RAG WEEKWELFARE

Hi everyone,

Raise & Give Week 2011 has finally arrived!

Along with putting on a number of events and acts throughout the week, we will be running several fundraising activities for our selected charities for the year, SERVE, AWARE, Special Olympics West and the Irish Heart Foundation. We would be grateful of any support ye can give throughout the week!

However, as your Students’ Union, it is important that we ask you all to please be aware of the SSHH! Campaign which we are promoting here in the Students’ Union, and also of the consequences of excessive noise disturbance and anti-social behaviour.

The college authorities have taken a very serious view of anti-social behaviour in light of it’s escalation in recent years, and have moved to clamp down in order to protect the reputation of the college.This year alone, students have faced a range of disciplinary actions from the college including warnings, fines, community service and suspensions, and the Gardai have issued several anti-social behaviour orders to students. Having this on your record can impact on your future career or travel plans.

This does not just apply to students living in on-campus accommodation or in student villages, but also to those living in local residential estates. Off-campus anti-social behaviour is also in breach of the Student Code of Conduct and is subject to disciplinary action.

It is important to remember that families can be seriously affected by your actions in these estates, and we would ask you to please Respect Your Neighbours and Respect Your Community during RAG Week 2011.

You can avoid jeopardising your academic future by following these simple guidelines... Keep noise & music to a reasonable level Only admit people you know to your house, as the tenants bear all responsibility for the actions of their guests Keep your doors and windows shut Don’t litter the student village or residential estate with cans & bottles etc If you’re having a house party, ensure people remain inside the house Try and keep noise to a minimum when entering and exiting taxis

Finally, we’d like to encourage anyone who is short of cash after the night out to avail of the Don’t Walk Home Alone campaign, ran in conjunction with CARA Cabs. Just call 091-563939 and hand the cab driver your student card, and you will be brought home free of charge. Your card can then be collected from the CARA office (on Eyre Square beside AIB Bank) at your own discretion, upon payment of the outstanding fare.

Mind yourselves, drink sensibly and stay safe.

Colin Canny Joe O’ConnorPresident Vice-President/Welfare OfficerGMIT Students’ Union GMIT Students’ Union