What's wrong with the Student Union this year?

isilidur1980

Since I have been in the university, the quality of the Student Union and their services has gradually decreased every year. This year has been the worst so far. There has been absolutely no visibility from the new Student Union officers in the university since the start of this semester. The Student Union website seems to have been abandoned. The weekly email update section of the website includes the an email of May 2013 as its latest update. The Student Union bookstore has become irrelevant. I could point out quite a few areas which have deteriorated in quality since last year. And last year, the Union was pretty pathetic in what it achieved for students. I don't actually know when the new officers started in their positions but their lack of communication and interaction with the student body is shocking. Easily the worst leadership of the Union in the 4 years I've been in the University. And the standard in those 4 years was pretty low!!
A bunch of complete wasters!:(

shruikan2553

Sounds like business as usual

isilidur1980

shruikan2553 wrote: »

Sounds like business as usual

I wouldn't mind but these clowns are getting paid in some of these positions.
I was told on here last year that the Student Union were involved in getting the lift for disabled people installed near the Arts Millennium building. I was talking to a friend of mine who uses a wheelchair last week and I was told that the lift has rarely ever worked. All her protestations to the SU and the university seem to have falling on deaf ears this year. But they still have the gall to come on here and point to that as an achievement. The pack of jokers!!

shruikan2553

I learnt after first year that it wouldnt change, doesnt matter who you vote for all we'll get is cheap trips away to protest. Dont know how anyone who is in a wheelchair manages in NUIG, stairs to get every where with an odd lift hidden away somewhere.

isilidur1980

shruikan2553 wrote: »

I learnt after first year that it wouldnt change, doesnt matter who you vote for all we'll get is cheap trips away to protest. Dont know how anyone who is in a wheelchair manages in NUIG, stairs to get every where with an odd lift hidden away somewhere.

And free "johnnies" from time to time!:) The SU love to take the credit for the lifts that have been installed. However, if they really were bothered about disabled peoples welfare, they would be fighting constantly to improve the standard of these. They just give short shrift to disabled people when complaints are made about them not working!! Either they just don't care or they don't have the intelligence and ability to take care of it. I would lean towards it been the latter!! But it could just as easily be the former. The level of incompetence this year is worst than ever. I really find it hard to believe that they could actually be worse than last years SU but they are beating them for incompetence hands down. It's time Kearns and Catherine and the SU clowns got up and actually tried a little at least! Wasters!!

3fullback

isilidur1980 wrote: »

Since I have been in the university, the quality of the Student Union and their services has gradually decreased every year. This year has been the worst so far. There has been absolutely no visibility from the new Student Union officers in the university since the start of this semester. The Student Union website seems to have been abandoned. The weekly email update section of the website includes the an email of May 2013 as its latest update. The Student Union bookstore has become irrelevant. I could point out quite a few areas which have deteriorated in quality since last year. And last year, the Union was pretty pathetic in what it achieved for students. I don't actually know when the new officers started in their positions but their lack of communication and interaction with the student body is shocking. Easily the worst leadership of the Union in the 4 years I've been in the University. And the standard in those 4 years was pretty low!!
A bunch of complete wasters!:(

Ah here this is just a slander campaign by the OP. It sounds to me like you've got a chip on your shoulder.

You have no idea the work that goes on behind close doors that is done completely confidentially with students in helping them with problems and cannot be publicised !

Regarding the lift it's not the SU who give the go ahead to put in a lift or a ramp for a wheelchair user and organise it's construction. They have to lobby the University itself which of course isn't always easy in an area which is full of bureaucracy(red tape) !

They only began the term this month and your giving out about website updates ? What info do you need that is so important ?

Ficheall

3fullback wrote: »

They only began the term this month and your giving out about website updates ?

They began in July, no?

I emailed the Welfare officer, the head of Buildings, and the VP for capital projects 10 days ago about those ****ty new bicycle staircases they've installed going up onto the Quincentenary and haven't received a reply from any of them.

LoonyLovegood

I've emailed them several times and gotten responses from them. Had to go in about grant issues, and they were great. I was also at socs training, they've loads planned for the months ahead. No SU is going to be perfect, but they are helping.

Lockstep

I've been into the SU a few times about problems and they've always been great.

If you have and problems with the SU, there's a CLass Rep Council meeting on tomorrow so swing along and tell them what problems you have.

isilidur1980

3fullback wrote: »

Ah here this is just a slander campaign by the OP. It sounds to me like you've got a chip on your shoulder.

You have no idea the work that goes on behind close doors that is done completely confidentially with students in helping them with problems and cannot be publicised !

Regarding the lift it's not the SU who give the go ahead to put in a lift or a ramp for a wheelchair user and organise it's construction. They have to lobby the University itself which of course isn't always easy in an area which is full of bureaucracy(red tape) !

They only began the term this month and your giving out about website updates ? What info do you need that is so important ?

I'm pretty sure everything I have said here is pretty accurate. I fail to see where the slander arises. And I have absolutely no chip on my shoulder. I am; however, extremely critical of the SU. The main reason is I would love to see a strong union. I always vote in the elections in the hope that the candidates I vote for offer better. I'm always disappointed.

To pass the blame for the carry on occurring with the lift is disappointing. I was bombarded here last year about how great the Union's input was installing these. The statement that it is the university and not the SU is ridiculous. If the SU doesn't shout and work for the disabled students in the university, who will? Blaming bureaucracy is simply not good enough. Just excuses. Exactly what the disabled student got when she was in contact with the SU. Simply not good enough.:mad:

I have complained about the visibility, communication and interaction the SU has had with the student body this year. Your reply just reinforces that. The website is one of the main tools for people to interact with the Student Union. Your excuse that we are only back this month is irrelevant. It has not been updated since May. If they only had a mandate to run it from the start of term, fair enough. But they are not doing that. When the SU have actually got worse in their face to face interaction and communication with the student body, the least I would expect is an up-to-date online presence by them. Did you really think before you asked me the question, "What info do you need that is so important ?" Think about what you are asking here. There are 18000 students in the university. A good proportion of them are new students. They can never have enough up-to-date information. And a simple "Welcome to the university. We are your student union. We are available to discuss any problems you may be facing in university this year. Good luck with your studies." would have been nice!!

isilidur1980

Lockstep wrote: »

I've been into the SU a few times about problems and they've always been great.

If you have and problems with the SU, there's a CLass Rep Council meeting on tomorrow so swing along and tell them what problems you have.

Unfortunately the feedback I have got from the person regarding the lift situation has not been so positive. It seems now from some replies here that it is a university issue and not a SU issue. So student welfare is something the SU seems to be divorcing itself from!:(

infactaniceone

3fullback wrote: »

Ah here this is just a slander campaign by the OP. It sounds to me like you've got a chip on your shoulder.

You have no idea the work that goes on behind close doors that is done completely confidentially with students in helping them with problems and cannot be publicised !

Regarding the lift it's not the SU who give the go ahead to put in a lift or a ramp for a wheelchair user and organise it's construction. They have to lobby the University itself which of course isn't always easy in an area which is full of bureaucracy(red tape) !

They only began the term this month and your giving out about website updates ? What info do you need that is so important ?

So you are admitting that there are issues as regards the lifts for the disabled yet you say that bringing up an opinion on a public platform is "slander" . Is it you that is being slanderous towards this comment? The solution to fixing the lifts is money and relying on grants etc is the usual road but its proving too slow for those that need it now and confidence with SU abilities is very low. What I would like to know is how much it will cost to fix the problem so we can gather the money, ring the lift people and get the problem solved. I would have no problem standing between the library and concourse with a bucket gathering for a good cause. Get a bucket outside the library, everyone will contribute something if they can. Problem solved - wake up.

isilidur1980

CTYIgirl wrote: »

I've emailed them several times and gotten responses from them. Had to go in about grant issues, and they were great. I was also at socs training, they've loads planned for the months ahead. No SU is going to be perfect, but they are helping.

I think it would be fantastic if they actually communicated all these wonderful things with the student body. The website would be a good start. But wait they are only back 3 months. Lets give them a chance!!

Lockstep

isilidur1980 wrote: »

Unfortunately the feedback I have got from the person regarding the lift situation has not been so positive. It seems now from some replies here that it is a university issue and not a SU issue. So student welfare is something the SU seems to be divorcing itself from!:(

"Divorcing from" and "not able to easily change" are two different things. I'm not on the SU so I'm not sure what the exact protocols are but the SU doesn't control university building policy.

Seriously, if it bothers you so much, go to the CRC tomorrow and bring it up with the SU in front of the Class Reps who can vote to require the SU to do something about it or at least follow it up. Complaining about it on an online notice board isn't likely to change much.

isilidur1980

Lockstep wrote: »

"Divorcing from" and "not able to easily change" are two different things. I'm not on the SU so I'm not sure what the exact protocols are but the SU doesn't control university building policy.

Seriously, if it bothers you so much, go to the CRC tomorrow and bring it up with the SU in front of the Class Reps who can vote to require the SU to do something about it or at least follow it up. Complaining about it on an online notice board isn't likely to change much.

Are you saying that one of the main objectives of boards.ie in providing a public forum for discussion on certain topics is really irrelevant??:D And bringing this up on here has got people thinking about it, it seems!!

isilidur1980

Lockstep wrote: »

"Divorcing from" and "not able to easily change" are two different things.

I'm also sure that having a debate on the intricacies of language will not make the journey in a wheelchair from the AM building to the Concourse any easier. All I'm worried about is the end result. I'm not too worried about the debate in how to get there.

Lockstep

isilidur1980 wrote: »

Are you saying that one of the main objectives of boards.ie in providing a public forum for discussion on certain topics is really irrelevant??:D And bringing this up on here has got people thinking about it, it seems!!

Not irrelevent but the NUIG section of Boards has very low traffic.By all means, post about stuff like this but if your goal is to actually effect change, then I'm really struggling to see why you're bringing it up here rather than bringing it up with the CRC, local Galway media or something.
This thread has gotten *some* people thinking about it but only 7 people have posted in it, with yourself posting the majority of the posts.

I'm also sure that having a debate on the intricacies of language will not make the journey in a wheelchair from the AM building to the Concourse any easier. All I'm worried about is the end result. I'm not too worried about the debate in how to get there.

Accusing a group of being "divorced from student welfare" when it's something they don't have control over is not semantics. It's at best, not understanding what the SU is or can do.
If you're so concerned about the end result then posting on Boards isn't likely to achieve much. Maybe set up a Facebook campaign, contact the Galway Independent, protest at the SU office or something along those lines.

Writing a few posts on a relatively quiet forum isn't the best course of action.

isilidur1980

Lockstep wrote: »

Accusing a group of being "divorced from student welfare" when it's something they don't have control over is not semantics. It's at best, not understanding what the SU is or can do.
If you're so concerned about the end result then posting on Boards isn't likely to achieve much. Maybe set up a Facebook campaign, contact the Galway Independent, protest at the SU office or something along those lines.

Writing a few posts on a relatively quiet forum isn't the best course of action.

But the debate here will become an issue in semantics. I merely put forward that it was a perception of mine from certain replies here that the student union was divorcing itself from student welfare. Now we are debating semantics.
Thanks for you input though. You have provided some interesting points on how to further this issue.

Fooker

What has been said about the website is probably right. I would think though that that should be put at the door of the day-to-day staff who work there...

Ficheall

Lockstep wrote: »

Accusing a group of being "divorced from student welfare" when it's something they don't have control over is not semantics. It's at best, not understanding what the SU is or can do.

To be fair, Lockstep, it's something they should definitely be attending to. A single officer with a megaphone has gotten a lift fixed before, if I recall correctly, no?

They SU have "control" over sweet FA. I believe they claim to have some influence though, which they ought to be exerting.

Squeeonline

Does anyone else get the feeling that the "protest" on Tuesday (I think) is just a box ticking exercise by the SU? "protest to protect your future" is the most vague reason for a protest ever.

Do people honestly thing a few hundred galway students turning up in Sligo is going to change anything in Dublin?

Maybe they should go back to writing angry letters to the Dail.

WallyGUFC

They update their Facebook account several times daily. Maybe send your queries that way. I have no idea what ranting about it here will do, especially when they aren't here to respond.

isilidur1980

WallyGUFC wrote: »

They update their Facebook account several times daily. Maybe send your queries that way. I have no idea what ranting about it here will do, especially when they aren't here to respond.

Could it be possible I don't have a Facebook account or know that they had a Facebook account?
Also, why do people usually post things of this nature on public forums??

isilidur1980

Squeeonline wrote: »

Does anyone else get the feeling that the "protest" on Tuesday (I think) is just a box ticking exercise by the SU? "protest to protect your future" is the most vague reason for a protest ever.

Do people honestly thing a few hundred galway students turning up in Sligo is going to change anything in Dublin?

Maybe they should go back to writing angry letters to the Dail.

I heard very little about this protest actually!! Kind of backs up my claim about the lack of communication between SU and the student body!

Lockstep

isilidur1980 wrote: »

I heard very little about this protest actually!! Kind of backs up my claim about the lack of communication between SU and the student body!

Really? There are posters all around campus and I've personally seen Declan Higgins do shoutouts to inform students about the march.

shruikan2553

The SU told the class reps to let their classes know about the protest. The few people I spoke to think it is a pointless day out which is spending money instead of using to help the students. I'll be protecting my future by attending lectures instead. I have no idea what this is meant to be about, probably the usual stop increasing fees and cutting the grant.

IsThisIt???

isilidur1980 wrote: »

Could it be possible I don't have a Facebook account or know that they had a Facebook account?
Also, why do people usually post things of this nature on public forums??

Usually in the hope that everyone will agree with their point and tell them how smart they are....but not in this case.

WallyGUFC

isilidur1980 wrote: »

Could it be possible I don't have a Facebook account or know that they had a Facebook account?
Also, why do people usually post things of this nature on public forums??

When does complaining on a public forum ever achieve anything? How about you run in the next SU election, get elected and enforce change?

MadYaker

I couldn't give less of a f*ck about the SU to be honest.

Ficheall

WallyGUFC wrote: »

How about you run in the next SU election, get elected and enforce change?

As mentioned elsewhere in the thread, I raised an issue with the head of Buildings on campus - can we extrapolate from your suggestion that I ought to work my way up to that position myself to address the issue, rather than sending in a complaint? Is that the general gist of what you're saying?

When I vote someone in to represent me on something, it's not so that they can say - "Well, if it bothers you so much, why don't you get elected and do something about it?"
It wouldn't really be a great attitude for either an aspiring politician or someone who allegedly wants to help others to have, would it?

isilidur1980

IsThisIt??? wrote: »

Usually in the hope that everyone will agree with their point and tell them how smart they are....but not in this case.

Usually to highlight and discuss issues which they feel are important to them!