SU imploding?

bluedolphin

So the Deputy President/Welfare Officer has handed in her resignation...

And it looks like four of the sabbat positions are going to be unnopposed...

Emmmm.............................


Uh-oh?

kaimera

Durr¬!??

/me turns on the sceptre-answer-quickly light.

Peteee

At least if it implodes, it will only hurt the people inside! :pac:

klong

Do you not have any interesting gossip to report bluedolphin?

kaimera

klong wrote: »

Do you not have any interesting gossip to report bluedolphin?

She will after tomorrow night I'd say! :pac:

ninty9er

bluedolphin wrote: »

So the Deputy President/Welfare Officer has handed in her resignation...

YA WHAT????:eek::eek::eek:

scary_tractors

As a former student and union-head I have to admit this is pretty depressing news.

Having met all this year's officers and known most of them beforehand I knew it wasn't going to be an easy ride but I have to say I didn't expect this. And certainly not from the DP/Welfare - I would've pegged her as the stubborn one who wouldn't give up.

I don't see what this letter achieves - by the nature of an SU it won't change anything, because next year is going to be entirely different anyway. If it had come earlier in the year, perhaps, but I can't help thinking this is a bit of a futile exercise, possibly done for drama value.

kaimera

cooperguy

klong wrote: »

Do you not have any interesting gossip to report bluedolphin?

+1

From the SU board:

Judith wrote:

To the Students of the University of Limerick,

I hereby tender my resignation from the position of Deputy President and Welfare officer of the University of Limerick Students Union with effect from Friday, 14th March 2008.

This decision was not taken lightly. There are many reasons why I feel that I must resign. The most prominent of these are as follows:

• Because I, along with one other Sabbatical Officer, were the only Union representatives that went to Galway to help search for the missing UL Student, Michael Hughes. Not only this, but other Sabbatical officers questioned whether this action was ‘necessary’, felt that dealing with media queries was sufficient and believed that attendance at university meetings was more pressing.

• Because of the problems with the boathouse – a priority issue for Clubs and Societies. The President didn’t see fit to inform me, or the other Sabbatical officers, about these until he was asked for his resignation from the committee last week.

• Because, in the aftermath of the alcohol policy – an issue championed by various Sabbatical officers - I am the only one who has been investigating and developing a Union initiative with the other stakeholders. The President did not even come to the update meeting.

• Because the Publications and Publicity officer has never written a press release; refuses to consider updating the website let alone making it accessible to people with disabilities; can’t seem to organise publicity for any event no matter how big or small as well as the obvious issues with regard to An Focal and Review.

• Because the President seems more concerned with selling bikes than running the Union; I have not received any leadership, direction, feedback or involvement from him. He has not been involved in organising and preparing any campaign, welfare related or not. I count myself lucky when he attends events that I, or other officers, have organised. He has not organised one training session (a key part of his remit) nor has he made any effort to create a team dynamic in the Union. He has not kept order whether chairing a meeting or with regard to sabbatical officers themselves.

On joining the Students Union I thought I would be working with a team of energetic, dynamic and motivated students who wanted to make a positive difference for the students of UL. Sadly it appears that most of them only want to make a positive difference for themselves.

I ran for election for the right reasons. Now I must resign for the right reasons. I have tried to address the issues, tried to resolve them, tried to tolerate them but to no avail. If I stay in office I will only be complicit in the incompetence and the inefficiency that has become the mainstay of Student Union activities.

Since taking office, I have worked hard on your behalf and done my utmost to make good on my elections promises. I would like to thank you for your support, your feedback, and the faith and responsibility that you put in me in when you voted me into this position almost one year ago.

Sincerely,

Judith Lynch

Sceptre what do you make of this point:

• Because the Publications and Publicity officer has never written a press release; refuses to consider updating the website let alone making it accessible to people with disabilities; can’t seem to organise publicity for any event no matter how big or small as well as the obvious issues with regard to An Focal and Review.

People were saying it isnt accurate on the SU forum. Comments?

ninty9er

Having read the explanation put forward by Judith, I can't say there's a whole lot of it that she's gotten wrong.

Seems to be another one of those communications issues on some points as I know there are things happening re some of her points.

I wish her the best of luck in whatever she chooses to do.

scary_tractors

Oh come on. I know she was probably having a hard time but I don't think it's fair on her fellow officers to do something like that - nobody said it was going to be easy. Teamwork isn't easy and the real world isn't easy. (not that I'm suggesting for a moment that the SU is the real world). But it's about being an adult and doing your duty for the people who elected you. A lot of people think the SU is a doss year. I can tell you it's not, but it's very much a character-building experience!

dedon

Well An Focal is a total mess this year. Its a disgrace

ninty9er

dedon wrote: »

Well An Focal is a total mess this year. Its a disgrace

To Seamus' defence (beware because he's an SMod here dedon:p:p) he promised to give over more of An Focal to C&S. Which he has done. It has become (as it should be) an uncensored (libel excepted) student outlet for anyone who wishes to use it.

The previous 2 years it wasn't so much a student paper as a portfolio to be used in attaining gainful employment in journalism. THAT'S NOT WHAT AN FOCAL IS FOR.

rmacm

cooperguy wrote: »

+1
From the SU board:
Big long yak from Judith person

Her first point is a bit odd. Forgive me if this touches a nerve with anyone but the Sabbatical officers were elected to run the SU not to search for missing persons in Galway. While it is sad that a UL student has gone missing you can't just drop everything to go look for someone.

dedon wrote: »

Well An Focal is a total mess this year. Its a disgrace

I read one issue online and personally couldn't see anything wrong with it. Would you care to elaborate on what exactly about it is a mess as you put it.

ninty9er wrote: »

To Seamus' defence (beware because he's an SMod here dedon:p:p) he promised to give over more of An Focal to C&S. Which he has done.

While I know you're being humourous Smods aren't above critisism.

ninty9er wrote: »

The previous 2 years it wasn't so much a student paper as a portfolio to be used in attaining gainful employment in journalism. THAT'S NOT WHAT AN FOCAL IS FOR.

Indeed and after 4 years of trying to stay out of it I leave UL and end up on the front page

mrmanire

ninty9er wrote: »

The previous 2 years it wasn't so much a student paper as a portfolio to be used in attaining gainful employment in journalism. THAT'S NOT WHAT AN FOCAL IS FOR.

Cannot disagree with that. I think Judith's resignation may be the best thing that happened the Union in years. A bit of shock therapy can't do any harm. I certainly have not felt very well represented the last few years.

Peteee

I'll add a plus one to what Rory has said, as for once I agree with him!

Onikage

ninty9er wrote: »

The previous 2 years it wasn't so much a student paper as a portfolio to be used in attaining gainful employment in journalism. THAT'S NOT WHAT AN FOCAL IS FOR.

After 4 years in UL I'm still not sure what An Focal was for. Lighting fires? Stuffing under creaky, draughty doors? Emergency loo roll?

Sad to hear the SU is having problems, knew many cool people who worked hard in various positions over the years.

Otacon

Onikage wrote: »

After 4 years in UL I'm still not sure what An Focal was for. Lighting fires?

No, you see, all you needed there was some Zip, polish coal/wood and to open the flew correctly!

Onikage wrote: »

Sad to hear the SU is having problems, knew many cool people who worked hard in various positions over the years.

IMO, over the years, the SU has done some fantastic work. I can't say I agree with what Judith has said but if thats the way she feels, I think it is right she has left.

Peoblem I have is the open letter she has sent. That will achieve nothing but more unrest.

PeakOutput

right this might be off topic but since september iv noticed one or two odd things

while im only a wee first year(granted a 22yrold one) i do find the student union a bit odd as in not very visible. presumably as students we are all members automatically so should we not be getting updates on meetings etc automatically.

also i know the ents soc does good work but should there not be a sabbatical ents officer position like(afaik) in trinity and ucd the university is defo big enough to be honest with the lack lustre line up for rag week ( i assume its ents that runs all of this) a full time worker is what is needed and with at least 3 courses now somewhat geared towards that area there would be no shortage of candidates.

obviously i dont know how the election was fought and won last year but if people get free rides into a sabbatical position this year im going to be fairly pissed off (just to clarify i assume a sabbatical means a paid year off college to dedicate to your position if im wrong correct me)

finally maybe its just me but i dont recall ever being given any information on how to actually become active in the union so what is being done to bring in new blood who dont already have political aspirations

im a wee bit drunk as it is rag week after all so feel free to point out were im misinformed with usual boards harshness i wont get insulted

ninty9er

It's quite easy to get involved, be a class rep, be a writer, get involved in clubs and societies and get involved in campaigns, though we haven't had a general student population campaign this year. Walkout Wednesday was a bit C&S geared. Seriously, you won't be turned away if you wnat to get involved in anything.

On the Ents side of things, in Trinity and other smaller places like DKIT it's basically getting paid to go socialise, get pissed and get cheap drink and bands on campus.

Having a private company do it serves us much better, particularly now that they have an office in the SU.

dedon

ninty9er wrote: »

To Seamus' defence (beware because he's an SMod here dedon:p:p) he promised to give over more of An Focal to C&S. Which he has done. It has become (as it should be) an uncensored (libel excepted) student outlet for anyone who wishes to use it.

The previous 2 years it wasn't so much a student paper as a portfolio to be used in attaining gainful employment in journalism. THAT'S NOT WHAT AN FOCAL IS FOR.

Firstly, just because the PPO is a Mod here doesnt mean I am afraid to state my opinions and I dont take kindly at being insulted and treatened in that manner.

Secondly, An Focal is boring, poorly written and just plain rubbish this year. Saying that the the C&S is responsible for the poor quality is a bit lame. The Editor has a job to sort it out.

General opinion around the college is that the Paper is very poor this year. Ask anyone about it. It not up to date on matters and the number of spelling and grammar mistakes are crazy. Esp, the Rag Mag which had a least 9.

It is quite obvious the PPO is not up to much this year and it is not suprising that Judith left

cson

dedon wrote: »

Firstly, just because the PPO is a Mod here doesnt mean I am afraid to state my opinions and I dont take kindly at being insulted and treatened in that manner.

Secondly, An Focal is boring, poorly written and just plain rubbish this year. Saying that the the C&S is responsible for the poor quality is a bit lame. The Editor has a job to sort it out.

General opinion around the college is that the Paper is very poor this year. Ask anyone about it. It not up to date on matters and the number of spelling and grammar mistakes are crazy. Esp, the Rag Mag which had a least 9.

It is quite obvious the PPO is not up to much this year and it is not suprising that Judith left

In fairness to Ninty9er, he used this smiley ":p" and I'd hazard a guess it was a tongue firmly in cheek reply.

As regards An Focal, its not bad but it does need some direction as to where its headed. Some pieces strike me as being a vehicle for the authors self publication. The layout could do with a bit of a change too.

dedon

Ya self-publication is one of the main problems of this paper. The amount of people writting for the paper just to try ans show off is ridiculas. But show off what I might add. The standard is very poor. I picked up the NUI Galway paper a few weeks ago and it was FAR superior

ninty9er

dedon wrote: »

Ya self-publication is one of the main problems of this paper. The amount of people writting for the paper just to try ans show off is ridiculas. But show off what I might add. The standard is very poor. I picked up the NUI Galway paper a few weeks ago and it was FAR superior

The PPO is NOT SUPPOSED TO BE A JOURNALIST. If you don't like An Focal, don't read it, but there's very little different this year to the previous 2 years that I've been on campus. Unless you can point to some particular issues. The same Sub-Editors and proof readers are doing the jobs as last year. I know there have been a number of issues with the designer this year ( I know because I ended up driving the PPO on a 50 mile return trip to drop it to the designer). He's publishing student aimed articles as opposed to previous editors who have been more than willing to take what university departments gave them and put them in. This years' PPO does thi only if there's not enough student submission or news to put in.

It's also worth noting that An Focal had about €30k funding from Ulster Bank in AY 06/07 which pretty much dried up for AY 07/08.

dedon

Sorry but he is the Editor?????
Come on just ask the general student population what they think of the paper this year ans the majority will say it is poor. You are obviously biased so I dont trust your opinion.
the issues are , its very boring, very bland design and poor quality of writting. Most of the articles are two weeks out of date and what they call 'old news'

ninty9er

dedon wrote: »

Sorry but he is the Editor?????

Yes and from having worked with both this and last year's PPO, he does a hellofalot more editing where D would have just told people to go shove the article (which she was probably right to do as it really helped deadlines). A lot of the stuff that's submitted is exceptionally sub-standard and need to be individually edited

dedon wrote: »

Most of the articles are two weeks out of date and what they call 'old news'

That's what happens when a deadline is a week before publication date. It's the same everywhere and has always been that way here.

Peteee

dedon wrote: »

Most of the articles are two weeks out of date and what they call 'old news'

Possibly because it's published every two weeks?

And as for the spelling mistakes...Attach-gate! Tbh, the proof reading has always been a bit dodgy with An Focal.

dedon

I quote the outgoing Welfare Officer

"Because the An Focal has frequently been published late rendering the information content (particularly when relating to events and campaigns) largely useless."

And I agree totally. A shambles.

dr.bollocko

An Focal has always been a bit of a shambles. But hell it birthed Dr. Bollocko. What more do you want in a newspaper? Some day when An Focal is long gone, its one claim to fame will be the origin of moi. Oh and the Clapping System.
Its a pity that the SU and student politics in general tends to get mired in in-fighting, communication issues, and the cliqueishness. This relates partic to Class rep and SU meetings that are so formalised, I nearly fell asleep and never went again. Any attempt I ever had to get involved in the SU or student politics... oh it's just a headache. I pity anyone who has to take the **** they go through on board.

PeakOutput

ninty9er wrote: »

ing.
On the Ents side of things, in Trinity and other smaller places like DKIT it's basically getting paid to go socialise, get pissed and get cheap drink and bands on campus.

i wont argue on the tcd side even tho i disagree(particularly as i dont see anything rivaling the trinity ball) but the ucd ents officer is basically guaranteed a job in promotions after if they want one for the simple fact that they spend the year organising top quality gigs for their student body. for example the year i left school groove armada were the headliners at the freshers ball/week in september were as for this years RAG week(biggest event/week of the year) there is not a hint of an international act

kaimera

I'm wondering if Shay has any comment to make on all of this