![\"IMG_3371\"](\"http:\/\/www.anfocal.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/IMG_3371-570x380.jpg\")
To all my fellow postgraduate students, (taught, research and GEMS) I wish to introduce myself. My name is Seamus Noonan and I am a Postgraduate Student currently studying Business Management here in UL. I am extremely enthusiastic about the important role the PSU (Postgraduate Student Union) plays within UL so I am currently seeking election as PSU President. I have already\u00a0begun my campaign and have received a very positive response from my fellow students within UL.<\/p>\n
A canvas hub has been secured in the Red Raisin seating area and I encourage all students to please drop by or follow me on any of the online platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc.). Since I decided to seek election I have been preparing my manifesto and while I am conscious of progress which have been achieved in recent years, it is my way of gently suggesting where I think improvements could be made for the general benefit of my fellow students. These are only suggestions which are not engraved in stone and I will gladly welcome and encourage suggestions from my fellow students if I am elected.<\/p>\n
If I could briefly summarise my manifesto:
\nI understand in these difficult times that financial support for students is more important than ever, and it would be a priority for me to engage with the relevant departments in seeking assistance and financial support for students. I am determined to establish fixed periods where students can come for advice on financial and other matters which I may be\u00a0able to give advice on or at least refer one to the\u00a0appropriate department. If elected I intend to\u00a0maintain a constant dialogue with faculty and class\u00a0representatives during my term of office.<\/p>\n
Examination times are very stressful for students and I will endeavour to optimise exam timetables to help students to perform to their maximum ability. I will also seek designated spaces for postgraduate study, especially during examination times.\u00a0I also hope to be in a position to reserve study\u00a0rooms which can be booked on line.<\/p>\n
I am conscious of the fact that the health and well-being\u00a0of students is paramount in these stressful\u00a0times and I intend to provide information on;\u00a0nutrition, stress relief, and mental health and many\u00a0other services.<\/p>\n
I intend to provide additional catering appliances in the PSU room while establishing more PSU facilities in general throughout the campus, I await suggestions from students on these and other matters.<\/p>\n
I will endeavour to keep students informed as much as possible of career guidance events throughout the year, while seeking to increase the number of students employed on campus for part time work. I also hope to organize classes and workshops e.g. mind mapping, time management, group working skills including software tools to streamline projects etc.<\/p>\n
I intend introducing a dedicated register of suitable\u00a0postgraduate accommodation as well as increasing\u00a0the number of postgraduate students giving and\u00a0receiving grinds and tuition. Continuing in the\u00a0culture of UL of informing and sharing, while\u00a0providing a valuable extra resource and source of\u00a0income for tutors.\u00a0In a shrinking world, and especially within UL with\u00a0our growing number of international students,\u00a0cultural diversity is more important than ever,\u00a0embracing our differences while learning from each other. To\u00a0enhance this practice I hope to organise a diverse range of\u00a0functions, events and outings throughout the year.<\/p>\n
I hope to enhance the PSU website, while regularly updating twitter and facebook. All communications will be published in\u00a0university media. I will seek to provide driving lessons at a reduced rate for students so this key life skill can be acquired
\nduring their time here.<\/p>\n
Finally I will advocate for one day off per week for taught postgraduate students to have sufficient time to complete their assignment and end of year submissions.<\/p>\n
Thanking you all most sincerely for your interest and the courtesy you have shown to me during my campaign, and so I ask you one more time to remember me on Thursday April 3rd and give me your number one vote. I promise you, if I am elected, I will do my best for all of you.<\/p>\n
Thanking you,
\nSeamus Noonan.<\/p>\n