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.
Students’ Union COVID-19 Updates
- Exams and “No Detriment” policy
In terms of a “No Detriment” policy the SU team met with a larger national group (convened by USI) in relation to these policies and how they work. It’s important to note that of the policies already in place across the UK – no two are the same, making it difficult to judge which one should be deemed “Best Practice”. We don’t want to push for a policy that benefits one cohort of students whilst putting other groups at a disadvantage. We are continuing our research into the policy options available and have raised this with the NUI Galway President, Dean of Students and Deputy President/Registrar.
- Accommodation
We have received many emails from you in relation to refunds on accommodation and deposits being returned. We have been engaging on a national level to support our students in this regard. USI have launched this petition to call for students rents to refunded. Locally, we have made contact with all students residences and we have received a few replies. We have engaged with the President of the University, suggesting that a stronger push is needed from the University to private owned residences to show compassion and flexibility with our student population. Brandon (Welfare & Equality Officer) has also raised these issues several times with the campus welfare support group, to identity ways they can help students in this uncertain time. We have also continued work on the reversal of the 4% increase in on campus rent and are hopeful for a positive outcome in this regard, meetings are scheduled to be held over the coming week to discuss this.
- Supports
The University has sent you all a survey to fill out if you are still residing in Galway. This is to help them understand how many of our students, for various reasons, remain on or near campus. They will be contacting you each individually via phone call shortly to establish what, if any, support you may need while you remain here. They are here to help you so please engage with them.
- Postgraduate Drop In Clinic Today 12pm
Your NUIG SU Officers will be hosting a Zoom Drop In Clinic from 12pm TODAY Thursday 9th of April for current NUI Galway Postgrad students. Please email Cameron on su.education@nuigalway.ie for the meeting link
- Online Financial Issue Q&A Session Today 11am
NUI Galway is holding an online Q&A session for current students about financial issues 11am-12.30pm TODAY. Join in the conversation at this link.
- Frequently Asked Questions
NUI Galway have put together a handy FAQ page for your queries here.
Need help with Maths or Stats?
SUMS (Support for Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics) is offering online support for 1st and 2nd year NUIG students until Friday 17th of April.
Details on how to book an appointment are available HERE.
CÉIM is the Students’ Union co-curricular academic peer learning programme that supports 1st year students’ transition to higher education, health and wellbeing, academic success, progression and development of transferable skills. We would like to thank everyone who has collaborated with us this year to make CÉIM a success, particularly student leaders, and academic and support staff across the campus.
This year CÉIM was offered to 1,650 NUIG Students with 3 out of 4 NUI Galway Colleges partnering with us. We had 105 students leaders this year and 500 hours of peer learning sessions delivered this year. CÉIM leaders volunteered 5,000 hours this year. Watch our short video here.
Life In Isolation Questionnaire
Please take a minute to complete the NUI Galway student “Life in Isolation” questionnaire. Your answers are anonymous and it’s an opportunity to raise concerns and share ideas. Survey link here.
NUIG Taught Postgraduate Scholarships
NUI Galway has scholarships valued at €1,500 for students applying for full-time taught postgraduate courses. You will be eligible to apply if you have been accepted to a full-time taught course at NUI Galway, and have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree. Closing date 14th August 2020. More info here.
Free Online Mindfulness Classes
NUIG Mindful Way are holding free twice weekly shared practice of meditation sessions for NUIG students 3pm-3.30pm every Tuesday and Friday.
Join online here. (works in Google Chrome)
Suitable for everyone to cultivate calmness and peace during this uncertain time.
The Socs Awards will be celebrated at 7pm this Monday 13th of April live on www.facebook.com/socs.box – join the party!
Free Online Wellness and Stress Management Workshops
The NUIG Counselling Department has arrange free online wellness and stress management workshops to help you manage exam and assignment prep stress in these challenging times! To book just click on the title link.
Mary Mulvihill Award €2,000 Prize
The Mary Mulvihill Award deadline has been extended to midnight on the 30th of April. Entries are invited on the theme “Our Scientific Heritage” with a €2,000 top prize to be won. Open to third level students in Ireland. More info here.
Aware Phone-in Support & Self Care Group
Aware is providing a new phone-in support and self-care peer group for people experiencing anxiety, mild to moderate depression, bipolar disorder and mood related conditions. Each group is facilitated by Aware trained volunteers and is limited to 10 people (8 participants and 2 volunteers). The meeting lasts 60 minutes. More info and registration link here.
Free Festival!
The 35th Cúirt International Festival of Literature will be taking place online, Thurs 23rd – Sat 25th April. Further information can be found here.
Refund Students Their Deposits!
The Union of Students in Ireland and Students’ Unions across Ireland have teamed up with Uplift to call for signatories to an open letter demanding student rent refunds.
Please sign the open letter here.
Free Sahaja Yoga Meditation Galway
Join a free online introduction to meditation class this Saturday 11th April at 2pm at sahaj.me or meditate now at wemeditate.co
Flirt FM is still on the air and all their amazing volunteers are doing great work putting together new shows to keep you entertained. Tune in on 101.3FM or here.
The Socs Box have put together an updated webpage with COVID-19 information along with stuff to keep you entertained, self-care tips and lots more to keep you connected here.
Contact Us
You can contact the Students’ Union by email to studentsunion@nuigalway.ie with any questions you may have.
