
#NUIGSU20 Part Time Officer Election Results 12th March 2020
Oifigeach na Gaeilge Election Result: Erin Mac an tSaoir deemed elected
1st Count
Mac an tSaoir, Erin 179
Nic Sheamuis, Rebecca 102
Ní Thuathail, Caroline 46
Ó Muiris, Finn 97
Seoighe, Máirtín 103
Electorate: 19,760
Total Poll: 570
Spoils: 43
Total Valid Poll: 544
Quota: 273
RON: 17
2nd Count
Mac an tSaoir, Erin 186
Nic Sheamuis, Rebecca 120
Ó Muiris, Finn 105
Seoighe, Máirtín 107
3rd Count
Mac an tSaoir, Erin 208
Nic Sheamuis, Rebecca 153
Seoighe, Máirtín 120
4th Count
Mac an tSaoir, Erin 243
Nic Sheamuis, Rebecca 197
Erin Mac an tSaoir deemed elected
Mature Students Officer Result: Michelle Mitchell Deemed elected
1st Count
Michell, Michelle 480
RON: 70
Electorate: 19,760
Total Poll: 582
Spoils: 32
Total Valid Poll: 550
Quota: 276
Michelle Mitchell deemed elected
Gender & LGBT+ Rights Officer Result: Maeve Arnup Deemed elected
1st Count
Arnup, Maeve 348
Little, Jude 142
RON: 39
Electorate : 19,760
Total Poll: 580
Spoils: 51
Total Valid Poll: 529
Quota: 266
Maeve Arnup deemed elected.
Disability Rights Officer Result: Patricia O’Mahony Deemed Elected
1st Count
Buckley, Stevie 200
O’Mahony, Patricia 306
RON: 17
Electorate : 19,760
Total Poll: 541
Spoils: 18
Total Valid Poll: 523
Quota: 263
Patricia O’Mahony deemed elected.
Postgraduate Taught Officer Result: Martin Smyth Deemed Elected
1st Count
Smyth, Martin 38
RON: 5
Electorate : 4,788
Total Poll: 48
Spoils: 5
Total Valid Poll: 43
Quota: 22
Martin Smyth deemed elected.
Postgraduate Research Officer Result: Sebastiaan Bierema Deemed Elected
1st Count
Bierema, Sebastiaan 46
RON: 2
Electorate : 4,788
Total Poll: 51
Spoils: 3
Total Valid Poll: 48
Quota: 25
Sebastiaan Bierema deemed elected.
Clubs’ Captain Result: Kirsty Moran Deemed Elected
1st Count
Moran, Kirsty 10
RON: 1
Electorate : 45
Total Poll: 11
Spoils: 0
Total Valid Poll: 11
Quota: 6
Kirsty Moran deemed elected.
Convenor of College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies Result: Claire McHale deemed elected.
1st Count
Breslin, Joshua 16
McHale, Claire 134
Mortimer, Cian 76
RON: 12
Electorate : 8,260
Total Poll: 244
Spoils: 6
Total Valid Poll: 238
Quota: 120
Claire McHale deemed elected.
Convenor of College of Science and Engineering Result: Aoife Buckley deemed elected
1st Count
Buckley, Aoife 71
Ganley, Oisín 64
Gujulla, Sai 60
RON: 6
Electorate : 4,836
Total Poll: 208
Spoils: 7
Total Valid Poll: 201
Quota: 101
2nd Count
Buckley, Aoife 71
Ganley, Oisín 64
Gujulla, Sai 61
3rd Count
Buckley, Aoife 99
Ganley, Oisín 80
Aoife Buckley deemed elected.
Convenor of College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences Result: Evan O’Flaherty Deemed Elected
1st Count
O’Flaherty, Evan 79
RON: 7
Electorate : 3,128
Total Poll: 87
Spoils: 1
Total Valid Poll: 86
Quota: 44
Evan O’Flaherty deemed elected.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic the election of the remainder of the SU Officer positions will be postponed until the 2020/21 Academic Year (Dates to be confirmed)
These positions are:
- International Students Officer
- Ethnic Minorities Officer
- Societies’ Chairperson
- Convenor of College of Business, Public Policy & Law
- SU Council Chair
For more information contact elections@su.nuigalway.ie
Full Time Officer Election Results are available here

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.
We hope you and your families/friends are keeping safe. We know that this is an unprecedented and stressful time for you all, and we have been working with the University to try to make the next few weeks a little easier for everyone.
- Please take time to carefully read ALL of the updates from the University here. This should answer a lot of your questions.
- The advice from the University is that if you can go home (whether your home is in Ireland or abroad) that you should do so, in the interest of your own and others safety. If you cannot go home and are staying on campus – you will be supported and accommodated until the end of your lease. There is also new legislation coming into effect today that will prevent evictions from private accommodation for the next 3 months. If you had been staying on campus, you will be reimbursed for time not spent in the accommodation but this will take time as staff are trying to put things in place for students who need to remain. Tune in to the accommodation online Q&A 11am-1pm tomorrow here.
- It is very unlikely that classes will resume this coming semester, and online teaching started on Monday. Over the coming weeks it is going to be hugely important for you to check your Blackboard and NUI Galway email address, regularly, for updates. If you have trouble accessing either of these, then please contact ISS in NUI Galway.
- Exams and Assessments will be moved to online/alternative methods. These will be done with as much flexibility as possible as the University recognises that we have a diverse student population. We have been working with the University to ensure the fairest possible exam set up is achieved and they will be emailing you shortly about this.
- This is an incredibly stressful time for all of us and no one knows when this will end. We understand that this is not the best situation for students to be in coming up to exams but we are all available by phone or email for students. We are trying to keep people updated as much as possible when we get information ourselves. Here is the link to the NUI Galway supports page where all the contacts for support services in NUIG are available and up-to-date: http://www.nuigalway.ie/student-life/student-support/
- If you have any Education queries you can contact Cameron on su.education@nuigalway.ie and if you have any Welfare queries you can contact Brandon on su.welfare@nuigalway.ie
This Friday the 27th of March there will be a live Q&A from 11am-1pm. This Q&A will be accommodation specific so any questions or worries you have can be answered by a relevant staff member at NUI Galway. This will be on the university website AT THIS LINK. There will be further online Q&A sessions on the other issues facing NUI Galway students next week.
Marchathon Update
We are in the final week of the NUI Galway Marchathon challenge! Well done to Fiona Drayne from NUIG for winning the Week 3 photo competition and big congrats to the Red Hot Chilli Steppers NUIG team who are in 14th place on the national leader board.
There’s 2 ways to win goody bags this week:
- Send in your Limerick about Adventure
- Enter the “In My Shoes” Story Competition saying what you learned/achieved/changed during the challenge
Submit your entries via the www.activetravellogger.ie website by 2pm Mon 30th March.
Remember to log your final steps of the challenge by 2pm Mon 30th March and keep up that social distancing outside
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.
Clubs Ball Update
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis the Clubs Ball is postponed. All ticket holders are being refunded via Eventbrite. Tickets will be on sale again when we have a new date for the postponed event which will hopefully be next semester. Anyone who is graduating this year will be welcome to the event also.
NUIG Support Services for You
Here is the link to the NUI Galway supports page where all the contacts for support services in NUIG are available and up-to-date: http://www.nuigalway.ie/student-life/student-support/
The deadline for nominations for the NUIG Society Awards is the 29th of March and the awards will be celebrated in September. More info and how to nominate is available HERE.
Lockers
We won’t be emptying out any lockers during the campus shutdown. As soon as campus is accessible again you can retrieve items from your locker.
The Societies Office are looking for your feedback on what supports you need during this tough time. Please fill out their survey about individuals during isolation, and societies during isolation. Survey link here.
ALIVE Volunteering Cert Deadline Extended
We are extending our Deadline for all students to complete the award to noon on Tues 31st March. Log in with your student id and your student password to update your Presidents Award application here: www.yourspace.nuigalway.ie Remember to hit save! All reflection questions should be answered for the review committee to deem your application qualified. All Certificates will be awarded online and students can download their Certificate.
Training Motivation and COVID-19
Here’s a great article by NUI Galway Health Psychologist Dr Jane Walsh about Training Motivation and how to stay focused in the face of COVID-19. Read it here.
Applications for NUIG Sports Scholarships extended to 15th May
These are open to new and current NUIG students. More info and online application HERE.
Bike Usage Survey
Some NUIG MSc students studying Global Environmental Economics would like you to take a couple of minutes to complete their survey regarding bike usage in Galway on behalf of NUI Galway HERE.
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is a new social welfare payment for employees and self-employed people who are unemployed or who have their hours of work reduced during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. This includes people who have been put on part-time or casual work. You can apply for the payment if you are aged between 18 and 66 and have lost employment due to the coronavirus restrictions. Students can apply for the payment.
Free Sahaja Yoga Meditation Galway
Join a free online introduction to meditation class this Saturday 28th March at 1pm at sahaj.me or meditate now at wemeditate.co.
Academic Skills Team
The Academic Skills Team are available to help. Contact them on academicskills@nuigalway.ie if you have a query and they will do their best to help.
Helplink Free Counselling Services during COVID-19
Helplink Mental Health are providing the below counselling services nationally online (via a free app on Smartphones/laptops/PCs), for FREE or at low costs; 7 days a week to people’s homes and other private spaces (car, office, shed, barn, while you’re walking, etc.).
- Free counselling for people laid off work by the COVID 19 crisis (6 sessions).
- Free counselling for people with addictions to gambling, alcohol and/or drugs.
- Free counselling for Irish returning home.
- Free counselling for Irish living abroad.
Academic Writing Centre open for Online Appointments
For the next two weeks, the AWC will provide distance appointments. Appointments can be made 1 day in advance. To book, email awctutors@gmail.com stating your student number and availability. One of our tutors will get back to you to arrange an appointment.
Mind Your Mind!
Minding your mental health is critical during this time. This will be a difficult time for many so we encourage you to try to keep to a routine with study, food and exercise and check in with friends and family using social media, the phone or other online platforms. If you are feeling anxious please reach out for support through the following channels:
- Text SPUNOUT to 086 1800 280 for 24/7 support anytime/anywhere.
- HSE www.yourmentalhealth.ie
- LGBT Ireland Helpline: 1890 929 539 info@lgbt.ie or online chat at lgbt.ie
- Rape Crisis Helpline: 1800 77 8888 or counselling@rcc.ie
- Samaritans: 116 123 or jo@samaritans.ie
- The Chaplaincy Service is available to support students and staff remotely during normal working hours ben.hughes@nuigalway.ie
- NUI Galway Student Counselling is continuing to operate, remotely online or by phone email counselling@nuigalway.ie
Read the latest issue of Sin newspaper online HERE for all your NUI Galway news.
Keeping Active
- Cultivate an exercise routine (preferably with a dose of fresh air or bodyweight exercises)
- Preserve sleep routine and hygiene (decrease screen time 30 min prior to bedtimes)
- Maintain healthy eating and adequate hydration
- Incorporate basic mobility practice such as yoga
Online Library services available during Library closure
The Library is closed until further notice due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. This link gives information on contacting the Library and accessing online Library services during the closure.
Fines will be suspended for books due back during the library closure.
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.
All updates regarding NUI Galway and Coronavirus will be published HERE
Please read this page carefully for updates regarding lectures, exams and assignments and keep an eye on your student email and blackboard. If you have any queries regarding academic issues please contact Cameron on su.education@nuigalway.ie
Student Accommodation and Housing
The USI, the SU and the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) encourage all student tenants to engage in early and open communications with their landlords regarding any potential issues within a tenancy at this time, particularly in relation to rent payments. The RTB encourages everyone to use its online services where possible during this time. Students living in digs accommodation have very few legal protections. USI is raising this issue with the Department of Housing and Local Government and will continue to lobby to ensure any student affected is supported. Contact Brandon on su.welfare@nuigalway.ie with any housing issues you might have.
Mind Your Mind!
Minding your mental health is critical during this time. This will be a difficult time for many so we encourage you to try to keep to a routine with study, food and exercise and check in with friends and family using social media, the phone or other online platforms. If you are feeling anxious please reach out for support through the following channels:
- Text SPUNOUT to 086 1800 280 for 24/7 support anytime/anywhere.
- HSE www.yourmentalhealth.ie
- LGBT Ireland Helpline: 1890 929 539 info@lgbt.ie or online chat at lgbt.ie
- Rape Crisis Helpline: 1800 77 8888 or counselling@rcc.ie
- Samaritans: 116 123 or jo@samaritans.ie
- The Chaplaincy Service is available to support students and staff remotely during normal working hours ben.hughes@nuigalway.ie
- NUI Galway Student Counselling is continuing to operate, remotely online or by phone email counselling@nuigalway.ie
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is a new social welfare payment for employees and self-employed people who are unemployed or who have their hours of work reduced during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. This includes people who have been put on part-time or casual work. You can apply for the payment if you are aged between 18 and 66 and have lost employment due to the coronavirus restrictions. Students can apply for the payment.
Read the latest issue of Sin newspaper online HERE for all your NUI Galway news.
The Party’s On Hold
In line with Government advice we are urging students not to hold or attend house parties. We know how important it is to students to stay connected especially as many are away from home so our advice is to stay connected but stay distant.
Keeping Active
- Cultivate an exercise routine (preferably with a dose of fresh air or bodyweight exercises)
- Preserve sleep routine and hygiene (decrease screen time 30 min prior to bedtimes)
- Maintain healthy eating and adequate hydration
- Incorporate basic mobility practice such as yoga
Academic Skills Team
The Academic Skills Team are available to help, if possible over the next 2 weeks. Contact them on academicskills@nuigalway.ie if you have a query and they will do their best to help.
Lockers
We won’t be emptying out any lockers during the campus shutdown. As soon as campus is accessible again you can retrieve items from your locker.
Academic Writing Centre open for Online Appointments
For the next two weeks, the AWC will provide distance appointments. Appointments can be made 1 day in advance. To book, email awctutors@gmail.com stating your student number and availability. One of our tutors will get back to you to arrange an appointment.
Online Library services available during Library closure
The Library is closed until further notice due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. The following gives information on contacting the Library and accessing online Library services during the closure: http://library.nuigalway.ie/usingthelibrary/onlineservices/
Fines will be suspended for books due back during the library closure.
Calling all Class Reps!
Now is our chance to thank you for helping out all year long with the NUI Galway Award from the President for Volunteering. Thank you for your contribution as a Class Rep – we couldn’t do it without your help all year long. You make it possible for everyone to engage and benefit from the Class Rep mission. To thank you – we invite you to log your contribution online and receive the NUI Galway President’s Award for Volunteering. This award goes on your permanent record from NUI Galway when you graduate. Log in with your student ID and password and fill in the “Presidents Award” one page reflection. Deadline: Friday 27th March. Login: http://yourspace.nuigalway.ie Questions: alive@nuigalway.ie
This Week’s Marchathon Competitions
- Photo competition – win Marchathon Goody Packs this week
For this week’s photo competition, we would like you to send us photos showing the Best of Ireland. It could be the sunrise from your kitchen window or a particularly nice scenery shot. Submit your photo by 2pm on Monday 23rd March to be in with a chance to win.
- Virtual Challenge
As it is St. Patrick’s Day this week, we’ll continue our journey in Northern Ireland where the Saint Patrick’s Way is located. This signed walking trail connects key sites relating to Saint Patrick and Christian Heritage. We’ll start in Warrenpoint and we’ll walk via the Mourne Mountains to St Patrick’s Country and Downpatrick near where the Patron Saint established his first church and where he was later laid to rest. The distance covered on this part of the way, 53 kilometres, gives a daily goal of 10,000 steps per person. If your team achieves a daily average of 10,000 steps or more wherever you are in the country, your team will be entered into a draw to win Goody Packs. Don’t forget to register your steps before 2pm each Monday!
Remember to keep the steps up but use social distancing when you are out.
Connecting Minds – student mental health event is still going ahead!
The event is still taking place on March 26th, it will be taking place online using a platform called ZOOM from 10am – 12pm / 1pm
Main topics we will be discussing is: 1. USI Mental health strategy 2. National strategy for suicide prevention in third level. Please register at the link here and spread the word
Research Project on the Irish Language
For my master’s thesis I’m looking for Irish students with all levels language proficiency in Irish – participants can receive a €50 amazon gift card. More information here: https://imgur.com/abBnu28
TV Presenter Needed
Meangadh Fíbín are in search of a Presenter for a new series about the environment for a show called “Timpeall Orainn” for Cúla 4, TG4. We would like to hear from people between the age of 20-30, who have Fluent Irish and plenty of confidence presenting in front of camera. (If you’ve an interest in this topic, even better again but DON’T refrain from sending us in your Showreel even if you don’t). If you are interested, please send a short video between 1-2mins introducing yourself and telling us about your interest in this particular subject.
Send video clip on WhatsApp to 085 138 9582 Or email fionafibinmedia@gmail.com
Call for Young People to Join EYE on the Edge
Galway 2020 is putting together a small group of young people who will support the development of an exciting new project happening this September called EYE on the Edge. This 2 day festival will take place at NUIG.
Closing date for applications 20th March. If you are aged between 18 and 30 and are interested in where we are heading in the world and have something to say about it then we want to hear from you.
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.
#NUIGSU20 Part Time Officer elections take place TODAY Thurs 12th March. Polling will take place in the following locations (NUIG Student ID Required):
- 10am-8pm Library Basement
- 11am-8pm Áras na Mac Léinn Foyer
- 12pm-6pm Engineering Building Foyer
- 10am-8pm Online Via Remote Vote on SU Website
PLEASE NOTE: For Clubs’ Captain election Remote Vote is not available and voting will only take place in Library Basement
More info about your candidates is available here.
All updates regarding NUI Galway and Coronavirus will be published HERE
The Student Health Unit is now operating on a booked appointment only basis – the previous walk-in service has been suspended. To book appointments phone 091-494 337 / 083-325 0034 9.15am-12.30pm or 2.30pm-4.30pm Mon-Fri
Exam Timetables out Today
Semester 2 exams take place Tues 21st April-Fri 8th May. Semester 2 Exam timetable will be released at 12pm today Thurs 12th March HERE Please check your timetable carefully to ensure all your subjects are present.
Well done to all our Marchathon teams who have been working so hard to get their steps up on the Marchathon challenge so far! Special congrats to the Children’s Studies team for winning the team photo competition and the Overachievers for winning the SU Keep Cup team update competition.
Make sure to log your teams steps online by 2pm each Monday of the challenge. This week’s competitions are:
- Daily target of 8,500 steps
- Limerick Competition
- SU Keep Cup Team Update competition (email studentsunion@nuigalway.ie)
Our weekly Wednesday walk will be back 1pm Weds 18th March led by the ALIVE Volunteering team from outside Áras na Mac Léinn.
SU Council Nominations Close 5pm today
Nominations are now for the position of SU Council Chair for 2020/21. Nominations close at 5pm on Thurs 12th March and nomination forms are available from the SU Office and website. The election will take place at the last SU Council of the year at 6pm on Mon 23rd March.
Next SU 8 Week Yoga Course Starts Tonight
- Beginners/Improvers: 6pm-7.30pm Thurs 12th Mar – Thurs 7th May (No Class Thurs 19th March)
- Intermediate: 7.30pm-9pm Thurs 12th Mar -Thurs 7th May (No Class Thurs 19th March)
Cost: €40 Pay in the SU Office or by Debit/Credit Card on 091 493 570 Mon-Fri 10am-5pm.
President’s Award for Volunteering – the ALIVE Certificate – Apply Now!
Log in with your student ID and password and fill in the “Presidents Award” one page reflection on your volunteering experiences to be invited to the ceremony with cake and special guests! Deadline: Fri 27th March. Login: http://yourspace.nuigalway.ie Questions: alive@nuigalway.ie or visit us in Áras na Mac Léinn. Ceremony: 12noon Tues 7th April, Bailey Allen Hall, Áras na Mac Léinn
St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday Arrangements
- There are no classes at NUIG on Tues 17th March.
- The Library, the SU Office, SU Engineering Desk, SU Shop, Sult and Smokey’s Café will all be closed Tues 17th March and will reopen as usual Weds 18th March.
- The Reading Room will be open as usual.
- For details about Computer Suite Access check HERE
Exit Entry are back with their job clinic 11am-3pm today at Smokey’s Café
Call for Young People to Join EYE on the Edge
Galway 2020 is putting together a small group of young people who will support the development of an exciting new project happening this September called EYE on the Edge. This 2 day festival will take place at NUIG.
Closing date for applications 20th March. If you are aged between 18 and 30 and are interested in where we are heading in the world and have something to say about it then we want to hear from you.
International Adolescent Health Week at NUIG
Look out for great FREE events across campus Mon 16th – Fri 20th of March as part of International Adolescent Health Week #IAHW2020. There will be free food, prizes and lots of craic to be had. More info at:
- Twitter: @IAHW2020
- Instagram: @adolescent_health_week
- Facebook: @internationaladolescenthealthweek
Interested in reducing packaging waste?
Please complete a quick survey on reducing meat waste packaging HERE.
There’s less than 70 tickets left for the Clubs’ Ball so get yours quick here
Are you an international student departing Ireland in the coming months?
Donate your leftover household items to a charitable cause at an accommodation collection point to prevent them from going to waste! To donate, complete a very short survey here
Want to try Table Tennis?
Beginners welcome! Call down to the Kingfisher to join the Table Tennis Club (bats & balls provided) 6pm-8pm Thursdays (Hall 3) and 6pm-8pm Fridays (Hall 1)
Self-efficacy and coping strategies in university students with headaches
This is a 10 minute study that aims to understand the relationship between participants level of self-efficacy and their ability to cope with and manage headache pain. Study Link.
Beach Clean Up and Tank Dive In Aid of RNLI
NUIG Sub Aqua Club will be diving in the Aquarium all day Sat 28th March 8am-8pm to raise funds for the RNLI. There will also be a Beach Clean Up with the Marine Soc beginning at 12pm and equipment is provided. Bring your friends and family for a fun filled day by the sea!
Perceived Barriers to Bicycle Commuting across Gender and Stages of Change
All NUIG students living in Galway City are invited to take part in a short (5-10min) survey looking to better understand what might prevent them from cycling to university. A link to the study can be found HERE and, as a thank you for taking part, all participants will be eligible for entry into a draw to win one of three One4all vouchers worth €50 each. Should you have any questions contact d.oriordan3@nuigalway.ie
Free Meditation Class This Saturday
Take some time out for free meditation 2pm-3pm this Sat 14th March at OLBC Hall, 11 Ely Place, Sea Road, Galway.
Impact of Screen time on the sleep quality of Irish college students.
I am conducting a research project to investigate the screen time habits and sleep quality experienced by Irish college students. The project involves filling out a survey that will take approximately 10 minutes. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. Please read the attached information leaflet for more information. Please click THIS LINK if you wish to participate in the study. Information leaflet on study.
Give Blood in Galway Next Week
5pm-8.30pm Mon 16th, Weds 18th & Thurs 19th March at the Clayton Hotel.
Every Wednesday in March there will be loads of events focussed on your Wellness across NUIG. These include Marchathon Wednesday walks, yoga classes, massage, resilience workshops, running clubs, cooking lessons, movies, food and more. There will also be discounts and offers on healthy food choices across campus. More info at: www.nuigstudents.ie
The NUIG 5k in aid of Jigsaw Galway takes place at 7pm on Tues 31st of March. Early bird student rate is €10. More info and registration here.
Contact Us
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 located upstairs in the Áras na Mac Léinn building beside Sult and we are open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm.
Our reception desk in the Engineering Building foyer is open Mon–Fri 11am-3pm.

NUI Galway Arrangements for St Patrick’s Day Tuesday 17th March 2020
- There are no classes at NUIG on Tues 17th March.
- The Students’ Union Office, Students’ Union Engineering Desk, Students’ Union Shop, Sult and Smokey’s Café will all be closed Tues 17th March and will reopen as usual Weds 18th March.
- The James Hardiman Library will be closed.
- The Reading Room will be open as usual.
- For details about Computer Suite Access check HERE

#NUIGSU20 Part Time Officer Candidate Information
The NUI Galway Students’ Union Part Time Officer elections will take place Thursday 12th March 2020. Polling will take place in the following locations (NUIG Student ID Required):
10am-8pm Library Basement (opposite Media Linn)
11am-8pm Áras na Mac Léinn Foyer
12pm-6pm Engineering Building Foyer
10am-8pm Online Via Remote Vote (Deadline to register for Remote Vote is 11.59pm Weds 11th March on SU Website)
PLEASE NOTE: For Clubs’ Captain election Remote Vote is not available and voting will only take place in Library Basement
Your candidates are as follows and we will be including links to their policies/manifestos/campaign pages as these are supplied to us – just click on their name:
Oifigeach na Gaeilge
- Erin Mac an tSaoir
- Rebecca Nic Sheamuis
- Caroline Ní Thuathail
- Finn Ó Muiris
- Máirtín Seoighe
Mature Students Officer
- Michelle Mitchell
Gender & LGBT+ Rights Officer
- Maeve Arnup
- Jude Little
Disability Rights Officer
Postgraduate Taught Officer
- Martin Smyth
Postgraduate Research Officer
- Sebastiaan Bierema
Clubs’ Captain
- Kirsty Moran
Convenor of College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies
- Joshua Breslin
- Claire McHale
- Cian Mortimer
Convenor of College of Science and Engineering
Convenor of College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
- Evan O’Flaherty
Make sure you vote 10am-8pm Thursday 12th March #YourVoiceYourChoice

#NUIGSU20 Full Time Officer Election Results 6th March 2020
President Election Result: Pádraic Toomey deemed elected
Round 1
Coughlan, Alex 496
Mortell, Denis 549
Toomey, Pádraic 1,595
Electorate: 19,760
Total: 2,700
Spoils: 30
Total Valid Poll: 2,670
Quota: 1,336
RON: 30
Pádraic Toomey deemed elected
Vice President / Education Officer Result: Emma Sweeney deemed elected
Round 1
Cooke, Kenny 634
Green, Scott 783
Sweeney, Emma 1121
Electorate: 19,760
Total: 2,641
Spoils: 67
Total Valid Poll: 2,574
Quota: 1,288
RON: 36
Cooke & RON Eliminated
Round 2
Green, Scott 1,042
Sweeney, Emma 1,357
Emma Sweeney deemed elected
Vice President / Welfare and Equality Officer Result: Róisín Nic Lochlainn deemed elected
Round 1
Burke, Simeon 482
Nic Lochlainn, Róisín 1192
O’Donoghue, Ellen 895
Electorate : 19,760
Total: 2664
Spoils: 42
Quota: 1312
RON: 53
Burke & RON Eliminated
Round 2
Nic Lochlainn, Róisín 1341
O’Donoghue, Ellen 895
Róisín Nic Lochlainn Deemed elected
PART TIME OFFICER ELECTION RESULTS ARE AVAILABLE HERE
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic the election of the remainder of the SU Officer positions will be postponed until the 2020/21 Academic Year (Dates to be confirmed)
These positions are:
- International Students Officer
- Ethnic Minorities Officer
- Societies’ Chairperson
- Convenor of College of Business, Public Policy & Law
- SU Council Chair
For more information contact elections@su.nuigalway.ie

Welcome to your weekly email from your Students’ Union.
Please make sure you get out and vote for your SU Full Time Officers today. Bring your NUIG ID with you to vote:
- 10am-8pm in Library Basement (opposite Media Linn)
- 11am-8pm in Áras na Mac Léinn Foyer
- 12pm-6pm in Engineering Building Foyer
- 10am-8pm on SU Website if you registered for Remote Vote
We will be counting the votes on Friday morning – follow #NUIGSU20 for result updates.
Nominations are now for the position of SU Council Chair for 2020/21. Nominations close at 5pm on Thurs 12th March and nomination forms are available from the SU Office and website. The election will take place at the last SU Council of the year at 6pm on Mon 23rd March.
The latest issue of Sin newspaper is out now and includes interviews with all your SU Officer candidates and a chance to win SU Card Credit in their crossword competition. Read it here.
Next SU 8 Week Yoga Course Enrolling Now!
- Beginners/Improvers: 6pm-7.30pm Thurs 12th Mar – Thurs 7th May (No Class Thurs 19th March)
- Intermediate: 7.30pm-9pm Thurs 12th Mar -Thurs 7th May (No Class Thurs 19th March)
Cost: €40 Pay in the SU Office or by Debit/Credit Card on 091 493 570 Mon-Fri 10am-5pm.
The Marchathon Challenge has Started!
How to win prizes this week:
- If your team has a daily average of 7,000 steps or more, wherever you are in the country, your team will be entered into a draw to win Smarter Travel Goody Packs.
- If you’re ready to start winning, submit a fun photo of your team before the end of the week, there are Marchathon Goody Packs up for grabs. You can embrace the theme of this week’s Virtual Challenge by dressing up as your favourite Martian for your team photo.
- Win SU Keep Cups for you and your team by letting us know how week 1 is going for you and sending on photos of you teams progress to studentsunion@nuigalway.ie
- Join us at 1pm next Wednesday for our weekly 30 minute walk and get free stuff!
If you have recently returned from a Coronavirus affected area and feel unwell, avoid mixing with people and phone the Student Health Unit on 091 494 337. More info and advice here: https://www.nuigalway.ie/alert/
SU Engineering Desk Closed Tomorrow
The SU Engineering desk will be closed tomorrow Fri 6th March. It will reopen 11am-3pm Mon 9th March. For any queries please contact the SU on 091 493 570.
Sexual Experiences Survey – Win an iPad
The national survey on students’ sexual experiences is now open! Tell us about your highs and lows of sex as a student and be in with a chance of winning an iPad or €100 voucher. Complete the survey here
We will also have an info stand in Smokey’s Café 12pm-2pm Mon 9th & Tues 10th March and 12pm-2pm Weds 11th March in the Engineering Building.
Attention NUI Galway Postgrads
With USI we are hosting a Postgrad Drop-In Clinic 10.30am-12.30pm today in Hub Central + Postgrad talk 2pm-3pm today in The View. All postgrads welcome!
There’s less than 100 tickets left for the Clubs’ Ball so get yours quick here
Book Hold Period Reduced
Based on student feedback the Library are reducing the amount of time a book is on hold from seven to three days. If you wish to place a hold on a book that is already checked out to another user, do so, but please remember that you now have three days to pick up the book from the Library before it will be released so that other users can borrow it.
An Taisce/CUSP Climate Action Workshop
A Climate Action Workshop will take place 6pm-8pm Mon 9th March in Room AC213 (Corridor down by Bank of Ireland) Arts Science Building. The workshop is open to all Local Climate Ambassadors and NUI Galway students. Light refreshments will be served. Hope you can make it.
Every Wednesday in March there will be loads of events focussed on your Wellness across NUIG. These include Marchathon Wednesday walks, yoga classes, massage, resilience workshops, running clubs, cooking lessons, movies, food and more. There will also be discounts and offers on healthy food choices across campus. More info at: www.nuigstudents.ie
Improving your assignments with Gale Archives
NUIG Library are pleased to welcome Gale Student Ambassador Evelyn Moran who will be delivering a short half-hour workshop on using Gale Archives for your assignments. Thurs 12th March 12pm – 12:30 pm in the Library Training Room. More info and registration.
International Student Sustainability Donation
Are you an international student departing Ireland in the coming months? Donate your leftover household items to a charitable cause at an accommodation collection point to prevent them from going to waste! To donate, complete a very short survey here.
Campus Trails Competition Starts Monday
Do you know the best 1/3/5/8k walking or jogging routes on campus? Generate a map of your favourite route on MapMyWalk or MapMyRun. Then login to www.YourSpace.nuigalway.ie and register your team and route under Campus Wellness. Prizes will be awarded for the best routes. Closing date 1st May. Email wellness@nuigalway.ie for more info.
What if there was a way to build peaceful and sustainable societies for all?
In a world with growing injustices, the Sustainable Development Goals will provide the means to overcome these challenges and to transform our communities. Let’s find out what they are 6pm-8pm Thurs 12th March in G010. What do they mean to us? How can we put these Goals into practice? We will have some fun while we are at it as well. Free pizza for all attendees. Register here.
The NUIG 5k in aid of Jigsaw Galway takes place at 7pm on Tues 31st of March. Early bird student rate is €10. More info and registration here.
Free Yoga Meditation this Sunday
All welcome to a free yoga meditation class 1pm-2pm this Sun 8th March at OLBC Hall, 11 Ely Place, Sea Road, Galway.
Travelling to UCHG or NUIG Campus from East Galway?
Students are invited to take part in our short online survey about a park and ride service available to NUIG students, staff or visitors travelling from East Galway (e.g. Tuam, Athenry, Loughrea, Oranmore, Gort). If you agree to take part, you will be asked questions about your demographic information and preferences for such a service. The survey takes approximately 4 minutes to complete HERE.
Nominations for the Student Achievement Awards Ireland 2020 are now OPEN!
The awards recognise the great achievements of students all over Ireland, and their dedication to improving education and society. If you are one of the shortlisted nominees you will be invited to the USI SAAI Awards Ceremony in The Gibson Hotel, Dublin on April 29th. Go to usi.ie/awards/ to find out more and submit a nomination online.
Have you ever used SUMS? Have you not? Why?
Please take just two minutes to fill out this survey to help feed into a final year project looking at student non-engagement with mathematical supports. The survey can be found HERE. Contact email: scottgreen1998@gmail.com
National Gambling Addiction Helpline
Helplink Mental Health – a registered charity, providing accessible services locally in the West of Ireland, nationally and internationally has now joined forces with the Gambling Awareness Trust to provide a national gambling addiction / gambling dependency counselling service; that is available for free; 7 days a week and out-of-hours. Contact by emailing gamblingsupport@helplink.ie or by phone to 0818 998 880 to arrange an appointment. More info.
Registration is now open for Darkness Into Light 2020 and early birds can avail of reduced prices until 17th March.
Need Help?
With Maths – SUMS
With Programming – Computer DISC
With Writing – Academic Writing Centre
With Academic Skills – Academic Skills Hub
With Anything – SU Grinds Register
Contact Us
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 located upstairs in the Áras na Mac Léinn building beside Sult and we are open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm.
Our reception desk in the Engineering Building foyer is open Mon–Fri 11am-3pm.