Greetings,
I’m Cat your Students’ Union Education Officer/Vice-President for Academic Affairs, welcome to the Education Hub. A little about me; I have lived in Cork for all of my 24 years and during my time of studying Microbiology in UCC I was actively involved in the Science, Chemical and Hot Beverage Appreciation Societies as well as holding the positions of Microbiology Class Rep, SEFS College Rep and Student Council Chair in the Students’ Union. It was my experiences as a College Rep, helping students and developing policy that encouraged me to successfully run for Education Officer last March.
As your Education Officer I work for you by fulfilling three different roles;
I am your primary academic representative in the many University Committees, Councils and Working Groups which develop and manage policy relating to your education as well as dealing with academic issues such as teaching and learning standards and reform (very nerdy stuff). Many of the staff value student input which allows me to bring issues affecting you to the Universities’ attention and to block or amend new policies which may have a negative effect on students. I also work with staff on writing policy to ensure your academic development in UCC is efficiently delivered and supported. To target issues I need to know what is effecting students and the best way for me to learn this is through feedback, the class reps and college reps.
I work with individual students to address any issue effecting their education, from exam appeals and mitigation to tutorials and course changes. I also run the SU grinds service which is always looking for new tutors, you can sign up in the Grinds tab. If you are unhappy with you course or module choice, are struggling with your coursework or have any other issue related to your course and education you can come to me. I have a lot of experience in dealing with a wide variety of issues and if I am unable to help directly I will be able to refer you to a staff member or service which can.
As a fulltime officer I work with the rest of the SU Executive to represent the students of UCC at every level. We are run many services on campus and sit between us sit on nearly every committee in the University. We also run many campaigns and entertainments on campus. Along with Dan, the Student Council Chair, I am responsible for our Class Reps. Elections take place in October and is followed by training. The Class Rep is a fundamental role in the University. They are the link between their class, their department and the Union, participating in Staff Student departmental committees, College Clinics and Student Council. This is the best way of having your voice heard so stay in contact with your class rep or better yet run for the position. I also work with the College Reps in supporting Class Reps and dealing with any issues or problems which effect classes.
I look forward to running on campus campaigns this year covering Study Skills, Studying Abroad and Erasmus, Post Graduate Opportunities throughout the academic year and Stress Relief as exam time approaches. Keep an eye on the Education Blog for updates on campaigns, new initiatives and services such as extra study rooms when the library is full.
If you have any questions I am contactable by email, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and by phone; 021 4902953 or 0863836792 or call to the office on the first floor of the Student Union Building attached to the Student Common Room.
Best wishes,
