in lieu of tuition fees) would decrease by an amount, and the Registration Fee would increase by the same amount. In short, the increase in the Registration Fee was to cover the decrease in the core grant. This has happened each year over the past eight years, with more and more of the Registration Fee covering more cuts in the core grant.

What’s being done about it?UCD Students’ Union, along with Trinity Students’ Union, revealed this diversion of students’ money to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education & Science, which is now investigating the matter. Ireland’s Students’ Unions, along with the national student union, USI, firmly believe that every single cent of a student’s Registration Fee should go towards student services, and nothing else. We believe that the presidents of Ireland’s universities have committted fraud against their students, and should be held accountable. At a recent meeting of the Oireachtas Committee, the seven university presidents were called to explain their arrangements with the Registration Fee. The Minister for Education, Batt O’Keeffe, is due to appear before the Oireachtas Committee in the coming weeks to explain his position on the issue.

€1,500 paid by each student

€995 spent to cover cuts in UCD’s core grant

€505 actually spent on student services

REGI

STRA

TION

FE

E

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What are they?Higher education maintenance grants are awarded to Irish students whose family income is below a certain threshold. The grants are awarded by students’ local authorities. There are several levels of grants awarded, the highest being €2,545 if a student lives within 24km of their college (‘adjacent’), or €6,355 if they live more than 24 km away (‘non-adjacent’).

What are the issues?There are several issues with higher education maintenance grants that have been ongoing for a number of years:

1) LevelsThe levels of the grant are simply not enough. For example, the highest non-adjacent grant level, for which only a small number of students qualify, just about covers the costs of accommodation in some of UCD’s campus residences. This leaves a student very little with which to tackle remaining university expenses.

2) AdministrationThe administrative process surrounding the grants system is at breaking point. It has had no major overhaul since maintenance grants were introduced in the late 60s, most of the administration is done by paper, instead of online. This puts local authority staff under a lot of pressure to manually process each application, and incurs a high cost. The number of applicants jumped this year, given Irish families’ changing financial circumstances. Coupled with the ban on hiring staff in the public sector, local authorities are under severe pressure to complete everything on time.

3) DeliveryGrants are delivered in three installments, with usually major delays in each one. For example, last semester, a huge number of students did not receive their first installment until late October/early November, a full two months after the start of lectures. This is unacceptable - grants need to be available at the start of each semester, when university expenses are at their highest.

What’s being done about it?The government’s proposed Student Support Bill would solve most of the grants problems. However, this has been shelved because the government says there is not enough public money available to implement the changes within the bill. UCD Students’ Union, along with USI, is campaigning hard to ensure this bill becomes law. Unfortunately, that is not likely to happen before September 2010. To compensate for this, UCD Students’ Union has written to all local authorities, proposing small changes that would improve the administrative process immediately, such as paying grant installments by electronic fund transfer instead of cheques, by introducing an online system instead of paper applications, and by introducing nine monthly installments instead of the current three.

GRANTS

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Arts & Human Sciences Programme Officers: Jonny Cosgrove & Madeleine Ní GhallchobhairBasically, we co-ordinate the Class Reps in Arts and Social Science and deal with some of the broader issues affecting the students in the Arts Block. In a nutshell, we sit on the Arts Programme Board and the SU Executive, as well as a number of boards to further your representation in our little concrete jungle. We try to interact with and co-ordinate the Class Reps in an effort to sort any hassle that comes their way or your way, be it from a broken toilet in the gents’ to a module not delivering what it’s supposed to. This semester, watch out for Arts vs Comm Day on 17 February, in the middle of Rag Week, and also we’ll be getting the next round of class parties going with your Class Reps. There’ll also be a number of open clinics where you can come to us in the middle of the Arts Block to air your thoughts and suggestions. arts@ucdsu.ie

Business Progrmme Officer: Gohar AbbasiMy name is Gohar Abbasi and I’m a final year Economics and Finance student in Quinn. I am the Business Programme Officer for the Students’ Union. My main responsibilities are to co-ordinate the Commerce and Ec & Fi Class Reps (having been one myself last year) and lend a helping hand to them if they need. I also act as a liaison between the reps and the SU Sabbatical Officers. In my capacity as the Business Programme Officer, I sit on the Undergraduate Programme Board in Quinn, the Student-Staff Forum, the university’s Academic Council and the SU Executive. I also represent my constituency in SU Council on a fortnightly basis. I am always open to any suggestions and/or criticisms. If you need to contact me, please, don’t hesitate. business@ucdsu.ie

Engineering & Architecture Programme Officer: Simon KeatingMy name is Simon Keating and I’m the Engineering & Architecture Programme Officer for the Students’ Union this year. My job is to look after the needs of students in Engineering and Architecture, and to also represent them on the relevant boards throughout UCD. It’s also my job to organise the Class Reps and aid them in any way I can throughout the year. I’m on seven boards so far, ranging from Engineering Staff/Student Committee to the university’s Academic Council so I’m keeping busy! The Class Reps are doing a great job so far and hope that they continue it into the new year. Look out for Eng Day coming up on 12 February, with all proceeds going to great causes. If you have any problems over the next semester, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I’ll point you in the right direction! engineering@ucdsu.ie,architecture@ucdsu.ie

Programme Officers act as the de facto head Class Rep for a particular academic area. They’re responsible for co-ordinating and assisting all the Class Reps that fall into their area.

They work closely with the Campaigns & Communications Officer to ensure that all SU campaigns are well-publicised within their own programme areas. They also help distribute SU publications and posters within their area, to ensure that the SU has a visible presence across the

whole campus – from Richview to Roebuck and everywhere in between.The Programme Officers also sit on the relevant University Programme Board that co-ordinates the different degree programmes in UCD. In that regard,

they would liaise with the Education Officer to keep him up-to-date with developments in local areas.Your Programme Officers are also vital in helping to create a sense of community in your programme area. They work with the Class Reps to help

organise class parties and other events. Programme Officers can also assist with class issues if you are unfortunately without an elected Class Rep for the year.

The Programme Officers’ details are listed here – contact them with any queries or suggestions, no matter how big or small!

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Health Sciences Programme Officer: Dónal HanrattyDónal is the SU Programme Officer for Health Sciences. He likes to do his bit to make sure everyone in the Health Sciences Centre has a happy time. As no nurse ran for Nursing Programme Officer, he is also responsible for the nurses, something he doesn’t mind doing at all. He checks up with your Class Reps to ensure that they are all doing their bit, and meets with your lecturers to talk about academic issues, and things like that door in Health Sciences and why nobody seems to wants to go to your lecture on Wednesday mornings. Oh, and bringing in Rachel Allen to make your sandwiches. Send me a quick email if I can help you with anything. healthscience@ucdsu.ie

Law/B&L Programme Officer: Pat de BrúnMy name’s Pat de Brún and I’m the Law/B&L Programme Officer. Basically, I co-ordinate the Class Reps in my constituency and deal with some of the broader issues affecting the students of Roebuck. I sit on the Undergraduate Programme Board and I’m a member of the SU Executive. Apart from that I do my best to solve problems brought to me by my Class Reps, along with doing my best to improve the college experience that Law/B&L students have during my year on the job. So far this year I have initiated a UCD-wide visibility campaign and held a second hand book sale. I have also represented what students want from the new Sutherland School of Law on various fronts and have kept all the Class Reps on their toes! This semester, expect better deals in the Roebuck café and a clinic that I will be holding in the first half of the semester and much more! law@ucdsu.ie

Science Programme Officer: James WilliamsonMy name is James Williamson. This year I am your Science Programme Officer. I basically work with the Sabbatical Officers and the Class Reps in an attempt to make sure everybody in Science is happy! This year has been great so far. Every single possible seat for a Class Rep has been filled, so everyone is represented this year, and by some very helpful and hard working reps too! This year has seen a class party every month for all classes. Hoodies have arrived, or are still arriving for every class in Science. And if you haven’t been on your class trip yet, you will be going on one very soon. I’m always around the Science Block if you need a hand with anything. So if you have any problems or you want to see something done, make sure to get on my case. Semester two will be very busy with Science Day, Science Ball and loads of fun events all through the semester and I hope to see you there! science@ucdsu.ie

Veterinary Programme Officer: Aisling McGrathMy name’s Aisling McGrath, and I’m a fourth year Vet Med student who spent the last three years as a Class Rep, so decided to tackle the job of Vet Programme Officer this year! There’s lots of change ongoing within Veterinary in UCD currently, with the addition of new programmes such as a full-time Vet Nursing degree, and a new graduate entry into Veterinary Medicine, so I’m working on ensuring representation for these new groups of students. Student feedback is a vital component of all courses, and I’m striving for this to be improved upon, appropriate changes accomplished and curriculum review tackled if necessary. If you have any questions or problems regarding Veterinary, don’t hesitate to get in touch via email, mobile, or over a cupán tae in the vet building! vet@ucdsu.ie

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Environmental Officer: Ruth O’Gorman Hey there, Ruth O’Gorman here, your Environmental Officer. Here’s what I’ve been up to this past semester: After attending USI Green Training with environmental officers around the country in September, I began working with the Campaigns & Communications Officer to get tea flasks on sale in the SU shops, such that students may receive a discount on hot beverages when using a flask, versus a disposable cup. Also, we are working toward getting a supply of reusable water bottles available for a small fee. In addition to this, with the help of UCD SVP and UCD Greens, a ‘swap shop’ took place and a house wares collection also took place during the semester. Furthermore, posters indicating easy ways to recycle waste efficiently will be posted in residences shortly. Environmental Week promises to be informative and fun with various speakers, workshops and campaigns. Let’s make 2010 greener than ever! environment@ucdsu.ie

LGBT Rights Officer: Colm MaguireHi, I’m Colm Maguire, the LGBT Rights Officer for 2009/10. To the SU, every student is equal, and along with the other Executive Officers and the Welfare Officer I aim to make this a reality. I’ll be organising the annual Rainbow Week on campus (22-26 February) as well as working on the campaign to oppose the MSM blood ban. Last semester, I organised a fifty-strong trip to Pink Training in Belfast along with the LGBT Society, and had one of the best weekends of my life learning about LGBT issues and attending workshops. My day-to-day work involves hearing personal cases and generally checking up on the welfare of any LGBT, or questioning, students in UCD, whether they are in the LGBT Society or not. If you want a one-to-one chat somewhere on campus, or just want to know anything else about the campaign, please feel free to email me. lgbt@ucdsu.ie

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Disability Rights Officer: Deirdre BreslinHey guys, my name’s Deirdre and I’m the Disability Rights Officer this year. Last semester, I co-ordinated Disability Awareness Week – five days of events that highlighted some of the issues faced by students with disabilities in UCD and raised money for Enable Ireland. I’ve also campaigned and worked with the university to improve access in a number of areas. During the semester, the SU have joined up with the Inclusion Participation and Awareness Society to run a number of events. Coming up in semester two, we have Hidden Disability Awareness Week and some guest speakers, among other things, so look out for more information on those. Oh, and feel free to contact me at any time! dro@ucdsu.ie

Mature Students Officer: Martin LawlessThe Mature Students’ Officer this year is Martin Lawless, a graduate student studying for a Master’s in Occupational Safety. As a mature student, he understands the stresses and strains of having to meet deadlines, pay fees, study for exams, complete assignments and cater for his wife, family, grandchildren and friends. He has experienced the social dispossession, financial turmoil, and unspeakable happiness of mature studenthood and the pleasure of meeting vaguely familiar fellow students who are also thrilled to be here. To this end he holds regular weekly drop in clinics in the Student Centre and is also heavily involved in running the Mature Student Society. He is promoting an awareness campaign during this second semester into what it means to be a mature student. Martin recognises that being a mature student often has nothing to do with being mature and is available to be contacted by any like minded individuals through the SU offices or by email. He asks you to bear in mind that he has no monopoly on the truth. mature@ucdsu.ie

Women’s Officer: Jacqueline BrennanHey guys, my name’s Jacqueline and I’m your Women’s Officer for the year. I’ve had a busy time so far, helping the Welfare Officer with various aspects of his role, as well as concentrating on gender-equality related issues. Last semester, I organised Pink Day, which raised awareness of women’s issues and raised money for the Marie Keating Foundation. Women’s Week took place from 1-5 February, and was jam-packed – with plenty of things for both women and men. Blue Day will take place on later in the semester, highlighting issues specifically aimed at men. If I can help you with anything at all, just drop me a line. women@ucdsu.ie

Oifigeach na Gaeilge/Irish Language Officer: Aoife Nic ShamhráinConas atá sibh? Is mise Aoife, Oifigeach na Gaeilge don bhliain. An seimeastar seo caite, d’eagraigh mé go leor leor imeachtaí chun an Gaeilge a spreagadh thart ar an gcampas – céilithe, oíche scannánaíochta, agus tháinig Des Bishop go Belfield chomh maith chun gradam nua a fháil. Táim ag éagrú Sheachtain na Gaeilge faoi láthair (ar síul 8-12 Feabhra) – tabhair cuairt ar www.ucdsu.ie chun níos mó eolais a fháil, nó téigh go leathnach 17.How’s it going? I’m Aoife, the Irish Language Officer for the year. Last semester, I organised plenty of Irish language events, and am currently working on Irish Language Week (8-12 February), full details of which are available at www.ucdsu.ie or page 17. gaeilge@ucdsu.ie

International Students Officer: Kevin ReganHello, Hola. I’m the International Students Officer and it is my job to help make international students’ integration to UCD as easy as possible. In the first semester, I organised International Week with the societies, which included film screenings, a wine and cheese reception, and coffee mornings and lunches. Plans are already in motion for this year’s International Week, which will take place during Week 6 and promises to be bigger and better than before. If you have any suggestions for it or and enquiries which I could help with please do not hesitate to contact me. international@ucdsu.ie

Graduate Officer:Currently unfilled.Contact the SU offices for more information.

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UCD STUDENTS’ UNION RETURNING OFFICE

PRESIDENTIAL &VICE-PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS 2010

It is planned to hold these elections on March 3rd & 4th.

Nominations will close at 5pm on Thursday February 11th. Nominees should submit to the Union Returning Officer a completed nomination signed by at least 130 members of the Union and a deposit of €100 before that time.

To guarantee that a nomination is received by the Returning Officers, nominees are advised to make an appointment with the Union Returning Officer, who can be contacted at returningoffice@ucdsu.ie

Nominations may also be left in the appropriate locked metal box in the Union General Office in the Student Centre. The Returning Officers accept no responsibility, however, for nominations that are not personally given to the Union Returning Officer at an appointment made for that purpose.

Further nomination forms are available from the Union General Office in the Student Centre, online at www.ucdsu.ie/elections or on request by email to returningoffice@ucdsu.ie

The positions for election are:

1. The Union President2. The Welfare Vice-President3. The Education Vice-President4. The Entertainments Vice-President5. The Campaigns & Communications Vice-President

A meeting will be held at 7pm on Thursday February 11th for the purpose of informing candidates about the conduct of the election and the arrangements in place for the printing of election materials for candidates. Attendance at this meeting is compulsory.Candidates should note that the deadline for the submission of designs for printed materials & ballot paper photographs will be 5pm on Monday February 15th.

Candidates should further note that, due to budget constraints, it is not anticipated that the Union will refund more than €300 to each candidate who secures more than 20% of the total valid poll in their election and no refunds will be made to candidates who secure less than 20% of the total valid poll. The amount of refunds, and the decision as to whether any refunds will be made at all, is entirely at the discretion of the Independent Appeals Board. Candidates should bear in mind that the Independent Appeals Board may decide that no refunds will be made.

Further information and updates in relation to these elections can be found at www.ucdsu.ie/elections

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Union Returning Officer at returningoffice@ucdsu.ie

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Seachtain na Gaeilge 2010

An féidir leatsa dul gan Bhearla a labhairt ar feadh seachtaine? Sin í an cheist a bhí curtha ar mic léinn UCD ar feadh dhá seachtaine anuas. Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge ar siúl faoi láthair i UCD agus creid é nó ná chreid, tá 1,000 mic léinn ag dul gan Bhéarla a lab-hairt; ag glacadh páirt sa bhfeachtas ‘No Béarla’.

Agus thar cionn 23,000 mac léinn ag staidéar in UCD, tá sé ar a gcumas ag cuid mhór acu cumarsáid a dhéanamh as Gaeilge go héasca, fiú mura bhfuil siad go hiomlán líofa - is éard a táthar ag iarraidh dhéanamh trí Seachtain na Gaeilge ná spreagadh a thab-hairt don ghrúpa sin úsáid a bhaint as cúpla focal ina saoil. Ta an chuid siopaí i UCD ag glacadh páirte ann chun cinnte a dhéanamh go bhfuil UCD trí Ghaeilge don seachtain!

Cathann gach éinne a ghlacann páirt hoodie glas. Ní bheidh aon duine ina gcumas siul tríd UCD gan sreathfhéacaint a thabhairt ar na mic léinn ag bhaint úsáid as a gcupla focail. Beidh an coláiste glas, cupla focail beo agus an chraic i UCD an tseachtain seo.

Siniú suas i mBloc na n-Ealaíon ó 11-3 gach lá. Last year during Irish Language Week, hundreds of UCD students abstained from speaking English, committing to speaking only Irish on campus, as part of the ‘No Béarla’ campaign. This campaign will be run again this year during Irish Language Week. Sign up in the Arts Block from 11-3 every day. Úsáid do theanga / Use your tongue! Conas? 1.Usáiddotheanga:a) ar feadh Sheachtain na Gaeilge, nó b) Ar an Déardaoin 11 Feabhra amháin 2.Bailighairgead,€15+doUCDVolunteersOverseas 3.Faighgeansaí‘NoBéarla’ceadisteachsaorinaiscegogachócáidsóisialtadechuidSheachtainnaGaeilge: Hiopnoisí Gaelach: Zak Powers Seoladh Balún le Michéal Ó Muireachtaigh Coronas Scóráil le Aobhinn Ní Shuilleabháin Oíche Trad Lón le Gaeilge le Daithí Ó Sé Siamsaíocht ó Belfield FM agus Spin 103.8 beo ó UCD Peilfield - Comórtas Peile Toraíocht Taisce Dioscó Salach i D|two South Park as Gaeilge My First Gaeilge My First 1, 2, 3 Seó Riverdance Tráth na gCeist Díospóireacht Comórtas Seanfhocal

How? 1.Useyourtongue:a) For the whole of Irish Language week, or b) Just on Thursday 11 February 2.Getsponsored€15+withprofitsgoingtoUCDVolunteersOver-seas 3.Getafree‘NoBéarla’hoodieandfreeentryintoallIrishLan-guageWeekevents: Irish Hypnotist: Zak Powers Balloon Launch with Michéal Ó Muireachtaigh Coronas Speed Dating with Aoibhinn Ní Shuilleabháin Trad night Irish Langauge Lunch with Daithí Ó Sé Debate Entertainment from Belfield FM and Spin 103.8 live from UCD Drama: An Triail Peilfield - Gaelic football competition Scavenger Hunt Dirty Disco in D|two South Park in Irish My First Gaeilge My First 1, 2, 3 Table Quiz Debate Proverb competition Níos mó eolais ón Oifigeach Gaeilge an aontais, Aoife Nic Shamhráin: gaeilge@ucdsu.ie More information from the SU’s Irish Language Officer, Aoife Nic Shamhráin: gaeilge@ucdsu.ie

Irish Language Week 2010

An féidir leatsa dul

gan Bhearla a labhairt

ar feadh seachtaine?

8-12 Feabhra / 8-12 February

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Dramsoc:8-14 February 1pm, Entertaining Mr. Sloane, by Joe Orton 7pm, Dancing at Lughnasa, by Brian Friel

15-19 February New Student Writers’ Week

22-26 February 1pm, Untitled, by Sarah Finlay 7pm, Richard III, by William Shakespeare

auditor@ucddramsoc.com

UCD Language Societies:UCD International Ball, Tuesday 16 February Russell Court Hotel, Dublin 2. Black tie ball, with international reception, three-course meal, a band and DJ. Tickets are only €40.

UCD Community Musical:Footloose, 17-20 February, O’Reilly Hall, 7.30pm, Full details at www.ucd.ie/musical.

musical@ucd.ie

Commerce & Economics Society:Superbowl Party, Sunday 7 February Kobra on Leeson Street. Late bar, tickets only €5. Organised in conjunction with UCD American Football team.

‘Rappers & Slappers’ Wednesday 17 Februaryin Dandelion, St Stephen’s Green. Tickets will be €8, available from Quinn/Arts

auditor@cesociety.com

UCD Classical Society:Weekly coffee morning, every Thursday, 10.30am-11.30am in Room K217, School of Classics, Newman Building.

Table Quiz, Thursday 4 February, 7.30pm, upstairs in the Forum Bar (Centre Club). Don’t worry – the questions are general knowledge, and all are welcome!

Evening Talk, Thursday 26 February, in Room K217, School of Classics, Newman Building. Novelist Roger Hudson (Death Comes By Amphora) will give a talk about his use of classics in the writing of novels. The talk will be followed by a reception.

ucdclassicalsociety@gmail.com

UCD Saint Vincent de Paul Society:Valentine’s Themed Fundraising Day, Thursday 11 February Speed Dating from 4pm-6pm in the Astra Hall, Student Centre. Love song caroling on-campus in the morning and there’ll also be roses for sale. auditor@ucdsvp.com

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Men’s Basketball06.02.10, UL Eagles, 7.30pm, UL 13.02.10, Killester, 8pm, IWA 21.02.09, Moycullen, 3pm, Home 25.02.09, Hoops, 8pm, Home 06.03.09, Neptune, 8pm, Neptune

Men’s Hockey 06.02.10, I.H.A Indoors, N.B.A13.02.10, Three Rock, Home15.02.10, Monkstown U21, Home20.02.10, Clontarf, Mount Temple 21.02.10, Mills Cup Semi-Final 27.02.10 Irish Senior Cup Round 3 13.03.10, Railway, Home

For more information on UCD sports fixtures, visit www.ucd.ie/sport

UCD Sport Fixtures

Women’s SoccerTraining takes place twice a week: Every Monday from 8.30pm-10pm and every Thursday from 7.30am-8.45am, on the eleven-a-side astro-turf pitch at the back of the Sports Centre. All new members welcome.

Rugby20.02.10, D.L.S.P, 2.30pm, Kilternan 06.03.10, Dublin University, 2.30pm, UCD Bowl 27.03.10, Malone, 2.30pm, Gibson Park 10.04.10, Old Wesley, 2.30pm, UCD Bowl

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1. Completethe51thingsfromtheFreshers’Guide,whichyouwouldhavedonebynowifyou’dbeenmakingthemostofyourfirstsemester.

2. Suddenlyrealiseyouhaven’tbeenmakingthemostofyouryearsofarandresolvetodobetter.

3. Campaignforafriendwho’srunningintheSUelections.

4. Becomedisillusionedwiththewholeelectionthing,anddumpallthosemanifestosinabinonthewaytothebar.

5. AuditionfortheUCDCommunityMusicalandgetdisappointedwhenit’snotatalllikeXFactor.

6. Joinoneofthecollegenewspapers.7. Defecttotheothercollegenewspaper

afterabust-upwiththeeditorovertheplacingofanimportanthyphen.

8. Gluea€2cointothegroundoutsidetheLibraryBuildingandwatchaspeoplescurrytopickitup.

9. RepeattheprankinBelgrove,MervilleandoutsidetheStudentCentre.

10. Seea€2coinonthegroundandtry

topickitup,onlytodiscoverit’sbeengluedtotheground.Probablybyyou.Crap.

11. Joinasocietywiththesolepurposeofgettingonthecommitteebecausetheirhoodiesarecool.

12. Getthehoodyandneverspeaktoanyofthemeveragain.

13. Wakeupinabedinresandtaketenminutestofigureoutwhichresyou’rein-thentrytorememberwhoexactlyyou’reinbedwith.

14. Completeanessayovernighthavingdonenoresearch,basedsoleyonWikipediaentriesandyourhigh-on-RedBullramblings.

15. GetanA.16. TakepartintheIronStomach

competition.Lose-evenifyouwin.17. BuyaUCDhoody.18. Wearthehoodyoff-campusand

realiseyoulooklikeapretentioustwat.

19. Goonanexcursiontothesecretlakes.20. Bereallyunimpressedbythesecret

lakes.

21. Takethefirsthintofheat/sunshineasanexcusetoditchthelibrary,andsitbythelakeeatingice-creaminstead.

22. Amassacollectionofemptycansonthewindowsillofyourresapartment.

23. UsethatstolentrafficconeasaChristmastree,leavingitcoveredintinseluntilyoumoveoutinMay.

24. HaveapicnicinRichviewandplayStuckintheMudonthegrass.

25. GetlostonthewaybackandendupinGreenfields,scaredandalone.

26. Getaboyfriend/girlfriend.27. Discoveralltheplacestohavecovert

sexinUCD.28. Realisethey’reamentalcaseandhave

toavoidthemforhterestofuniversity.29. Becomegreatfriendswithsomeone

whosenameyouforgottoaskonthefirstday.

30. Finallygettheballstoasktheirnameonlytodiscovertheydidn’tknowyournameeither.

31. SneakintothePavtohavecheapocansandfeellikeatraitor.

32. Makeyourselffeelbetterbyattending

More Things To Do Before You Leave UCD51

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theColoursdebateandloudlybooingthespeakersfromTrinity.

33. Getapart-timejobtofundyoursociallifewhenyourparentsfinallycopontothefactthatyou’renotactuallybuyingbookswiththemoneytheygiveyou.

34. GetsackedforturningupthreehourslateafterscoringaGardainCoppers.

35. LetBlackMondayturnintoBlackTuesday,Wednesday,Thursday...tilyourealiseyou’vemissedthreeweeksofcollege.

36. SkipBlackMondayentirelyinfavourofstayinginbed.

37. Startathreadontheboards.ieUCDforumaskingwherethelake/Belgrove/thebaris.

38. Getlambastedforbeinganidiotbyinternetpeople.

39. Decidetogotoaformalball,andsaveforagestobuyadress/rentatux.

40. Getinsanelydrunk,vomitalloveryourdress/tux...andyourfriends.

41. Makenewfriends.Onesthatyouhaven’tvomitedon.

42. GiveallyourbookstotheSUSecond-

handBookshopasamoney-makingscheme.

43. Crywhenyouonlymake€3.72andyoufailyourexamsthroughlackofreadingmaterials.

44. Havetogointothebanktotakeyourlast€9.99outofyouraccount.Givethetellerdirtylookswhentheysmirkatyourpoverty.

45. Usethat€9.99tobuythreeshotsinsteadoffood.

46. Liveondrypastaandriceuntilyourgrantchequearrives.Cursethebankforthat3-5daysittakestoclear.

47. PropositionsomeoneintheArtsBlocktoiletstofreakthemoutforalaugh.

48. GetpropositionedbysomeoneintheArtsBlocktoiletsandreporttheincidenttotheGardaí.

49. Decidethatyou’reheretogetaneducationafterallandburyyourselfinbooksforaboutamonth.

50. Protestwhenallyourfriendsdragyoufromyourroomandoutforthenight,resultinginthesessiontoendallsessions.

51. RealisethattheUCDyearsreallyarethebestyearsofyourlife.

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SeekingfinancialassistanceUCD has a range of financial supports to help students most in need. If you think you might qualify, get in touch with the SU Welfare Officer, Scott Ahearn, who can provide you with more information.

1) Student Welfare FundThis fund offers financial assistance to students who encounter unexpected difficulties dur-ing their time in UCD. The Welfare Fund Committee meet every two weeks throughout the academic year to consider applications. Students can therefore apply at any time. Forms are available at www.ucdsu.ie, or drop into the SU Welfare Officer, Scott, at any time during the year to make an application to the fund.

2) Student Assistance FundThis fund is means-tested and is intended to help those finding it difficult to make ends meet as a result of ongoing low income. The application requires more information, as you need to supply a Revenue P20 or P60 form. It is important to gather all relevant information for this fund as early as possible. It is funded by the Department of Education and Science with assistance from the European Social Fund under the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The fund is administered by UCD’s Student Welfare and Assistance Committee. Applicants should note that funding for the fund has been significantly reduced from that of previous years. This is due to a change in Government policy whereby funding for the Local Authority Top-up grant has been increased. This reduction in funding means that successful applicants will not receive the same level of assistance as was allocated in previous years. The 2009 deadline was 23 October. Next year’s round will take place at approximately the same time.

3) Emergency FundThe SU and the UCD Saint Vincent de Paul Society offer financial assistance up to €150, for those who experience sever difficul-ties. Applications can be made during an advisory clinic, which is held on Tuesdays from 11am-1pm in Room G005, ground floor of the Newman Building. The times and dates are subject to change but will be advertised if changes do occur.

4) UCD Student Health Service Assistance FundThe SU is running a administering Student Health Service Assistance Fund that will help UCD students who may be unable to pay for the medical costs. To apply for this fund please contact the SU Welfare Officer, Scott.

5) Childcare Assistance FundUCD recognises that some students with family responsibilities may face difficulties with childcare costs. In response to this, the university has put in place a Childcare Subsidy Scheme to assist those parents most in need of financial assistance, both those with children in the UCD Crèche and those in off-campus childcare. All expenditure through this fund is subject to strict eligibility guide-lines and there is no guarantee that any student will receive a subsidy. To apply, students must complete a Childcare Assistance ap-plication form and submit it, together with a letter outlining their circumstances, to the Childcare Subsidy Committee. Full details of both parents’ contribution to the maintenance of the child must be made. Successful applicants will have to submit monthly crèche/ child-minder invoices. For more information, you can contact the SU Welfare Officer, Scott.

6) SU Bookstore Assisted Purchase SchemeThis is a new assistance scheme set up this semester to aid students who have difficulty in affording expensive university text-books. Students who cannot pay entirely up-front for a required textbook in the SU Second-hand Bookshop can receive it through the SU Welfare office, and pay for it in regular installments that suits their situation. The Welfare Officer has more information on this particular scheme.

SU Welfare OfficerScott Ahearn

(01) 716 3112 | 087 291 7245 | welfare@ucdsu.ie

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1) Finding Accommodation

WebsitesThere are many useful accommodation hunting websites out there. By far the best are www.daft.ie, www.myhome2let.ie and www.findahome.ie. UCD has a specific section of the findahome.ie website – click on the ‘Colleges’ section on the right-hand side, and you’ll be prompted for a password, which is ‘Belfield’. You can refine your search to certain areas and to display most recent additions. As soon as you see a place you are interested in, call as soon as possible.

NewspapersCheck out the ‘To let/Flat/House Sharing’ columns of the daily, evening and local papers. We recommend the Evening Herald and local papers such as the Southside People, which is avail-able free in most southside newsagents. Evening papers are usually out at lunchtime so get a copy as early as possible and if something catches your eye ring without delay as places go quickly.

Shop windows and notice boardsCheck in the areas surrounding UCD or the area you are search-ing. Shop windows and notice boards are an often overlooked area to search for lettings.

SU Welfare OfficerDrop into the SU offices in the Student Centre where Scott or whoever else is around will gladly print out a copy of our latest list of digs and properties to let. Here you can also get a copy of a sample lease and advice on tenancy issues.

2) Viewing a PlaceWhen you have found a place you are interested in, remember: the early bird catches the worm. Landlords work on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and generally have no loyalty to anyone except themselves. When you do view a place, keep a number of things in mind when giving it the once-over:

Are there any signs of dampness/mould?Is there proper ventilation – especially in the bathroom and kitchen, do the windows open?Will it be easy to heat? Are there draughts, high ceilings? It may seem warm now but what will it be like in cold weather?What will it cost and in whose name are the bills?Is there enough furniture, are there enough cupboards shelves and storage space?Are there enough electric sockets?Are the cooker, fridge and any other electrical appliances working?How is the water heated?How do you pay for electricity/gas/phone?Is there cable/digital TV and who pays the bill?Is there a safe place to put your bike?

Keep in mind a number of points about the surrounding area:Is the area you are looking at convenient to UCD?Is there a regular bus/Dart route to UCD?Is there a cycle path the whole way to UCD?Are there local late opening shops nearby?Is the area safe and is there adequate lighting on your street, hall or stairwell?

Accommodation

issues

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3) Your Rights and Duties

DepositsMost landlords will seek a deposit of usually a week’s or a month’s rent and is used as security against breaking the tenancy agree-ment. You may forfeit some or all of the deposit:

If you don’t give proper notice or you leave before the end of your tenancy (i.e. if you vanish mysteriously into the night at the end of the year)For damage to the landlord’s property above normal wear and tear (i.e. if you have a wild party/carnival of the grotesque/drug-fuelled orgy and end up trashing the place)For unpaid bills and rentIf you do not get your full deposit back because of repairs or replacement of items, ask to see all the relevant receipts

Rent IncreaseRent increase is a confusing subject. If you’re living under a periodic tenancy agreement, your landlord can up the rent as long as he/she gives you four weeks’ notice. But if you have a written lease, your rent cannot be increased unless there’s provision in the agreement for it.

InsuranceIt is up to you to insure your own belongings. However, this can be very expensive so it pays to shop around.

Visitors and Overnight GuestsTenants are entitled to invite friends to stay over unless otherwise stated in your lease. Take into account the views of your fellow tenants all the same – there’s a fine line between having your girl-friend/boyfriend sharing your bed the odd night and crossing over into extra housemate territory. Nobody wants a non-rent-paying leech lounging about the place.

PrivacyBasically, this means you have the right not to be disturbed; your landlord is only allowed to enter with your permission. If the land-lord needs to carry out repairs or to inspect the premises, it should be by prior arrangement.

StandardsSince 1994, landlords have had a statutory duty to ensure that the accommodation that they rent complies with certain minimum physical standards. These standards are set out in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993.

In summary, they require a landlord to: ensure that the house is in a proper state of structural repair, provide a sink with hot and cold-water facilities in each dwelling, provide toilet and bath or shower facilities in each dwelling, provide toilet, bath or shower facilities, either in the flat itself or in a flat not more than one floor above or below the rented dwelling, (usually, there should be no more than two flats to each shower and toilet, but up to four flats may share one toilet or bath/shower if each flat has only one tenant), provide adequate means for heating, for installing cook-ing equipment and for storing food, maintain installations for the supply of electricity or gas in good repair and safe working order, provide proper ventilation and lighting to each room, maintain common facilities for cooking, food storage, lighting and heating in good repair and safe working order, maintain common sinks, toilets, baths and showers and other common areas in good repair and a clean condition, provide a secure handrail for any common staircase.

The landlord is not responsible for anything the tenant is entitled to remove, or for repairing glass breakage in windows in any part of the building of which a tenant has exclusive use.

Tenant DutiesAlthough it’s clear that a landlord has a number of responsibilities to live up to, remember that you too are obliged to play your part to ensure a healthy letting relationship. Your duties include: paying the rent in full, and on time, maintaining the place in good condi-tion, avoiding damage to the property, not causing a nuisance or annoyance to neighbours or those around you.

The landlord is not responsible for repairing broken windows – although, strangely, they are responsible for window frames; the panes, however, are the tenants’ responsibility – or for repairs to items which the tenant is entitled to remove.

Take photos if you can before you move in and whilst moving out, to protect yourself from any unfair deposit deductions. Make a list of any damage upon moving in and present it to your landlord. The landlord is responsible for the exterior of the building (includ-

Landlords have had a statutory

duty to ensure that the accommodation

that they rent complies with

certain minimum physical standards

Tenants are entitled to invite friends to stay over unless otherwise stated in your lease

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ing gardens) and for damage to the walls and ceilings of the house.

Important! – if you don’t have any problems with your landlord or the accommodation you live in, never withhold rent. You are in a much better position to assert your rights as a tenant if you carry out your duties as one.

Notice to QuitUnless you have security of tenure or a tenancy agreement that says otherwise a landlord can give you notice to leave at any time. However, this notice must be in writing and must be served at least four weeks in advance.

Once notice to quit has expired your tenancy is legally over. If you don’t have an appointed day and have not reached an agree-ment with your landlord then the landlord may go to court for an eviction order, which, if granted will be carried out by the sheriff.

This could prove to be expensive for the tenant, as he/she might be liable for the landlord’s legal costs. An eviction by the landlord without a court order would however be unlawful and you should seek advice from the Students’ Union Welfare Officer.

Last ResortIf your landlord is not fulfilling his/her legal obligations with re-gards to minimum standards and a completing your rent book, they can be prosecuted and fined, plus an additional penalty for every day of a continuing offence.

The local authority is responsible for enforcing these legal requirements, so if you think that your landlord is breaking the law do get in touch with your local authority or the SU Welfare Officer.

4) If Things Go Wrong

The PRTBThe Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) was set up as part of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants, and to operate a system of ten-ancy registration. Landlords and tenants may refer disputes to the PRTB for resolution.

The board deals with: the refund or retention of deposits, alleged breaches of tenancy obligations (on the part of either tenants or landlords), failure to terminate a tenancy correct, giv-ing invalid reasons for terminating a tenancy, determining proper notice periods, tenants vacating without a valid notice, claims for costs and damages (from either party), claims for rent arrears and other charges

All landlords who are letting property are now legally required to register with the PRTB. A landlord will only be able to access the board’s services when they have first registered their tenan-cies with it. Landlords are prohibited from penalising tenants on the basis of having referred a case to the board.

If you have any problems do ring them on (01) 635 0600.

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As you sit on your comfortable leather sofa, eating your Grind sandwich, reading this fine publication before moving onto your copy of Ireland’s best student newspaper; hoping that those Nurofen you just picked up from the pharmacy will help cure that awful hangover from drinking in the bar last night... peering at the scruffy heads emerging from the Students’ Union offices may prompt you to think – what has the Union ever done for me? A valid question, my dear students.

For years in UCD, the work of the Students’ Union has become so ingrained in the day-to-day experience of students that most of it goes unnoticed. Those sofas were once the subject of a long-fought-out campaign to give students something nice to rest their rump on. The health service, second-hand bookshop, pharmacy, even the shops – none of these things materialised as if by magic.

For many years, the SU has been working and campaigning to put the life into student life in Belfield. When the campus moved from its city-centre locations to Belfield in the 60s, a large majority of the space was owned and operated by the university, including the shops, restaurants and common areas. It’s taken many years and an awful lot of work to get to this

point, where those looking out for student interests have a say in what goes on in UCD.

Looking back 50 years, the concept of student-run business on campus was a distant dream for those attending UCD. The Students’ Union didn’t even come into existence until 1975, in the wake of worldwide student protests. Before the SU came on the scene to fight for students, scholars were catered for by the Student Representative Committee.

The SRC, as it was known back in the day, was little more than a sock puppet for the governing body of the university – that’s according to Chief Returning Officer Paddy O’Flynn, who’s been in UCD since the 1950s as a student and a staff member.

“When I was in college in the 50s it was a smaller college, you tended to know things... it was easier to connect with everybody.”

Because of this small community feeling – don’t forget that the whole of UCD was once housed at the Earlsfort Terrace campus – the need for a large, unifying body wasn’t felt by the students. The Student Representative Committee was the voice of the students, though its role was more of a mouthpiece for the university.

“The SRC was very much a creature of the governing body,” says Mr O’Flynn. “Its constitution was approved by the governing body, and any changes, the governing body took a kind of paternal interest in the goings-on. If the governing body decided to admonish it or abolish it or suspend it, it could do so. The Students’ Union was a break away from that.”

The upheaval of the move to Belfield combined with the worldwide student revolutions were the sparks that set alight the call for an autonomous student representative body. The notorious Paris student riots may have occurred in the 1960s, but their impact was definitely felt internationally... albeit ten years later in UCD.

While we were a bit slow on the uptake, the change from SRC to SU was a

revolution nonetheless. Called the “Gentle Revolution”, a mass meeting was held on campus and thousands of students turned out to voice their desire for an organisation that truly represented their wants and needs. Thus, the SU was born.

“There was always a voice which pointed to the independence of students. The British model was the one which was cited where the Union was this powerful body which had its own building, had control over its activities in a way that the SRC didn’t have. The SRC was a much more genteel body – but the university itself was a much more genteel body,” says Mr O’Flynn. “Though on the surface the student revolutions had no effect, it did alter the dynamic, the role of authority, the confidence in the Presidents and the governing body and how they would exercise authority over the staff and students. It was a significant change, even though there was no structural change arising from the student revolutions,” he says.

Documents from the early days of the SU show that the first priority for the newly-founded organisation was the improvement of student services. From its offices in the ‘Arts-Commerce Block’ (what we know as the Newman Building), the new officers set about transforming student life in UCD to something a bit more rewarding for students.

According to Mr O’Flynn, the major

Michelle McCormick speaks to the SU’s Chief Returning Officer, Paddy O’Flynn, about the history of the Students’ Union and its importance to all students of UCD...

UCD Students’ Union:A brief history

The SRC was very much a creature of the governing

body

The first priority for the newly-founded organisation was

the improvement of student services

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UCD Students’ Union:A brief history

change from SRC to SU was in attitude. “The Union would have had the balls to go in and demand things, where the SRC did not – the shops would have been one thing. It was a gradual process – an increase in funding which allowed an increase in staffing, which allowed increases in activities and then gradual increases in the number of sabbatical officers. The access to increased funding through the student service charge and recognition by the college led to recognition by the HEA that student activities were entitled to get their proportionate share of funding.”

As early as December 1975, the SU was starting to make its mark on the college. A Social and Welfare report from the time shows that the officers of the SU were already beginning to get their priorities in order. “Who is going to install more telephones, supply more seats for the library, bring over the Rolling Stones, build

a Students’ Union building, provide cheaper food? Think about it. Your constituency first, rest second.”

That’s an ethos that’s still alive in today’s Union. While the SU may come under fire for not being vocal enough, not campaigning enough, or not doing enough to further the wider social issues of students, its role in national campaigns

is evident. “Student activism in general is at a

relatively low ebb,” says Mr O’Flynn. “I would say this as a Union activist myself, if by and large the Union is doing its job up to what students expect, that they don’t feel the need to come out and attend mass meetings. Now, the Union still produces active people who retain their general social involvement.”

“The SU is very much part of the scene, but the question is, are they too much part of the established scene? I don’t think any students would want to give up the privileges to become just a campaigning body,” he says.

A long-time member of USI, the SU played a huge role in student activism in the 70s and 80s, doing more to further the cause of sexual liberation and healthcare rights than any other university.

Home of the very first condom vending

The question is, are they too much part of the established

scene?

SABBATICAL ELECTIONS 1998

ABORTION DEMONSTRATION

SU LIBRARY SHOP, 1996

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machine, UCD was at the forefront of the Irish sexual revolution. Though that first machine lasted just one week before being set alight and burned off the wall, students bought a massive 160 condoms a day while it was intact.

However, this progressive attitude to sexual liberation came back to bite the Union in the late 80s when it was the subject of legal action over the distribution of information about abortion. The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) launched a court case against the SU after sending female members posing as students to garner information on abortion.

The case went to the High Court, with the SU being represented pro bono by none other than Mary Robinson. Intent on protecting their students’ rights to information on all the options following a crisis pregnancy, the SU stuck to their guns and fought the case to the last – but judges ruled in favour of SPUC, forcing the SU to pay costs equalling €40,000. This was a big financial hit at the time, but the Union was determined to stand up for the principles of its members.

Come the 1990s however, funding became less of an issue as the Union became more financially solvent. With the acquisition of property on campus – the shops, the student club, and food outlets – money was starting to become available, not to mention the increase in the Student Services Charge which gave a massive

boost to the coffers. “The big jump in resources happened

around 1990, when I came in as director

of the Student Consultative Forum,” says Paddy O’Flynn. “One of the reasons for that was that the money coming in for societies, clubs and the Union increased substantially with the increase in the student service charge. When the charge

went to £50, there was an agreement that

£25 of that would go through the Forum to the constituent organisations. With resources, then came the possibilities of increased staffing and facilities.”

While previously, most of the Union’s funding came from shops and “dances” – which brought in £2.553.70 of profit in 1979 – the jump in the student service charge allowed them to broaden their aims and start to cater for every aspect of student life. In 1998, another jump in the charge brought it up to £250, prompting controversy when it emerged that the amount going directly to student services would not be increasing accordingly.

“The Students’ Union demanded that the amount that would go to student activities would double in the same way the student services charge had. There were protests in all the colleges around the country because it was a uniform move, and then the HEA decided that it should be decided between the college and the students – so in a way, the HEA recognised the legitimacy of the protests. The college wouldn’t concede simply doubling the contribution, but they did introduce a series of increases in grants which amounted almost exactly to doubling, which allowed for a counsellor and a societies officer,” says Mr O’Flynn.

In 2000, the new and long-campaigned-for Student Centre opened its doors to students. SU officers had been lobbying and planning for a dedicated building for students since the inception of the Union

SPUC launched a court case

against the SU

Previously, most of the Union’s funding

came from shops and “dances” - which brought in £2,553.70 of profit in

1979

FORMER HOME OF THE SECOND-HAND BOOKSHOP, IN THE LIBRARY BUILDING

PROTESTING AGAINST GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS TO RE-INTRODUCE TUITION FEES IN 2003

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in 1975; and the venture has proved a huge success – so much so, that an extension is currently underway to provide even more space and services for students.

With the Student Centre came the Health Service and Cafe Brava – formerly known as Mick Donnell’s because it served fast food. However, development wasn’t to stop there. In 2001, focus switched to the opening of the on-site pharmacy, which was subject to delay after delay until it finally launched in 2002.

In the meantime, the centre became home to the fabled leather sofas – something that had been on many a candidate’s manifesto in the previous years. The Student

Club also underwent a grand overhaul in the early noughties, renovations that were

much sought-after amongst students as the dire conditions of the toilets was legendary. While such amenities are taken very much for granted these days, they were big issues for students and SU officers in years gone by.

Alongside these somewhat superficial changes to student life, the Union also worked behind the scenes to gain more influence on administrative and academic matters in the university. Today, student representatives sit on all committees within the college, from Governing Authority to Academic Council and everything in between. From the dark days of the 1950s, where students were at the mercy of the whims of the governing body, the role of the SU in college affairs has increased exponentially.

The various officers of the SU take part in all decisions affecting students on campus to make sure the student voice is heard. “It’s certainly now true that the SU president would have access to the college president more than anybody else in the university. If the president has some issue that he needs to raise he could get to see the University president within a couple of hours – most heads of school would wait weeks to get access,” said Mr O’Flynn.

“That was a fight for a long time, to get access to the governing body for students,

and it was conceded by the Minister for Education rather than the university presidents. At the time, the SU president was always in a very weak position, but now you have three or four students on Governing Authority and they’re a substantial bloc.”

In fact, according to Paddy O’Flynn, the establishment of the SU as an essential part of the college mechanism is possibly its greatest achievement to date. “It has reached a stage where nobody, at the highest level or at any level, would think of questioning the right of the student body to have a role as equal partners.”

“Without students we’d be nowhere. They influence everything that goes on.”

The Union also worked behind

the scenes to gain more influence on administrative and

academic matters in the university

Without students, we’d be nowhere.

They influence everything that

goes on

DISPLAYING THE BANNER IN THE NEWLY-OPENED STUDENT CENTRE

THE STUDENT BAR IN THE 90S, SEVERAL RENOVATIONS AGO

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