Last Weekly Email
Welcome to your last weekly email this semester from your Students’ Union. We hope you are all doing okay during this stressful time. Your SU is here for you all summer so keep in touch. Our term is slowly coming to an end but we are grateful for all the memories we have made along the way. We’ve have an incredible year meeting you all, running campaigns and events and trying to better your student experience here in NUI Galway. We want to thank you for all your continuous engagement and making the year unforgettable. We’ll always remember our time in the Students’ Union and look back on the unbelievable experience we had. We want to wish you the absolute best of luck in the remainder of your studies and hope you get to enjoy the summer holidays in some way. If you ever see us around, don’t hesitate to stop us for a chat. All the best from Clare, Brandon, Cameron and all your SU Team 2019/2020!
Please find below our SU Annual Report for 2019/20
- Tuarascáil Bhliantúil Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh 2020
- NUI Galway Students’ Union Annual Report 2020
Exams & Academic Year 2020/2021
Here’s some updates from SU Education Officer Cameron to recent student queries:
When will repeat exams take place?
Repeat exams will take place from 10th-21st Aug and these will also take the form of online or remote assessments. However, if possible and Government guidelines allowing, facilities may be made available to students who cannot complete remote assessments.
Will these exams be capped?
All repeat examinations will be uncapped this year and we are awaiting confirmation about the repeat fee.
When will results be issued?
Undergraduate results will be released 3rd-10th July
Postgraduate results will be released from 17th July (full programme results will be issued after thesis submission)
Why can’t we start like usual in September?
With the moving of exam results, repeat exams and the need for online teaching for large lectures more time is needed to ensure:
- sufficient time for these processes to take place
- sufficient time for the digitizing of large material for different courses
Why can’t we have exams before Christmas?
Each semester is 12 weeks long to ensure you have enough time to engage in your academic work and meet the learning outcomes of each module, this is key to the integrity of your degree. This means that starting on 28th Sept, in order to have a 12 week semester, your semester 1 finish date is 18th Dec. This does not leave sufficient time for exams before Christmas.
When are Semester 1 2020/2021 exams?
Semester 1 exams for 2020/2021 will start 11th Jan and finish 22nd Jan 2021, it is still unclear if these will be in person or online and they will be subject to government and health guidelines.
Why can’t we start Semester 2 directly after exams?
Semester 2 2021 starts 8th Feb, 2 weeks after the end of Semester 1 exams. This is to allow for a number of things:
- Teaching for 1st years does not end until 29th Jan
- Exams will need to be graded and marked, academics will need time to do this
- The alignment of teaching for all undergraduate years in Semester 2
When will Semester 2 exam start?
Semester 2 exams 2021 will run from 18th May 18th to 4th June. This will allow for results to be released sometime in July 2021.
I am a PhD student (returning), what do these dates mean for me?
Social distancing regulations are being looked at to get PG students back onto campus and into their research programmes. They are advised to contact their supervisor to ensure they communicate a plan together for this.
I am a PhD Student (new), what do these dates mean for me?
You are advised to contact your supervisor and commence a plan for your start date and programme.
Lockers Update
Due to the current Government restrictions in place we have decided to extend the lease term for all lockers. Once restrictions have been eased and the University re-opens buildings, all students will be given time to clear their lockers. All contents of lockers are safe. We will update all students once we have more information.
If you have any questions you will find a lot of information and updates HERE at the University’s FAQ page.
If you still need advice contact: SU VP/Welfare & Equality Officer Brandon on su.welfare@nuigalway.ie or SU VP/Education Officer Cameron on su.education@nuigalway.ie or SU President Clare on su.president@nuigalway.ie
Student Achievement Awards Online – Book Your Space
The Student Achievement Awards, now in its seventh year, is the annual opportunity for the Student Movement in Ireland to recognize the contribution of students to the life of Ireland and the student community. NUI Galway Students‘ Union has been shortlisted in 8 categories this year! The awards will take place online via Zoom from 6pm on Weds 27th of May. You can register for your free ticket here.
SUSI Grant Priority Closing Dates
The priority closing dates for 20/21 are:
- Renewal Applications – Thurs 11th June
- New Applications – Thurs 9th July
The third Living and Learning Empathy in Covid-19 webinar will take place at 6pm today on the NUI Galway Facebook page. Theme: “Ubuntu is to say, ‘My humanity is inextricably bound up in yours.” – Desmond Tutu. South African students who are part of MAD Leadership Foundation will share their stories of the challenges they face during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the spirit of Ubuntu seems to be even stronger during times like these.
Make Summer 2020 Your Gaisce Summer!
If you would like to set a goal for this summer, why not consider achieving the Bronze, Silver or Gold Gaisce Award from the President of Ireland? Spend one hour a week on a physical activity, practicing a skill, volunteering, and reflecting on your goals. Achieving Ireland’s national award medal by the end of the summer is a great opportunity! To learn more visit the Instagram page or contact ALIVE at studentvolunteering@nuigalway.ie to be assigned an NUI Galway Gaisce PAL.
Student Insta Competition Deadline Tomorrow!
The Irish Universities Association’s #IUADigEd project want to hear about learning online at an Irish university during COVID19! The 3 best videos will win a €100 One4All Voucher each!To be in with a chance of winning:
- Post a short video on your Instagram account (2 mins) about your experience of online learning during COVID-19 using #HEinIsolation
- Tag @edtl.iua and @nuigalway
- You must be following @edtl.iua
- Closing Date Fri 15th May
By the end of the video we should know who you are, what you study and your experience of learning and assessment online! Are you helping lecturers with their technology? Is working from home difficult for you? What would be some useful feedback for lecturers on how to teach students online?
Stress Control
Take Control with Stress Control – FREE online classes to help you manage stress. Visit https://stresscontrol.org/ for more info
UN Youth Delegate Applications Open
Applications are open until 28th May for the United Nations Youth Delegate Programme 2020-2021. This programme is an amazing opportunity that will see two young people aged 18-25 join Ireland’s delegation to the United Nations, and give voice to issues concerning young people in Ireland and around the globe. More info here.
Join the European Youth Event Online
The European Youth Event (EYE2020) has moved online with different activities organised in digital formats, where young people from all over the EU and beyond meet virtually, share their stories and exchange their views with experts, decision-makers, activists and influencers. You can find out more about the event and programme here.
Upcoming events include:
- Tues 19 May: The future of farming in Europe post Covid-19, which will be an interactive session linked to agriculture with Mairead McGuinness, MEP and First Vice-President, and Breda Larkin, Irish farmer and activist.
- Thurs 28 May: Live discussion on Climate emergency with Mairead McGuinness, MEP and First Vice-President, and Alex McLaughlin, Researcher and teaching fellow at University of Reading.
- Thurs 28 May: Live session by Eurofound on results from European survey on ‘Living, working and COVID-19’.
35% of food in the world relies heavily on bee pollination and Enactus NUIG aims to contribute to saving the 33% of Irish bees facing extinction through selling flower boxes made from old pallets, and using the funds to plant wildflower areas and run workshops in primary schools. Survey link
E-code is a project that aims to reduce waste on campus through the use of QR codes that allow people to easily learn how to recycle. We want people to Like our Facebook page where they will learn more about the importance of recycling and answer our survey which helps us improve our impact on Recycling rates.
Irish National Digital Experience Survey Results
Big thanks to everyone who completed the INDEX Survey earlier this year. You can now view the survey findings here.
Galway Community Circus present MAYHEM
Galway Community Circus will be holding their first ever online festival MAYHEM 22nd-24th of May. More details on their Facebook page with lots of ways to get involved
Galway Film Fleadh will be running an online festival from the 7th of July and the deadline for Short Film Submissions has been extended to Fri 22nd May.
Fancy a free trip to the theatre?
You can now watch 3 Druid Theatre productions online:
- The Playboy of the Western World
- Riders to the Sea
- The Shadow of the Glen
The emergency hardship financial aid fund has now been extended and is open to ALL NUI Galway students (including international students) who are affected by the COVID19 crisis. For support from the Fund email una.mcdermott@nuigalway.ie or phone and leave a message on 091 495 282.
Contact Us
You can contact the Students’ Union by email to studentsunion@nuigalway.ie with any questions you may have.
Welcome to your weekly email from your Students’ Union. We hope you are all doing okay during this stressful time. Your SU is here for you so keep in touch.
NUI Galway Students’ Union has welcomed the University’s decision to provide a rent rebate for on-campus student accommodation for 2020/21. This means that in September students renting in the campus Goldcrest and Corrib Village student accommodation will be entitled to apply for a 3-4% refund of their rent. Read more here.
USI Congress Applications Open
Congress is an annual event hosted by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), where hundreds of student representatives convene to elect our leadership, direct the policies and set the agenda for the student movement for the years ahead. Due to the coronavirus, it will take an online format this year from Mon 25th to Weds 27th May with sessions taking place each morning for these three days. NUI Galway Students’ Union will have 19 delegate spaces. If you attend as an NUI Galway delegate, you will be representing NUIG students on national issues, and will be expected to be present for all sessions. Deadline for applications is 5pm Tues 12th of May. Apply online here.
If you have any questions you will find a lot of information and updates HERE at the University’s FAQ page.
If you still need advice contact: SU VP/Welfare & Equality Officer Brandon on su.welfare@nuigalway.ie or SU VP/Education Officer Cameron on su.education@nuigalway.ie or SU President Clare on su.president@nuigalway.ie
Chaplaincy Exam Stress Helpline
If you have any exam stress you can contact the Exam Stress helpline services throughout the exams Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm until Fri 15th May.
Phone: 091 497 999
Text/International Call: +353 89 462 3763
Email/Video Call: examstress@nuigalway.ie
The emergency hardship financial aid fund has now been extended and is open to ALL NUI Galway students (including international students) who are affected by the COVID19 crisis. For support from the Fund email una.mcdermott@nuigalway.ie or phone and leave a message on 091 495 282.
Upcoming PhD Thesis Boot Camp 10-12 June
- Are you a PhD student struggling with the writing-up battle?
- Do you put off writing tasks until ‘tomorrow’?
- Are you finding it tough going it alone?
Dedicated solely to getting words down on paper (or a computer screen), the Thesis Boot Camp is designed to help doctoral students get over that final hurdle, or to kick-start their writing progress if it has stalled. Application Deadline 10am Weds 13th May. Open to NUIG PhD students only and limited to 30 spaces. Apply here.
Student Insta Competition
We know exam time is stressful especially at the moment, so when you have time for a study break we want to give you the chance to win a €100 One4All Voucher. The Irish Universities Association’s #IUADigEd project want to hear about learning online at an Irish university during COVID19! The 3 best videos will win a €100 One4All Voucher each!To be in with a chance of winning:
- Post a short video on your Instagram account (2 mins) about your experience of online learning during COVID-19 using #HEinIsolation
- Tag @edtl.iua and @nuigalway
- You must be following @edtl.iua
- Closing Date Fri 15th May
By the end of the video we should know who you are, what you study and your experience of learning and assessment online! Are you helping lecturers with their technology? Is working from home difficult for you? What would be some useful feedback for lecturers on how to teach students online?
Open Scholarship Week 11-15 May
During Open Scholarship Week (#OSWGalway2020) staff, students, members of the public and a variety of other stakeholders will come together to talk about changing the ways scholarly information is openly communicated, shared and used. There will be a diverse range of talks and workshops representing many different perspectives and disciplines on Open practices in research and education. The event is for Open enthusiasts as well as to everyone who wants to find out what Open Scholarship is all about.
Webinar Today
6pm Thurs 7th May Responding to children at risk and in need of support at home during COVID-19 – watch live on the NUI Galway Facebook page
NUI Galway students and staff can avail of a free subscription to the DownDog app until the 1st of July. Just sign up using your NUI Galway email address and then you have free access to any of their apps including yoga, HIIT, Barre and 7 minute workouts.
The Careers Office have some great tips here on how to work on your employability during lockdown.
Darkness Into Light
As the annual Pieta House Darkness Into Light fundraiser can’t go ahead this year they are looking for your support with their Darkness Into Light Sunrise Appeal. Please donate what you can HERE and join them at 5.30am this Sat 9th May to share your sunrise moment using #DIL2020
Free Condoms
Remember you can get free condoms and lube posted out to you. Just contact Sexual Health West on info@sexualhealthwest.ie to get your protection package.
European Youth Event Online Programme
The EYE Online offers young people from all over the European Union and beyond a unique opportunity to virtually meet and inspire each other, share their stories and exchange their views with experts, decision-makers, activists and influencers.
- Thurs May 7 2PM (CET) Become an EU activist: Join together.eu community!
- Fri May 8 12PM (CET) E-citizenship + #COVID19
Galway Film Fleadh Applications Open
Whilst the Galway Film Fleadh is not going ahead as planned they are still accepting short film applications and the deadline to submit is 5pm Mon 11th of May. We look forward to hearing their contingency plans for the Festival soon – the show will go on!
Ros na Rún seeks Irish speakers with acting ability
If you’re an adult male, female, a teenager or a child with proficiency in Gaeilge, Ros na Rún is inviting you to create your own tapes. Consideration will be given to all via a new virtual audition process. To be in with a chance to audition for the 25th season of Ros na Rún, forward your self-tapes to leiriuchain@rosnarun.com before 29th May.
InterAction Galway is a digital theatre programme where 6 artists will create works 18th – 30th May. It will feature live digital events, works-in progress, panel discussions and workshops by local and international artists.
Applications are now open for SUSI grants for the 2020/21 academic year. More info and online application here.
Contact Us
You can contact the Students’ Union by email to studentsunion@nuigalway.ie with any questions you may have.
Students’ Union Welcomes NUIG Turnaround on 4% Rent Hike
NUI Galway Students’ Union has today welcomed the University’s decision to provide a rent rebate for on-campus student accommodation for 2020/21. This means that in September students renting in the campus Goldcrest and Corrib Village student accommodation will be entitled to apply for a 3-4% refund of their rent.
NUI Galway Students’ Union has been campaigning throughout this semester to have the proposed rent increase stopped. Students and NUIG Cut the Rent participated in many forms of direct actions including a letter writing campaign, lobbying governors of the University, organising protests and camping out in the Quadrangle to object to the rent increases earlier this year. The SU also organised petitions to stop the rent hike and spoke at the University Governing Authority meeting against this in March.
With the current global pandemic and the dire financial straits that students and their families find themselves in the University has finally agreed that now is not the time for rent increases.
Students’ Union President Clare Austick said: “We are delighted that the University has listened to the student body and reversed their earlier decision. We’ve driven this campaign forward for the last 4 months and are thankful for all the support we received from the wider community. We are all facing a very uncertain future with the COVID-19 Emergency. Adding any extra financial strain to students and their families is not acceptable. Now is a time to be kind and compassionate. We expect to be consulted if any big decisions are made in the future. We are determined to break down the barriers to education and will continue to work with the University to create equal opportunities for all.”
