This month, students of DCU elected their new Student’s Union. While the part-time positions remained relatively the same as last year, the full-time positions got an overhaul.
The full-time positions are now: President, Vice President (VP) for Community and Citizenship, VP for Academic Life, VP for Diversity and Inclusion, and VP for Wellbeing.
We spoke with the new SU team about what it means to them to be elected.
SU President – Terence Rooney
The SU president is in charge of all things regarding student life and welfare. They can help with anything, or point you in the direction of someone who can.
Rooney said: “Working in the SU and representing students as SU President is something I’ve always dreamed of doing but never thought I could. DCU has given me everything and I cannot wait to help students have an experience like mine.”
Rooney is passionate about bringing students together, while also ensuring everyone is aware of the support available to them.
“The thing I really want to achieve next year is bringing students back to campus and reignite the amazing community we have in DCU. I also want to increase awareness of student support to ensure the students that are in need of these supports can access them.”
VP for Community and Citizenship – Ross Boyd
This officer will encourage leadership, community, development, and volunteering. They will focus on accommodation, environment, voting, road safety, sustainability, citizenship, and local council.
Boyd explains how grateful he is to be elected in a position that matches his personality and passions in life.
“The position means so much, especially in how much volunteering has helped me develop my confidence and friends in DCU and pursue my passions, and was why I ran for this position.”
He explained: “Now being elected, my plans are to create a university where students feel connected to the students union, be able to pursue their passions through advocacy and volunteering and create tangible change on student issues, sustainability and ensuring all students can be included in that, irrespective of what campus or where they may be.”
VP for Academic Life – Kate Goodman
VP for Academic Life will cover all academic affairs including work placements while campaigning for policy developments on educational matters.
Kate Goodman says she is “forever grateful” to all students who voted for her to become their VP for Academic life.
“I have honestly had so many amazing opportunities and experiences from things I’ve learnt in class, my intra, getting involved with socs and of course being a faculty rep this past year. Ultimately I want to help other students get the most out of their time in DCU.”
Goodman plans on focusing on supporting student nurses who have had a particularly difficult year.
“In my opinion, the most important thing I can do for the next year is represent our Student Nurses. I, like the rest of the country, am appealed at how they have been treated this past year. My top priority is giving them the support, appreciation and representation they deserve.”
VP for Diversity and Inclusion – Bobbie Hickey
The key responsibilities of the VP for Diversity and Inclusion involve fighting for a fair college experience for all students. They will be an advocate for minority groups in DCU such as black students, students of colour, LGBTQ+ students, HEAR/DARE students and more.
Being part of a minority group herself, Bobbie Hickey is grateful for the opportunity to represent even more minority groups.
“ I am part of a diverse minority group myself and have lived through years of exclusion. I am so excited to get stuck into working on making DCU the most diverse and inclusive college in Ireland!”
She explained: “I have so many ideas, but one I am most excited for is the Diversity & Inclusion Badge, which students can earn by attending D&I events throughout the year and then stick it on their CV to show that they have made an effort in being more inclusive and getting educated in diversity!”
VP for Wellbeing – Dean O’Reilly
The VP for Wellbeing is responsible for the health and happiness of each student. They will focus on your needs and advocate for change regarding period products, sexual health, relationships, physical health and more.
Dean O’Reilly is the VP for Welfare and Equality this year and was re-elected for the next academic year.
“I think there’s going to be a real whiplash effect with this position, once we move away from COVID or into a less restrictive COVID. The mental, physical and sexual health of students is going to come to the forefront next year. I’m so honoured and privileged to be able to help and support students in those aspects.”
One of O’Reilly’s goals is to help fight period poverty across all three DCU campuses.
“I hope to begin the Period Project Delivery Service which I’m really looking forward to getting up and running because I’m kicking myself for not getting it done in my last term! I also hope to elevate SHAG Fest and Mental Health Week where there is an opportunity for us to have in person events which I am so looking forward to,” he explained.
The full-time sabbatical officers will work alongside 10 part-time officers to ensure every student gets a fair and accessible experience in DCU.