A mhic léinn, a chara,
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Dear Emer,
Fáilte ar ais! Welcome back! We hope you have had a fantastic summer and are excited to be starting a new academic year.
We are looking forward to welcoming all new and returning students, including our first year undergraduate students who will be starting their university journey with us on September 15.
If you spot anyone who looks like they might need assistance, be ready to offer a helping hand or direct them to the Student Ambassadors in pink vests. We all remember how daunting the first few weeks can be!
This week we are introducing the Student Services' Support Wheel and the new SafeZone app.
Read on to hear all the news in your weekly ezine! We will skip one week while we focus on welcoming first years, and will be back again with the Student Ezine on 18 September.
SUPPORT WHEEL - ROTH TACAÍOCHTA
Student Services have created the University of Galway Support Wheel as a guide for you to quickly identify what support is available to you, when you need it most.
With input from students and colleagues, every step on the wheel will provide you with information on where you can go or who you can contact, based on your needs.
Find our more about the Support Wheel and how to navigate it here.
SAFEZONE APP - AIP SAFEZONE
SafeZone is a new app designed to help keep you safe and give you extra peace of mind across the campus. Available to all University of Galway students, you can find more information here.
Key Features of the App:
Emergency Alerts: Send instant alerts to campus security in case of emergencies, medical situations, or personal safety concerns.
Check-In and Timed Check-In: Check-in at designated intervals, to let campus security know your location. You can also use a timed check-in, that will send an alert if you do not check-out within the timeframe you have specified.
Real-time Location Sharing: Allows you to share your location with campus security, facilitating rapid response and assistance.
Two-way Communication: The app allows you to engage with campus security. Whether it's reporting suspicious activity or seeking guidance during a crisis, ensuring that help is just the click of a button away.
Easy Access: User-friendly and available for download on both iOS and Android Devices – visit the App Store or Google Play Store and search for “SafeZone”.
Please find a list of FAQs about SafeZone and other useful information on the Safe Campus page. Why not take a few minutes to download the App now.
EVENTS - IMEACHTAÍ
Societies Day and ALIVE Volunteering Fair. Wednesday 6 September, 12 - 5pm. Call in to meet some of our 120 societies or chat with charities and local organizations and sign up to volunteer! Find out more about here.
Take a few minutes to complete the University of Galway Success Quiz. Let us know what services, supports and facilities you're most interested in and be added to relevant mailing lists - so you'll always be in the know!
Complete the Quiz by Friday 20 October and be in the draw for some great prizes! Read more about the quiz and get started here.
SU Life Skills courses offer a chance for further development outside of academic learning. Learn skills such as Sign Language, Self Defense and Gaeilge. Spaces are limited, sign up here.
Fáilte Fest Comedy Bingo. Saturday 16 September, 8.30-9.30pm, Bailey Allen Hall. Indulge your inner funny with award winning comedian Steve Bennett at our Saturday night Bingo. Open to all students, tickets are €5 and you can buy them here.
Students Union Class Rep positions now open. Can you lead the way and be the voice of your class this year? Nominations for returning students open 4 September and close 15 September, on YourSpace. It’s a great way to gain experience, make friends, get training and get your Class Rep Hoodie! More information here.
Career Development Centre (CDC) have some great events this week, including:
Navigating the Graduate Labour Market In Ireland. Wednesday 6 September 6-7pm. MY243, Áras Moyola Lecture Theatre. Sign up here.
Find Your Part-Time Job. Thursday 7 September, 5-6pm. THB-G011, The Hardiman Building. Sign up here.
Meet the CDC team on Monday 12 September, 11-12pm at the Career Development Centre Open House and discover your employability potential. Read all the details here.
FREE Campus Tours. New students – book a tour of our beautiful campus! Student ambassadors will take you on a 50-minute walk around the campus, showing you key buildings and services and sharing their experiences of student life at University of Galway. Tours will run on weekdays at 11am and 2pm from Tuesday 29 August to Friday 8 September.
Book in advance and find out more here.
CANVAS TRAINING - OILIÚINT CANVAS
Canvas is the new Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in use at University of Galway and has replaced Blackboard. Canvas allows you to download lecture notes, reading lists, assessment information and other course-related material.
The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) are providing one hour online sessions to help you get to grips with the basics of Canvas from logging in, finding your courses, accessing content and how to get help if you need it.
You can register here for a training session.
STUDENT ADVISORS - COMHAIRLEOIRÍ DO MHIC LÉINN
Our Student Advisors are here to provide confidential, non-judgmental support and an empathetic space for you to share any concerns. You can discuss personal, academic, financial or any other issues with your Student Advisor. Where necessary, advisors will link with the full range of other specific support services available to you at the University of Galway.
Find your School or College Student Advisor here and make an appointment directly through MS Teams.
In this video Kelly Moore, Student Advisor with the College of Science and Engineering, tells us a bit more about how she helps students.
ENDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE - AG CUR DEIREADH LE FORÉIGEAN GNÉIS
Meet Rebecca Connolly the Sexual Violence & Harassment [SVH] Prevention and Response Coordinator at University of Galway.
Rebecca supports and guides survivors and can signpost to available resources and relevant specialist supports, policies, and procedures.
Anyone with concerns about or experiencing unwanted, non-consensual or inappropriate behaviour, is encouraged to reach out and seek support.
For more information email Rebecca in confidence.
AN RAIBH A FHIOS AGAT?
Happy Anniversary!
It's been 1 year since we changed to our new name 'University of Galway'. Don't forget that our domain name has changed and that you now log in as XXXX@universityofgalway.ie. Emails sent to your old address will now be sent to you new University of Galway email.
HPV Vaccination Clinic
Monday 25 September, 9-4pm THB G011, Hardiman Research Building. The clinic is open to females age 16 to 24 years. Also open to males age 16 or older who started 1st year of secondary school, homeschool or a special school in the academic year 2019/2020. This is a Health Service Executive (HSE) public clinic, you do not need to be a student to register. To find out more about the HPV Vaccine click here and to register click here.
Student Enquiry Centre opening next week
We are delighted to let you know our refurbished centre will be re-opening Monday 11 September. The Student Enquiry Centre is your first stop shop for any questions on student life. Pop in to say hi! Located in the Arts Science concourse.
Accommodation Advisory Service
Hopefully you are settling in to your home away from home, but if you are still searching take a look at Studentpad to find private off campus accommodation. You can visit the Accommodation Advisory Service in Áras Uí Chathail, from 10 - 12.30 and 2-4pm, Monday to Friday.
YourSpace
Your student portal and the gateway to join extra curricular activities, opportunities and supports. Log in here with your University of Galway email and password.
Financial Aid Fund (FAF)
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, take a look at the Financial Aid Funds. Providing financial support for eligible students. Click here for more information.
Student Pantry
The Pantry is a waste reduction initiative providing free food to students. It will be open from 5pm Mondays and Fridays, located in the large acoustic room in Áras na Mac Léinn. Starting from this Friday 8 September. Keep up to date here.
LIFT Leadership Programme
LIFT is an 8 week, online programme designed to develop your leadership skills. Working in small groups join this personal development experience! Watch the information video and sign up here.
TACAÍOCHTAÍ - SUPPORTS
Need support? Find information on the resources available by clicking on the Support Wheel link here.
We want your feedback!
If you have suggestions for future editions of the weekly Student Enquiry Centre ezine, please get in touch by emailing sec@universityofgalway.ie.
