The Union of Students in Ireland Executive team for 2020-2021 has hit the ground running in its first fortnight in office.
With cross-over weeks and induction training done for the new executive, Wednesday (July 15) saw the start of the annual Students’ Union Training for SU officers from member organisations all across the island.
USI Executive team 2020-2021 Conor McCabe Photography
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic public health measures, this year’s SUT takes place online, but the same extensive training programme remains in place.
USI President, Lorna Fitzpatrick said: “We’re delighted that we’ve been able to move this event online and we hope everybody is excited and will take plenty away from it. The training covers areas such as campaigning tactics, academic representation, student finance and SUSI, postgrad experiences and events in the ‘new normal’. We’re making sure that Students’ Union officers from across the country are prepared to support all students in the new academic year.”
There are six new faces on the USI Executive this year, with Clare Austick, Adam Clarke, Ellen Fearon, Ciara Kealy, Megan O’Neill and Gary Tobin all joining the team.
Lorna Fitzpatrick remains President having been elected to a second term, while Kevin McStravock and Clíodhna Ní Dhufaigh both stay in the roles of Academic Affairs and Gaeilge Vice Presidents, respectively.
Last year’s Vice President for the BMW Region Marie Lyons was elected to Equality and Citizenship for this year, while former Dublin Region Vice President, Craig McHugh is now Vice President for Campaigns.
Gary Tobin is Vice President for the BMW Region, Megan O’Neill for the Dublin Region and Ciara Kealy for the Southern Region. Clare Austick is Welfare Vice President, Adam Clarke is the Vice President for Postgraduate Affrairs and Ellen Fearon is the NUS-USI President.
Details, including phone numbers, emails, Twitter handles, and biographies can be found here.
Watch out for videos introducing your USI Executive for 2020-2021 in more detail over the coming week.
With so much change ongoing as a result of the pandemic, your USI team is ready for another busy year ahead seeking to place the student voice at the centre of all third-level education decisions and structures.