By Céline Naamani.
In the aftermath of DCU’s student elections, many continue to overlook what makes this union so significant.
With a body of over 18,000 students from all walks of life, being equally represented under one institution is quite a feat.
With almost five decades under its belt, DCU’s Students’ Union has had an equally lengthy history alongside the university. Having been established at the same time in 1989 signifies the undoubtable fact that they go hand-in-hand.
Although its prominence has fluctuated throughout the years, this does not negate its one and only mission that remains unchanged. And that is their sole dedication to preserving and representing the thousands of voices on campus.
The heart of which is the student body itself, with every student playing a vital role. Both the DCU SU and DCU websites clearly state that once you enroll as a student, you are automatically a member of its respective union.
Over 400 representatives are annually elected from each class, making up the Class Representative Council, while 11 part-time, and 5 full-time officers form the Student Union’s Executive Board. Taking the lead would be the sabbatical officers who are the face and voice of the entirety of the DCU student body.
The sitting sabbatical officers are Shane Murphy serving as President, Lauren Joyce as VP of Wellbeing, Sean Green as VP of Academic Life, Emily Cathcart as VP of Community & Citizenship, and Malha Muhammad as VP of Diversity & Inclusion; all representative of significant branches within DCU’s Student Life.
DCU’s Students’ Union has long been funded by the Office of Student life and affiliated with the na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (formerly known as the Union of Students in Ireland/USI).
However, a recent vote to remain in AMLÉ failed to reach quorum, which will cause a second vote to be called in the coming weeks. The Union, as publicly stated on their website, is a “democratic and transparent” organization that is governed by a constitution.
Occasional alterations of the constitution are possible by the passing of a referendum, such as the numerous referendums that took place to both withdraw from the USI in 2002 and to rejoin in 2013. Its reaffiliation was cemented with a majority of students voting to remain in December of 2016. Coinciding with the 2016 Incorporation, declaring the expansion of the student body across all of DCU’s five campuses.
The Union also consists of over 140 clubs and societies that cater to all possible interests of students, as well as 8 greatly significant pillars that contribute to student life. Those of which are: Help, Support, Awareness, Community, Change, Representation, Events, and Opportunities.
It would be a grave understatement to say that the DCU Students’ Union doesn’t play a monumental role especially with the change it has achieved in recent years, such as its public support regarding reproductive rights in 2016 following a student voted referendum.
Looking back at these elections, don’t be so quick to dismiss your “school spirit”. After all, what good is a university without its student body?
Image Credit: DCU