SU Elections

douglashyde · 16-03-2010 3:03pm #1

Just a question:

To run for an SU exec position:

Do you need to be a registered student within DCU?

Have finished your degree in DCU?

Have passed your degree in DCU?

For example, can I drop out in 2nd year and decide to run for SU president.

public_enemy · 16-03-2010 3:31pm

You have to be a current student in DCU to run for election.

You don't need to graduate, so if you like, you could run for election at the end of first year.

Elections take place before the end of the year (usually week 9), so you haven't technically failed or dropped out at that stage. As long as you're still registered as a student you can run.

Diarmsquid · 16-03-2010 7:52pm

Sooo....

Anyone know of anybody running this year?
Out with their names!

public_enemy · 16-03-2010 11:45pm

Speculation is likely to get your post deleted around these parts. And in that spirit, here are some names I've heard people a speculatin' about:

David Doyle
Michael McHugh
Aisling Fitzgerald
Robert O'Reilly

Garseys · 17-03-2010 11:56am

Diarmsquid, I'm suprised you haven't heard anything yet.:pac:

I'm more interested this year in the proposed Constitution changes.

(and I'm sure the USI issue will raise it's head again)

Cy_Revenant · 17-03-2010 12:55pm

It's only an issue because filthy liberals refuse to let it drop. ¬_¬

Green Hand Guy · 17-03-2010 10:17pm

I don't think it even was an issue before certain College View people with a vested interest decided to push for it. Funny how you don't see any of them run for Union positions.

Urizen · 18-03-2010 2:01am

I call shenanigans on all speculation. You'll find out in a week anyway.

Diarmsquid · 18-03-2010 4:35pm

Green Hand Guy wrote: »

I don't think it even was an issue before certain College View people with a vested interest decided to push for it. Funny how you don't see any of them run for Union positions.

Maybe this year will be different...

robby^5 · 19-03-2010 7:16pm

I am campaigning on an original platform:

"Working to achieve better."

Cid-Highwind · 19-03-2010 7:17pm

Diarmsquid wrote: »

Maybe this year will be different...

Nah, if they were the SU they couldn't whinge about it.

Matthewthebig · 19-03-2010 7:24pm

robby^5 wrote: »

I am campaigning on an original platform:

"Working to achieve better.

Robby says no fat chicks.

goodgodholmes · 20-03-2010 12:01am

Any more Pres rumours?

How's about Education/Welfare and Campaigns/Information?

manlad · 20-03-2010 10:47am

maybe this year we will get a student union that know something about being a student. One can only hope

Cy_Revenant · 20-03-2010 11:22am

manlad wrote: »

maybe this year we will get a student union that know something about being a student. One can only hope

That's a bit of a silly thing to say. All the SU Presidents have been students, they know all about being one.

public_enemy · 20-03-2010 3:28pm

manlad wrote: »

maybe this year we will get a student union that know something about being a student. One can only hope

inb4 "Style Soc/Drama Soc don't know how to run the SU".

phasers · 20-03-2010 3:34pm

I'll vote for anyone who uses the slogan "No fat chicks"

manlad · 20-03-2010 5:05pm

Cy_Revenant wrote: »

That's a bit of a silly thing to say. All the SU Presidents have been students, they know all about being one.

excuse my bluntness but its not hard to see that the trend for being elected to the student union is that of a particular society i.e drama soc, juggling, dance etc Don'tget me wrong nothing wrong with these societies but I just think that alot the things organised for students were more aimed toward a caertain group and not a general student body.

Another reason was the disappointing rag week. If nobody had known any different it lukd like a normal week, no music being pumped around campus, not many promotion and free stuff

The rag ball as already seen in the college view was a huge failure but this was down to the student union by not getting suitable acts that were worth the 25 euro. And also heard alot of complaints from people that paid into the ball at the door later in the evening after most acts had performed and still being charged 25 euro. The person that charged this is an su member and they should have known better.

I know it hard work planning and organising but these people are getting well paid to do so and I just dont think the worked as hard as they could have. the bar has been a success but that about it.

Probably gonna have alot of ppl that disagree with me here (all the usual suspects) but I just wanted to vent my opinion.

monument · 20-03-2010 6:14pm

manlad wrote: »

excuse my bluntness but its not hard to see that the trend for being elected to the student union is that of a particular society i.e drama soc, juggling, dance etc

A trend of people getting elected? What trend?

Don'tget me wrong nothing wrong with these societies but I just think that alot the things organised for students were more aimed toward a caertain group and not a general student body.

What certain group?

As you're saying you are being blunt, you should not mind me saying: For somebody being blunt you are not being very clear at all.

Another reason was the disappointing rag week. If nobody had known any different it lukd like a normal week, no music being pumped around campus, not many promotion and free stuff

The rag ball as already seen in the college view was a huge failure but this was down to the student union by not getting suitable acts that were worth the 25 euro. And also heard alot of complaints from people that paid into the ball at the door later in the evening after most acts had performed and still being charged 25 euro. The person that charged this is an su member and they should have known better.

I know it hard work planning and organising but these people are getting well paid to do so and I just dont think the worked as hard as they could have. the bar has been a success but that about it.

Let's see, you're pitting one week of a disappointment vs a success which has being year-long?

Probably gonna have alot of ppl that disagree with me here (all the usual suspects) but I just wanted to vent my opinion.

I've been highly critical of the union in the past, am I still going to be included in all the usual suspects?

Green Hand Guy · 20-03-2010 6:15pm

manlad wrote: »

excuse my bluntness but its not hard to see that the trend for being elected to the student union is that of a particular society i.e drama soc, juggling, dance etc

Where can I join this magical drama-juggling-dance society? Sounds like a great laugh!

To be serious though, I don't think that having one president who was involved in drama constitutes a trend. Last year we had Niall who as far as I know was only involved in Fianna Fail.

Also, I don't think this years education and welfare officer or campaigns and information officer are involved in any of the societies you listed.

If you mean that people who get involved in societies in general are more likely to be elected, then that's probably true, because they're the people with most experience in organising campus events.

Daysha · 20-03-2010 6:45pm

manlad wrote: »

The rag ball as already seen in the college view was a huge failure but this was down to the student union by not getting suitable acts that were worth the 25 euro. And also heard alot of complaints from people that paid into the ball at the door later in the evening after most acts had performed and still being charged 25 euro. The person that charged this is an su member and they should have known better.

Tbf, for the kind of bands they had playing, €25 was actually fairly good value. The only reason it wasn't close to selling out was because DCU students are too accustomed to their €10-15 balls that only begin after an evening of pre-drinking somewhere else. And for people that still wanted to do that and only turn up at 9-10pm, then 25 quid was definitely too much.

I suppose it was good to see them try something different, but nearly everyone I've talked to said last years rag ball in the Helix was far better.

andyman · 20-03-2010 6:48pm

Can see Willie Coyne running for one of the three big positions to be honest. Hope he does too, been in college for years that lad and has plenty of SU experience.

thusspakeblixa · 21-03-2010 2:29pm

Daysha wrote: »

Tbf, for the kind of bands they had playing, €25 was actually fairly good value.

Good value, unless you had epilepsy.
Couldn't go into any of the bands (AGAIN) and noone thought to put any warnings on tickets/doors or anything.
2 years in DCU now and I still can't get an answer when I ask "will there be strobe lighting" at an event.
Bit of a joke, but I'm used to this at this stage.
So yeah, is anyone decent going for equality officer?!

Urizen · 22-03-2010 1:05am

Manlad, people involved in societies and union tend to overlap. This is largely because 90% of extracurricular involvement in DCU largely depends on societies. People in societies seem to get elected more because people in societies tend to care more about students. No big conspiracy.

Judging by the people I know are running, there will be no shortage of people who 'know what it's like to be a student'. All the candidates I know are caring, responsible, experienced people doing this for the students' benefit. What more are you asking?

And finally, the 'usual suspects' comment because, again, they give a damn and don't allow wild accusations to run rampant without pointing out the inconsistencies.

public_enemy · 22-03-2010 1:54am

thusspakeblixa wrote: »

So yeah, is anyone decent going for equality officer?!

I've heard me some speculation that there are plans afoot to drop that position altogether.

Urizen · 22-03-2010 12:33pm

Any changes made to the constitution must be voted on this year, but will not come into effect until the 2011/2012 academic year. All elections will be as normal this time around.

douglashyde · 26-03-2010 5:45pm

Whats the word on the block? who's running?

OrionsBelt · 26-03-2010 6:24pm

douglashyde wrote: »

Whats the word on the block? who's running?

Nominations will be annonced at 6.00pm in the C&S office. guess all questions will be answered then. lets hope all the spots have some competition for them at least.

TheChrisD · 26-03-2010 8:32pm

Hmmm, no-one put forward for Engineering and Computing?

I wonder who's going to go for it now?

monument · 26-03-2010 8:40pm

Everybody should have gotten this but I know how well some people look at their email...

Dear Students,

Please note that the position of Faculty Convenor for Engineering and Computing has no nominees at this time, nominations are open for said position. The following is a list of successful nominees for this year's Executive Elections:

Sabbatical Positions

President: Ciarán Hughes, Megan O'Riordan, David Doyle

Deputy President for Education and Welfare: LeeAnne Heneghan, John Devine, Cillian Byrne,

Vice President for Campaigns and Information: Maeve McQuillan, Colin Oliver,

Faculty Convenors:

Humanities & Social Sciences: Adam Douglas, Dara McGann, Jackie Fox

Science & Health: Alan Armstrong, Leo Prymakov, Maria Corcoran,

Business: Mark Doyle, Ian McGlynn,

Other Positions:

Clubs & Socs Officer: Brian McDonald,

Equality Officer: Khaula Bhuttet

Attached are the rules and regulations regarding campaigning as well as the layout for the overall elections. Please note that some amendments have been made regarding rules related to Mass E-Mails.

Regards,

Roibeárd Ó Conchúir,
An Ceann Comhairimh,
Aontas na Mac Léinn

And the attachment:

Election Procedures and Campaigning Information

Finances:

- Candidates will be given a Campaign Spending limit of €320.

- All spending for Campaign Materials (e.g. t-shirts, posters, fliers, sweets, drinks, confectionary) must be recorded and receipts must be presented to the Treasurer Megan Kelly, as such.

- Candidates will be required to submit full accounts to the treasurer by 5pm, Thursday 07/04/2010 (an hour after polling closes).

Campaigning:

- All physical paraphernalia related to the promotion of a candidate will be subject to review by the Treasurer to ensure that all candidates and members of campaign teams do not exceed the given budget; in the interest of fairness for all candidates. This also covers donations of campaign materials from external sources or members of a candidates campaign team. In an extremely suspicious case, the Electoral Committee may decide to give further investigation to how candidates purchased campaign materials.

- Using mass e-mails as a method of campaigning is strictly forbidden in the case of clubs and society mass e-mails. Faculty Convenors are permitted to use their class list e-mails. Sabbatical candidates and candidates running for the position of clubs and societies officer and equality officer are not permitted to send mass e-mails in any form.

- Intimidation against either another candidate or a member of the Electoral Committee is strictly prohibited. Intimidation may be defined as any attempt to speak ill of another candidate in ones canvassing or campaigning; or the procedures of the Electoral Committee as defined by both the constitution in section 10.2.1 as well as the rules and regulations in this document. Intimidation may also be seen as any attempt to effect or discriminate against a candidate or a member of the Committee or general students in a personal manner. Any instances where Intimidation is thought to have taken place will immediately be brought to the attention of the Returning Officer who (after convening with the Committee of Arbritation) may decide to implement the Sanctions of the Electoral Committee as defined by section 7.6.3.11 of the Constitution.

- All election material must be approved by the Returning Officer before being used and stamped where applicable (this includes all physical and visual material related to canvassing and campaigning). In the event of the Returning Officer's absence, election material must be presented to either the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Public Relations Officer or the Executive Member of the Electoral Committee, who will then reconvene with the Returning Officer in a swift fashion.

- Candidates are strictly prohibited from interfering with the Campaign Materials of other candidates. In the event of a complaint regarding the campaign materials of another candidate, said complaint must be brought to the attention of the Returning Officer who will then investigate the matter further and will discuss with the Electoral Committee whether or not to take further action. Under no circumstances is a candidate to interfere, move or destroy another candidate's campaign materials. Similarly, candidates should also not request for the permission to interfere, move or destroy Campaign Materials of other Candidates. Any such requests will not be entertained.

- Candidates are prohibited from interfering with, or removing any officially stamped in-date posters relating to any matter.

- In the event that the Returning Officer believes that a candidate is grossly over-monopolizing a particular area on campus, he will convene with the Electoral Committee to discuss the implications of the action. Candidates are permitted to place posters anywhere provided they adhere to both the Budgetary Rules of DCUSU Elections 2010 and the Postering Regulations of the University.

- In the event of DCU Estates or the Cleaner Services removing or interfering with a candidate's Campaign materials, the Electoral Committee will not re-imburse or alter the budget of the candidate. Campaign materials are used at the risk of the candidate.

- All posters and associated printed material (such as flyers) must be removed within ten metres of a polling station by 9am 06/04/2010. Candidates will be permitted to continue canvassing throughout polling days as long as they proceed according to the aforementioned regulations regarding proximity to polling stations and behavioral procedure. As outlined in section 7.6.3.10.3 the Electoral Committee has the power to discipline any union member who disobeys a legitimate instruction from the Electoral Committee, this includes the Committee having the power to remove posters that have been left up after the given time on the given date.

Hustings:

- Hustings will be held on Wednesday 31/03/2010 at 2pm.

- The Hustings shall proceed in the following order:

- Faculty Convenor – DCU Business School

- Faculty Convenor – Science and Health

- Faculty Convenor – Engineering and Computing

- Faculty Convenor – Humanities and Social Sciences

- Clubs and Societies Officer

- Equality Officer

- Vice President, Campaigns and Information Officer

- Deputy President, Education and Welfare Officer

- President

- Candidates shall confirm their attendance at the hustings via e-mail with the Returning Officer of the Committee by 10am 30/03/2010.

Polling Day:

- The Polling Stations shall be open from 9am-9pm on Tuesday 06/04/2010 and 9am-4pm on Wednesday 08/04/2010.

- Canvassing shall only take place in Open Areas and is prohibited from taking place within a ten-metre radius of Polling Stations.

Withdrawing Candidature:

- Candidates may withdraw their candidature by delivering in person a signed letter of withdrawal to the Returning Officer, no later than 10am, 30/04/2010. If a candidate withdraws any later than the given date, they may lose their deposit.

Calling Recounts:

- Campaign managers or candidates may request to examine spoiled ballot papers in the presence of the Returning Officer, following the first full count.

- If a candidate feels a recount is needed, he/she may call for a recount within 24 hours of the announcements of the positions.

- In the event that a candidate should request a recount, said recount will commence consecutively with any other requested recounts, in a sequence determined by the Returning Officer on 09/04/2010 beginning at 9am.

andyman · 27-03-2010 6:42pm

Hmmm. Interesting that Cillian Byrne is going for Education and Welfare this year instead of President. Thought he would have given it another go.

Megan O'Riordan's another interesting one. The work she does for DanceSoc is excellent and I feel she'd be a good President. Having said that, I don't know much about the other two, so I'll wait until I hear their ideas before deciding.

At the moment though, I'll probably vote Megan/Cillian/Maeve.

Diarmsquid · 28-03-2010 10:04pm

It's strange how many of the candidates aren't actively involved in the Union, like being a class rep or something, but now feel they know enough to run for elected positions.

Grudaire · 28-03-2010 10:42pm

Right, so for us poor INTRA folk who may wander up to DCU for the polling, we're left out of the loop for info on the candidates.

I know very few of them, so could be sold by as little as a post here from a candidate (or someone pimping them)

Diarmsquid · 28-03-2010 10:45pm

Don't think they're allowed to start campaigning till 9 AM on Monday. I'd say at 9.01 you can expect a flurry of group invitations on Facebook and all the usual stuff. Emailing class lists are banned this year.

cocoa · 28-03-2010 11:56pm

Diarmsquid wrote: »

Don't think they're allowed to start campaigning till 9 AM on Monday. I'd say at 9.01 you can expect a flurry of group invitations on Facebook and all the usual stuff. Emailing class lists are banned this year.

unless you're running for a convenor role...

Cliste, what do you mean by left out of the loop? Didn't you get the e-mail with the list of candidates, or is it just that you can't attend hustings? Or won't be receiving campaign information by e-mail?

OrionsBelt · 29-03-2010 2:01am

Diarmsquid wrote: »

It's strange how many of the candidates aren't actively involved in the Union, like being a class rep or something, but now feel they know enough to run for elected positions.

How strange is it also that those that are class reps aren't running. Would it be better to have no candidates?

Killer_Cheese · 29-03-2010 10:55am

Manifesto: Cillian Byrne
Education and Welfare Candidate 2010/11.

From what I've been told and what I see the role as, there are three main aspects to performing this position.
There is the Education side of the job, which entails looking after and voicing the fears, misunderstandings and angers that any student or potential student could have regarding their course and their overall learning experience and outcomes.

There is also the Welfare element. This task is not for the overly emotional. It deals with peoples personal problems, be it financial, relational, family or indeed acedemic. It is, for me the most important role of the Education and Welfare officer. Education and Welfare officer needs to be able to not only listen and sympathise, but must also be able to find the best solution for that individual.

The third role that I see the Education and Welfare officer having is that of his/her position on the Union and the responsibilities that this carries. Along with working closely with the other officers on events and campaigns the Education and Welfare officer needs to ensure active engagement with the students, through the convenors, class reps and individuals. This active engagement will help the officer to better understand students worries and problems, putting them in a stronger position to be able to absolve and solve these issues.

If elected;

As the Education and Welfare officer I have three different roles that carry three different sets of objectives.
Under the Education role
• I will strive to ensure that any cuts made to courses are not affecting the core objectives and learning outcomes of students' courses. Budget cuts are set to be implemented; they are inevitable however we need to ensure that the integrity of any and every course is maintained and that the budget cuts do not prejudice the education of any student incoming or current. This will mean that all courses are kept to their highest level.
• With larger numbers coming into college at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and budget cuts on the horizon we need to ensure that class structures are not compromised and that current standards do not diminish by the introduction of larger classes and tutorial groups. In some cases in the year gone past these standards have not been adhered to. I propose to ensure that these lapses in standards are reversed and prevented from reoccurring.
• With possible academic structure reform in the near future and the proposed changes to the academic calendar we need to ensure that all changes are implemented in a manner that minimises disruption to both our students and indeed our academic staff. I feel that this will be the biggest issue facing the education structure within the university in the coming year, as this affects not just the next academic year, but will have ramifications for the university for the foreseeable future. These reforms will need to be eased upon our structures and prevented from becoming immediate large scale changes. To introduce these reforms, ensuring minimal confliction, we will need a strong voice as our Education and Welfare officer. Although most would see me as a soft spoken individual, I shall prevail to be the strong leader that this position needs.

As Welfare is concerned:
• I feel that this role needs to work closely with the incoming Campaigns & Information Officer, whom ever that may be, in order to educate students about and to help students avail of all the support that the university has to offer. There are people here to help students with every aspect of college life and we need to give students the capacity to utilise these services to their full potential.
• Also working in conjunction with the various services within DCU, this role can help increase the visibility and approachability of these support services on campus. Simply knowing that the services are there is not enough. We need to actively encourage people to seek assistance when they need it and having the services out and about will encourage people to avail of them.
• Finally it is my promise to you, to be the one you can count on to be there for any problem or issue that you as a student and a friend may have throughout your year.

With my role within the Union:
• Maintaining a strong and active interest in the politics of student affairs is a very important objective of mine. Our Class rep system needs to be more engaging so that more issues that students are having can be brought to light. I plan to introduce professional training and a constant reward program for active class reps.
• With potential cuts looking imminent, close relationships with the faculty convenors will be of extreme importance. The convenors and class reps are the eyes and ears to what really goes on in DCU and ensuring they have an environment and a person they can come to with any issue, however big or small is what will make my job achievable.
• As Education and Welfare officer I will be responsible for some of the campaigns run throughout the year. In the past and up until very recently, the union has tried to stretch their events out for an entire week long campaign, sometimes resulting in poor turnouts. My plan for the Education and Welfare campaigns is to run them for a shorter period of time to result in a greater impact. This year's Disability Awareness Day is a prime example of how campaigns can be organised and run for a shorter period.
• With the return of the bar this year and a major swarm of events, there has been a visible increase of a student filled frenzy, however we still need to ensure that all of our students are catered for. That’s why I hope to be able to push for more events and campaigns aimed towards the post grads and mature students within our ranks. With more and more students seeking postgraduate courses straight after their undergrad the events run already this year were suitable, however we need to take into account those returning to education after a period of time.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cillian-Byrne-for-Education-and-Welfare-DCU-2010/112947112050982?v=app_2373072738#!/pages/Cillian-Byrne-for-Education-and-Welfare-DCU-2010/112947112050982?v=wall

Foxkehs · 29-03-2010 12:51pm

My name is Jackie Fox, a second year Communications student, and I’m running for Humanities and Social Sciences Convenor.

Experience

I’ve been an active class rep for my course for the past year; getting involved fortnightly in Union Council but also in the Programme Board Meeting every Semester. Currently, I’m the Student’s Union Accommodation Officer and have worked with the Education and Welfare Officer to negotiate overnight guests within campus residence during study week. Holding several society committee positions during my two years in DCU has given me the chance to work together with people as a group but also in organising weekly events around campus.

Aims

There needs to be an improvement with the relationship between convenor and class reps. We all know that the current economic climate has affected each of us in different ways and it’s currently affecting the Humanity and Social Sciences Faculty significantly. My intention is to fight, to the best of my ability, these module cuts amongst the different courses. It’s unfortunate that such radical changes are being made, however, it’s vitally important that the students voice is heard in relation to which are the most important, necessary and academically valuable modules. It’s crucial that class reps and convenor stick together during this time to fight for what is right for their course.

An idea I have for the future of incoming students of Humanities and Social Sciences is an ice-breaker/information session during Orientation Week. My proposal is to have a slot during Orientation Week for students for a period of 2 hours. This will be run by former class reps and the Humanities Convenor. Its aim would be to help the new students interact with each other, to feel more comfortable in their new surroundings and with each other. Also, the former class reps shall give the students a talk on their experiences within their course but also to offer a friendly a familiar face for new students. Another area that would be explored would be the importance grades throughout the year, the necessity of a good and vocal class rep, coping with different assignments and presentations and any other useful contact or other information. I think this would be something that would be very beneficial for future students.

Finally, I would hope to organise a Humanities Ball for students in the Hub to give students that well deserved break they need from all those assignments!

I assure you, I’m very dedicated to the work I do and I’d really appreciate it if you voted for me for Humanities Convenor.

Garseys · 29-03-2010 1:45pm

shouldn't there be a seperate thread for candidates manifestos?

Urizen · 29-03-2010 1:50pm

Brian McDonald for Clubs & Societies Officer - Vote YES

Link to the Facebook. The manifesto is in the discussion area.

Facebook - Brian McDonald for Clubs & Socs Officer

goodgodholmes · 29-03-2010 2:16pm

Hey guys, I'm Maeve McQuillan and I'm running for DCUSU Campaigns and Information Officer.

You can read my full manifesto at: www.maeveforsu.com

Click the link at the bottom to get to the manifesto!

eagleye7 · 29-03-2010 3:52pm

All the fun can be found at http://www.ddoyle.ie

David Doyle No. 1
for DCU SU President

A Manifesto for a New Union – 2010 / 2011

Thank you for taking the time to read my vision of DCU SU going forward into 2010 – 2011. I strongly believe that there are a number of key areas within the Union that desperately need to be addressed, reformed, expanded or created. Below I have listed my six key areas for reform within the Union, all of which I promise that, if elected, I shall address at the first available opportunity.

I believe that through my experience, dedication and enthusiasm I stand as the best candidate for the position of President. I hope you agree with me, and will consider me for your number 1 vote in the upcoming elections.

For more information on my campaign or to provide input, suggestions or questions please do not hesitate to visit http://ddoyle.ie or to text ‘Doyle’ followed by your question to 51567. Standard network charges apply, and my campaign will not use your number for any purpose other than replying to your questions.

I hope the manifesto below answers your questions and addresses your concerns as best as possible.

Remember, for a breath of fresh air, Vote Doyle No.1

Thanks,

David Doyle.

1) Massive Union Reforms

DCUSU has an important responsibility to all students and that is to represent the needs and interests of all of us through academic and extra-curricular representation, through campaigns and events, through collective and individual issues. This is, in my opinion, the main aim of our Union, and it is a goal that has been blurred and weakened in recent years due to a failing and complacent structure within the Union itself. If elected, I promise to reform the SU to ensure, no matter what the situation, that the Union is always there for you when you need it.

Among my proposed reforms are immediate changes to the role of convenors both within the SU and at faculty level, the running of campaigns regarding student life, the promotion of SU events across campus as well as the availability of help to all students.

DCU SU’s first line of attack and defence within each faculty is your class representative, with the support of a faculty convenor. Without these tirelessly working across each faculty, the Union has a considerable weakened voice regarding a number of key academic issues. Recognising this, I promise that if elected I will ensure all Convenors place a higher priority on Academic Affairs than on the social and cosmetic side of the Union. In a time of impending budget cuts and the inauguration of a new DCU President, it is essential that our Union plays a strong role in academic affairs and it will be of my highest priority that your voice is heard during these trying times.

I promise that if elected, I shall ensure that dedicated weekly clinics will be held by members of the SU Executive. These clinics will allow easier access for all students of DCU who may be frightened or intimidated by entering the SU offices.

While I will reform the approach to academic affairs, I also believe that a reform to the way in which our extra-curricular activities are run is necessary. I will ensure that events and campaigns are run both by sabbatical officers and a dedicated Events Crew with the input of all students through a series of feedback forums.

In short, I both promise and aim to achieve and create a Union that is more transparent, more open and more available. If, like me, you want to see a Union that actively engages with the issues that affect students; then I would strongly urge you to Vote Doyle Number 1 for SU President.

I believe it is time for our SU to concentrate on the issues that directly affect all students and to branch out from its current structures.

2) Hub Refurbishments

In recent years we have seen a massive expanding of Student Life in DCU, especially in terms of Clubs and Societies. Since the re-opening of the NuBar, we have all been reminded of the potential and importance of the Hub as a social centre for life in DCU.

If elected, I promise to use the Union voice on the Hub Management Committee to push for a massive refurbishment of the facilities available within the Hub. Our student centre is an excellent facility that we need to properly maintain and improve. Simple maintenance of the Hub is essential to creating a more vibrant atmosphere on campus.

By working closely with both the Office of Student Life and The Hub Management Committee I promise that, if elected, I shall use the Unions voice, vote and resources to push for as intense a refurbishment as possible. In doing so, I would ensure that we, the students of DCU, get the best value for our money and the highest quality facilities, which we deserve.

I believe that we deserve the highest quality of facilities and services across the university, especially within our own student center.

3) Postgraduate and Part-time Student Facilities and Representation

At present, DCU SU is an under 24 and undergraduate Union, despite a large proportion of students studying post graduate degrees here in DCU. If elected, I promise to make a number of swift reforms to structure and policy that can best be divided into the following categories: Facilities and Representation.

In terms of facilities, both DCU SU and DCU as a whole have office hours that cater almost exclusively to 9 – 5 Students, and fail to address the needs of evening study students or those studying part-time degrees. If elected, I will immediately ensure that a Sabbatical officer of DCU SU will be available after hours one night of the week to meet with part-time and evening hours students. Also, I will begin to lobby for more inclusive opening hours of departments across DCU.

Regarding representation, DCU SU has a considerable gap in the needs of Post-Graduate students. Despite two post-graduate officers sitting on executive there is at present no attempts to create a bottom-up grassroots representation structure. If elected, I will reform the way in which post-graduate reps are elected to ensure a fair and practical system of Class Representatives. Lastly, I will strive to create a separate body of Union Council to cater for Post-graduate and Part-time representations.

I believe that our union should be inclusive of all members and ensure that DCU is a welcoming campus to all students.

4) Mature Student Representation

Similar to the gap of representation for post-graduate students, the facilities that cater to the unique needs of Mature Students lack considerably. At present our Union has no elected Mature Student position and I promise to immediately change this.

A Mature Student Officer of Union Council shall be established at the first UC of the academic year, whilst at Constitutional Review I shall press for the creation of an executive officer for Mature students.

Similarly, the facilities available within DCU are almost specifically targeted towards students aged 18 – 24. If elected, I will push for the creation of a café bar within the Hub, as well as a regeneration of The Den to create a student centre that caters for the needs and wants of mature students.

I believe that DCU SU should be open with its services and facilities, ensuring that they all cater for the needs of mature students.

5) National Presence

Although the issue of USI is always discussed throughout the course of Union elections, I will not allow it to hijack a more important issue of our voice on a national scale. If elected to the office of President, I shall ensure that the interests of DCU students will be heard and recognized through a number of different channels.

Currently, our outgoing university President is engaged in numerous discussions with the Minister for Education and Science, as we can easily see from his blog and numerous print articles. I would hope, that in the interest of DCU, our incoming president shall maintain this level of communication with the department.

If elected President, I shall act upon my strong belief that constant communication with our own University President is essential to a wider representation of DCU Students.

Similarly, through a series of direct communication with other SU executives across the country, I will ensure that DCU plays a strong part in any national campaigns of immediate interest or relevance to student life. Throughout the ‘Fight the Fee’s’ campaign, it was clearly displayed that DCU students are willing and able to represent themselves on important issues, and if elected, I shall ensure we have the opportunity to do so when needed.

I believe that we need a greater national presence, and I will ensure that you have the opportunity to make yourself heard.

6) Visible and Continuous Campaigns & Events

As president of DCU SU I shall ensure that the campaigns organized by the Union shall increase in length, legitimacy and scope. If elected, the SU shall no longer concentrate solely on ‘themed weeks’ but rather on persistent, year long campaigns on relevant welfare, academic and social matters. This reform of campaign structure shall place more emphasis upon internal DCU campaigns, targeting issues with relevance to the student body. (i.e; Registry, Fees, Finances, Access, Student Support, Health, Careers.)

I strongly believe that the SU does not need to sell out a ball, print out tickets and hire expensive acts simply to have a party. Using our excellent and experienced events organizer, I shall create a union which concentrates on 5 nights of the week, and not 1 every fortnight. I will ensure that the SU concentrates on regular, student-friendly and entertaining events across multiple nights of the week. This shall be done along side a new feedback facility for our large scale events, such as the Life-Wired Festival.

Further to this, I believe that in these tough economic times, tickets should be set at a price affordable to all students and that all students receive adequate notice and information on events and ticket sales.

I believe that SU campaigns and events should be far-reaching, memorable and accessible to all students.

For faculty specific issues text your faculty name to 51567.

Faculties:
- Science and Health
- Nursing
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Engineering and Computing
- Business

Want to meet with me to discuss my policies? Text ‘Today’ to 51567.

29-03-2010 7:00pm

Yay, it's rhetoric season again!

Grudaire · 29-03-2010 10:13pm

cocoa wrote: »

Cliste, what do you mean by left out of the loop? Didn't you get the e-mail with the list of candidates, or is it just that you can't attend hustings? Or won't be receiving campaign information by e-mail?

Never really went to hustings, more that I don't see any of the stuff that floats about (Even campus isn't about*)

The one person that I would vote for on the list right now I can't, because they're in Humanities (vote Adam

) Now to read these long chunks of text...

* I don't like reading Campus on a computer

phasers · 29-03-2010 10:17pm

I'm a first year so don't really know the score, but do some people just run for every position going? I recognise a few of these names from the equality officer election from earlier in the year...

Carri · 29-03-2010 10:58pm

phasers wrote: »

I'm a first year so don't really know the score, but do some people just run for every position going? I recognise a few of these names from the equality officer election from earlier in the year...

Some do, I guess...

Some genuinely want it..

Some do it for the lulz..

If you have no idea who to vote for, go to Hustings...

OrionsBelt · 29-03-2010 11:10pm

Competition seems to be pretty intense this year. Even to the Convenors and the non contested positions are really pushing their campaigns. The Hub, the Herny G and Business School are covered in posters. May be, it being an election and all, security and the cleaners will turn a blind eye and leave them up. I doubt it though

andyman · 30-03-2010 11:12am

I have to say, Cillian Byrnes posters are absolutely quality. The one where he's holding his arms out with the slogan "Here to hug it all away" is one of the funniest, yet cleverest things I've seen this year.

30-03-2010 11:55am

andyman wrote: »

I have to say, Cillian Byrnes posters are absolutely quality. The one where he's holding his arms out with the slogan "Here to hug it all away" is one of the funniest, yet cleverest things I've seen this year.

I too hold illustrative marketing skills in higher regard than the ability to spell correctly. You'd think that someone running for election would at least get a dictionary or a spell-checker.

Killer_Cheese · 30-03-2010 2:21pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I too hold illustrative marketing skills in higher regard than the ability to spell correctly. You'd think that someone running for election would at least get a dictionary or a spell-checker.

I agree, but don't the mistakes help with standing out in what is a serious swarm of colorful posters...........plus i'm human.

Hey 'Lets hug it out'

phasers · 30-03-2010 2:25pm

eww, hugs...

SU Elections

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