Do you think a student union representative can play a role in the management of CIT, or is student representation just a token gesture?

I believe students form an integral part in the management of CIT. It is fantastic to see how the democratic system of student representation works in an Institute of this size. Just last week CIT’s Academic Council took the decision to amend the Academic Calendar so all Semester one exams will be before Christmas. This was a direct result of a motion passed at a Union council meeting held a number of weeks ago.

I think CIT students are well represented on many boards and committees throughout the Institute, management have never denied any student representative the opportunity to have their say. However an issue arises where decisions are made outside of meeting rooms, in corridors and over tea in the canteen.

You have sat on the Governing Body for almost two years, what is your view of the Management of CIT?

It should be noted that CIT has seen a change of management personnel over the passed year. Each new member of CIT’s executive management board are having a direct positive input into life in CIT.

When I began as President I inherited a notion which is within the Student body that the management of CIT are worst than the big bad wolf. The reality is that they aren’t all that bad. The fatal flaw of CIT’s management team is their attraction to making decisions without proper consultation with all of the relevant bodies. I for one detest all of the red tape and bureaucracy which surrounds the committee after committee meeting, but this is the system which has been adopted by the Institute.

This fatal flaw cannot be totally put on the heads of senior management but also those on different boards throughout the Institute. Academic Council is the academic policy setting body in CIT. In theory it is fantastic forum for all members to propose motions and contribute to CIT policy, however although members do comment on issues, the President (Chairperson) always has the last word, proposes an amendment to what is being discussed, and then it is case closed, next item. This has always amused me, members will speak for several minutes passionately about an issue, and then not question a decision taken. I personally have never taken part in a vote for any issue at this forum and if I question “is this democratic” then I would have to say No.

CIT’s Senior Management team is more than capable and I believe CIT are fortunate to have many of it’s members. We must remember CIT faced a 50 minute hour scheme which would have drastically changed the way we taught within the Institute, however with prudent sums and minor cost saving measures, we avoided this and this must acknowledged. Compared to other Institutes, CIT students were one of the least effected by a tightening budget.

Dr. Brendan Murphy has his critics, I for one can hold my hand up as one, but over the course of the two years which I worked closely with him, he has the Institute and students’ best interest at heart. Predecessors of mine and past students have used words like “Legend” and “gentleman” to describe him. As an individual his only issue is that his brand image is above the ordinary person and there is a clear boundary between management and other stakeholders of the Institute. If he can develop the social skills which will enable him to engage with the ordinary staff member and student, he could well be one of the Institutes finest.

I must express a disappointment at CIT’s governing body. CIT is no different to any other governing body in the country. The notion that the Minister for Education and Skills appoints members from various bodies to oversee an Institute is fantastic in theory. However as many members of these boards are from external bodies of the Institute there is no vested interest in the Institute, thus sometimes these meetings become box ticking exercises. On the other hand many governors must be commended for their outstanding voluntary dedication which they have committed to and delivered.

In your opinion what has been the SU’s most significant contribution to student life in CIT?

The most significant contribution of CIT Students’ Union to student life must be our successful campaign against fees. No one can deny CIT students this victory. After many protests, petitions and letters we launched one volley of campaigns over the course of a week, last October. After a protest in Cork where over 3000 students took to the streets, CIT students rang, texted, emailed and wrote to every green party member, Councillor, TD and Senator appealing them to reject a programme for government which included the reintroduction of college fees. A few short hours after this campaign had ended the Government announced that fees were off the agenda. This achievement was a prime example of what the accumulation of a small contribution from many can and will always prevail.

I think at a local level the recent improvements in CIT’s infrastructure must be noted. As stated recent appointments to areas like CIT Canteen Company or have made a significant improvements. In years gone by CIT suffered from certain IT issues in areas like printing and basic computer requirements but a fresh approach and renewed enthusiasm has made a significant difference in areas like WiFi, new computers and printers and so on. In the past, CIT Students’ Union had to push forward by stating we were going to launch our own student email system because CIT had repeatedly failed to do so. After we had a system ready to be rolled out, CIT decided to work with us in ensuring a good service was delivered by the Institute.

What if any are the future challenges for CIT Students’ Union?

CIT Students’ Union faces many challenges in the short and long term future. Student financial support should be of utmost importance. As we find ourselves deeper in this economic crisis more and more students are finding themselves below the breadline. Support funding has been stretched and there needs to be a change in policy immediately to cater for many students. For 2010 the Student Support Bill should be of utmost importance, I do not believe it will change the system over night, but it will ensure grants are on time and distributed in a fair way.

CIT Students’ Union can no longer ignore the National cause, since 2003 CIT has stood independent of USI in defending it’s members at a local and National level. CIT disaffiliated from USI because it became consumed by a Dublin mentality and many IT’s stood powerless. However this mentality within the organisation is changing and I firmly believe that if CIT re-affiliate they can propose policy which can change the focus of the organisation. I have always painted USI in a negative light, in my dealings with its officers I have no reason to think any other way, but a seat on the HEA should not be sniffed at. If the right national student leader can come along, dictate policy at the highest level (HEA) the student movement could be rejuvenated to mirror a time when the consumer (student) was king.

I think on a local level CITSU needs to look at serving the postgraduate population of CIT. In my experience post grad students have very little problems, but when they do they are more complex and difficult than most. Many Students’ Union Executives nationally have a part time post grad officer, something which should be considered by next years Union Council.

I think there is a long term issue with students in Institutes of Technology and ownership of their Students’ Union. Many students fail to realise that they are the key contributors to dictating SU and College policy. Each student pays a contribution of €56 to CITSU, this fee grants each student full membership. They are entitled to come to General Meetings of CITSU (once a month) propose motions, request officers to undertake tasks and campaigns. As members it is also their responsibility to question officers on their actions or lack of actions in some cases. Students need to get engaged in the political system of student politics. I think in this instance CIT can be used as a microcosm of the Irish republic. Nobody questioned the immoral decisions and bad judgement of our national government until it is too late. A number of years ago WITSU was almost disbanded by the officers of the day as they purchased personal laptops, a jeep as well as many other gifts for friends and family with student’s money leaving WITSU in tatters. If their students questioned all of this at the time then it clearly wouldn’t have escalated to the extent it did. I would urge every student to make themselves aware of what their Union is doing, contribute, and share ideas to make CIT a better environment for all.

Have you enjoyed your tenure as President of CIT Students’ Union?

It has been a roller coaster journey from start to finish; I could not recommend the role enough to anybody. The best thing about the role is that any student is qualified for the position. Every student who has been in the position has brought a very different dimension to the job and im sure this will continue into the future. It is not a nine to five position; it is a way of life.

There is nothing more fulfilling than been able to help another person. Running for election was the best decision I have ever made, and I will cherish my time as CIT Students’ Union President for ever. So many memories, thank you CIT.