Manifesto
My name is Colin Lynch and I am a fourth year New Media and English student.
Why Academic?
I have loved my time in Limerick so much that I want to stay and give back to the students that made my experience so memorable. Let’s be honest the worst part of college is all of the work that comes with it. To be honest I made it through most of my assignments and exams with last minute cramming.
It was only after I went on Co-op that I’ve actually taken things seriously, as it gave me a good look at the career possibilities available to me. I want to make it easier for students like me or you to get engaged, involved and interested in their courses earlier. I think Academic is the best position for me to do that.
1. Grade Breakdown
Every year, students often question their grades wondering how they received a C instead of a B or a B instead of an A. I would advocate for breakdown of grades which would be available to students on results day where they can see their grade broken down into the various assessments carried out throughout the semester.
2. Entrepreneurial Office
UL is the only University in Ireland that does not have an Entrepreneurial Office dedicated to students. I firmly believe that this is not fair on the student population as there is no environment for University students to foster entrepreneurial ideas. I intend on working with the University in creating a support space for students to start their careers and experience working as an entrepreneur.
3. Lowering Cost of Repeats
A consistent point on every Academic Candidate’s Manifesto for the last number of years is advocating for a lower cost of repeats. The cost to a student to repeat an exam in UL currently sits at €171 per exam. Every year the quest to lower this is unsuccessful. However, I am a firm believer in using the same tactics that other colleges have done in order to
lower these costs. I believe that students should stand up for themselves and make some noise around this in order to show the university that we are not willing to be walked over.
4. Know your worth.
UL send thousands of student out into the big bad world annually. I intend on co-ordinating seminars for students in which they will learn how to negotiate professional work contracts, gain valuable interview skills and finally if you are planning on spending some time across one of the ponds, how to apply for visa.
5. Pre Repeat Exams Tutorials.
As a student who has taken repeat exams in August, I know how daunting it is to study something you haven’t looked at for 3-9 months. I am a firm believer that each department should have tutorials available to students, in order for them to gain valuable knowledge they may not have had prior to entering a crucial exam.
6. Student Forum.
Let’s be honest, UL’s Book of modules although it is good to have, it is stagnant and outdated. The book of modules is the module co-ordinators own description of the module and doesn’t take into account student feedback. This concept is student based reports on the module. I would encourage students to be honest feedback, with in regards to difficulty, assessment and any helpful tips to assist a future student of the class.
7. Erasmus Criteria.
Having been on Erasmus there is a certain criteria to meet when it comes to college credits. 24/30 credits need to be met in order to progress and therefore pass the semester. However, many people do not meet this requirement due to different circumstances. It is then therefore up to the Erasmus Co-ordinator to determine what the student has to do. There is a major discrepancy in the system, some students write extra essays while others are forced to take extra modules the next semester. I intend on working with the International Office to create a universal agreement on what students need to do in order to meet the criteria.