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“The role and importance of student representation in 4th level education”. Ronan Hodson & Alexandra Murphy TCD Graduate Students’ Union. IUA Fourth Level Network Annual Conference Trinity College Dublin, 10 th November 2009. The Graduate Students’ Union.
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“The role and importance of student representation in 4th level education” Ronan Hodson & Alexandra MurphyTCD Graduate Students’ Union IUA Fourth Level Network Annual Conference Trinity College Dublin, 10th November 2009
The Graduate Students’ Union • Established along with TCD SU in 1970s Representative body for all Trinity’s 5,000+ 4th level students Two elected, full-time, sabbatical officers Voluntary, elected Executive
What the GSU does • Represents postgrads on all levels of College Provides advice, advocacy and assistance Manages facilities for postgrad use Runs social and academic events
RepresentationCommittees • Board, Council, Graduate Studies, Student Services International, Equality, Quality, Library, Research, Undergraduate Appeals, etc. Working Groups: Retention, Academic Freedom, Student Experience, Quality Strategic Plan
RepresentationDifficulties • Apathetic, fragmented, high-turnover student body Research Students: isolated, focused International students: unfamiliar, uninvolved Both important groups to represent
Changes AchievedExamples • More flexible internal funding Improved quality of 24 hour facilities Improved, extended orientation Networking events Highlighted International student needs Individual casework, drop-in, advocacy Course evaluation, Student Centre
Key Issues • Support Services Internationalisation – heavy service users. Active, early contact crucial Funding – flexible ways to study, routes to qualification Quality – academic support, supervision style adapted to changing circumstances: duration, funding, flexibility