SoupVolume II_November 2009

ISSUE 3

GMIT Students’ Union Newsletter

www.gmitsu.ie

Bluetooth

NOVEMBER_Mon 30th: Class Rep Meeting

DECEMBER_Thu 3rd: SU Christmas Day

_Fri 4th: End of lectures (Semesterised)

_TBC: Welfare Campaign: Plagiarism

_Mon 7th: Scholarships Presentation

_Mon 7th: Study Week Begins

_Wed 9th: Kids Christmas Party

_Fri 11th: End of lectures (Non

Semesterised)

_Mon 14th: Exams begin

featured in Soup...

_Chaplaincy.4_Bluetooth.5_Study in China.7

_GMIT Music.17_Exams Note.18_Road Safety.19

_Cluain Mhuire.8_Christmas Day.9

_Clubs & Socs.12

_Counselling.21_PAL Info.22_SU Welfare.23_PAL.11

_Health.13_Careers.24

_SAF & FAQ.14_Sensitive...26_The Apprentice.28

www.gmitsu.ie

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

your student email (webmail.gmit.ie)

Diary Dates

GMIT Students’ Union is delighted to introduce a Bluetooth service (for sending messages to mobile phones) on campus for a trial period of four weeks. The service allows information regarding GMIT events, academic notices, health & welfare notices, as well as exclusive offers to students/staff to be communicated to everybody who comes within 25 metres of the Bluetooth node located at Union Square. See page 7 for more details.

Launch

_Just For Laughs.3 _City Limits.16_Library News.2 _Bored?.15

ChristmasDay

Thu 3rd December€6.00 (dinner ticket) :: Doors at 2:00pm

GMITSU presents

Christmas Dinner @3pm, festive music and treats with DJ Tom Mannion followed by live band Goodnight Irene at 6.00pm.

Then to Club K for Santa’s Grotto (€5 on the door with your Library ticket : doors 11pm)

The LibraryBar

Tickets from SU office

@

02

Libr

ary

New

s

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

Weekend Opening HoursThe library will open Friday evenings and Saturday mornings on the following weekends before ChristmasFri 20th / Sat 21st NovFri 27th / Sat 28th NovFri 4th / Sat 5th DecFri 11th / Sat 12th Dec

Opening Hours Dublin Road (from 16th Nov)Mon – Thur 09.30 – 21.30Friday 09.30 – 21.00Saturday 10.00 – 13.00

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

03

Just forLaughs

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

287

The number of years it took to build Notre Dame in Paris

22The number of hours a Koala Bears sleep in a day.

The number of times Thierry Henry handled the ball before passing to Gallas

Boom BoomWhy did the Scarecrow win a Nobel Prize?Because he was......OUT STANDING in his field.Boom Boom!

Drink SensiblyPaddy had been drinking at his local all day and most of the night celebrating Christmas. Mick, the bartender says, ‘You’ll not be drinking anymore tonight, Paddy’. Paddy replies, ‘OK Mick, I’ll be on my way then’. Paddy spins around on his stool and steps off. He falls flat on his face. ‘Damn’ he says and pulls himself up by the stool and dusts himself off. He takes a step towards the door and falls flat on his face, ‘Damn, ‘Damn !’

He looks to the doorway and thinks to himself that if he can just get to the door and some fresh air he’ll be fine. He belly crawls to the door and shimmies up to the door frame. He sticks his head outside and takes a deep breath of fresh air, feels much better and takes a step out onto the sidewalk and falls flat on his face...

‘By Jeebers... I’m a little crocked,’ he says. He can see his house just a few doors down, and crawls to the door, hauls himself up the door frame, opens the door and shimmies inside. He takes a look up the stairs and says ‘No damn’ way’. He crawlsup the stairs to his bedroom door and says ‘I can make it to the bed’. He takes a step into the room and falls flat on his face. He says ‘Damnit ‘ and falls into bed.

The next morning, his wife, Jess, comes into the room carrying a cup of coffee and says, ‘Get up Paddy. Did you have a bit to drink last night?’ Paddy says, ‘I did, Jess. I was really crocked. But how’d you know?’

‘Mick phoned . . . you left your wheelchair at the pub’.

ScubadiversPaddy asks Murphy, “Why do scubadivers fall off their boats backwards?”

Murphy replies, “You stupid eejit, if they fell forward, they would still be in the feckin boat!”

04

Saints and SinnersUnited in Faith (Saints and Sinners) is a new society in the GMIT which hopes to bring people all faiths together, through social activities and trips away we hope that people can get more enjoyment from their faith and a better understanding of the faiths of others. Meetings take place every Thursday at 8:40am in the Meditation room.Contact Fr.Adrian to get signed up!

A Remembrance Mass in memory of all the GMIT students and staff who have passed away in the last 12 months (listed right) took place on Wednesday 25th of November in Theatre 1000.

Families of the following staff members and students attended, as their loved were remembered.

Many thanks to all those who helped out and to everybody who attended the service.

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

Rememberance MassAiden Gillanders I.T. Technician;

Sabina (Sam) Clarke Science Technician;

Lorcan Murphy 1st year Film and T.V. Student;

Theresa Leonard 2nd Year Science Student

James Savage 3rd Year Forestry Student;

Conor Gilligan Recent Graduate in Industrial Eng; Michael Dwyer Recent Graduate in Construction Mgmt;

Tara Sheridan Student in Fine Chemistry (Deferred);

Lochlann Hoare Retired Lecturer Art and Design;

Sinead Breardon Access Art and Design

May they rest in peace.Fr. Adrian, Chaplain

We are now looking for students and staff to get involved in the Christmas Carols outside the canteen on Dec. 9th from 1pm - 2pm. This year, it’s in aid of Alan Kerins African Projects and the Children’s Christmas Party in December. Contact Paul O’Dowd or Fr.Adrian for details.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Chap

lain

cyN

ews

05

BLUETOOTH

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

GMIT Students’ Union is delighted to introduce a Bluetooth service on campus.

1. To receive the messages, you must have a Bluetooth enabled phone with the Bluetooth active on it.

2. Any staff member or student who wishes not to receive this service can refuse it when sent a message or be permanently blocked from the service.

3. You will not receive the same message twice by walking by again.

4. The node only records the Bluetooth signal / make / model of the phone. NO PERSONAL DETAILS such as phone number/name etc. are recorded.

5. The service and is FREE for the receiver. The only charge will be if you choose to click on a link within the message e.g. if the link to www.swineflu.ie is included in the message AND you want to view this webpage.

If you would like more information, or to be blacklisted from receiving this service, please contact the Students’ Union

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

Poc Fada in the Himalayas

- Best of luck to Damian Curley!!

On Sunday November 22nd GAA Co-ordinator Damian Curley will leave for Nepal to partake in a Poc Fada and a Trek on the Himalayas. Joining him on the trip are a few Hurling friends - David Collins (Galway hurler and former student of Electronics at GMIT), Damien Joyce (Galway hurler), and Brian Howley (student of Outdoor Activities at GMIT Castlebar).

A brutal civil war, fought over 10 years, has left Nepal impoverished and the school system in tatters. The purpose of this trip is to raise funds for the Nepal Charity Trust. The aim of this trust is to help build school classrooms and upgrade a drugs clinic for the children of Nepal.

Student SiteFor Students, By Students

The idea for this website include gig review by student ,film review by student , best night out in galway, best nightclub to visit this week, food shopping the cheapest place to get your grub.

07

To mark the fall of the Berlin Wall twenty years ago this month, a group of Film & TV students at GMIT have produced a life-size replica of the wall which will go on public exhibition in the Cluain Mhuire campus from Friday 27th November.

The 8 foot plus high barrier has been created by third year students who are studying German as part of their Film & TV degree. Their exhibition “Wir sind Berliner (We are Berliners)” is funded by the German Embassy Dublin and will be formally opened by a senior representative of the embassy on Friday, 27th November at 11.30am. The exhibition will be open to the public for one week.

The presentation of the wall is taken from the perspective of the young film students who visited the German capital in the second year of their degree programme. They first built a wooden barrier and plastered over it, and then covered it using a combination of art forms including photographs, video clips, graffiti, film reviews, posters and modern music, with Berlin as the central theme.

Dr Jenny Farrell, German lecturer, School of Humanities, says the show is an opportunity for people to see the Berlin Wall without having to leave Galway. “Visitors will come face to face with this more than 8 foot high barrier that stood between East and West Berlin for 28 Cold War years. In German it is really quite simple to describe, it’s a Gesamtkunstwerk.”

Mr Holger Osterrieder, First Secretary, German Embassy, Dublin, says: “The fall of the Berlin Wall has had a tremendous impact on Germany, Ireland, Europe and indeed the whole world. I am most grateful to the GMIT students for their efforts to commemorate this historic moment.”

The GMIT Berlin Wall Exhibition opens on Friday, 27th November, at 11.30am in the GMIT Cluain Mhuire campus, Wellpark Road, Galway. All are welcome to attend the formal opening. The exhibition runs until Friday 4th December and admission is free.

CLUAIN MHUIRE NEWS

CHRISTMAS DAY IS BACK!@ The Library Bar & Club KGMIT Students’ Union is delighted to announce the return of the Christmas Day. One of the great successes last year, this year tickets are only €6 into the Library Bar for Christmas Dinner @3pm, festive music and treats with DJ Tom Mannion followed by live band Goodnight Irene at 6.00pm. Afterwards, entry to Club K for Santa’s Grotto will be €5 on the door with your ticket from The Library.Tickets available from the SU office and selected stands.

08

Life size replica of The Berlin Wall built by students

ChristmasDay

Thu 3rd December€6.00 (dinner ticket) :: Doors at 2:00pm

GMITSU presents

Christmas Dinner @3pm, festive music and treats with DJ Tom Mannion followed by live band Goodnight Irene at 6.00pm.

Then to Club K for Santa’s Grotto (€5 on the door with your Library ticket : doors 11pm)

The LibraryBar

Tickets from SU office

@

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

12

Heritage SocietyNovember has already seen lectures from genealogist and past student Siobhan Mc Guinness from the Galway Family History Society West Ltd. On the 19th of November, Peadar 0 Dowd came to GMIT and gave a lecture on the history and Archaeology of Galway city from the Mesolithic to more recent times. Peadar is one of the most acclaimed authorities on the city.

Finally on the 26th November, field archaeologists Billy and Declan Moore will give a lecture on their Fulach Fia project. Fulach Fia is thought to be an ancient cooking trough. Billy has produced beer using a Fulach Fia using primitive methods this theory has proved controversial and Mr. Quinn will set out to prove the long connection between man and beer. If that gives you a thirst you can join us later for our pre-exam Christmas party including raffle and spot prizes. The venue to be arranged. AII Welcome.

Watch out for Spring lecture series in 2010 too.

SVDP Society

Calling on your Support!

Table Quiz in the Library Bar to benefit GMIT

St Vincent DePaul Society

When: Monday November 30th @8:30pm.

QUIZ

Clubs &SocsYou can still GET INVOLVED by calling into Angelica Dooley in the SU office.

Phone Angelica: 091_742008Email: angelica.dooley@gmit.ie

CLUBS & SOCS

13

GMIT G.A.A.GAA NewsFresher Footballers are through to the All-Ireland League quarter finals and they play CIT on Tuesday in Cork. For the chance to advance to the semi-final. So far, they have beaten Athlone IT, Sligo IT, and lost to NUI Galway.

SigersonThe Sigerson team drew with Cork IT after extra time, with the replay due to be played here in Galway next week.

TrainingPreperations and training is going well for both teams in advance of the FBD League and Championships.

Health UnitTo make an appointment, please call to or phone Student Services (091-742118). The service is free to GMIT students.

//Swine FluAs you are aware, there is currently a worldwide flu alert. It is of vital importance that students who may have the flu DO NOT ATTEND COLLEGE or STUDENT ACCOMMODATION (i.e. If you are at your home address and are unwell please remain at home)

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:Fevers/ChillsHeadachesMuscle/Joint achesRunny nose

Sore throatCoughDiarrhoea/Vomiting

If you feel you may be affected, please phone your local GP or the G.M.I.T. Student Health Unit Helpline 087_9971574.It is essential that you remain at home for 7 days from the onset of symptoms (or longer than 7 days until you feel better).

Images from GMIT Ladies victory over NUIG

14

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

15

Need a break from studying?

Father Ted QUIZ1.What is the one ingredient in Mrs. Doyles cake that Ted loves?

2. Ted, Dougal and Jack dress as Elvis for the talent competition. What does Ted’s enemies Father Dick Byrne and friends dress as?

3. Ted gets his book signed by an author who later comes to live on Craggy Island but she gets his name wrong. Who does she sign his book to?

4. What is the one hiding place in the caravan both Dougal and Ted use while playing Hide and Seek?

5. What does Dougal buy in the airport when they go on the plane?

6. A Cuban Priest visits the parish...what does he give Dougal as a gift when leaving?

7. In the raffle...what is Mrs. Doyle’s lucky number?

8. The bomb on the milk float will go off when it reaches what speed?

9. According to Dougal, what’s the name of the film “where your man has his head transplanted onto a fly, and the fly’s head was transplanted onto the man”?

10. Who CURRENTLY has the blue Ford Cortina that starred in Father Ted!?

FIFA have granted their permission for a replay of the last half of the extra time section of Wednesday night’s game to take place in Stade de France. Ireland will be playing right to left...

FIFA GRANT IRELAND A REPLAY!

SUDOKO

An image from last weeks game

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

17

The Vibes are a five piece Leitrim-based band founded by brother & sister Leo & Joanne Logan. In 2006, the band released their debut single in the shape of “Just Another Love Song”. The track received great support from radio and retail alike and entered the singles chart at No 13. Since then Leo completed his degree in music and now runs his own studio in his home county.

Over 2007 & 2008 the band acquired new members Gerard Bracken, Christopher Nottingham and Martin Raftery and their new expertise set about work on their debut album, which is penciled for released in Spring 2010. The first track to be released from the album is “You’ll See My Heart”, which will be available from iTunes & downloadmusic.ie from November 20th. The single was Mixed by acclaimed sound producer and engineer Philip Magee who has worked with such big acts in the past as Aslan, Mundy and Samantha Mumba and more recently The Script.

While scoring in the singles chart with their debut single three years ago, the band’s songwriting has also been given the nod of approval from other sources in winning the 2FM song contest and also the National IMRO An Tostal Song Contest in 2005.

In parallel to completing its debut album The Vibes has also being working on perfecting their live sound through gigging across the country and this is an area they are set to concentrate on over the months ahead.

GMIT MUSIC

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).

The Vibes

18

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

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

Theses, Projects, Assignments etc.

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

Exams OfficeATTENTION ALL STUDENTS REQUIRING EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDING SCRIBES, READERS or EXTRA TIME. IT IS VITAL THAT YOU REGISTER YOUR EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS WITH THE ACCESS OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO. EXAMINATION REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE OUTSIDE THE ACCESS OFFICE OR STUDENTS SERVICES OFFICE.

Notice

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

• 3rd December, 2009• 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.

SU Photo StudioRoad Safety

THANKS!Thanks to everybody who helped in making Road Safety Week a success, particularly the participants in the Crash Re-enactments! - Colin CannySU Vice President & Welfare Officer

Week

21

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

Call

58•58•58MILES AHEAD ON SERVICE

BIG-O-TAXIS091NEED 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

PAL ProgrammeGMIT PAL LEADERS ATTEND SKILLS WORKSHOP WITH MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY

On November 18th, PAL Leaders in GMIT got an opportunity to attend a PAL Skills Workshop run by Manchester University. The PAL Programme in Manchester University currently supports 6,000 first year students and 500 leaders across the institute. Manchester University recently

were awarded the status as ‘national centre of excellence for peer assisted learning programmes in the UK’. At the workshop GMIT PAL Leaders reflected on their role as a leader to date in GMIT, the challenges they have encountered and examined some strategies and techniques they can use in their PAL sessions.

The GMIT PAL programme helps first year students develop their independent learning skills

so that they can adjust more readily to the requirements of their third-level programme of study, and in the long term helps decrease drop out rates and increase grades. “It is about getting to know classmates better, learning actively, discussing and practising, and working out problems together, planning how to go about studying and settling into college life.” explains Carina Ginty, GMIT, SIF II /PAL Manager.

GMIT and AIT are the first institutes in Ireland to introduce this programme to each discipine in both colleges. There are

currently 18 programmes across seven schools and disciplines running weekly one-hour PAL/PASS sessions, supporting over 700 first year students. These figures are expected to double by next September 2010.

If you are interested in becom- ing a GMIT PAL Leader from September 2010 please email pal@gmit.ie. For more infomration on the PAL Programme visit www.gmit.e/pal

For further information

on the GMIT PAL Programme visit www.gmit.ie/pal or contact Carina Ginty, GMIT SIF II Manager, Student Led Learning & Curriculum Reform Programmes, carina.ginty@gmit.ie, 091-742423

23

FLOODING RISK WILL PUT LIVES IN DANGER The Chief Executive of Irish Water Safety, John Leech, has warned about the increased risk to the public in our current flood conditions. Flood conditions expose the public to hazards they need to be aware of. Fast moving water can exert pressure of up to four times its speed against the legs of someone attempting to cross it. Because water displaces bodyweight, the deeper a person becomes immersed the less the person weighs so the more difficult it is to remain upright. Never put ones feet down if swept away in floodwater, because foot and body entrapments and pinning are the leading cause of accidental death in rivers. Motorists need to be particularly vigilant to avoid flooded areas on roads but particularly near rivers, with poor light and short days it is not possible to determine the depth of floods easily. Swift water will carry cars and other vehicles away and there have been very tragic drownings in the past as a result of such accidents. Children are naturally curious about water, therefore parents should caution them that floodwater hides the true depth and that manhole covers may be open and that small streams when swollen are very fast and deeper than normal. He has advised the public to take the following action should you encounter these heavy flood conditions. What should I do when I hear a Flood Warning?· Listen to the national and local radio for met eireann updates and AA Road watch updates· Check on neighbours particularly if they are elderly, infirmed or families with young children· Move your vehicles to higher ground· Move animal stock to higher ground· Check your small craft to ensure they are well secured or moored· Make sure you have warm clothes, food, drink, a torch and radio.· Block doorways and airbricks with sandbags or plastic bags filled with earth. Floodgate products will work effectively also.· Switch off gas and electricity supplies if flooding is imminent.· Check the time of High Water in the Newspaper. Personal Safety· Avoid flood waters at all times· carry a mobile phone at all times in case you need to call for help - call 112 or 999 in emergency· Wear suitable protective clothing & apersonal flotation devices in on or around water· Do not enter fast flowing water.· Never put your feet down if swept away by fast flowing waters· Flooding on roads will be deeper at dips and around bridges.· Stay away from sea and flood defences.· When walking or driving, be aware of manhole covers and gratings that may have been moved due to the heavy flow of water.· Take care when using electric applicances in damp or flood conditions.· Remember that during the hours of darkness the dangers are multiplied. After the flood...· Avoid eating food that has been in contact with flood water.· Run water for a few minutes and wash your taps.· Check gas and electricity supply.· Leave wet electrical equipment alone to dry and have it checked prior to use.· Ventilate your property well.· Check on elderly neighbours.

Further information on water safety can be obtained by contacting:Irish Water Safety, The Long Walk, Galway. LoCall: 1890.420.202 / Tel: 091-56.44.00 Mobiles: John Leech 087-6789600; Roger Sweeney 087-6789601Email: info@iws.ie Website: www.iws.ieYou can also call into SU Vice President and Welfare Officer Colin Canny for travel information and advice.

SU Welfare

Careers

FULL-TIME HPVacancies: Control/Automation Factory Systems Engineers (2)Location: Leixlip, Co KildareE-mail: Lindsay.smith@hp.com Website: http://www.hp.com/go/jobsTo Apply: Apply on-line using reference number 358559 or e-mail CV also indicating reference number.

Recruit DirectVacancies: Jobs with LanguagesDetails: Recruit Direct have the following jobs on offer for Graduates with fluency in a Foreign Language as listed:

Language: GermanCompany: OracleVacancies: Marketing Intelligence Representative (MIR); Sales (German Business Development Executive).

Company: SAPVacancies: ITSC – 1st level Support Agent; Licence Auditor Administrator with One European Language; Order Management Administrator; Customer Interaction Consultant; Support Consultant; Support Consultant; Support Consultant – Message Solving (FI/CO); Customer interaction Consultant; Experienced Technical Writer (6 month contract); Partner Support Advisor;

Company: ServiceSourceVacancy: German Inside Sales Representative

Company: Cook MedicalVacancy: Tenders Representative

Company: Stream Global ServicesVacancies: Dutch & German Technical Support; French & German Technical Support

Company: BMC SoftwareVacancies: Swiss German Sales Representative; German Inside Sales Representative

Company: Buy.ComVacancies: Business lead, Consumer Electronics & Computer Hardware for UK; Business Lead, Consumer Electronics & Computer Hardware for German; Marketing & Marchandising Associate.

Company: VMwareVacancies: Telesales Manager; Technical Support Engineer; Lead Development Rep; Technical Sales Rep; Inside Sales Rep; Inside sales Manager, Central Region.

Language: FrenchCompany: OracleVacancies: Marketing Intelligence Representative (MIR); Belgium Technology Sales Exec (based in Dublin).

Company: SAPVacancies: Licence Auditor Administrator with One European Language; French Consultant: Customer Interaction Centre.

Company: Cook MedicalVacancy: Tenders Representative

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GMIT is one of over 775 colleges taking part in the trendence Graduate Barometer (the former European Student Barometer), Europe’s largest education and career survey. To participate, please click here/go to this link: https://www.trend-surveys.com/uc/uksb10/?a=200

The questions asked in the survey include how satisfied you are with your studies and what you expect from your future career, including potential employers. We can reassure you that your answers will be anonymous and your data will be legally protected.

After completing the survey, you can compare your answers to the average results of students in your country and Europe. Furthermore, you have the chance to win €1000 or €500.

Careers Survey

For more information on all of these opportunities, please check out the Careers newsletter, available at various locations throughout the campus.

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Company: ServiceSourceVacancy: French Inside Sales Representative

Company: Stream Global ServicesVacancy: French & German Technical Support

Company: Hertz Europe Service CentreVacancy: Prepaid Assistant – French Market

Company: VMwareVacancies: Bilingual Inside Sales Rep; Bilingual Lead Development Rep: Inside Sales Representatives; Lead Development Rep; Technical Sales Rep

Company: Buy.ComVacancy: Marketing & Merchandising AssociateLanguage: Spanish

Company: SAPVacancy: Spanish Consultant – Customer Interaction CentreCompany: Stream Global ServicesItalian & Spanish Technical Support; Portuguese & Spanish Technical Support.

Website: http://www.recruitdirect.ieTo Apply: Get full job description & apply online.

INTIME MEDIALocation: Castlebar, Co Mayo. Vacancy 1: Technical Manager Vacancy 2: Software Engineers (3) Vacancy 3: Graphic Designer Vacancy 4: Quality Assurance Engineer E-mail: jellison@intimemedia.comTo Apply: Send CV & covering letter indicating

which position is being applied for and why you are suited to the position.

TTM GROUPVacancies: Staff NursesLocation: London (2 hospitals) Vacancies 2: Agency NursesLocations: Dublin & LeinsterWebsite: www.ttm.ieE-mail: niall.ring@ttm.ieTo Apply: E-mail CV indicating which position is being applied for.

XIHIT SOLUTIONS GmbHVacancy: Online Sales Manager – Social Media MarketingLocation: Berlin, GermanLanguages: Native English speaker with intermediate GermanClosing Date: 06/02/10 but early application advisable.Website: www.iagora.com/unijob/37576To Apply: Apply online.

FACEBOOKGMIT Student Services now have a Fan Page on Facebook. Become a fan and receive updates from Student Services in relation to Careers & all the other activities of Student Services.

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Sensitive Disposition...

Thanks to everyone who sent in jokes / pictures!

Le Incident - a closer look

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

Scouse LoanA Liverpudlian walks into a bank in Hope Street and asks for the loan officer. He tells the loan officer that he is going to Australia on business for two weeks and needs to borrow £5,000.

The bank officer tells him that the bank will need some form of security for the loan, so the Scouser lad hands over the keys and documents of new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. He produces the Log Book and everything checks out. The loan officer agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.

The bank’s Manager and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the rough looking Scouser for using a £120,000 Ferrari as collateral against a £5000 loan. An employee of the bank then drives the Ferrari into the bank’s underground garage and parks it there.

Two weeks later, the Scally returns, repays the £5,000 and the interest, which comes to £15.41. The loan officer says, “Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled .. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multi millionaire.

What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow “£5,000”?

The Scouser replies: “Where else in Liverpool can I park my car for two weeks for only £15.41 and expect it to be there when I return?”

27

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. A GMIT Students Union Publication, 2009.

Printed by Barbara Naughton, Reprographics Department

Father Ted Quiz -

1. Cinnamon // 2. The Supremes // 3. Father Curley // 4. The Curtain // 5. Toy Phone (for a dog) // 6. A VCR // 7. Eleven // 8. 4mph // 9. Out of Africa // 10. A certain Mairead Ní Chathmhoil

The Answers

marksmotoringschool@gmail.com087 1338008

GMIT

WIN€1500 / Free Accommodation

and other prizes to be announced!

The winner will also be one of the chief organisers of RAG WEEK 2010

ALL students can participate. Entry fee is just €5.00 10 females and 10 males required

Do you want to be GMI T’s next Apprentice!?

Coming Soon!

Sign up in the SU o�ce.