UCD SU 2011-12: Who will leave a mark?

Dublin_swimmer

Who will be the movers and shakers?

Who will be in the frame for the 2012 elections?

Early days, but perhaps:

President - Lacey
Ents - Darcy
Education - Chris Wong
Welfare - Regina Brady
C&C - Aisling Sheerin

Serious contenders:

President - Brendan Lannoye / Martin Lawless
Ents - Jamie Rath / Darragh Kinsella / Eoin Heffernan
Welfare - Michael Gallagher
C&C - Aidan Conroy
Education - Aoife Nic Samhrain

Killer Pigeon

The Wong lad, deffo.

LifesaverNiall

****ing love chris

beardedmaster

Nah, he's a ****

LOL JK friendly asian bastard.

brownlad

oh y are they are changing them :O ...i grown rather fond of rachael and pat ha...

especially rachael

MissRealist

LifesaverNiall wrote: »

****ing love chris

Chris rocks!

Smeefa

Jump aboard the oriental express.. Wong's the man

LifesaverNiall

shut up aoife

Conor108

FIIIIGHT

Will

I heard chris once saved a baby who was choking. Nice guy for sure.

teotihuacan

WE LOVE CHRIS WONG!!!!

See this is what irks me about the current set-up. Who the hell are any of these people? They are only known to a few friends and classmates.

Chris Wong is the man? What does he stand for? Let me guess: higher levels of student say in matters relating to the college. Wow.

If someone gets rid of the 150 euros extra I'm being charged every year (for nothing) they would get a vote from me. In fact, I might start a campaign myself to have it removed next year.

LifesaverNiall

Have you ever talked to Chris though? He's lovely!

LifesaverNiall

LifesaverNiall wrote: »

Have you ever talked to Chris though? He's lovely!

I don't doubt that for one second! I'm sure he's a great laugh and all that; my problem begins when he starts looking for a chunk of the money that I've paid in inflated registration fee's. And for what?

LifesaverNiall

true true .. but sure run for it and try get rid of it?

LifesaverNiall

true true .. but sure run for it and try get rid of it?

LifesaverNiall

true true .. but sure run for it and try get rid of it?

ya-ba-da-ba-doo

Jamie Rath is such a big dick PLAYYYYA!

parker kent

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

If someone gets rid of the 150 euros extra I'm being charged every year (for nothing) they would get a vote from me. In fact, I might start a campaign myself to have it removed next year.

Do you see that gigantic new building with a cinema, swimming pool, gym, theatre etc? That is where your €150 goes. So don't say you didn't get anything with the money.

The Student Centre Levy is €158.00 in 2011/12. This levy funds the infrastructural development of the Student Centre and is a component of all programme fees in UCD. Student agreement for this funding was approved in a referendum held in April 2006. This levy, as a component of programme fees, is not, therefore, a payment for services and is not discretionary.

http://www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/fees/faq.html

parker kent

parker kent wrote: »

Do you see that gigantic new building with a cinema, swimming pool, gym, theatre etc? That is where your €150 goes. So don't say you didn't get anything with the money.


http://www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/fees/faq.html

How much is anyone going to use this, besides students living in the locale (generally students from well off parents) and students who live on campus up from the country (students who already receive massive subsidies to go to college)? I'm certainly not going to get 450euro worth of use out of it.

Ever hear of the term 'Spruce Goose'?

parker kent

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

How much is anyone going to use this, besides students living in the locale (generally students from well off parents) and students who live on campus up from the country (students who already receive massive subsidies to go to college)? I'm certainly not going to get 450euro worth of use out of it.

Ever hear of the term 'Spruce Goose'?

Your point was that you are being charged €158 a year for nothing. One of the best facilities for students in the country does not sound like nothing to me. Given that students are in UCD every day, I think such a facility on campus will benefit a huge number of students, clubs, societies etc. I'm not exactly sure how you fail to see that it will benefit a massive number of students every day.

Your comment about students from "up the country" is a bit odd too.

parker kent

parker kent wrote: »

Your point was that you are being charged €158 a year for nothing. One of the best facilities for students in the country does not sound like nothing to me. Given that students are in UCD every day, I think such a facility on campus will benefit a huge number of students, clubs, societies etc. I'm not exactly sure how you fail to see that it will benefit a massive number of students every day.

Your comment about students from "up the country" is a bit odd too.

In a college awash with money (I refer you to the 'bonus' debacle), which rips students off on things like repeat exam fees, why am I being asked to cough up for such a facility? Where are the SU members campaigning for an end to college corruption and rip-off fees?

Lets be honest, many people may use it for something useful - the clubs and socs etc, but I would wager that more than half of the people who go through UCD will do very little more than step inside the place for a look. The fact that these people are being asked to subsidize another group based on a referendum held before they even entered into the college and in very different economic conditions is simply wrong.

parker kent

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

In a college awash with money (I refer you to the 'bonus' debacle), which rips students off on things like repeat exam fees, why am I being asked to cough up for such a facility? Where are the SU members campaigning for an end to college corruption and rip-off fees?

Lets be honest, many people may use it for something useful - the clubs and socs etc, but I would wager that more than half of the people who go through UCD will do very little more than step inside the place for a look. The fact that these people are being asked to subsidize another group based on a referendum held before they even entered into the college and in very different economic conditions is simply wrong.

Your "awash with money" line shows how little you know about the finances in UCD or how much you know about the amount of money needed to fund the infrastructure projects around campus.

Whether people choose to ignore free facilities does not mean that they are not worthwhile. For example, many people ignore the library, but it is vital. Facilities such as those in the new student centre are also vital for a decent University. They are the norm elsewhere in the world. Your "wager" about how many will use it is far less important than the actual numbers that do use current facilities and those that will use the new building.

parker kent

parker kent wrote: »

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

In a college awash with money (I refer you to the 'bonus' debacle), which rips students off on things like repeat exam fees, why am I being asked to cough up for such a facility? Where are the SU members campaigning for an end to college corruption and rip-off fees?

Lets be honest, many people may use it for something useful - the clubs and socs etc, but I would wager that more than half of the people who go through UCD will do very little more than step inside the place for a look. The fact that these people are being asked to subsidize another group based on a referendum held before they even entered into the college and in very different economic conditions is simply wrong.

Your "awash with money" line shows how little you know about the finances in UCD or how much you know about the amount of money needed to fund the infrastructure projects around campus.

Whether people choose to ignore free facilities does not mean that they are not worthwhile. For example, many people ignore the library, but it is vital. Facilities such as those in the new student centre are also vital for a decent University. They are the norm elsewhere in the world. Your "wager" about how many will use it is far less important than the actual numbers that do use current facilities and those that will use the new building.

When college fees are being so poorly managed (I once again refer you to the bonus fiasco) is it any wonder that the financial situation of the college is going to suffer.

Also, comparing a cinema and swimming pool to the library? Hah.

Gingy

I've heard that Irish officer Caoimhe Seoige is definitely planning on going for education.

Raphael

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

students who live on campus up from the country (students who already receive massive subsidies to go to college)

They do?? How come no one ever told me!

Raphael

Raphael wrote: »

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

students who live on campus up from the country (students who already receive massive subsidies to go to college)

They do?? How come no one ever told me!

I apologise for my poor choice of words.

Raphael

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

I apologise for my poor choice of words.

It's ok, a lot of people confuse "get massive subsidies" and "have to pay rent/bills/food because they're not staying at home"

Raphael

Raphael wrote: »

It's ok, a lot of people confuse "get massive subsidies" and "have to pay rent/bills/food because they're not staying at home"

You can't do the second part without the first.

As a matter of interest, do grant students and other students who have their fees covered (BTEA students etc) actually pay the 158euro out of their own pocket or is it covered?

parker kent

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

You can't do the second part without the first.

As a matter of interest, do grant students and other students who have their fees covered (BTEA students etc) actually pay the 158euro out of their own pocket or is it covered?

They pay it, so your point is null.

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

When college fees are being so poorly managed (I once again refer you to the bonus fiasco) is it any wonder that the financial situation of the college is going to suffer.

Also, comparing a cinema and swimming pool to the library? Hah.

The bonus "fiasco" would not come anywhere near paying for the building work. I'm not sure you are aware how much it costs to build any of these buildings. How much do you think it costs to finance such infrastructure? Staff wages are not going to in any way account for the gap caused by the decreased funding available to universities.

This is not me defending high bonuses either, I'm just saying we should not be like Shylock and demand our pound of flesh. Could the budget be better spent? Yes. Is that entirely relevant? No.

I clearly didn't compare them on a like-for-like basis (it surely goes without saying that the library is more important than a gym in a university). However, the new student centre will house vital student services (health centre etc) and will also cater for extra-curricular activities which simply are vital to any University.

I'm sorry but your posts seem incredibly narrow minded and based entirely on your personal experiences (see your odd comments towards anybody from outside Dublin).

Raphael

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

You can't do the second part without the first.

As a matter of interest, do grant students and other students who have their fees covered (BTEA students etc) actually pay the 158euro out of their own pocket or is it covered?

Yeah you can - trust me on this one, I did it for 4 years. Location isn't factored into whether you get a grant, it's factored into the size of the grant you get if you're approved. So if you're ineligible, and outside Dublin then you have to spend a hell of a lot more money than someone who's got equal means, but is able to keep living at home.

Duke Leonal Felmet

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

See this is what irks me about the current set-up. Who the hell are any of these people? They are only known to a few friends and classmates.

Chris Wong is the man? What does he stand for? Let me guess: higher levels of student say in matters relating to the college. Wow.

If someone gets rid of the 150 euros extra I'm being charged every year (for nothing) they would get a vote from me. In fact, I might start a campaign myself to have it removed next year.

Agreed. Such a waste of students money. They will always deny it, stating they represent the will of students, and yet, when asked whether there should be a vote on whether an SU should exist at all, you are met with excuses and handwaving.

parker kent

parker kent wrote: »

They pay it, so your point is null.



The bonus "fiasco" would not come anywhere near paying for the building work. I'm not sure you are aware how much it costs to build any of these buildings. How much do you think it costs to finance such infrastructure? Staff wages are not going to in any way account for the gap caused by the decreased funding available to universities.

This is not me defending high bonuses either, I'm just saying we should not be like Shylock and demand our pound of flesh. Could the budget be better spent? Yes. Is that entirely relevant? No.

I clearly didn't compare them on a like-for-like basis (it surely goes without saying that the library is more important than a gym in a university). However, the new student centre will house vital student services (health centre etc) and will also cater for extra-curricular activities which simply are vital to any University.

I'm sorry but your posts seem incredibly narrow minded and based entirely on your personal experiences (see your odd comments towards anybody from outside Dublin).

I think you're missing the original point which would be that the college doesn't need things like a cinema in the first place and that it is a huge waste of money. We should be creating an environment for students to develop into better, less ignorant people - Not fostering such attitudes.

I have no problem with people who come to UCD as thick as a plank, and then leave as thick as a plank but with a degree. Just don't ask me to finance their 'fun'.

We're not talking about a research facility here, it's an entertainment complex with a couple of crowd-pleasers thrown in (such as the health center).

Rojomcdojo

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

In a college awash with money (I refer you to the 'bonus' debacle), which rips students off on things like repeat exam fees, why am I being asked to cough up for such a facility? Where are the SU members campaigning for an end to college corruption and rip-off fees?

Lets be honest, many people may use it for something useful - the clubs and socs etc, but I would wager that more than half of the people who go through UCD will do very little more than step inside the place for a look. The fact that these people are being asked to subsidize another group based on a referendum held before they even entered into the college and in very different economic conditions is simply wrong.

And so they should.

AdamD

AdamD wrote: »

And so they should.

Why? 230euro is nothing to some people, to others it's a lot. Why punish poorer students with extortionate fees?

Rojomcdojo

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

Why? 230euro is nothing to some people, to others it's a lot. Why punish poorer students with extortionate fees?

Its not punishing poorer students, its punishing lazy students who can't pass their exams.

AdamD

AdamD wrote: »

Its not punishing poorer students, its punishing lazy students who can't pass their exams.

Surely based on your thinking: removing the repeats altogether would be a fairer solution that doesn't base your continued success on your current financial resources?

You don't need to be wealthy to pass exams the first time around..

AdamD

AdamD wrote: »

You don't need to be wealthy to pass exams the first time around..

Well, to be frank, life ain't that peachy for everyone.

parker kent

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

I think you're missing the original point which would be that the college doesn't need things like a cinema in the first place and that it is a huge waste of money. We should be creating an environment for students to develop into better, less ignorant people - Not fostering such attitudes.

I'm not missing the point. I explicitly referred to it as important. Extra curricular activities are vital to a university. I 100% support improving those facilities. They did not build just a cinema, it is quite clearly a much larger building. But they had the opportunity to provide one. Those facilities are important to people on campus and will greatly aid student welfare as it provides an outlet for students (as anybody who has encountered lonely, struggling students will attest). I fail to see how a cinema, especially one committed to showing high quality world cinema (yes they will show commercial movies as well and so what?)will create ignorant people. Considering the University runs Film Studies degrees, it could be argued it is useful for academic purposes as well.

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

I have no problem with people who come to UCD as thick as a plank, and then leave as thick as a plank but with a degree. Just don't ask me to finance their 'fun'.

Ironic to call people thick as a plank when you clearly have not tried to understand people that are in any way different to your exact background. Your comments on grants highlight that issue.

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

We're not talking about a research facility here, it's an entertainment complex with a couple of crowd-pleasers thrown in (such as the health center).

Just to make this REALLY clear. Nobody said it was as vital as a research facility. However, a world class university caters to extra curricular activities. Well rounded graduates need more than just academic facilities. Plus given the location of campus and the lack of money available to so many, these facilities will ensure that a vast amount of people will lead healthier, happier periods in University.

If that makes me "thick as a plank", well call me thick.

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

Well, to be frank, life ain't that peachy for everyone.

Genuine extenuating circumstances are taken into account so nobody is unfairly punished with resit fees. You know the deal going into the exam, fail and you pay the resit/repeat fee.

parker kent

parker kent wrote: »

blah blah

I guess we're just going to have to disagree as to what makes a "world class college" I'm sure once the building is complete we'll fly up the rankings.

You can dress it up any way you like, I have yet to be convinced it is anything other than a massive waste of money and resources that could have gone into something that benefited the student body in a more productive way.

Pouring money into getting papers published (to go higher up in the rankings) would help the student body much more? I'm not overly for or against the new building I'm just curious.

Its not really the SU's job to do that anyway?

Dublin_swimmer

I'm changing my front runner predictions:

President - Lacey
Ents - Darcy
Education - Chris Wong
Welfare - Michael Gallagher
C&C - Aisling Sheerin

Serious Contenders:

President - Brendan Lannoye
Ents - Jamie Rath / Eoin Heffernan / Darragh Kinsella
Education - Caoimhe Seoige
Welfare - Regina Brady
C&C - Aidan Conroy

Dark Horses:

President - Martin Lawless / Rachel Breslin
Ents - Michael C (Tripod guy) / Enda Conway
Education - Patrick Wolohan
Welfare - Aoife Nic Samhrain
C&C - Catherine Murnane

Darcy still attracts several strong challengers. Can't afford many more S Club / Five style "problems".
Michael G is apparently working his socks off as Arts Pro, as is Aisling. This puts them in the top level.
Considering how closely aligned Aoife / Regina are I can only see one running.
Caoimhe Seoige would be a breath of fresh air. Will she run though? Someone heard this?

errlloyd

I dunno about Regina, Ozzy or Lannoye there, its incredibly uncommon for someone to run after losing once. I ran for Lawsoc auditor and lost, and can tell you honestly I'd never put myself, my friends or my degree through it again. Knowing all of them personally I know they highly value their degrees. Brendan in particular probably isn't going to jeporadise it for another campaign.

Rachel has said many times she has no interest in president. I'd trust that, again knowing her quite well I know she sticks to her word on stuff like that.

As for Darcy doing a second term, it depends on how many years off his life organising the UCD ball costs. Ents is a poisoned chalice, takes a serious man to take two draughts of the poison.

As for abolishing the SU. Don't be bloody stupid, the value you get for the thing is incredible. Its like 27 euro for as many free condoms as you can shag with, inflate and throw away, great gigs, a good value bar (which would be a rip off privatised, guaranteed), a full time education officer who campaigns tirelessly to keep the standards up, a full time campaigns officer who played a significant role in the protest last year which probably kept your fees below three grand, not to mention every officer between president and class rep who give you parties, hoodies and trips.

And don't give me some stupid analysis on why you think the new building is a waste of cash, its not. Barely anyone uses the ag building, should be abolish that? Apart from a cinema it will have a state of the art gym, free for students, an olympic swimming pool, free for us too, a cinema (not just for blockbusters but for film students, ctn screenings ect), a debating chamber, an orchestra chamber, all the societies offices and a re-built reformed forum bar.

Even if you never set foot in the damn thing, it raises our college's standing and prestige and increases the value of your degree. Not that you won't set foot in it, everything from top notch stand up comedy to hollywood films to olympic standard swimming will be in there FOR FREE. The benefit to campus life for those on and off campus is huge. If these new facilities and events do anything to decrease drinking and anti-social behavior, epic win.

Stop complaining please.

Rant over.

LifesaverNiall

Realy hope i get to get some use out of this new building.. from 6th class in primary school until 6th year we were promised that we'd get the use out of a new sports hall for my local secondary school.. didnt and still hasnt happened yet

Dublin_swimmer

Some good analysis there Lloyd. Although I would add that the most determined, run again. Eg. Scott Ahern (welfare), Paul Lynam (education), both ran again after initial defeats.

Yes, Ents must be really hard. But having been at the Cheesefest, I can tell you a lot of people were not happy about the S Club / Five debacle.

Agreed that the SU is good value for money. We'll all be saying the new Student Centre is the greatest thing in the world after it's completed. Looking forward to it being open.

Mardy Bum

errlloyd wrote: »

And don't give me some stupid analysis on why you think the new building is a waste of cash, its not. Barely anyone uses the ag building, should be abolish that? Apart from a cinema it will have a state of the art gym, free for students, an olympic swimming pool, free for us too, a cinema (not just for blockbusters but for film students, ctn screenings ect), a debating chamber, an orchestra chamber, all the societies offices and a re-built reformed forum bar.

Even if you never set foot in the damn thing, it raises our college's standing and prestige and increases the value of your degree. Not that you won't set foot in it, everything from top notch stand up comedy to hollywood films to olympic standard swimming will be in there FOR FREE. The benefit to campus life for those on and off campus is huge. If these new facilities and events do anything to decrease drinking and anti-social behavior, epic win.

Stop complaining please.

Rant over.

Nothing in life is free. Depending on how long you have been to UCD you have definitely paid enough to avail of free use of the pool. Don't believe either that one day the extra charge on the reg fee will disappear because it won't there will be a yearly charge like there is in trinity for the gym which will probably cover the gym and pool. Students won't be getting anything for free apart from education (for the minute) funnily enough.

Btw I'm not slagging off the building of the centre.

seXmym0nkey

errlloyd wrote: »

... a good value bar (which would be a rip off privatised, guaranteed), ...

I disagree! The drinks at the bar are not what I would consider good value. Maybe it is cheap for Dublin, I don't know, but to me €4.15 for a Guinness is unreasonable!

beardedmaster

Mr. Monkey, I feel your pain. That's why I swapped to €3 Beamish!

errlloyd

Dublin_swimmer wrote: »

Some good analysis there Lloyd. Although I would add that the most determined, run again. Eg. Scott Ahern (welfare), Paul Lynam (education), both ran again after initial defeats.

Yes, Ents must be really hard. But having been at the Cheesefest, I can tell you a lot of people were not happy about the S Club / Five debacle.

Agreed that the SU is good value for money. We'll all be saying the new Student Centre is the greatest thing in the world after it's completed. Looking forward to it being open.

And there is no denying how much Lynam struggled uncontested in 2010. Scotty if I am correct only lost a PRO election, I just don't think its as public or as damaging. Average PRO election team is like 10 people, average sabbat team for a big election sits in around 30 or 40.

Tbh though the rest of your predictions are interesting enough, surprised Mark Stokes and Stephen McCahill haven't popped in. Stokes has lost back to back Pro and Mature students officer elections (one public and one in council) which has shot his momentum somewhat, but McCahill for arts, watch that space.

You'll be able to tell a lot from Welfare from who is active in welfare crew, winning welfare crew is a large part of winning that election.

Dublin_swimmer

Scott definitely ran for Welfare but lost to Conor Fingleton in 08/09. Lynam originally lost for UCD education, and then went to USI and became USI Education Officer. He then returned to UCD and became UCD Education Officer in 08/09. It's a weird route. Following this he went on to be President of UCDSU.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_College_Dublin_Students%27_Union

Mark Stokes is a smart operator, but doesn't have a base. He ran Edel's Ents campaign, and even she is gone. Not helped that he is an FFer? I considered sticking him down as a dark horse, but for what? There's very little room for him. Although I think he's got an older brother, who got elected to Exec.

I'm going to keep an eye on Paddy Guiney also. He could be a mover and shaker, but needs a base urgently. Anyone looking to get in on the action will struggle to get past Wong (education) and Sheerin (C&C). 2 certs.

Can't see McCahill getting much further than Arts Soc. I hear there are several rows internally. But it's way too early to call it. Several new leaders could emerge after the Sabbat races.