Niall O'Brien for SU President

NiallO'Brien

hello there. This is my first post here on boards, though I was a member of mikado back in the day.I would just like people to know that my name is Niall O'Brien, and I am running for the position of SU President.

Here is my manifesto, I know it seems quite boring, but thats because it actually probably is

ABOUT ME:
Hi my name is Niall O’Brien, and I am running for the position of SU President. I am twenty years old, and in my final year of a degree in History and Theology. I have been involved in the Students’ Union executive for two years now, which shows what a boring person I am, so without further ado lets go on with the show anyways, here’s my spiel about me and my policies.

I have been highly involved in the running of both the Union and the University in the last two years. This year I served as your education officer, the only part-time education officer for a University in the country. This meant that I juggled final year with what in other Universities is a full time position. I have gained alot of experience from my involvement in the SU, sitting on a number of committees such as the Universities Teaching and Learning Committee, Academic Support Services Committee, International Education among many many others. I also sit on the SU Executive and its various sub-committee’s.

I have been heavily involved in the Union for the last two years because I am dedicated to student issues and the Student Union. I believe to properly act as your president it is essential to go into the job understanding how the Union and University work. I believe that my experience and knowledge, coupled with my passion and dedication for the Union are reasons for you to vote Niall O’Brien no1 for SU President on the Thursday 2nd March.

Issues I would address.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES..
This year we in the Students’ Union have been making great strides on the issue of accreditation or some form of recognition for those involved in Clubs or Societies. If elected President I would like to see the structures that are currently being put in place continued and ensure that the University offers some adequate reward for those for whom participation is such a major part of their college life and who have gained such valued skills from this involvement. Further support services are also needed for those involved in clubs and societies, including but not limited to capitation.

CANTEEN PRICES
Canteen prices are ridiculously expensive. In other Universities that I have visited this year there has been a much higher standard with much lower prices,. Considering that the Canteen is ran by a company owned by the University it is really not too much to expect decent prices and a higher standard. Food prices in general is an issue, and I believe that the SU’s own ventures, the Speakeasy and SU bar should have more competitive rates.

LIGHTING.
The lighting situation by the train station is a tragedy waiting to happen. This affects not only the students who commute, but also those who live locally and who use the short-cut. Furthermore, more lighting is needed on campus.
I promise to lobby Iaranroid Eirann and the county council constantly until this situation is rectified.

NATIONAL ISSUES-national representation.
NUIMSU is not a part of the national union for a variety of reasons. This means that on a great many student issues at a national level we are seen to have no voice. If elected I would like to see the profile of the Union raised, and our opinions accounted for.
On the issue of national representation I would like to see the Forum of Universities Students’ Unions (FUSU) of which Maynooth is an active participant take on a more public role. This year I served as NUIMSU’s representative on the FUSU Education Forum, and I would like to see this body take a more active role in representing student issues.

ENTERTAINMENTS
Ents are very much the financial lifeblood of the Students’ Union. There has been phenomenal work done in the last two years especially. I would like to see this success continue. I would also like to see some diversity in the type of events that are held in the Union, catering to different genres, e.g. having a power ballad night etc. The one comedy event that was held this year was a massive success, and I would like to see a dedicated comedy night, maybe once a fortnight. Moreover, I would like to see different events being held every night by clubs and societies, with an increase in themed nights, which are always popular.

SERVICES
I would like to see the Students’ Union provide more services for students. The old SU shop in the sports complex has lost more business than was expected to the SU Londis shop. I would like to see the stock diversified or specialised in order to take full advantage of the location as a resource. I would also like to see this Shop offer more services rather than more stock, such as the planned DVD rental machine, 3 minute phone charger machine, change counters, more photocopiers and other innovative idea’s like these. Suggestions appreciated.

LECTURERS
This year at committee level I have been involved in discussions which make available courses for lecturers which are meant to improve their lecturing style to ensure learning objectives are achieved. I would like to make these courses mandatory for all new lecturers in NUI Maynooth and will try to ensure that students can learn at the hands of lecturers fully trained in all aspects of the teaching experience.

LACK OF COMPUTERS.
The issue with a lack of computers is a major issue and cannot be waived away with a promise to lobby for more. What is needed is a realistic proposal. I suggest that what is possible would be the redistribution of resources in line with demand, there is no point in having a ton of computers in a teaching lab that is rarely used, i.e. the twi on the south campus when there are hug ques on the north. There is a need for more computers also, but the arguments need to take into account university budgetery problems.

FIRST YEARS.-learning to adjust
I think that the Students’ Union should adjust the attitudes towards Freshers Fortnight and the period immediately afterwards. While the current model is an excellent way of aiding integration, there is more potential that could be realised. The SU should be using this time to train first years in how to cope with all aspects of college life, offering workshops on how to cook nutritional and cheap meals, on how to budget properly, even how to do laundry, basically how to survive college.

STAYING IN CONTACT.
The SU President acts on behalf of all students in the University, mature students, post-graduate students, St Pat’s students, students with kids, students with disabilities, and many more. All these student groups have issues exclusive to themselves, on top of those faced by every other student.
I would like to be as accessible as possible for all students, and so if elected I would like to attend any coffee mornings, meetings as possible.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION
I have personally learned a great deal from my involvement in the Union and I would like to see as many people as possible get involved, be it in the Events crew, as a class rep, on the welfare working group or whatever applies to them.
On the issue of class reps, I think that they serve one of the most important roles in the union, letting the executive know of the issues their individual classes face. To facilitate this role, I would like to see an option added on moodle which allows a user to contact their class rep, which would hopefully stimulate contact and facilitate measures such as the library book borrowing initiative.

There are a great many things that I would like to do as your President, which are limited here only by space, but if elected I would work tirelessly to bring about as many changes to improve life for students here in NUI Maynooth. Such as
· Price of laundry on campus.
· Problems with the crèche, student aid etc, all of which the union has a voice on
· South Campus, the new theology common room is a good start, but better facilities are needed, and another room complimenting this is essential

So please, on March 2nd, Vote Niall O’Brien #1 SU President for a candidate who has the experience and is willing to work himself into the ground for you! If there are any issues you would like clarified, please e-mail me at niall3r@yahoo.com

Thank you for taking the time to read this manifesto, please pass this on to somebody else or please recycle.

VOTE NIALL O’BRIEN #1 SU PRESIDENT

so if anyone needs any clarification on any of my issues, or would like to offer any advice, I gratefully accept constructive criticism.

Cheers!

Please Vote Niall O'Brien #1 SU President on March 2nd

IrishLDS

You have my #1 vote dude...

FunkyChicken

Im not voting for you. Im voting for that guy who gave me a free lollipop. John or Steve.. or something.

lordgoat

FunkyChicken wrote:

Im not voting for you. Im voting for that guy who gave me a free lollipop. John or Steve.. or something.

ah yes democracy at it's finest... someone should just assume control in the SU