NUI Galway Students’ Union has condemned the University’s decision to charge students sitting online repeat exams. Students who did not pass exams in May have the option to repeat those exams in August. A fee of €295 is usually charged to cover costs such as venue, supervisors and materials. However, next month’s repeat exams will take place online and many of those costs do not exist in an online format. The Students’ Union is calling on the University to cancel the charge for this year’s repeat exams in line with other colleges across the country.
The Students’ Union is also critical of the University charging the exam fees at a time when many students struggled with new online learning and exam formats at a time of great uncertainty. The Union has accused the University of taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to generate income from exam fees.
Students’ Union President Pádraic Toomey said: “We are disgusted that the University is charging students to sit repeat exams. Students who have failed an exam will have to pay €295 for the pleasure of sitting the repeat exam in their own bedroom.”
“We are in extraordinary times where students have not had access to learning facilities like the library and face to face teaching, and many have struggled as a result. Now, the University wants to punish those students with this charge instead of following the example of other colleges which have cancelled the fee.”
Say no to #RipOffNUIG €295 Repeat Exam Fees! Please sign and share our petition HERE
For more information or to get involved in the campaign, contact:
Pádraic Toomey
President
NUI Galway Students’ Union
Ph. 086 385 5502
Email su.president@nuigalway.ie
SIN EDITOR
Sin Newspaper is the official Student Newspaper of NUI Galway. A fortnightly publication published by the Students’ Union, the paper includes a mix of campus news, features, sport and reviews.
For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sin will continue to be published as an online newspaper via ISSUU.
Sin.ie is the online information resource of NUI Galway Students’ Union. The website will include up to date news and features and will be a comprehensive information and resource centre for NUI Galway students with regards to college and local news in particular.
The Sin Editor will be a self starter who works well with others and has particular strengths in working with, and motivating a team of volunteers.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Recruit, direct and motivate a team of voluntary sub editors and writers
- Overall responsibility for sourcing newspaper and website content
- Maintain a high standard of writing in both Sin Newspaper and Sin Website
- Edit 12 issues of Sin Newspaper in conjunction with the Students’ Union
- Update Sin.ie website and social media platforms regularly with news, features etc
- Work with the Graphic Designer to ensure consistent design and layout
- Develop links with other student publications to facilitate sharing of information and resources
- Oversee distribution of Sin Newspaper across campus
- Any other duties which may be assigned from time to time
Remuneration
€500 stipend per issue
Applications
Please include the following:
- Cover letter outlining your suitability for the role
- CV
- A sample proposal outlining a plan of action of how you would manage Sin Newspaper over the next academic year. This should include your plans for writer recruitment and retention, format of Sin, general promotion of Sin, and any other ideas you have.
Applications by email only to: recruitment@su.nuigalway.ie
Closing date: 5:00pm Wednesday 15th July 2020
Want to win prizes for Cycling?
CycleLocal is a fun three-week cycling event designed to engage NUI Galway staff/students, build morale and increase activity. It will take place between Monday 20th July and Sunday 9th August.
This is a team event where participants complete the trips on their own but share their experience and contribute to their team’s tally. Short cycles outdoor and indoor count as trips. Staff/students who are not signed up are also welcome to join in and enter the weekly Creative Competitions. Every participant, cyclist or competition entrant plays their part in helping their organisation to win the overall prize.
So, whether we get out on our bikes to explore our neighbourhoods, enter competitions or we take to the stationary bike when the children have gone to sleep; we can stay active, enjoy the activity of cycling and remain connected to our NUIG family.
How do I participate?
- Visit the Active Travel Logger website to register your team.
- During the three weeks of CycleLocal, each cyclist will log the number of trips they complete each week. Once a participant has been cycling for at least 10 minutes that qualifies as a trip. If you do a few loops of your estate over 30 minutes, that still counts as one trip.
Trips made should adhere to the government guidelines i.e. all trips should be within the government’s distance guidelines and at least 2 metres should be kept between cyclists and other road users at all times.
CycleLocal Prizes
Teams will be eligible to win prizes each week once the team trip average meets or exceeds the modest trip targets (3 trips in week one, 4 trips in week two and 5 trips in week three). All trips count, once they take place between the morning of July 20th and midnight on August 9th.
Individuals who reach the target contribute to the organisations tally, as do all staff/students and their households who enter into the CycleLocal Creative Competitions. Ranking on the leaderboard is based on the number from your organisation who –
- Take part in the weekly creative competitions
- Cycle and achieve the weekly team targets
By ranking at the top of the leaderboard your organisation can win a memento for participants, a Best Organisation trophy and a €400 donation to the charity of your choice.
Peer Learning Intern
NUI Galway Students’ Union seeks a friendly, motivated and goal-oriented Intern to provide support to existing staff on its CÉIM academic peer learning programme. This is a varied role in which the successful candidate will be required to work closely with diverse partners including students and academic staff to help ensure the effective delivery of CÉIM in an online setting.
About CÉIM
CÉIM is an academic peer support scheme based on the Peer Assisted Study Sessions / Peer Assisted Learning (PASS/PAL) model. CÉIM supports 1st year students’ transition to higher education, health and wellbeing, academic success, progression and development of transferable skills. Delivered via a partnership between students, academic staff and the Students’ Union, CÉIM will be offered online to approximately 1,650 or nearly 50% of NUI Galway 1st year students in the 2020/21 academic year. See further information on www.su.nuigalway.ie/ceim
The Intern will be employed by NUI Galway Students’ Union on a fixed-term part-time contract (4 days per week).
Contract duration: Late-August 2020 – Late May 2021
Working days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (7 hours per day)
Typically, the intern will work on the NUI Galway Campus, however the current COVID-19 crisis will require working from home.
Job Description
- Handle day-to-day tasks to ensure the smooth running of CÉIM.
- Provide general programme and administrative support.
- Organise materials for student leaders, weekly meetings and training.
- Provide support to individual students and groups of students.
- Attend and run weekly meetings with students and academic staff.
- Support the CÉIM Director and CÉIM Administrator with various duties as they arise.
Requirements
- Understanding of the CÉIM programme and experience of peer learning.
- A strong interest in supporting students to interact with each other and to develop a sense of belonging at NUI Galway.
- Strong organisational and administration skills.
- Experienced Microsoft Office user.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Confident operating in an online environment, including video conferencing.
- Friendly and professional manner with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Highly adaptable with a solution-oriented outlook.
- Excellent work ethic and commitment to deadlines and deliverables.
- The capacity to acquire new skills and apply them to the role.
Applications
Applications must include:
- Cover Letter outlining your suitability for the post and why you are interested in the post.
- Curriculum Vitae.
Applications via email to:
Chris Newell
General Manager
NUI Galway Students’ Union
Closing date: 5:00pm, Monday, 22 June 2020
Online interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place week beginning Monday, 29 June 2020
How to get involved in the fight against Racism in Ireland
NUI Galway Students’ Union stands in solidarity with everyone affected by the recent racist events in the USA. We all need to work together to build equality for all in our society.
It’s time to start conversations with our family and friends about racism.
It’s time to call out racism in all it’s forms.
It’s time to make changes.
Here are some ways to get involved:
Learn:
- The Irish Network Against Racism has some great resources on their website to help people learn about racism, report racism, respond to racism and find help for those affected by racism.
- The NUI Galway Mincéirs Whiden Society aims to build positive relationships as well as alliances between Traveller students, the student and staff body at NUI Galway
- The NUI Galway African Caribbean Society celebrate and share the diversity of African and Caribbean Cultures.
- The NUI Galway Fáilte Refugees Society aim to welcome refugees into every community in Ireland.
- JSTOR has compiled a syllabus of free readings on institutionalized racism in the US. Access them here.
Act:
- This Saturday 6th June Galway Anti-Racism Network ask you to join them in an ONLINE protest as well as signing an online book of condolences to victims of systemic racism and police brutality.
- At 6pm Wednesday 10th June you are invited to a live Anti-Racism Zoom Chat with ALIVE Email alive@nuigalway.ie to get involved – All welcome to learn, grow, reflect, take action, discover and be together.
- The Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) are asking you to email Government Ministers with their proposals on keeping people seeking asylum safe during and after COVID-19. The email also calls for an end to Direct Provision. It only takes a minute to send the email here.
- Take part in the STAND and USI #10000students movement and pledge to be a better ally.
- Join NUI Galway Students’ Union in fighting for students rights. We will be electing Class Reps for every class from the start of the 2020/21 academic year and we will also be running elections to fill our five vacant officer positions.
- Join The Sanctuary Runners who bring together Irish residents, refugees and asylum seekers to run, jog or walk on the same Sanctuary Runners team.
Donate:
- If you need to buy masks please think of buying them from We Make Good. When you buy a mask they also donate one to somebody living in direct provision.
- You can also find out how to donate to the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) here and the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland here.
Websites:
- Black Pride Ireland
- Galway Anti-Racism Network
- Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI)
- Migrants and Ethnic-minorities for Reproductive Justice (MERJ)
- Migrant Rights Centre Ireland
- The Irish Network Against Racism
Please note this is a working document that we will be updating as the fight for equality continues and builds.
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.
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.”
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.
SU Updates
Exams
CELT have been producing some wonderful information around scanning and uploading exams, so please check their website out for this.
Several measures have been put in place to ensure you are not disadvantaged in these exams – including easier deferrals process, carrying forward of failed Semester 2 modules, exam boards reviewing module wide marks for significant discrepancies and leniency with deadlines & extensions. If you are struggling with this new online format, please make contact with your module lead or programme director as soon as possible. They are aware that students are struggling and they do want to help.
August repeat examinations and deferred examinations will most likely take place in an online format also, this will be confirmed or changed in line with the continued guidelines from both the HSE and Government.
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
Academic Year 2020/2021
The dates for the next academic year have been circulated to you this week. The major changes include a start date of Mon 28th Sept (First years Mon 2nd Nov), exams in January, and online teaching for most people in Semester 1. This is due to the Covid-19 guidelines and strategies that will need to be put in place to ensure the stop of the spread of the virus. This is also recognizing that we have members of our University population that will need to cocoon or support someone cocooning or have continued caring responsibilities to ensure they can continue their education. We understand that this situation in not ideal but these are the best dates and plan to support all our students.
Postgraduate Issues
We are aware of the tough circumstances our Postgrad Taught and Postgrad Research students are in currently, we are working with support services and the Deans office to ensure your concerns are heard, and that we can get you some clarity on issues faced. We have also engaged nationally and with SIPTU on campus in relation to some concerns raised. If you are PGR or PGT student and you have some concerns, issues, are feeling isolated or are wondering what supports are available to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
SAAIs
This year we are delighted to be nominated in 8 of the 19 categories of the USI Student Achievement Awards. The awards take place on 27th of May at 6pm online. We are nominated in the following categories:
Full-time Officer of the Year – Clare Austick
Postgraduate Champion – Cameron Keighron
Part-time Officer of the Year – Pádraic Toomey
Student rep of the Year – Reiltín Tynan
International Student of the Year – Mansi Kesarwani
Equality Champion – University of Sanctuary
Access Champion of the Year – NUIGSU – Library Laptop Loan Scheme
Outstanding Mental Health Activism of the Year – Emma Jane Kinsella
Accommodation
Both the SU President and the NUI Galway president, jointly, have written to student accommodation centres to ask for them to consider refunds and leniency with students in this time. We have also made contact with several accommodation providers in relation to next year’s academic dates and their plans around leases and tenancies.
Upcoming Webinars TODAY
- 4pm Today Thurs 30th April “Education During COVID-19 – precarity, privilege, purpose”
- 6pm Today Thurs 30th April “Living and Learning Empathy in COVID-19 – A Virtual Global Conversation” watch live on the NUI Galway Facebook page or watch back on the NUIG YouTube channel after.
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.
Student trainer recruitment is now open for the National Student Engagement Programme. They are seeking enthusiastic, approachable and innovative students to join the NStEP team to deliver class rep training across the country in academic year 2020/21. Closing date for applications 5pm Mon 25th of May. More info here.
Applications are now open for SUSI grants for the 2020/21 academic year. More info and online application here.
Little Cinema Galway will be doing a live stream of short films (3 minutes or less) 9pm Weds 6th May. Watch along here.
Academic Writing Centre Still Open
The Academic Writing Centre is still open for email appointments to help you with essay writing. Get in touch with them at awctutors@gmail.com
The Healthy Galway City website has been launched with lots of great free resources and signposting to reliable sources of health & wellbeing information.
Frequently Asked Questions
NUI Galway have put together a handy FAQ page for your queries here.
Change Our Streets
Change Our Streets is a new campaign by groups representing people on foot and people on bikes in Galway. Would you like to sign to support?
- wider footpaths, cycle lanes, quiet ways
- lower speed limits
Tips for Looking After Yourself During Exams
- Don’t isolate yourself – Exam time can be very lonely especially now we are all self-isolating. Try to make a conscious effort to arrange online meet ups, phone calls or Facetime with friends, or plan something nice at the end of a day of study with others like taking a free exercise class over Zoom. Cutting yourself off from the world is not a good idea.
- Don’t be a hero – Surviving on 2 hours sleep and 7 cans of red bull is not the way the human body was meant to function. Schedule in some breaks and exercise during your day – a 30 minute walk in your 2km radius can work wonders.
- Eat regularly – You don’t have to eat like a nutritionist, but eating three meals a day and getting in some healthy snacks will keep you on track. Food fuels your body, so if you’re constantly eating junk you won’t feel great.
- Sleep regularly – Many people completely change their sleep patterns during exam time. If you can, try to fit in 7-8 hours’ sleep and follow a routine.
- Stay hydrated – Water is your friend!
- Ask for help if you need it
• Student Health Unit
• NUIG Counselling Service
• Chaplains
• SU Education Officer
• SU Welfare & Equality Officer
Applications are open for the Global Undergraduate Awards until the 2nd of June. Submit and see your work recognised by an international programme, judged by professional academics from the world’s top universities, and join a network of fellow undergraduates delivering top research in your chosen field.
Student Health Unit Update
The NUIG Student Health Unit is continuing to operate and provide services to students albeit in a different manner. At present there is no longer a “walk-in” service – instead they are endeavouring to provide remote consultations for health advice/support and prescriptions. This applies to all health issues/complaints including COVID-19. For a very limited number of issues/conditions they can attempt to provide face-to-face consultations under very strict protocols. If you need to contact them regarding any health concerns, prescription requests, blood tests, STI screening or vaccinations please phone 091 494 337 or 083 325 0034 Mon-Fri 9.15am-12.30pm & 2.30pm-4.30pm. If you can’t reach them by phone email healthunit@nuigalway.ie to arrange a call back.
RTÉ Short Story Competition – Win €3,000
RTÉ is currently accepting short story submissions for one of Ireland’s longest established and most significant literary prizes, the RTÉ Short Story Competition in honour of Francis MacManus. Deadline is 5pm Fri 8th May to submit your story with prizes of €3,000 (1st), €2,000 (2nd) and €1,000 (3rd) up for grabs. More info.
Kyoto International Student Film Festival
Submissions are open until the 30th of June for the Kyoto International Student Film & Video Festival.
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.
Chaplaincy Exam Stress Helpline
If you have any exam stress you can contact the Chaplaincy Support staff who will be running Exam Stress helpline services throughout the exams Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm from Tues 21st of April to Fri 15th May.
- Phone: 091 497 999
- Text/International Call: +353 89 462 3763
- Email/Video Call: examstress@nuigalway.ie
Tips for Looking After Yourself During Exams
- Don’t isolate yourself – Exam time can be very lonely especially now we are all self-isolating. Try to make a conscious effort to arrange online meet ups, phone calls or Facetime with friends, or plan something nice at the end of a day of study with others like taking a free exercise class over Zoom. Cutting yourself off from the world is not a good idea.
- Don’t be a hero – Surviving on 2 hours sleep and 7 cans of red bull is not the way the human body was meant to function. Schedule in some breaks and exercise during your day – a 30 minute walk in your 2km radius can work wonders.
- Eat regularly – You don’t have to eat like a nutritionist, but eating three meals a day and getting in some healthy snacks will keep you on track. Food fuels your body, so if you’re constantly eating junk you won’t feel great.
- Sleep regularly – Many people completely change their sleep patterns during exam time. If you can, try to fit in 7-8 hours’ sleep and follow a routine.
- Stay hydrated – Water is your friend!
- Ask for help if you need it
• Student Health Unit
• NUIG Counselling Service
• Chaplains
• SU Education Officer
• SU Welfare & Equality Officer
Student Health Unit Update
The NUIG Student Health Unit is continuing to operate and provide services to students albeit in a different manner. At present there is no longer a “walk-in” service – instead they are endeavouring to provide remote consultations for health advice/support and prescriptions. This applies to all health issues/complaints including COVID-19. For a very limited number of issues/conditions they can attempt to provide face-to-face consultations under very strict protocols.
If you need to contact them regarding any health concerns, prescription requests, blood tests, STI screening or vaccinations please phone 091 494 337 or 083 325 0034 Mon-Fri 9.15am-12.30pm & 2.30pm-4.30pm. If you can’t reach them by phone email healthunit@nuigalway.ie to arrange a call back.
Disability Supports During Exams
The NUI Galway Disability Support Service (DSS) has put together a list of FAQs for students registered with them with regards to reasonable accommodations for the upcoming end of semester assessments/exams.
Academic Writing Centre Still Open
The Academic Writing Centre is still open for email appointments to help you with essay writing. Get in touch with them at awctutors@gmail.com
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
NUI Galway have put together a handy FAQ page for your queries here.
The Library wants your feedback for their annual LibQUAL Survey. Please click HERE so you can tell them areas they can improve on. You can also optionally leave your name and email address to enter a draw for a Samsung phone.
Online Wellness Resilience Training
The University is running free online 45 minute workshops 21st – 30th April including:
- Wellness Workshops: Working individually on aspects of resilience. Reflecting on the experience if you wish to. Mindfulness exercises. Self-Compassion and Self Care.
- Time Management: How to get control of your time and life. Get the important tasks done. Practical tools to work smarter, not harder. Have more time for the people & things you enjoy.
- Responding (not reacting) to Exam Anxiety: Understanding the physiology behind anxiety. Experience self-awareness strategies that undermine anxiety. Explore which ‘grounding’ techniques might work best for you.
You can just listen or join in any group discussion. Register online for the time/day that suits you here.
For more info email: resilience@nuigalway.ie
- Finding Information for your essay/assignment
- Finding Material on your Reading Lists
- Managing References
- Using EndNote
- Academic Writing
- Literature/Systematic Reviews
- Open Access Publishing
- Research Data Management
- Archives
- Special Collections
Contact library@nuigalway.ie for help!
Well done to the 125 NUI Galway societies and their 11,792 members on another great year which included 3,154 society events! They held their annual awards virtually and it includes some great highlights from the year. Watch it here.
Hoax/Phishing Emails
There has been an increase in the number of hoax and phishing emails in circulation – these are emails which attempt to trick you into providing account login details or financial/banking information. You are asked to be extra vigilant and cautious when you receive an email of this nature, including those that seem to come from a trusted source. If you receive a suspicious message asking for your account details or financial information please forward it to phishing@nuigalway.ie
If you believe you have already replied to emails of this nature or clicked on a web link within an email and provided your password, you must reset your Campus Account password online at https://cass.nuigalway.ie
Female Students Needed for Survey
If you are a female college student, under 25, who has not previously had a smear test, and would like to participate in MSc research on factors affecting intentions to attend cervical cancer screening, please fill out this survey here.
Upcoming Webinars
- 4pm-5pm TODAY Thurs 23rd April The Moore Institute NUI Galway is hosting a webinar on “Data, Ethics and the COVID-19 Crisis”
- 6pm-7pm Mon 27th April STAND & USI are hosting a webinar “What does COVID-19 mean for sustainability?”
- 6pm-7pm Weds 29th April USI are hosting a webinar “Practical self-care tips for Positive Mental Health”
Discounts & Free Courses
Thanks to USI’s partnership with SIPTU NUI Galway students now have access to a new benefits website packed with discounts and educational courses completely free of charge. Login at siptu.group-login.com
Applications are now open for SUSI grants for the 2020/21 academic year
More info and online application here.
Postgraduate Student Tips
Here’s some advice from the Union of Students in Ireland to postgraduate students for studying and staying connected during the COVID-19 Crisis. Watch video here.
Are you a student working in any essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Union of Students in Ireland is launching a campaign to raise awareness and thank students working on the frontline and they want to hear from you! Fill out your details here:
LIFT are running free online leadership training sessions for everyone! In each session participants work through a proven process to think about leadership values, what they mean to us and how we could strengthen them. This is done by connecting a small group through Zoom and working through a LIFT leadership trait such as Positive Attitude, Determination, or Resilience. Sessions run every day 6 times a day – you just pick a time that suits and build your leadership muscle! More info and online booking here.
Win €10,000 Worth of Student Accommodation
Exit Entry thought given the current circumstances students and families needed a lift and they want to give one student a massive prize. They will pay one students rent for the next academic year starting from September of up to €10,000!
- Download the Exit Entry App and register
- Click on the competition post when you land in the app.
- On Instagram – Follow Exit Entry App, tag 3 friends and add this post to your story.
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.
- As most of you have finished online learning now, you will be focusing on your assignments and upcoming exams. If you have any issues in relation to these please contact your lecturer as soon as possible. Throughout the duration of the exam period, if you run into any problems your module co-ordinator is on hand to support and advise you.
- In terms of “No Detriment” policies, the SU have continued to engage nationally on this issue and have brought this to the attention of senior management in the University. As of now, we know the University are looking at passing regulations that allow exam boards to look at the overall performance of a class in a module to examine if there is a significant difference to previous years and to make adjustments if necessary, this is to ensure no student is disadvantaged during this exam period. We have more meetings over the coming weeks with the University on this issue.
- There has been discussions about the weighting of years that makes up the final degree classification you receive, this is still in the early stages and has not been ironed out yet. We are pushing for a system that benefits all students but the exact details of how or if this would work still need to be discussed.
- Repeat and deferred examinations are still scheduled to take place in August but we do not yet know if these will be in person or online exams but we will continue to monitor the situation.
- For Education queries contact Cameron on su.education@nuigalway.ie for Welfare/Equality queries contact Brandon on su.welfare@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.
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 TOMORROW Fri 17th of April. Details on how to book an appointment are available HERE.
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/
Ally allows you to convert files into more accessible formats for yourself including audio, HTML and beeline (which allows you to choose different colour gradients for your documents). More info here.
Stress control online programme available now HERE
The programme covers topics including:
- how stress affects our bodies and our thoughts
- skills to overcome panicky feelings
- tips to getting a good night’s sleep
Uploading Exam Answers to Blackboard
Are you going to be taking an exam in which you’ve to upload a scanned copy of your answers to Blackboard? Here’s an FAQ list with information about the Blackboard test site that you can use to practice here.
The Library wants your feedback for their annual LibQUAL Survey. Please click HERE so you can tell them areas they can improve on. You can also optionally leave your name and email address to enter a draw for a Samsung phone.
An NUIG student is conducting a survey on the influence of pop artists on student’s attitudes towards feminism. You don’t have to know anything about feminism to take part! If you have 5 minutes, please access the survey using the link here.
Open Education for Accessibility and Affordability, online seminar 1pm-2pm Mon 20 April
Join speakers from NUI Galway’s School of Maths, Students’ Union, and Library for a discussion about the potential of Open Textbooks and Open Education Resources. Staff and students welcome! More info and registration
Are you having accommodation issues due to COVID-19?
USI (the Union of Students in Ireland) are gathering personal stories from students about the issues they’re facing with accommodation during this pandemic. This information will be used to put more pressure on the government and private accommodation firms to give students refunds and also to gain more public support to make this happen. Tell your story here
- Handbook: Sign up here to download The Postgraduate Handbook—a must-read guide to all things postgrad.
- Scholarships: The NUI Galway Taught Masters Scholarship Scheme is now open and accepting applications. The J.E. School of Business & Economics is also offering new masters’ scholarships this year. Details of these and other scholarship schemes are online here.
- SUSI Grants: SUSI the national grants authority is now accepting applications for the 2020/21 academic year. Follow links here to apply online and to use their Eligibility Reckoner.
- Applications: NUI Galway is accepting and processing postgrad applications normally. You can apply online here. If as a prospective postgrad, you have specific queries, they may be answered on the new FAQs site.
University PhD Write Up Bursary Deadline
The closing date for applications is 5pm Fri 24th of April to the 2020 PhD Write-Up Bursary scheme for PhD students who are near to completing their theses yet who find themselves, for whatever reason, without funding. More info here
Due to the Library being physically closed, print materials cannot currently be supplied on inter-library loan. Inter-library loans of electronic journal articles, or supply of book materials as an e-book, may be possible on a case-by-case basis. Requests may be placed in the usual manner via the Library website.
Win €10,000 Worth of Student Accommodation
Exit Entry thought given the current circumstances students and families needed a lift and they want to give one student a massive prize. They will pay one students rent for the next academic year starting from September of up to €10,000!
- Download the Exit Entry App and register
- Click on the competition post when you land in the app.
- On Instagram – Follow Exit Entry App, tag 3 friends and add this post to your story.
Contact Us
You can contact the Students’ Union by email to studentsunion@nuigalway.ie with any questions you may have.