PSA Election

Mossin

Hey all,

The nominations for PSA President close today at 5pm.
Does anyone what candidates are running?

ninty9er

I know of 2 definites.

sceptre

I hear Dave Morrin is running. If I had a vote, he'd have it.

Mossin

sceptre wrote: »

I hear Dave Morrin is running. If I had a vote, he'd have it.

I can confirm that David Morrin [THATS ME FOLKS!] is running for PSA president!

I'll have a manifesto uploaded later today, and I would appreciate all postgrad votes next Monday.

Good luck to Dan and Eadaoin who are running against me also.

ninty9er

I had known Dan and Eadaoin were running, but good luck to you too Dave.

I don't know Eadaoin, but I know that Ryan Dan:p and Dave are solid candidates.

_Coco_

Three candidates are confirmed to be running for the position of PSA President:
Ryan Dan Comerford
David Morrin
Eadaoin Walsh

Best of luck to all three!

tweedledee!

Good to see that there is an election anyway this year! My money's on Ryan Dan, seeing as I know him! Smart guy with plenty of experience for the job! Don't know the other two candidates but wish everyone the best of luck!

rmacm

Mossin wrote: »

I can confirm that David Morrin [THATS ME FOLKS!] is running for PSA president!

I'll have a manifesto uploaded later today, and I would appreciate all postgrad votes next Monday.

Good luck to Dan and Eadaoin who are running against me also.

Best of luck with it man.

ryandan

Hey everyone

I hope you are all well.

Ryan Dan Comerford here. As you may have heard I am running for YOUR PSA President for 2010 aswell.

Hope to see you around during the week. Be sure to come and say hi and if you have any questions be sure to ask. I'll only be happy to help if I can.

The best of luck to David and Eadaoin and I will see you tomorrow morning.

Ryan Dan for PSA.

Mossin

Just some updates for people:

Election takes place Monday Week 12.

The Election Polling Station will be positioned in the PSA Common Room only.
It will be opened from 10 am - 8pm.

The count will take place Tuesday morning.

Hustings will take place on Monday at 2pm in the Stables Courtyard.

Let the campaigning begin!

Mossin

Hey everyone,

If you would like to join in my campaign or even show your support, you can check out my Campaign Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=118872328123429

My manifesto is under available under discussions.

For anybody who is not able to access my manifesto for any reason, I've posted it here:

My name is David Morrin and I am a candidate for PSA President 2010-2011. Please vote me as your No.1 choice when voting in the election on Monday of Week 12.

Below is my manifesto on which I am more than willing to talk to anyone about, at any time. Please take the time to read it, and once again please vote David Morrin No.1 for PSA President.

My Background
I am in my 5th year in the University of Limerick, and am doing an MBS in International Entrepreneurship Management. I have been the class rep for this class since September and have represented them and other postgrads on issues throughout this academic yearin areas such as Class Reps Council .
I am an active member of Connect, helping students interact and get involved.
I have been an orientation guide for undergraduates, postgraduates, mature and international students, and I still assist these students whenever they encounter difficulties.
I am a UL Access Student Ambassador and an Access Peer Mentor and have been since returning from Co-op placement over 2 years ago.
I do all of this on a voluntary basis, in order to pass on my experiences and assistance to new students. I believe that these leadership qualities will help me succeed in the role of PSA President.
I am approachable, and listen to all difficulties and problems and will attempt to rectify these to the best of my ability.
Please vote David Morrin No.1 for PSA President.

Policies

Longer Library opening hours during the summer months:
Because postgrad theses are due at the beginning of a new academic year in September, I will strive to get longer opening hours in the library. It closing at 5-6pm is not fair on postgrad students who need access to the resources at a time when they need it most. Looking to gain 24 hour library access is unrealistic. However, I will strive to achieve longer opening hours.
Greater integration of research and taught postgrads in the PSA:
I will ensure that concerns of both research and taught postgrads are represented within the PSA. I will do a recruitment drive to get class reps from taught classes as we are greatly underrepresented in this area, and encourage all research postgrads to voice their opinions regularly as well as look for Research Postgraduates to become reps for research postgrads as the issues will vary between taught and research postgrads.

Increase awareness of the PSA and other postgrad opportunities:
Last year numerous initiatives such as the Dragon’s Den competition held by the Entrepreneurship class went unnoticed by the UL campus. I will strongly promote postgrad activities in local media and also in An Focal by working with the SU’s Communications Officer. I have experience in this area, and last year, I promoted Earth Hour on 2FM, Limerick 95FM, and Spin South West as well as 3 local newspapers.


Increase Feedback for students:
I will work with faculty heads to attempt to get greater levels of feedback for students on all aspects of their college work. I feel that this will be beneficial for the overall learning experience for students.

Increased facilities for postgrad students:
I will ensure that postgrads have access to adequate facilities and resources, such as office space, printers and meeting rooms. For example currently, there is no printer in the KBS postgrad lab which I believe is unacceptable, especially after I fought for 7 weeks to even get it opened for students last semester. I will also attempt to get a photocopier installed in either the KBS or Schuman, as it’s unfair on students who spend the majority of their time there to have to traipse to the Library or SU to photocopy.
In addition to this in these economic times I will make sure that existing student services are not diminished, services such as the Medical centre, counselling services are all very important to students and need to be maintained.

The current economic times have seen an increase in the number of Post Grads applying for and attaining positions here. This will make finding suitable housing harder to find and I will work with the Accomodation service to make sure that Postgrads do not have to live in substandard student housing. In addition security off campus is very low and I will work with the campaigns and services officer to improve this situation.

Student Supports - we have seen that some postgrad classes are already feeling the pinch with a lack of adequate support structures, some not even receiving tutorials when they have been asked for. As postgrad president I will strive to ensure that you will get all the help that you need to make your time in UL a successful one.

Open the KBS at weekends:
This building is open for classes at weekends, and yet students of the University are unable to access it. I hope to rectify this situation, and enable students to avail of the facilities on offer there from 9am – 5pm on both Saturdays and Sundays during term time.
Ensure fewer consecutive exams:
An issue which was raised this year was students having to sit 3 exams in a row. This wasn’t acceptable for most classes in undergraduate courses, and is definitely unacceptable for postgrad students. If elected I will ensure that students have fewer consecutive exams.

Work in conjunction with the other SU Officers:
Even though the PSA is a separate entity to the SU, I think a solid working relationship needs to be developed between the two parties. This will aid the transition of 4th year students, who move into postgraduate study in UL as they then have greater awareness of the PSA.

Employability:
Given the current economic climate, developing greater awareness of opportunities for postgrads is important. I will work with the Careers Office to ensure this continues.

Faculty Days:
If elected, I will run faculty days in the PSA Common Room whereby each faculty will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with each other while enjoying some music and drinks further increasing the university experience


All comments are appreciated.

DJCR

Mossin wrote: »

Hey everyone,

If you would like to join in my campaign or even show your support, you can check out my Campaign Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=118872328123429

/QUOTE]


For those of you not on Facebook : http://davidmorrin4psa.webs.com/

Eadaoin Walsh

Hello everyone,

Thanks for the good luck wishes lads - the same right back at you.

My election page is here

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eadaoin-Walsh-for-PSA-President/108660312507102?ref=ts

so have a read and see if you like my ideas.

munsterdevil

Best of luck to all involved, where will the voting be on Monday?

Eadaoin Walsh

The voting will be in the PSA Common Room from 10 am til around 8 pm in the evening, on Monday. We will also have hustings at 2 o'clock if you would like to hear what all of us have to say and ask us some questions.

cson

3 votes for Mossin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aBaX9GPSaQ

Good luck with it Dave, hope you get it

Mrmoe

I have a number of questions for the candidates with regard to research students.

1. How do you plan to communicate/support with research students who do not have a faculty representative?

2. What will your policy be towards teaching/demonstration hours and lack of renumeration for this work?

3. Will you introduce a system for assiting students where their funding has ended but are required to pay fees/support themselves regardless?

4. How do you plan to increase the participation of research students in the running of the PSA/ULSU?

The Don

Good luck with the election Dave. You'd make a fine PSA President.

flowers11

From what I've seen around campus Ryan Dan Comerford appears to be the only one making a real and genuine effort to win the election, which in my opinion can only be a good indication of his future commitment to the job as President of the PSA if elected, I for one will be giving him my No 1 Vote, !! Best of luck to all involved!

Mossin

flowers11 wrote: »

From what I've seen around campus Ryan Dan Comerford appears to be the only one making a real and genuine effort to win the election, which in my opinion can only be a good indication of his future commitment to the job as President of the PSA if elected, I for one will be giving him my No 1 Vote, !! Best of luck to all involved!

I am fully committed to winning this election, however, I also am committed to getting my 1.1 masters degree at the same time. So forgive me for being a little slow off the mark with my posters and manifesto.

EDIT: I will try answer the questions posed in an earlier post later tonight when I return home

ClaireLarkin

Ryan Dan is a Legend, Campaign is solid too, id vote for him hands down!!!:rolleyes:

crinkley

Mossin wrote: »

I am fully committed to winning this election, however, I also am committed to getting my 1.1 masters degree at the same time. So forgive me for being a little slow off the mark with my posters and manifesto.

EDIT: I will try answer the questions posed in an earlier post later tonight when I return home

well if you can't juggle campaigning with studies now what do you plan to do next year if you're plate is full and you're actually elected?

Saw Ryan around the canteen today, great to see people out if they actually want something, thats one up for him anyway, we'll see if the other candidates can change my mind come monday

Mossin

crinkley wrote: »

well if you can't juggle campaigning with studies now what do you plan to do next year if you're plate is full and you're actually elected?

Saw Ryan around the canteen today, great to see people out if they actually want something, thats one up for him anyway, we'll see if the other candidates can change my mind come monday

I have been juggling a part-time job, peer mentoring of 1st years, student ambassador duties and my course work since september, so I am well capable of handling a workload.

Also, I never said I couldnt juggle both. I said I am fully committed to both my college degree and the election. I was just a little slow off the mark as I was just back from a wedding on Sunday afternoon, and had a bucket load of work to catch-up as I had been away from Thursday [that is also the reason I only submitted my nomination on Monday].

Gladly now I have caught-up with the majority of my workload, and can focus equally on both efforts.

As for not being seen around the place, I have class from 9-5pm on Wednesdays, but I shall be making an appearance in the canteen tomorrow at lunch-time.

tweedledee!

Haven't seen as much as one poster yet for the Eadaoin girl who is apparantly running, makes me question somewhat if she's even serious about it if she's not willing to put visible effort into a campaign yet. I spoke to two girls who were up in the canteen representing Ryan Dan today, looked like they were pulling in the people anyway...he seems to have a big campaign team behind him by the looks of things. As people have said, visibility means a lot especially when you don't know any of the candidates personally and to be honest it is indicative of the effort they are putting in. Should be a fun week!

breanoh

Having been around UL for many years, it's great to see a challenge for PSA prez!

it is worrying that only one candidate is so far visible on campus, and I am seriously doubtful about some of the ideas/plans in some of the manifesto's..... looks like people haven't done their homework in some camps....

Comerford looking like the strongest candidate so far anyway. Know him pretty well, and I know he is a great guy, and would be a very dedicated PSA President.

Best of luck to all involved,

Ryan Dan to win!

DJCR

MORRINS ON THE ROAD!!!!!

HE WILL BE IN RED RAISINS TOMMORROW AT 1pm TO MEET AND GREET AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE FOR HIM..... COME UP TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OR IF YOUR NOT CONVINCED ASK HIM ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE!!!!!

If you miss him he will be in the CUBE on friday at 1pm to answer any questions you may have!!!

@MrMoe..... he will be on to you in the morning... I think you will see why tomorrow, we've had a very busy evening!!!

flowers11

Fair enough, however I'm sure the other two candidates are as equally dedicated to their postgraduate degrees,! no animosity was intended in the post!! best of luck anyways!

Mossin

Mrmoe wrote: »

I have a number of questions for the candidates with regard to research students.

1. How do you plan to communicate/support with research students who do not have a faculty representative?

I hope to ensure that all postgrads have a voice in the PSA. I feel that this is the only way to adequately address all the issues that exist.
I will run a recruitment drive where I will encourage all research postgrads to get involved. If they dont have a faculty rep. I will work with each faculty by creating regular meetings [2-3 per semester at least] to ensure that they are heard.
I will also create forum space whereby views can be expressed and I will regularly review this space and act accordingly.

Mrmoe wrote: »

2. What will your policy be towards teaching/demonstration hours and lack of renumeration for this work?

Currently there is an issue with rates of pay of postgrads who are in employment within the University, with some being paid €45 per hour and others paid absolutely nothing.
I will work with faculty heads and devise a system where all postgrad teaching will receive remuneration. Even in these poor economic times, it is unrealistic to ask students to work for free.

Mrmoe wrote: »

3. Will you introduce a system for assisting students where their funding has ended but are required to pay fees/support themselves regardless?

I will work with each individual case in this instance, and I will work with the SU Welfare Officer to devise a suitable and appropriate course of action.

Mrmoe wrote: »

4. How do you plan to increase the participation of research students in the running of the PSA/ULSU?

I will run a recruitment drive to get research postgrads more involved. I believe that their input is vital if I want to address all postgraduate concerns. I will offer incentives such as faculty days, which will get research students into where the PSA.
I will also hold meetings for research postgrads in order to encourage them to participate.
Ideally I would like research postgrads on the Executive, and this is something that I will strive to achieve.

tweedledee!

Currently there is an issue with rates of pay of postgrads who are in employment within the University, with some being paid €45 per hour and others paid absolutely nothing.
I will work with faculty heads and devise a system where all postgrad teaching will receive remuneration. Even in these poor economic times, it is unrealistic to ask students to work for free.


To be honest, the way things currently are, this is not going to be achieved. I'm no expert, but as far as I know, it is predominantly people undertaking taught masters programmes for example in the business/law faculties that are paid in the region of 35-45e per tutorial. In the main, it is the research postgrads some of whom are being funded by various scholarships who are required to teach a certain number of hours and must do so in order to fulfill requirements. While it is extremely tough and unfortunate on those who are not being funded, I'm failing to see how a university riddled with debt is going to be able to pay more people who are not currently on the payroll..it's just not realistic but I wish it was.

DJCR

tweedledee! wrote: »

Currently there is an issue with rates of pay of postgrads who are in employment within the University, with some being paid €45 per hour and others paid absolutely nothing.
I will work with faculty heads and devise a system where all postgrad teaching will receive remuneration. Even in these poor economic times, it is unrealistic to ask students to work for free.


To be honest, the way things currently are, this is not going to be achieved. I'm no expert, but as far as I know, it is predominantly people undertaking taught masters programmes for example in the business/law faculties that are paid in the region of 35-45e per tutorial. In the main, it is the research postgrads some of whom are being funded by various scholarships who are required to teach a certain number of hours and must do so in order to fulfill requirements. While it is extremely tough and unfortunate on those who are not being funded, I'm failing to see how a university riddled with debt is going to be able to pay more people who are not currently on the payroll..it's just not realistic but I wish it was.

So you propose ignoring the situation? Nothing Ventured, Nothing gained. At least the issue has arrisen and will be discussed - David will push the issue forward and while it may be difficult to achieve at least he isn't going in with a defeatest attitude towards it.

You have to admit that it is unfair that some receive around €40 while others recieve nothing and it is something that needs to be addressed.

tweedledee!

DJCR wrote: »

So you propose ignoring the situation? Nothing Ventured, Nothing gained. At least the issue has arrisen and will be discussed - David will push the issue forward and while it may be difficult to achieve at least he isn't going in with a defeatest attitude towards it.

You have to admit that it is unfair that some receive around €40 while others recieve nothing and it is something that needs to be addressed.

I didn't state at any point that the situation should be ignored and it hasn't been for the last few years, wuite the contrary, but I stand by what I said that it's not going to be rectified so that everyone is receiving 40e or whatever per tutorial....it's just not feasible. I also said that it was totally unfair that some are being paid and others arent but that seems to largely be down to the structure of some of the specific funded phd scholarships where students are required the teach a certain no of hours or do so at maths/science learning centres etc. If you're looking at it like that, one could also say then that it is unfair how taught students who don't receive a grant have to pay full fees wheres the research postgrads who receive funding (which is a pretty large percent) don't. I would love if all students who are teaching were renumerated for it, but I just think that it's a tad unrealistic to focues on something pretty unattainable when there is so much more to direct attention to.

ryandan

:DRyan Dan Comerford

P.S.A. President

Manifesto

My background

Hey! I’m Ryan Dan Comerford, currently doing an M.A. in Business Management with an undergrad in BSc in Industrial Biochemistry also from the University of Limerick. I’m running to be YOUR P.S.A. President because I want to help post graduate students to get the best of student life in this fantastic university. From my experiences of five years of university life here in U.L I feel that I am fully capable of improving the P.S.A. to meet the needs of the ever increasing number of post grads, both research and taught.

My past experiences

o Having served as a class representative for two years I have a great knowledge of both the positives and the negatives facing students. I dealt with issues arising from exam and lecture timetables, to difficulties with staff, to issues with accommodation. I also organised events such as class parties, clothing, and trips around the country. I acted not only for my individual class members but my class, faculty and year. I am aware of the running of the Students Union and its Sabbatical team.

o I have been and currently am involved in clubs and societies for the past five years and have acted as president, treasurer, and first year representative and events officer. From this involvement I have made critical contacts with the various funding bodies available to students. This year alone I have brought the Out in UL society to new heights and using my leadership and management skills I organised, promoted and implemented the largest intervarsity events that the society has ever seen. Within the society I had the experience of dealing with many welfare issues and concerns facing students.

o This year I am a resident assistant (R.A.) in Kilmurry student village where I assist the village manager and liaise with campus security to ensure the well being of approx 530 students residing in the village. Here I am employed by Plassey Campus Centre (P.C.C.) and they are the organisation that manage and maintain all on-campus student accommodation and the licences in the University such as the Stables. In this position I have made contacts with all the P.C.C. management team, the accommodation office, the Counselling Services and the Buildings department.


o I am currently seeking an increase in the availability of PG accommodation and I am confident that I will secure their commitment to such. I have spoken with P.C.C. to ensure this. I am also looking for yearlong leases for the academic year and summer period for on-campus post grads as the majority of post grads stay around for the summer doing research or thesis. They are willing to work alongside me to ensure this. I intend to work alongside the Accommodation office and P.C.C. and ensure that good quality housing is reassured.


o This year working alongside the P.S.A. and the equality committee, we managed to raise a sensitive issue regarding the Irish Blood Transfusion Service and bring it to the national stage through the Limerick Post, the Independent and Daily Star newspapers. I have been interviewed a number of times this matter also by fellow students and journalists. This is a major achievement and something that we should all be proud of.

o I have made many great connections throughout my 5 years in the university, from fellow students, Sabbatical Officers, Students Union, Clubs and Societies, Plassey Campus Centre, Campus Security, Counselling Services, Student Academic, Access Office, Scholars, Stables and various funding bodies.

You deserve a better standard of Representation, Entertainments and Services, and as your P.S.A. President I know I can provide these. I believe that from my past experiences and the connections I have made I can be a successful P.S.A. president and bring about a fantastic new year.

My aims should I be elected as YOUR P.S.A. President.

o Represent the post graduate students in all matters relating to their university experience. (Welfare, services, entertainment to name a few)

o Communicate and liaise with all post grads students and all bodies concerned with the post graduate experience.

o Promote the P.S.A. not only throughout the university but on a national and international level.

My policies

Upon my decision to go forward for the P.S.A. nominations I decided to carry out research on post grads to see what you really want and need, not what I think you want or need. I held individual meetings with post grad students ranging from taught to post grad in a mixture of faculties. Here is what needs to be resolved in the P.S.A.

All these following points are achievable and not empty promises which cannot be delivered.

Facilities & services:
It is essential that the services offered by the university are utilised by those who require it. (E.g. Careers, Counselling, Medical, Accommodation, Funding) By making students aware of these facilities and services, it’ll make university life less problematic. Due to serious cuts in funding right across the board and its effect on all students I am not going to promise you anything that is not achievable.

Taught:
o The post grad study room is simply awful. It is a cold, uncomfortable and an unwelcoming environment. It is my intention to refurbish it in order to create a pleasant atmosphere, making the room more conducive to postgraduate level study to compare with other national universities. I would also safe guard the room to post grad students only permitted to enter the room.
o Furthermore, The Kemmy Business School is in desperate need of a postgraduate photocopying area.
o The P.S.A. common room needs more furniture and more sterile utensils.

Research:
o The foundation building needs a place where the post graduate researchers can meet to enjoy coffee or a meal. As a solution, I would like to see a common purpose area provided, complete with microwave, kettle, fridge and toaster.
o The air conditioning system in the foundation building needs sorting out by setting at a temperature that promotes effective study and a comfortable environment.
o A reorganisation of the desks in the foundation into faculty areas will promote communications and increase contact for researchers who are left alone and isolated often without knowing anyone.

Representation:
o I want to increase contact between all class reps, faculty reps and the P.S.A., to increase awareness of the association and ensure that post grads are heard and listened to.
o I intend to coordinate regular specific meetings between all post graduate reps and the P.S.A. to ensure that all matters regarding post grads are communicated and resolved.
o I want to encourage every class to have adequate representation to ensure that every taught post grads has a voice and get what they deserve.
o I want there to be a faculty rep for every research faculty to ensure that research post grads aren’t ignored like they are at the moment.
o Ideally, I would like the inclusion officer to be a research post graduate to bring the whole community of taught and researchers together to create greater post graduate community and culture.
o Due to the fact the UL P.S.A. is one of only two P.S.A. in the country with Trinity College Dublin being the other; I intend to liaise with Trinity at a greater frequency.
o I am fortunate to have worked with the current Sabbatical Officers in the Students Union and as many of them have been re-elected I will continue to have a good working relationship with them.

Orientation:
o At the moment the orientation is either non-existent or ineffective. Good quality orientation is so important. The orientation process is currently suiting undergraduate students and not Post grads. From my experiences the people doing orientation are not aware of the services and facilities specifically aware to post grads; we are left in the cold. I intend to work closer with the orientation team to ensure that the guides are fully aware of such.
o I intend to lobby the buildings department to increase the signage around the campus for the first few weeks to show students where buildings are located until they are fully acquainted with the campus layout. ALL post grads need to be shown where and how to utilise the facilities offered to post grads. (Computer labs, library facilities, common room, canteens and other services offered by the university.)
o Under my direction, I intend to develop and introduce a post grads orientation booklet to inform students about the campus, the city for social hot-spots, shops and amenities to alleviate the transposition from other universities.
o It is unacceptable that many research post grads are joining the university throughout the academic year without receiving an orientation whatsoever! It is imperative that each faculty has designated students whom I can contact to meet, greet and introduce the new researcher to the campus and make their transition to college life easier.

Social:
o I firmly believe that post grads need a good social life. A lot of post grads are feeling isolated and lonely. More events & activities are needed to facilitate a good social environment. Under my leadership, I envisage faculty nights out, mystery tours, more wine receptions, meet and greets and non-alcoholic events for both research and taught post grads.
o I intend to introduce a post grads graduation ball for those graduating in January. Friday night is Post grad night and let’s keep it that way; by increasing the quality of the events, this will encourage post grads to stay around at weekends and in turn encourage a better post grads atmosphere.
o Many post grads are unaware of the great work of clubs and societies and how beneficial it can be to get involved. I intend to bring clubs and societies (CnS) into mainstream post graduate life. CnS is a great opportunity to meet new people in an inexpensive manner, and fully reap the rewards of being a member of clubs and societies.

Finance:
The University is facing serious cut backs so finance is of upmost importance.
o I intend to lobby the university for more part-time jobs and employment opportunities and for the jobs to go through the P.S.A. to be advertised to the post grads first using the P.S.A. website.
o Students should be aware of various funding opportunities (e.g. scholarships) and unfortunately are not as aware as they should. I want to bring awareness to these funding opportunities in the hope that post grads will avail of them.
o I want to build and increase communications with MABS. This is a free service that aids those in financial need.
o Increase awareness of part-time jobs in and around campus by advertising jobs on P.S.A. website. As I am fortunate to have worked with and made links to those who matter (e.g. P.C.C.) I can be the first call of point of many vacancies in the college. (E.g. invigilators, residential assistants, disability assistants, conferences and grinds.)
o The Grinds Forum which was setup and developed by our current P.S.A. President and Education Officer is a great way to tackle the need for extra funding for post grads and the declining number of under grad tutorials. I have spoken with next year’s Education Officer and if elected we intend to increase students knowledge of the forum and in turn help ALL students.
o After discussions with various research post grads it was brought to my attention that this is an issue with payment for tutorials. I understand that it is in the contract of each researcher has committed to. However some receive payment while others do not. There needs to be a Standardise fees across tutorials.



If after reading my manifesto you have any thoughts then please contact me. I am only happy to help and greatly appreciate your feedback. After all I am hoping to represent YOU. I can be contacted on my facebook page (Ryan Dan Comerford for P.S.A. President) on ryandancom@live.ie or alternatively if you see me around campus.

All I ask of YOU is to vote Ryan Dan Comerford Number 1 on Election Day (i.e. Monday 19th, week 12).

Voting to take place in the P.S.A. Common room.

ryandan

This is in response to a question that was left on my stall in the red raisens canteen today. Firstly thanks for asking a question as I enjoy giving feedback. I am here to show you why I am suited to be your PSA. I too am very conscious of litter around the campus and the environment.

What can I do about litter around the college and River Shannon??
I intend to address this issue by forming a committee between the PSA and Buildings Dept. The buildings Dept are the ones responsible for this and with my support they will do a better job.

In my duties as a residential assistant in Kilmurry Village, there are cases where students have to do community service. In this instance they would do a litter pick to ensure that litter is reduced while also teaching the offenders a positive lesson not do litter.

For those of you who are concerned about my paper usage in my campaign I intend to recycle the paper once the elections have finished.

Once again thanks for showing interest.

Mrmoe

tweedledee! wrote: »

I didn't state at any point that the situation should be ignored and it hasn't been for the last few years, wuite the contrary, but I stand by what I said that it's not going to be rectified so that everyone is receiving 40e or whatever per tutorial....it's just not feasible. I also said that it was totally unfair that some are being paid and others arent but that seems to largely be down to the structure of some of the specific funded phd scholarships where students are required the teach a certain no of hours or do so at maths/science learning centres etc. If you're looking at it like that, one could also say then that it is unfair how taught students who don't receive a grant have to pay full fees wheres the research postgrads who receive funding (which is a pretty large percent) don't. I would love if all students who are teaching were renumerated for it, but I just think that it's a tad unrealistic to focues on something pretty unattainable when there is so much more to direct attention to.

Teaching/demonstrating for research students takes up a large proportion of their time. I would say that that is a pretty significant aspect of postgraduate life that should be looked at. There is a discrepancy where postgraduate students in some areas do not have to teach/demonstrate while others do. Teaching/demonstartion duties for research students generally have no bearing on their research work. It is not unusual for other work to be carried out on top of this such as working with and assiting FYP students. While you can make the argument that there is no money to pay postgraduates , we gain absolutely no recognition for doing such work at the cost of a huge amont of our time that could be better spent else where. Most postgraduates have no official training in teaching/education and yet are thrust into supervision/eductaion duties. This is something positive that could be developed. Official recognition of the teaching work carried out my postgraduate students. This could be an aspect to promote for the university . As far as I can see this is an opportunity for both the University and the student population (undergraduate + postgraduate) to grasp.

flowers11

DJCR wrote: »

So you propose ignoring the situation? Nothing Ventured, Nothing gained. At least the issue has arrisen and will be discussed - David will push the issue forward and while it may be difficult to achieve at least he isn't going in with a defeatest attitude towards it.

You have to admit that it is unfair that some receive around €40 while others recieve nothing and it is something that needs to be addressed.

This is a severely pointlesss argument, Research Postgrads already receive a fair renumeration from the University in exchange for their time teaching which I might add is another valuable asset to possess TEACHING EXPERIENCE for which I'm sure they all benefit from on top of the funds which they receive, I think seeking additional funds for this is criminal considering the college is already financially crippled, some people need to cop on on be realistic, empty promises of the highest degree on this motive for sure!

DJCR

tweedledee! wrote: »

I didn't state at any point that the situation should be ignored and it hasn't been for the last few years, wuite the contrary, but I stand by what I said that it's not going to be rectified so that everyone is receiving 40e or whatever per tutorial....it's just not feasible. I also said that it was totally unfair that some are being paid and others arent but that seems to largely be down to the structure of some of the specific funded phd scholarships where students are required the teach a certain no of hours or do so at maths/science learning centres etc. If you're looking at it like that, one could also say then that it is unfair how taught students who don't receive a grant have to pay full fees wheres the research postgrads who receive funding (which is a pretty large percent) don't. I would love if all students who are teaching were renumerated for it, but I just think that it's a tad unrealistic to focues on something pretty unattainable when there is so much more to direct attention to.

flowers11 wrote: »

This is a severely pointlesss argument, Research Postgrads already receive a fair renumeration from the University in exchange for their time teaching which I might add is another valuable asset to possess TEACHING EXPERIENCE for which I'm sure they all benefit from on top of the funds which they receive, I think seeking additional funds for this is criminal considering the college is already financially crippled, some people need to cop on on be realistic, empty promises of the highest degree on this motive for sure!

Mrmoe wrote: »

Teaching/demonstrating for research students takes up a large proportion of their time. I would say that that is a pretty significant aspect of postgraduate life that should be looked at. There is a discrepancy where postgraduate students in some areas do not have to teach/demonstrate while others do. Teaching/demonstartion duties for research students generally have no bearing on their research work. It is not unusual for other work to be carried out on top of this such as working with and assiting FYP students. While you can make the argument that there is no money to pay postgraduates , we gain absolutely no recognition for doing such work at the cost of a huge amont of our time that could be better spent else where. Most postgraduates have no official training in teaching/education and yet are thrust into supervision/eductaion duties. This is something positive that could be developed. Official recognition of the teaching work carried out my postgraduate students. This could be an aspect to promote for the university . As far as I can see this is an opportunity for both the University and the student population (undergraduate + postgraduate) to grasp.

I needn't say much more you have two points of view there.

Also teaching experience is extreemly valuable It would be silly to argue against this) but what of those who have:

a) no interest in teaching during their studies (due to time) or
b) no interest in teaching after they finish

pretty useless experience all around (no matter how benificial if they wished to continue in education).

In fact many undergrads/postgrads have issues with the standard of tutorial teaching. Demotivated Tutors (through lack of pay/ other interests) doesn't help.

Untrained Tutors, as is the case in most cases doesn't help either (undergrad/postgrad classes) as well as the confidence level of the tutor who is trying to continue their own studies as well.

So while the money issue is a big one you can see that there are other issues a well.

Mossin

Today is election day.

Polls open at 10am and will remain open until 8pm.

Polling station is in the PSA Common Room.

Hustings are at 12pm in the Stables Courtyard.

I encourage all posrgrads to come out and vote.

I'd like to wish Eadaoin and Ryan Dan all the best today, and lets hope its a good election.

ryandan

Hey ALL,

As Mossin has already said. PSA Presidential Elections today.

I strongly urge all Post Grads to come out into the good weather and vote for YOUR PSA President.

I would like to wish David and Eadaoin the very best of luck today.

DJCR

Right guys it looks likes this is going to be a really close one.

Voting is quite slow... say its just over the 100 mark now so every vote counts!!!!

Please come out and vote:

DAVID MORRIN NO.1 FOR PSA PRESIDENT

DJCR

At the end of an exhausting day the result is out.

Dan Comerford won the election by (as per usual with a Post Grad vote [when there is one]) the narrowest of margins.

I would personally like to congratulate him on his victory, he's a good guy and I wish him all the best next year!!!

Thanks to everyone who got involved!!!!

ryandan

Hey guys

I'm going to keep this short and sweet because I could honestly be here for the day thanking people.

Thanks to all who were involved in campaigning, voting and helping out for all 3 candidates. (there is a lot of ye). it was great to see so many get involved.

I had a great team behind me and I wouldn't have been elected only for ye. LEGENDS. I really appreciate it.

Finally, I really have to put it to the other two candidates David Morrin and Eadaoin Walsh for all their efforts and committment to their campaigns. It was great to see how the three of us got along so wel and even after the count yesterday. It has been an honour to run against ye. I wish ye both the very best of luck and will hopefully see ye around more often.

I'm off and be sure to say hi if ye see me around.

Mossin

Congratulations to Ryan Dan on his victory yesterday.

It was a close election and that made the day exhausting.

I'd like to thank my campaign team especially my campaign manager DJCR who worked tirelessly for me over the past week.

I really appreciated the help and support given by him and all everyone else.

Once again, congratulations to Ryan Dan, I'm positive that he'll do a great job as PSA President!