Waterford Institute of TechnologyStudent Union Election

ManifestoMichelle Byrne for

Education

About MeMy name is Michelle Byrne and I would love the opportunity to be your Education Officer next year. I come from a small village in the countryside of County Wicklow. I am currently a 4th year student in Graphic Design, and chairperson of the Design Society all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at WIT. After being heavily involved in the Students Union since first year, and a class rep for three years, I would love to be given the opportunity of staying in WIT for another year where I can help the students of WIT to a better education. I would bring my excellent social skills and interpersonal skills to the position. I am very friendly and love helping people. I also work well as part of a team, and I have completed a Women For Election course, all of which would be of benefit to the role.

Finance

Susi GrantsI believe in access to third level education for anyone who wants it and for many students they rely on grant support. I will actively work alongside the Susi grant system in dealing with any problems or delays and help any student with any issues they may face with their grant application.Over the year, I will also lobby TD’s in cooperation with USI’s annual national campaign for the cease in increasing the college registration fee and cutting grants.

Repeat Exam CostsIn the coming year, prices of repeat exams are rising. I want to assist students who are struggling to meet these payments by lobbying with the Fees office to bring in a system of paying in installments and providing the students with the information they need about the new structure.

Moodle SupportsMoodle is an important education tool for obtaining class notes and submitting online assignments along with the communication between students and lectures. I will ensure lecturers receive adequate training to use this service, which in turn will assist the students in receiving a better quality of education.

Career Services and Supports

AwarenessOver the multiply campus’s in WIT, I will work to increase awareness of student support services available for students. Free services such as the maths centre, academic writing workshops and access to the disability office, career guidance and counseling are all available to students. It is essential that students that wish to avail of these helpful services are aware of them.

Added supportsThird level education prepares you for the working environment. To aid students with this I want to introduce more supports while they are in the college setting. I promise to work on making First Aid courses and Safe Pass courses, amongst others, available to students. This additions to the students education will benefit them following graduation.

Education CampaignsTo promote a positive educational experience for WIT students, I want to continue the good work that has been achieved by the Students’ Union in recent years and continue to develop and promote relevant and important education campaigns such as; Exam Stress and Preparation, Knowing your Education Rights, International and Mature Students workshops. Within these campaigns I will ensure students, across all campuses, are informed. As Education Officer I promise to work closely with the Institute Careers Office to develop and promote more relevant and career focused talks.

Class Rep & Conveyors SystemClass Representatives and Convenyors are essential to the student body. Their voices have the impact to influence change. They are also an important link between class students and the Student Union Executive. At the beginning of the coming academic year, I want to personally address first years to advise them of the role. This in turn will lead to recruitment of informed representatives in the Union.

Class Rep & Conveyors System

Convenyors

As education officer, I would increase responsibility and recognition for school conveyors. These students are representing a whole school department and should play a more active role in the college whilst receiving the recognition they deserve.

Class rep training Following from the great work of previous education officers I want to continue the training course for class representatives. I also want to reintroduce a refresher course in the second semester of the academic year to keep reps driven in serving their classes.

Reward SystemI want to introduce a reward system for class reps to keep them motivated. Active class reps will receive rewards based on attendance to meetings etc. Rewards such as nightclub passes and refreshments as has been done in previous years but I want to introduce a new idea which would award active class reps with a volunteering certificate which would be great addition to their CVs.

RepresentationAs a Union officer, as part of my team I will have power to enforce change. Keeping my own opinions aside, I will voice the opinion of the student body while sitting on important committees such as Governing Body, Executive Committee and Academic Council. I am fully willing to listen and actively hear what the needs of students are across all campuses so that I can fully represent students at the highest level.

So on the 11th of March, for a dedicated and approachable Education Officer please give Michelle Byrne your #1 vote! Byrne bright, vote right!

#ByrneBright