SoupVolume II_December 2009

ISSUE 4

GMIT Students’ Union Newsletter

www.gmitsu.ie

DECEMBER_Mon 14th: Exams begin_Fri 18th: Exams finish

JANUARY_Thu 7th: CareersChallenge in GMIT_Wed 13th: 2nd Semester Starts

featured in Soup...

_Chaplaincy.4

_Study in China.7

_PAL.9

www.gmitsu.ie

Soup is also available at www.gmitsu.ie, on Facebook, Bebo and

your student email (webmail.gmit.ie)

Diary Dates

_For the Craic.3_Library News.2

Happy Christmas

Don’t miss the GMIT Careers Challenge on Thursday January 7th! See page 5 for full details.

Hi everyone,

Where did the term go!? I’ve been in the Students’ Union for 3 years, and it was the toughest start to a year I’ve experienced with some difficult times and challenges. Thankfully, we also had some good times as well, including a brilliant Christmas day and some excellent welfare campaigns.

Just a quick reminder regarding your exams: there is a board set up called the Aegrotat Board which is for anybody with major difficulties in their exams (for example, illness or bereavement). You can collect the form from the SU office or your head of department. Please see page 13 for more info.

I’m looking forward to seeing you back in 2010 as we have alot planned for the second semester which will be good!

I just want to take this opportunity to wish you the best of luck in your exams. I hope all the hard work pays off!

Finally, a very happy Christmas to you all... I hope Santa is good to you!!

Paddy, SU President _Career Challenge.5

_Bus to Ballybrit.6

_Scholarships.8

_SU Welfare.10_SAF & FAQ.12_Aegrotat Board.13_Grants.15

_Bluetooth.18

_Counselling.19_Poc Fada.21_Sensitive Disposition.22

02

Libr

ary Welcome to the library!

Visit the library to borrow books, study, photocopy…Use the library website library.gmit.ie to access… the library catalogue databases of online articles other online resources (e.g. ebooks) exam papers

Library PINDon’t forget to set up your library PIN. Why? Because you can use your PIN to access Exam Papers, Databases and your Library Account on our website library.gmit.ieHow? Create a PIN when prompted to enter one on our website or ask at the library desk.

Free TrialsAll free trials available via the library website http://library.gmit.ie/screens/etrials.html Wilson Art SuiteArt, Architecture, Film, etc.Available to: Dec 2009 Proquest DissertationsAvailable to: Jan 2010

Opening Hours Until Thursday 17th Dec (Library closes at 5.00pm Friday 18th Dec) Monday-Thursday 09.30 - 21.30Friday 09.30 - 21.00Saturday 10.00 - 13.00

Friday 18th – Wed 23rd DecFriday 18th 09.30 – 17.00Monday 21st 09.30 – 17.00Tuesday 22nd 09.30 – 17.00Wednesday 23rd 09.30 – 12.00 Library closed for Christmas Wednesday 23rd Dec – Monday 4th Jan

Monday 4th – Friday 8th JanMonday-Friday 09.30 – 17.00

Monday 11th Jan – Friday 5th Feb Monday-Thursday 09.30 - 21.30Friday 09.30 – 17.00 Weekend opening resumes week starting Monday 8th February

Cluain MhuireMon & Thur 09.30 – 19.30Tue & Wed 09.30 – 18.00Friday 09.30 – 16.00

Contact UsTel: 091 742785Email: library@gmit.ieWebsite: http://library.gmit.ie

New

s

03

For theCraic!

WRITE TO US!If you have a question, a joke or indeed anything to say, pop us an email to info@gmitsu.ie

The Numbers

246 5The height in centime-tres of the tallest man on Earth, Sultan Kosen of Turkey.

BILL GATES AND GMFor all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way comp-uters have enhanced our lives, read on, because at a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated:’If General Motors had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that gave 1,000 miles to the gallon.’

In response to Bill ‘ s comments, General Motors (GM) issued a press release stating:

If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics:

1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash... twice a day.

2. Every time they re-painted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.

3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, re-start it, and re-open the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.

4. Occasionally, executing a manoeuvre, such as a left turn, would cause your car to shut down and refuse to re-start, in which case you would have to re-install the engine.

5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast, and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads.

6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single: ‘This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation’ warning light.

7. The air-bag system would ask: ‘Are you sure?’ before deploying.

8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out, and refuse to let you in, until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key, and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.

9. Every time a new car was introduced, car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again, because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.

10. You’d have to press the ‘Start’ button to turn the engine off.

.8 8.

Length in centimetres of the longest human nose on Earth, belonging to Mehmet Ozyurek, also of Turkey!

32

The number of years the average person spends sitting on the toilet in a lifetime!

The number of years the average person spends kissing in a lifetime!

04

Fr Adrian chaplain has a drop-in now everyday from 4pm to 5pm in his office so please feel free to call in for a chat!

Contact Fr.AdrianE: adrian.mcgrath@gmit.ieT: 091-742226

Chap

lain

cyN

ews

The Christmas Carol Service took place outside the canteen on Dec. 9th and it proved to be a great success, raising over €500 for the Alan Kerins African Projects. Organisers Paul O’Dowd and Fr. Adrian McGrath would like to thank everybody who contributed and got involved on the day!

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Fr.Adrian McGrath presenting Alan Kerins with a cheque for €550, money raised during the annual GMIT Carol Singing for charity

Carol singers raising money for the Alan Kerins African Projects

Santa Claus with kids at the annual GMIT Childrens Christmas Party, held by the Chaplaincy in conjunction with the Students’ Union.

05

06

International Students All GMIT students who hold study visas are warned that it is a legal requirement to notify the GNIB in Liosban of any change in your address. Failure to do so can result in a prosecution.

GYM

Contact Eimear or Ray 742194

Sep - Dec: €60.00Jan - May: €80.00 Jun - Aug: €40.00

_academic year: €110September - May

_calendar year: €140September - August

Appointments for tests & inductions must be made prior to using the gym.

GMIT

//STUDENT Prices

located in the Sports Hall

Daily: €7.00 Weekly: €15.00

Join the GMIT GYM after the excesses of Christmas!

Jan - May: €80

BALLYBRIT FOR EXAMS

BUS TO

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENTS TO CHECK THEIR TIMETABLES 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE COMMENCEMENT OF EXAMS TO ENSURE THERE HAVE BEEN NO CHANGES TO VENUES AND/OR TIMES. Please bring your Student ID with you to each examination.

TRANSPORTATIONBuses will be running from GMIT to the examination hall at Ballybrit from the 14th—18th of December.

MorningDepart GMIT at 8.30amDepart Ballybrit at 12.00 noon

AfternoonDepart GMIT at 1.30pmDepart Ballybrit at 5.00pm

07

08

GMIT Students’ UnionScholarships & Bursaries

Academic scholarships and Students’ Union Scholarships & Bursaries (for Sports and Culture) were awarded by Mr. Bernard O’Hara, GMIT Registrar, at a special reception in the college.

Back Row L to R: Patrick Bonner, GMIT Students’ Union President; Peter McGonigle, Galway; Owen Hoare, Roscommon; Daniel Burke, Ballyglass; Chris Rowland, Newport; Joe Joe Greaney, Oughterard; Augustine Ademoye, Waterford; Alan Dowling, Portlaoise; Sean Murphy, Ballinrobe; Ronan Badger, Turloughmore; Thomas King, Castlebar; Brian Murphy, Galway; Kenneth Farrell, Galway; Colin Canny, GMIT Students’ Union Vice President; Ronan Forde, Lackagh; Thomas Fahy, Tuam; Nigel Jennings, Sports Co-ordinator GMIT Castlebar; Anthony Thompson, DonegalFront Row L to R: Sinead Mulkerrin, Co.Westmeath; Sonya Condon, Waterford; Bernard O’Hara, GMIT Registrar; Lorraine O’Connor, Co.Clare; Aisling Donnelly, Headford Road

GMITSU Soccer Scholarships and Bursaries (Galway Campus)

GMITSU Soccer Scholarships and Bursaries(Castlebar Campus)

GMITSU GAA Scholarships and Bursaries (Castlebar Campus)

GMIT Academic ScholarshipsGMITSU Culture Bursaries (Castlebar and Galway Campuses)

GMITSU GAA Scholarships and Bursaries (Galway Campus)

Peer Assisted LearningSupporting the 1st year experience

ATTENTION 1st YEARSAttend Your Weekly PAL Sessions

GMIT PAL ProgrammesSeptember 2009 - April 2010

Bachelor of Science inBusiness Computing and Digital Media

Bachelor of Science inComputing and Electronic Systems

Bachelor of Arts inGnó agus Cumarsáid

Bachelor of Arts in Art & Design

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) inHotel and Catering Management

Bachelor of Business in Bar Management

Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management

School

Science

Engineering

Business

Humanities

Hotel

Hotel

Hotel

Time and Dayof PAL Session

Wednesdays 2pm

Tuesdays 1pm

Wednesdays 3pm

Thursday 3pm(Dublin RoadCampus)

Wednesdays 2pm

Wednesdays 11am

Wednesdays 2pm

RoomNumber

162

371

474

371

474

162

1032 & 1033

First years attending PAL can help you get to know your course andclassmates better, help your understanding of a variety of topics

and prepare you for assignments, projects and exams.For more information on PAL at GMIT visit www.gmit.ie/pal

10

For information on any of the Welfare Campaigns during the year to date, or on up-coming campaigns, please contact Colin Canny, SU Vice President & Welfare Officer

SUWelfare

This Christmas time...Drink Sensiblyand enjoyyourself

Contact ColinTel: 091 742785Email: suvpresident@gmit.ie

Hey Guys,

Hope you are all keeping well and not dreading the thoughts of exams too much. It’s not the end of the world! All I can say is Don’t Worry!! It’s marvellous what a few days organising notes and revising can do for you. So, the hard slog that you put in now will be worth it and as I keep saying to everybody I meet lately just think of Christmas day at home and the 4 weeks holidays that we are getting off as motivation, and a kick up the bum when ya feel like giving up on the study! :) 4 Weeks off! 4 Weeks off! 4 weeks off! Keep singing it.

Anyways I hope the year is going well for each and every one of you and that you have enjoyed the 1st semester. The year is flying by already so that has to be a good sign at least! We have had some great campaigns and nights out during the semester like Freshers Week, Halloween Fancy Dress, Road Saftety, Mental Health Week and after the xmas hols we hope to have a lot more in the New Year with RAG week only around the corner as well as SHAG week, Mental Health and Healthy eating week and lots more entertainment events to come. So it’s not all doom and gloom now is it.

Finally I would just like to wish everybody the very best in your exams and that you have a very happy Christmas and new year. And most of all make sure ye make the most of it cos it only comes around once a year!

All the best,ColinSU Vice President & Welfare Officer

gmitsu presents

Positive

Campaign

The

MentalHealth

Wednesday 7th to Tuesday 13th October

Watch out for free goodies and ideas on how to maintain

positive mental health by staying open, active, eating healthily

and living a balanced life.

VENUE: Outside Union Square

(Launched Wednesday 7th of October with DJ Jonny)

Mind Your

HEAD!Mind Your

HEALTH!

In association with

Campaign2009/10

For information on the Sshhh!! Campaign, contact the Students’ Union

RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBOURS

RESPECT YOUR

COMMUNITY

and most of all...KEEP THENOISE

DOWN

Sshhh!!DO YOU WANT A CRIMINAL RECORD???

A campaign to reduce anti-social behaviour in our community

and to make students aware of the consequences

Thegmitsu presents

13

12

e-mail studentservices@gmit.ie) to check your eligibility to apply for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) & to pick up an application form.

All applicants will be interview-ed by the SAF Committee.

To apply, eligible students must complete the form, attach proof of income (or grant letter), proof of social welfare entitlements if applicable and bank statements for the past 3 months.

Completed form and back-up documentation to be returned

to the Student Services Office. Incomplete applications (missing documentation/form not fully completed) cannot be assessed.

Student Assistance Fund

GMIT Catering Company Cafeteria Express Shop Café Foyer

Maincourse with 500ml Milk 5.70Regular Tea & Frenchmill Muffin 2.00

Slim Sandwich, 500ml water & pkt Snax 3.95

Regular Tea / Coffee & ZEST Sandwich 4.95

Breakfast Rolls, Hot Chicken Baguettes Full Lunch, Salad Bar, Sandwich Bar Soup & Sandwiches (made to order or pre-packed) Pastries, Scones, Muffins, Brownies, Desserts Selection of Herbal Teas, Bean to cup Coffee, Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Minerals, Juice Crisps, Biscuits, Chocolate, Sweets Newspapers, Call credit, Pass machines,Takeaways available

Catering provided for meetings, working lunches, conferences, summer schools. Contact us for a quotation. Contact: Manager: 091-742407 Bookings: 091-742147

Kitchen: 091-742227 Accounts: 091-742144

SU FAQBindingBecause of the large number of projects due at the same time, please give the SU office two hours to get yours bound.

ParkingMake sure you have your APCOA parking permit on display and park in the correct location.

BanksOn campus banks AIB and Bank of Ireland are open 10:30am (11:00am on Wednesday) to 4:00pm with lunch daily from 12:40pm to 1:40pm.

Bank machines are in the canteen.

SU ShopThe SU Shop currently has the postbox and also sells photocopy-ing cards, stamps, hoodies and t-shirts.

If you are experiencing FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, call to the Student Services Office (or

Contact your School office for the form.

AEGROTAT BOARD

Are you unable to sit an exam due to illness or bereavement?

Was your exam performance impared by personal circumstances?

PROBLEMS WITH YOUR EXAMS?

If YES, you can apply to the Aegrotat Board who will consider your case.

You must apply on the official form within 3 days of the end of your exams.

Official GMIT Entertainment Centre

Bowling €5 DJ / Live Music Drink PromotionsWeekly CompetitionsFree entry into city centre nightclub

Loughrea

Galway City

Claregalway

MaldronHotel

Oranmore

Oranmore

Gort

Free return bus

STUDENTNIGHT

Every Tuesday is

LASER QUEST

SNOOKER

BOWLING

VIP BAR

SPORTS BAR

Bus departs GMIT main entrance @ 7.30pm

CLIMBING W

ALL

AMAZONIA

Live champions league qualifiers on our 20ft Screen

RESTAURANT

091 388100 | www.citylimits.ie

15

Don’t GetCLAMPING

FEE: €50Clamped!HAVE YOU PARKED LEGALLY? IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PERMIT, YOU WILL BE CLAMPED!!!

DESIGNATED PARKING ONLY:STUDENT PARKING IN GREEN ZONESTAFF PARKING IN YELLOW ZONE

NON PERMIT HOLDERS & VISITORS, PLEASE USE PAY & DISPLAY

TO APPLY FOR YOUR PERMIT OR FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE GO TOwww.gmit.ie/parking-management

UPDATE: STUDENTS CAN NOW PARK ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE RED LINE (an extra row of spaces that is open to staff and students).

Grants ScheduleThe following are the upcoming TLT grant payments to be paid into student accounts:

• 2nd January, 2010• 28th January, 2010• 25th February, 2010

If any of your details have changed, please let the Registration Office know as soon as possible.

Also, make sure you have provided your bank’s Sort Code and Account Number.

TYPING SERVICE ---------------------------------------------

Theses, Projects, Assignments etc.

Fast & Reliable! Reasonable rate! Phone Trish at 087-7788266

16

Bujinkan

Budo

Taijutsu

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is made of nine traditional Japanese martial arts and teaches unarmed combat and traditional

weapons. The Bujinkan is known as a school of Ninjutsu in the West, but in fact it is an amalgamation of three ninja and six

samurai martial styles.

Classes:

Wednesday, from 20:30 to 22:00

Sunday, from 10:30 to 12:00

Oranmore Community Hall, Oranmore

Information:

Alan Butler

087 219 72 34

alan1butler@hotmail.com

www.bujinkanbutlerdojo.com

Turn your Bluetoothon and set to “discoverable” mode.

When you receive the notification message select“Accept” todownload the offers and content

www.mediaport.ie

TOTALLY FREE OF CHARGE!

How itworks

1 2 abc 3 def

4 pqrs 5 jkl 6 mno

7 pqrs 8 tuv 9 wxyz

*+ 0 #

TO RECEIVEEXCLUSIVEOFFERS & INFOFor FREE On Your Mobile

Turn ON YourBluetooth

Media

GMIT - STUDENTS & STAFF

19

BIG-O-TAXIS BIG-O-TAXISNEED A TAXI?

Call

58•58•58MILES AHEAD ON SERVICE

BIG-O-TAXIS

091

NEED A TAXI?

//Don’t Walk Home Alone!If you have no money for a taxi, Big-O-Taxis will bring you home. Simply give the driver your student card and it will be returned to you once the fee is paid!

Contact the Students’ Union for further detailsLeft to right: Paddy Bonner (SU President), Alan O’Donohue (Marketing Director, Big O Taxis),

Darragh Frain (GMIT Head Rep, Big O Taxis), Colin Canny (SU Vice President & Welfare Officer).

CounsellingNever feel that you are helpless and on your own in college. Contact the Counsellor to get help and support in total confidence. Counsellors Pauline Staunton and Pauline Clancy are available to speak to you today.

Opening Hours: 9.00 - 5.00 Drop in times: 11.00 -12.00 and 1.00 - 2.00Phone: 091_742118 for appointments

The Counsellors are available one day per week in Cluain Mhuire and Letterfrack campuses.

Meditation Group is starting…Learn how to relax, stay calm and lower your anxieties….

Wednesday 7th October 20091-2pmMeditation/ChapelDublin Road(Near SU & Medical Centre)Last for 10weeks on a drop in basis – FREECOME & GIVE IT A TRY

Meditation Group is starting…Do you want to :-Lower your stress levels?Stay calm under pressure?Sleep better?Learn to relax?Beat exam stress?Worry less?

Wed 7th October 20091-2pmMeditation/Chapel RoomDublin Road(Near SU & Medical Centre)FREE – Just Drop In…Make a positive change in your life…

22

21

Poc Fada in the HimalayasGalway hurlers puc for charity in NepalGMIT’s GAA Officer put his fitness levels to the test last week in a grueling charity climb on the Himalayas for the Nepal Charity Trust. Damian Curley and hurling friends David Collins, GMIT Electronics graduate, Damien Joyce, County hurler, and Brian Howley, Outdoor Education student, took part in a “Poc Fada and Trek” raising funds to help build school classrooms and upgrade a drugs clinic for the children of Nepal. A brutal civil war, fought over 10 years, has left Nepal impoverished and the school system in tatters.

Pictured (left) at the Poc Fada on top of Poon Hill, Annapurna Range, Nepal: L to R: Damian Curley, GMIT, David Collins, John Molloy, Brian Howley, Jeevan (Sherpa guide), Damien Joyce.

22

Sensitive Disposition...

Thanks to everyone who sent in jokes / pictures!

Paddy Bonner in younger times...

Top 10 Bad Christmas Jokes10. What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Snowflakes!

9. Why does Santa have three gardens? So he can ho-ho-ho!

8. Where do snowmen go to dance? Snowballs!

7. Why was Santa’s little helper depressed? He had low ELF esteem!

6. What do you get when you cross a snowman with a shark? Frostbite!

5. Where do you find reindeer? It depends on where you leave them!

4. What do snowmen eat for lunch? Icebergers!

3. What do reindeer have that no other animals have? Baby reindeer!

2. What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic!

1. How do you know when there is a snowman in your bed? You wake up wet!

23

What would you like in your Soup?If you have something you would like included in Soup, please email brendan.kenny@gmit.ie

Any feedback you have is greatly appreciated.Thanks to all contributors and Happy Christmas!

A GMIT Students Union Publication, 2009.

Printed by Mel Faherty, Reprographics Department

marksmotoringschool@gmail.com087 1338008

Campaign2009/10

For information on the Sshhh!! Campaign, contact

the Students’ Union

RESPECT YOUR

NEIGHBOURS

RESPECT YOUR

COMMUNITY

and most of all...KEEP THE

NOISEDOWN

Sshhh!!DO YOU WANT A CRIMINAL RECORD???

A campaign to reduce anti-social behaviour in our community and to make students aware of the consequences

Thegmitsu presents