Officer Skills Training

Written by Padraig Rice | 16 July 2010

Hello all,

Thank you for taking the time to read this the forth entry to my blog. You can leave me feedback of your thoughts, opinions or suggestions in the feedback section.

This week was another crazy one. Over the past few days I have helped students with a range of issues such as fees, grants, childcare assistance applications and exam failure. All this week we also took courses it many different areas, all aimed at providing us with the skills and knowledge to be better officers and hopefully enable us to serve students better.

The list of topics we covered included;

• Finance
• Performance
• Managing Personal Relations
• Time Management
• Speaking Workshops and University Structures

If you have any problems you feel I can help you with don’t hesitate to contact me. You can check my calendar to see when I’m free and pop around for a chat or

drop me an email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

All the best,

Pádraig

Meet and Greets

Written by Padraig Rice | 09 July 2010

Since I started here in the SU almost three weeks ago, I have spend a good shot of time meeting and greeting. Acquainting myself with the staff, the structures, the politics and the personalities.

Some of the people I have met thus far include:

• Denis Staunton – Access Office
• Paul Moriarty – Student Counselling & Development
• Michael Byrne – Student Health (Honorary Life Membership of UCC SU)
• Mary O Sullivan - Fees
• Maura O' Neill - Accommodation
• Con O' Brien – VP Student Experience
• Tom Carroll – Student Ombudsman
• Mary O' Grady – Disability Support
• Catherine Maguire – Staff Welfare & Equality Officer
• Claire Dunne – PASS Coordinator

In addition to the one on one chats, coffees and cordial introductions I attended a few committee meetings.

Among those include:

• Student Services Support Group
• Bar Committee
• Restaurant Committee
• Campus Watch
• Academic Council
• Orientation Organisation 
• Crèche Board of Management
• Student Centre Board of Management
• Sabbat Management Team

On top of this I have spent time getting to know the three men I will be spend the next year working closely with; Keith the hairy President, Greg the clumsy Education Officer and the ever entertaining Deputy President, Daithi. So far I have been having a blast.

I hope your enjoying you're summer break, all the best for now,

Padraig.

My New Home (The Office)

Written by Padraig Rice | 05 July 2010

So its day five in the job and the office has made a mini transformation. I have spent the last few day getting settled in and making the office my own. As I began routing through everything that filled this ground floor office, some real gems emerged from behind the layers of papers and flyers. I discovered Philippa Hole and Roger More the Unions inflatable man and women. I found welfare handbooks from each of the past three decades.

I was elated to find a copy of the infamous welfare booklet of 1980, the sale of which was outlawed by the college authorities because it contained information on homosexuality. However, this didn’t stop the then SU, who gathered students around the quad and distributed the booklet for free. Trawling through the mounds of stuff that have filled the office I came across letters, leaflets and leftovers from many previous officers from Rebecca, Keith, Aidan and even as far back as Sonya. After the clear out was complete I began decorating. A new desk and white board were acquired. The old desk was moved so that I could welcomely face students as they entered the office. It was a bit chaotic at first as I had to navigate over cables and climb across the desk to reach my chair.

The condoms have now been restocked, arranged and lined out in our very own condom shop. With seven different types of Durex to choose from its like a pick ‘n’ mix for adults.  The final and most striking addition of the redecoration is the wall of posters. Its finally finished, sorted and clean (lets hope I can keep it that way).

All the best for now,

Pádraig.

Your New Welfare Officer

Written by Padraig Rice | 01 July 2010

Today I begin my journey as a full-time officer of UCC Students’ Union.

As I begin my term, another term ends. Rebecca, Shelly, Ian and Eoin will depart to pastures new. I wish them the very best for their future endeavours and thank them for passing us the reins of a Union that was rarely as strong, as organised or as united. In particular, Rebecca is worthy of praise; she has done this office proud. I wish her all the best as she continues to serve students in her new role as USI Welfare Officer.

As I begin my year I am hopeful yet anxious. I start my term optimistic of what we as a collective student entity can achieve locally, regionally and nationally. I however commence fretful of the obstacle that will be thrown down before us. We may be faced with increased student hardship, tuition fees, dramatic spike in the registration fee and this is not even the entire iceberg.  At a minimum we must demand that government provide us with the ability and the education needed to secure our future. At this moment I believe the students of Ireland not only deserve free tuition, we also deserve adequate financial assistance from the state to support us through our time at University.

As I begin my year I’m also filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. I thank those who helped me get this far, the students who put there faith in me. I hope I can live up to your expectations. Most of all I promise to serve each and every student to very best of my ability.

Pádraig M. Rice,

UCC Students’ Union – Welfare Officer.