Students' Union Strategic Plan 2020/21 - ITCSU

Students’
Union
Strategic
Plan
2020/21

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Lead
    Represent
     Inspire

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CONTENTS
    Academic Development & Support
    Health & Safety
    Inclusivity
    Transparency
    Engagement
    Sustainability

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President
                    supresident@itcarlow.ie

            Vice - President for Welfare & Equality
                     suwelfare@itcarlow.ie

    Vice - President for Entertainment and Communications
                      sucomms@itcarlow.ie

       Vice - President for Education & Lifelong Learning
                    sueducation@itcarlow.ie

              Part - Time Mature Student Officer
                     sumature@itcarlow.ie

                   Part - Time Media Officer
                     sumedia@itcarlow.ie

             Part - Time Societies & Sports Officer
                     susocieties@itcarlow.ie

                Part - Time International Officer
                  suinternational@itcarlow.ie

           Part - Time Post-Graduate Affairs Officer
                    supostgrad@itcarlow.ie

         Part - Time Wexford Full-time Student Officer
                   wexfordsu_ft@itcarlow.ie

         Part - Time Wexford Part-time Student Officer
                   Wexfordsu_lll@itcarlow.ie

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INTRO

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Covid-19 brings its obvious challenges to all students especially
    those within higher education. We as a Students’ Union have three
    main responsibilities for the academic year of 2020/2021 and
    those are; Academic Representation, Student Welfare, and the
    overall Student Experience.

    Academic representation is so important during these times to en-
    sure no student is disadvantaged by any restrictions put in place
    due to Covid-19. We understand that this year will be very different
    in terms of student engagement, therefore student welfare is our
    prime focus. We are committed to be a support for all students and,
    when required, direct students to the relevant people they may re-
    quire to maintain a positive mindset.

    While ensuring the health and safety of all students is at the
    forefront of our work, we also believe it is imperative to maintain a
    positive student experience for all. This includes providing on and
    off campus events and activities as well as committing to delivering
    both a Freshers’ Week and a R&G Week during the college term.

    These priorities are evaluated further throughout this strategic plan
    with different goals set over six areas relating to Academic
    Representation,    Student    Welfare   and      the   overall   Student
    Experience.

    We are here to lead, to represent, to inspire!

    Thomas Drury,
    Students’ Union President 2020/21
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WHAT
    WE
    DO...

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IT Carlow Students’ Union is an autonomous and democratic
    representative organisation. We represent the interest of our
    members across three campuses in Carlow, Wexford and Wicklow
    on all matters relating to their education and college experience
    while also working to protect their rights as students and citizens.

    IT Carlow Students’ Union has four full time officers as well as five
    part-time officers on the Carlow campus and two on the Wexford
    campus who are elected to thoroughly represent the needs of every
    student registered at IT Carlow.

    Our work is driven by the main student body who filter their issues
    through the Class Representative system. Class Representatives are
    invited to monthly Class Representative Councils where they can
    hold the Students’ Union accountable to the work being done as
    well as mandating the Students’ Union to work on specific areas as
    requested by their class.

    Located on the ground floor of the Barrow Centre, the Students’
    Union is a welcoming environment to all students who wish to relax,
    discuss matters with a specific officer, or enjoy some entertainment
    between classes.

    We will always put the needs of IT Carlow students first in all we do
    and this will continue throughout the coming year whether virtually
    or in person.

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GOAL
     ONE

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“TO PROMOTE AND UPHOLD
     ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
     AND SUPPORTS AT IT
     CARLOW & ENSURE NO
     STUDENT IS AT A
     DISADVANTAGE DUE TO
     COVID-19.”
     ________________________

     The Students’ Union always works
     closely with Institute Management to
     ensure any changes to education
     delivery are in the best interests of
     students. We aim to continue this
     collaborative approach to ensure the
     Covid-19 Pandemic does not affect
     the overall learner experience.

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GOAL 1.1 - Academic Equity
SIT ON ALL RELEVANT INSTITUTE DECISION MAKING BODIES
TO ENSURE THOROUGH REPRESENTATION OF ALL STUDENTS
OF IT CARLOW WHILE OVERSEEING THAT NO DECISION IS
MADE WITHOUT PRIOR STUDENT CONSULTATION.
PLAN                                                           WHEN
Sit on Governing Body & Academic Council                       Yearlong
Provide a report to Class Representative Council on the most   Each CRC Meeting
up to date and relevant information from these bodies.

GOAL 1.2 - Academic Supports
ESTABLISH AND BUILD ON A STRONG ACTIVE RELATIONSHIP
WITH THE TEACHING AND LEARNING DEPARTMENT
ENSURING ALL ACADEMIC SUPPORTS REQUIRED ARE
FREQUENTLY MADE AVAILABLE AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO
ALL STUDENTS.
PLAN                                                           WHEN
Hold meetings with the Head of the Teaching and Learning     Yearlong
Centre to plan appropriate academic supports as requested by
students.
Build a strong communication channel between the Students’     September 2020
Union and all Head of Departments & Faculties to help raise
student related concerns.

GOAL 1.3 - TUSEI
ACTIVELY ENGAGE IN THE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
PROCESS INCLUDING THE PLANNING OF AMALGAMATING
THE TWO STUDENTS’ UNIONS AS WELL AS SITTING ON ALL
RELEVANT BODIES VOICING THE MAIN CONCERNS BROUGHT
FORWARD BY IT CARLOW STUDENTS.
PLAN                                                           WHEN
Become the first student representatives to sit on the TUSEI   Yearlong
steering group.
Meet with WITSU to plan for amalgamation of both unions.       September 2020
Engage in talks with senior management and the Project         Yearlong
Executive Director to ensure all IT Carlow Students’ queries
regarding the TU process are treated as priorities.
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GOAL
     TWO

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“TO IMPLEMENT MEASURES
     AND PROCEDURES TO
     COMBAT THE SPREAD OF
     COVID-19 AND ENSURE THE
     SAFETY OF ALL STUDENTS
     WHETHER COMMUTING OR
     LIVING IN CARLOW OR
     WEXFORD TOWN.”
     __________________
     IT Carlow Students’ Union recognises
     the challenges that we are faced due
     to Covid-19. We will aim to ensure
     students get the best college
     experience in a safe manner in line
     with the most up to date public
     health advice.

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GOAL 2.1 - Covid-19 Response Plan
ESTABLISH AND IMPLEMENT A COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN &
COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE THE STUDENTS’ UNION ACTIVITIES
AND SERVICES AND ENSURE THE STUDENTS’ UNION
ADHERES TO NATIONAL GUIDELINES FROM GOVERNMENT.
PLAN                                                          WHEN
Finalise a Covid-19 Response Plan                             September 2020
Update Covid-19 Response Plan                                 Bi-weekly
Establish a SU Covid-19 Response Team                         July 2020 (to meet
                                                              once a month)
Appoint a Covid-19 Response Manager                           July 2020

GOAL 2.2 - Student Wellbeing
WORK WITH THE INSTITUTE AND EXTERNAL BODIES TO RUN
VARIOUS STUDENT WELLBEING CAMPAIGNS DURING THE
PANDEMIC AND OFFER THE NECESSARY RESOURCES AND
CONTACTS FOR STUDENTS TO AVAIL OF.
PLAN                                                          WHEN
Provide a list of resources for charities and organisations   July 2020
specialising in mental / sexual health to students.

Run regular mental health campaigns and events.               Monthly

GOAL 2.3
ESTABLISH A “STAY SAFE, STAY ACTIVE 2020/21” CAMPAIGN
IN CONJUNTION WITH LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES AND
COMMUNITY GROUPS TO GIVE STUDENTS SOME ALTERNATE
ENTERTAINMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO
ADHERE TO GUIDELINES WHILE STILL ENJOYING THE
COLLEGE EXPERIENCE.
PLAN                                                            WHEN
Engage with all emergency services and relevant organisations to August 2020
begin work on the campaign in Carlow/Wexford.

Implement and run campaign through in person events and         Year long during
online via the Broadcasting Network.                            Covid-19 Pandemic.
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GOAL
     THREE

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“TO PROMOTE EQUALITY,
     DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY
     ACROSS ALL CAMPUSES OF
     IT CARLOW AND ENSURE
     NO STUDENT IS
     DISADVANTAGED FOR
     BEING THEMSELVES.”
     ________________________
     IT Carlow welcomes students from all
     religions, races & sexualities. The
     Students’ Union wants to ensure that
     all minority groups are made feel
     welcomed and celebrated
     throughout the year. It is also our aim
     that no student is disadvantaged for
     being different.

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GOAL 3.1 - Accessibility
TO ALLEVIATE THE STRESS AND WORRY OF STUDENTS
STARTING COLLEGE FOR THE FIRST TIME OR RETURNING TO
STUDY BY ENSURING THAT THEY HAVE FULL ACCESSIBILITY
TO ALL THE INSTITUTE RESOURCES THROUGHOUT COVID-19.
PLAN                                                             WHEN
Support students in their entry to college in relation to such   Yearlong

Promote online support to assist students to work and access     September 2020
resources remotely.

GOAL 3.2 - Representation
HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY AMONGST THE
STUDENT BODY OF IT CARLOW WHILE CELEBRATING THE
MANY DIFFERENT RELIGIONS, CULTURES AND SEXUALITIES
WITHIN.
PLAN                                                             WHEN
Secure adequate representation on relevant committees and        Yearlong
councils to facilitate the diverse need of all students.
Empower minority groups through on and off campus                Yearlong
workshops and events.
Make the Students’ Union a more inclusive area for LGBT+         Yearlong
students and other minority groups alike.

GOAL 3.3 - Extra Supports
PROMOTE AND HELP ESTABLISH EXTRA SUPPORTS FOR IT
CARLOW STUDENTS TO HELP THEM GET THE MOST FROM
THEIR EDUCATION REGARDLESS OF THE COVID-19
PANDEMIC.
PLAN                                                             WHEN
Provide important information in multiple languages for          Yearlong
International Students.
Provide up to date information on new or existing Covid-19       Yearlong
supports available to students.

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GOAL
     FOUR

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“WE AIM TO BE OPEN AND
     TRANSPARENT WITH ALL OF
     OUR MEMBERS AND ALLOW
     THEM TO HOLD US
     ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL
     ACTIONS AND DECISIONS.”
     __________________
     The Students’ Union is a democratic
     organisation that is mandated by its
     members. To gain the trust of
     students, we must ensure to keep
     them up to date with all relevant
     affairs from the Institute and the
     Students’ Union Executive Team.

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GOAL 4.1 - Class Representatives
TO HOLD CLASS REPRESENTATIVE COUNCILS THROUGHOUT
THE YEAR TO ENCOURAGE MANDATES TO DETERMINING THE
WORK OF THE STUDENTS’ UNION WHILE HOLDING IT
ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DELIVERY OF THAT WORK.
PLAN                                                            WHEN
Produce officer reports for Class Representative Council.       Monthly
Deliver sufficient Class Representative training both online and October
on campus where possible.
Report all relevant information to Class Representatives from   Monthly
Institute bodies that the Students’ Union has a seat on.

GOAL 4.2 - Committees
TO ESTABLISH RELEVANT SUB COMMITTEES AS PER THE
ITCSU CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW FOR FURTHER
ACCOUNTABILITY. EACH COMMITTEE WILL MEET, AT
MINIMUM, EVERY SIX WEEKS.
PLAN                                                            WHEN
Establish a Welfare, Finance & Entertainment Committee.         1st Class Rep Council

Review the need for any other committee.                        October

Hold meetings of each sub committee.                            Minimum every 6
                                                                weeks

GOAL 4.3 - Freedom of Information
TO GRANT ALL STUDENTS ACCESS TO IMPORTANT FILES AND
POLICIES SUCH AS MINUTES TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MEETINGS AND CLASS REPRESENTATIVE COUNCILS.
PLAN                                                            WHEN

Release all meeting minutes of the Executive Team and Class     1 month after each
Representative Council to the ITC Students’ Union website.      meeting.

Release all policies and other relevant documents via ITC       End of each month.
Students’ Union website once signed off by the Executive Team
or Class Representative Council.

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GOAL
     FIVE

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“TO CONTINUE TO ENGAGE
     WITH ALL STUDENTS
     DESPITE GOVERNMENT
     RESTRICTIONS DUE TO
     COVID-19.”
     ________________________
     The Covid-19 Pandemic has forced
     many businesses and organisations
     to adapt in order to stay connected
     with the people they serve. The
     Students’ Union will be no different
     and will continue to engage with
     students both online and in person
     where possible throughout the
     academic year.

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GOAL 5.1 - Broadcasting Network
ESTABLISH A NEW ONLINE BROADCASTING NETWORK WHICH
WILL HAVE A NEW VIDEO AND PODCAST CHANNEL INCLUDED
TO ALLOW STUDENTS TO ENJOY EVENTS AND STAY
CONNECTED VIRTUALLY.
PLAN                                                             WHEN

Establish the ITCSU Broadcasting Network.                        September 2020

Provide regular content; Entertaining, Educational and           Weekly
Wellness themed.

GOAL 5.2 - Events
RUN ON & OFF CAMPUS EVENTS IN LINE WITH THE MOST UP
TO DATE PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE AND RESTRICTIONS.
PLAN                                                             WHEN
Work with senior management in the planning of an on-campus First Term
celebratory event for 2020 graduates.
Run on-campus welfare and education campaigns while              Monthly
adhering to social distancing and other government guidelines.

Run both Freshers’ Week and Raise & Give Week events             September 2020 &
committing to both on and off campus activities.                 February 2021

GOAL 5.3 - Department Representatives
ESTABLISH A NEW COMMITTEE OF STUDENT
REPRESENTATIVES FROM EACH DEPARTMENT TO ALLOW FOR
VALUABLE FEEDBACK ON NEW ACADEMIC DELIVERIES AND
SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO IMPROVE THESE DELIVERIES.
PLAN                                                             WHEN
Establish the committee operating framework in conjunction       September 2020
with college management.

Facilitate meetings between the Student Representatives and      Monthly
Institute Academic Management.
Report to Class Representatives on the progress of the           Monthly
committee and any developments relating to academic delivery
or quality control.

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GOAL
     SIX

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“TO CONTINUE TO CREATE
     A MORE SUSTAINABLE
     STUDENTS’ UNION THAT IS
     ADAPTABLE AND
     INTERCHANGABLE TO MEET
     THE FUTURE NEEDS OF
     STUDENTS AND THE WORLD
     THEY LIVE IN.”
     __________________
     The Students’ Union at IT Carlow is
     part of an ever changing world and
     climate. We must adapt, evolve and
     educate so that our campaigns and
     services remain relevant.

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GOAL 6.1 - Collaborative Projects
WORK TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF COLLABORATIVE
PROJECTS BETWEEN THE STUDENTS’ UNION AND LOCAL
COMMITTEE & ORGANISATIONS TO HELP ENCOURAGE
STUDENTS TO LIVE A MORE SUSTAINABLE LIFE WHILE
STUDYING AT COLLEGE.
PLAN                                                            WHEN
Continue to work with Carlow County Council Environmental Yearlong
Department on collaborative projects and campaigns.
Support and take part in all USI events surrounding the topic   Yearlong
of sustainability or eco living.
Continue to work alongside on-campus committees to run          Yearlong
student workshops and events to promote a Green Campus.

GOAL 6.2 - Education & Events
CONTINUE TO WORK ALONGSIDE LOCAL COMMITTEES &
ORGANISATIONS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH THE SKILLS
AND INFORMATION REQUIRED TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE
AND LIVE MORE SUSTAINABLY AS A STUDENT.
PLAN                                                            WHEN
Hold waste reduction workshops and information stands.          January 2020
Promote sustainable living in college and give students         Yearlong
resources to help them make impactful daily changes.

Educate students on the issue of ‘Fast Fashion’ by running      Yearlong
interactive workshops and information stands.

GOAL 6.3 - Sustainability in the SU
REVIEW ALL OF THE STUDENTS’ UNION PROCESSES AND
PROCEDURES AND ADAPT THESE IN ORDER TO BE MORE
SUSTAINABLE.
PLAN                                                            WHEN
Review the Students’ Union promotional activities.              September 2020
Review the current paper ballot voting procedure and adapt to Yearlong
a new online system.
Increase online content to avoid leaflet or poster printing.    Yearlong
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The ITCSU Strategic Plan 2020/21 is
     valid for one academic year
     beginning on September 21st and
     terminating on May 31st.

     Written by:
     Thomas Drury
     Michael Cahill
     Alex Porter

     supresident@itcarlow.ie / www.itcsu.ie

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Published & Copyright by the Institute of Technology Carlow Students’ Union
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