Strong Representation
The most important thing that the SU needs right now is a strong voice and a strong representation. With the merger creeping around the corner, we need a strong voice that will fight on the side of Sligo students and bring meaningful changes led by students. As a person working as an Academic life officer/ Deputy president within the union, I understand the previous experiences the SU had, when it comes to the merger. We need a strong voice to say 'No' when we're being put into a disadvantage. we need a strong voice to say 'Yes' when we need changes to be made. All year I’ve fought to expand the student representation, and to be involved in these processes, and have our students say in the merger talks. Unfortunately, because of my role, there was so much I could do. Now as a President I will have the opportunity to take a step forward into a united union that benefits all parties with the priority of our Sligo Students' Union Members. I will advocate for the best possible solution for our students during and outside of the merger. We need someone who’s been here all year, who knows the inner work of organisation and can continue their work straight away from July 1st.
Accommodation
As a Students’ Union we must highlight the yearly issues relating to student accommodation. Over 500 beds have been taken away unfairly from students. This led to an overall chaos amongst students and forced hundreds to commute to their classes up to 2 hours each day. There has been no resolution proposed by the government. As this is a recurring issue with the numbers of students concerningly increasing each year that have no place to live in Sligo, the discussions regarding accommodation must open again. We can’t forget about this issue for ¾ of the year and then be shocked again that students are struggling. The Sligo Students’ Union have successfully lead a campaign organising approx. 500 beds for students this year in a form of digs. We must make noise and show that what happened last summer is unacceptable and could potentially happen again if there are no protective measures put in place. I would like to represent Sligo on a national level to highlight this yearly growing issue and stand in solidarity with our fellow Students’ Unions who are experiencing the same issues as us to remind our government that the housing crisis haven’t disappeared in a year!
Strengthening the Student Representative Council
This year we have seen the highest numbers of the student representative council member in the history of your Students’ Union. This is an achievement that I am extremely proud of and would like to build up on by improving the student representative registration and recruitment system which will be able to tell us straight away which classes are still no being represented.
We rely on Student Representatives to communicating issues that are ongoing in their classes. They are our eyes inside the university. This year I have created a brand-new program for the class rep recruitment which was an amazing success. This is the first year that we haven’t used any outside partners to take over the training. I wanted to be as close with the Student Representative body as possible. I have created a training program that is straight to the point and brings all the class reps up to date with our current issues and achievements. It has given them a confidence to be involved and engaged. Since then, student representatives trust me and have build a relationship with our Students’ Union. This was the year of changes. We have also provided a student rep training for online reps that have lacked representation. I am aware of their need as they are completely different to the needs of on campus students. I want to work alongside our next academic life officer to build a stronger and better relationship with our online students and provide as much support as possible. I am extremely excited to build up on this!
Improvement of the Student Senate
The student senate body is a new concept in The Student’s Union that have been in place for less than two years. Already we have managed to build a strong group of department and faculty representative with strong confident voices and big ideas. The engagement this year was incredible. They had a strong influence in leading this student’s union and were not afraid to speak up when they didn’t like things working a certain way. This is what we needed in the Student’s Union. A strong student body that will co-lead the union with the executive team. I want to build up on that and provide a strong training program for these senators that they feel prepared and confident from the get-go and be able to gain more strength as the years go by. I want to put in place more procedures when it comes to the recruitment and training for the student senate so that the officers coming into the Students’ Union after me can continue to build on what we have started here in the SU.
Student Space Upgrade
As we all know the Students’ Union Lounge is well loved and used by our students. I want to work on improving it, renovating the space and equipping it with microwaves, kettles, tea, coffee and a sitting area. I want to make sure that all student blocks are fully equipped with a place to heat up their food and boil water so that students that study outside of the main building aren’t forced to constantly walk up to the main canteen to get something warm to eat and drink. This issue has been noted this year and it’s time we give our students’ a space to relax, meet new friends, and most importantly be able to use the facilities that we all need in a student space.
Bigger and Better Entertainment!
I will work alongside our team and members to provide you the best possible entertainment for both going out and alcohol-free events for our students’ next year as I know that socialising evets are a huge part of being a student. Students’ need space to release all the stress and forget about all the pressure that being a student brings you. I want your year to be memorable and provide as many opportunities to meet new people and create meaningful relationships as possible. Starting off with Freshers we will work hard to provide you with a week full of events and exciting opportunities to meet new friends and liven up your student experience. We will work alongside our local businesses and our student representatives to organise a memorable and fun RAG Week for all students to enjoy and be a part of. Let’s make this year bigger and better by bringing more excitement and socializing events to our students!