Welcome to your weekly email from your Students’ Union / Fáilte chuig do r-phost seachtainiúil ó Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn
Voting takes place online 9am to 9pm TODAY Thurs 28th Jan to elect a Postgraduate student to Údarás na hOllscoile, the Governing Authority, which is the ultimate decision-making body in the University. The full list of candidates is available here or by going to www.nuigsuelections.com
If you are a Postgrad student you can vote by logging in to www.nuigsuelections.com using your student ID number and campus password. Only registered postgraduate students can vote in this election.
Kilometre Challenge Starts Monday!
Join us this February in our second Kilometre Challenge to raise funds for Galway Rape Crisis Centre, Galway Autism Partnership and Helplink Mental Health.
- Sign up here
- Pick your target number of Kilometres to complete over February
- Get walking/running/cycling to reach your target by the 28th of February!
Sustainable Monday
Our #SustainableMonday campaign every Monday this February will highlight small changes we can all make that will have a big impact on our planet. There’s also loads of chances to win SU Keep Cups and reusable water bottles – just tag us on social media with #SustainableMonday and let us know the changes you are making to live more sustainably. More info from su.welfare@nuigalway.ie
Stitch & Bitch Starts Tuesday!
Join our knitting group for chats every Tuesday in February. All crafters welcome! More info from studentsunion@nuigalway.ie
Our Hump Day Hoolies are on every Wednesday at 7.30pm. Join us and comedian Steve Bennett for lots of craic, comedy and speed friending! Get your tickets HERE
The NUIG free Academic Writing Centre Reopens Tues 2nd Feb. More info.
Gaisce Monthly Meetups
Join the ALIVE team for a chat with fellow students on their Gaisce journey! Ireland’s only national medal is a great opportunity to set personal goals, track and achieve in the areas of physical; community volunteering; skills. They meet on Zoom the first Tuesday of the month. Join them at 9pm Tues 2nd Feb here.
Postgrad Workers Alliance Meeting
The NUIG Postgraduate Workers Alliance are holding an open information meeting at 11am on Friday to discuss some of the issues to do with worker’s rights and fair treatment of postgrads which have been coming up in the last while. Everyone is welcome to come along whether you want to learn more about the current state of negotiations with the university management or just to vent a bit about any issues that you’re facing at the moment. More info at https://twitter.com/pgwanuig or email galwaypgwa@gmail.com
Mature Students Drop-In Clinics
Weekly drop-In Clinics are available for all Mature Students. Here you can discuss issues, challenges, ideas, suggestions, and much more. The clinics are hosted by your SU Mature Students’ Officer Michelle Mitchell on Zoom and are on 10am-12pm Tuesdays and 2pm-4pm Thursdays (links below). For more info email: su.maturestudents@nuigalway.ie
Help NUIG PhD student Sukanya reach Antarctica for a Greener Future!
Sukanya’s research investigates climate change and urbanization impact on wastewater management systems. She has been chosen to journey to Antarctica on the 2041 ClimateForce International Antarctic Expedition. She needs your support to go on this expedition. More info here.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) represent + work on behalf of 374,000 students across the island of Ireland. Nominations for positions on the 2021/22 USI Executive Team are now open and close Weds 24th Feb. Give us a shout on su.president@nuigalway.ie if you’re interested in running for USI Elections or find more info HERE
LIFT Leadership – Join a Group!
NUI Galway has purchased the license for this semester to run the LIFT Leadership programme. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to focus and build your leadership skills and potential! Small groups will be made with a trained facilitator and run for Feb and March.
Sign up here. There will be an online short welcome for any questions or drop a line to lift@nuigalway.ie
Are you a graduate from an NUI university or college and an Irish citizen?
The deadline to claim your Vote in elections to Seanad Éireann is Fri 26th Feb. You don’t automatically get your vote when you graduate – you must register. More info here.
SpunOut.ie are recruiting 16-25 year olds to join their Action Panels
The Panels are based in Dublin, Waterford, Cork and Galway and meet remotely three times a year to help shape the direction of Ireland’s Youth Information Website. There are also specific nationwide Action Panels for Young Travellers + young people from BAME (Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic) communities.
Take the Free Ohana ZERO suicide training today and gain the skills to save a life. This training, which takes approximately 20 minutes, focuses on breaking stigma and encouraging open conversations. #SeeSaySignpost
National Student Survey on Social Justice in Higher Education
You are being asked to take part in an anonymous, online survey about your views and perceptions of social justice issues in higher education in Ireland. The survey will take approx. 10 minutes and will help develop a deeper understanding of students’ impressions and understandings of issues pertaining to equality, equity/fairness, social and cultural diversity (including sexual orientation, gender, race-ethnicity, social class, ability status), and to rights, inclusion, participation etc. in higher education. Take the survey here.
There are always risks when taking drugs
Covid-19 means that this is an extra risky time to use drugs as they can lower your immune system leaving you at greater risk of illness from the virus. Covid-19 also means that there have been changes to the drug market. Using alternatives to what you would normally use or using new drugs can increase your risk of overdose. It is always safer not to use at all, but if you do, please follow harm reduction information to help reduce your risk.
- Talk to your friends about using drugs and research the risks on www.drugs.ie
- Can you trust the dealer? Risks are increased if you buy from an unknown person
- What’s in the pill or powder? Don’t assume you know the content based on what you are sold.
- Start low and go slow – start with a very small dose to see how you react to the drug. Wait at least 2 hours before taking more.
- Leave the mixing to the DJ – mixing drugs increases the risk of becoming unwell or overdose.
- Don’t be afraid to get help by calling 999/112 if you or a friend become unwell or feel suicidal after using drugs. Using drugs alone can be dangerous due to the risk of overdose and lack of emergency help.
Financial Aid Fund Still Open
More info HERE
If you need stationery, home school supplies or stuff for arts & crafts. You can now shop online 24/7 at the SU Shop online shop HERE
The Library is closed but they still have the following services available:
- Click & Collect – Order and collect books you need for exams and research.
- Scan & Deliver – Request a journal article or book chapter and receive it electronically.
Need Someone to Talk To?
- Contact NUIG Counselling service to set up an appointment on: counselling@nuigalway.ie
- Text HELLO to 50808 if you need mental health support or advice. Service available 24/7
- Phone the Samaritans on 116 123 or email them on jo@samaritans.org 24/7
Keep up to date with NUIG events online here
Contact Us / Déan teagmháil linn
You can contact the Students’ Union by email to studentsunion@nuigalway.ie with any questions or suggestions you may have. You can also like or follow us on Facebook Instagram Snapchat (@nuigsu) and Twitter.
Our office is currently closed but we are working remotely to help you.