Get Involved

The fantastic work that is done by the SU each year is only made possible by all the students who muck in! Comparitively, we have quite a small Su compared to other University, yet we still manage to provide top notch services for students - with your help! For each big event we have committees to help set-up, promote and watch-over the excitement! Without tyou, it just wouldn’t be possible!

Lots of helpful people are involved with the SU, and to see what they have to say click HERE!

SMUC Radio is the Pride and Joy of the SU with a fantastic new HQ situated right beside the SU Hub. It’s completely voluntary and we’re always looking for people to get involved and show off their talents!

The Executive Committee are responsible for the running of the SU. The Committee is composed of students and they are always looking for more input. Meeting fortnightly, they make the big decisions on how YOUR SU is run.

Just come up to the SU and let us know if you’re interested in being involved!

The following are testimonials from some of the most helpful people ever to grace the SU. Here, they tell you what they’ve taken from volunteering at the SU, if they enjoyed it and what their highlights were!

Aine Colgan

As a fourth year student at St Mary’s and a senior resident living on campus I was aware of the work the SU team did but never thought twice about getting involved. At a weekly visit to the SU for the table quiz, David Hayes, Station Manager, mentioned an exciting new idea, (Simmstock) the SU team had in the pipeline. He asked would I be interested in helping out. I agreed to help out because Dave was friend but for no other reason. I honestly never expected that I would become so involved in the SU and work with so many different people along the way, making my final year at uni the best year. Researching for my dissertation provided me with the spare time needed and I was very enthusiastic to do anything other than sit in the library. While in first year I was reluctant to sign up to anything other than nights out to Oceana. I was very much of the opinion that older students worked with the Student Union President and his or her team. I am now sorry I never got the chance to participate in the SU from the very start. Whether it was a Simmstock committee meeting or just a friendly visit up to see Linda and co I have enjoyed every minute and have so many good memories. I have loved working with my friends while also working with new friends like Tarik, Ben and Ian. Some might think taking on the responsibility to help out in a Students Union will be extra work on their already busy uni schedule, however, the benefits definitely outweigh the negatives. I have learned so much and I have been delighted to play a part in putting together the very first Simmstock. New skills will always be developed while working with a team, for me this was t-shirt transfers among others. My involvement has added to my CV and even allowed me to expand my Interview answers. I would strongly urge any student to get involved with their SU and leave University with not only a degree but the knowledge that you have helped make three or four short years the most memorable it can be for every student

Mark Jones

Joining the su team opens up so many opportunities for students. Not only do you get the chance to work closely with those involved with SMUC Radio but you also get you’re say on the BIG highlights events of the year. The Christmas and Summer Balls, RAG Week and of course the new addition that is Simstock.

Joining the SU also allows you to improve key skills that employers look for. For example communication skills, interpersonal abilities, leadership skills, planning/organising as well as the all important teamwork, these are all extras you can put on your CV.

Being part of the SU team is something that has improved my experience at St.Marys and has been alot of fun. Its an opportunity that you cannot miss out on so head up to the SU office and see what you can do.

Charlie McDonagh

The opportunity to become involved with the SU came near the end of the first term and already having three years at St Marys, I had a lot of opinions and ideas on what I liked about SMSU and what could be improved. Myself and the rest of the team got involved in organising events such as Simmstock and helped out with the Summer Ball. Having an active part in making these events happen within the SU, made my experiences at these events and within University much richer.

With the year now being finished, I can honestly say that having an active part in the 2009-2010 season was something that made both my last year, and my smuc experience overall, a fantastic one!. With regard to the events that we helped with, not only has the experience been so worthwhile to me, but it has given me the chance to make new friends within the SU, and enhance my relationships with my fellow students.

One of my highlights has to be SIMMStock, the multi-cultural Music festival held in the grounds, which was one of the best days in my four years at St Mary’s.

As an alumnus of St Mary’s, I urge all you new and old Simmies to get involved in your SU! The craic is ninety and the banters great! And remember- you’re here for a good time, not a long time!

David Hayes

My involvement with the SU began with the opening of our student radio station SMUC Radio. As a 3rd year Media student, getting involved with SMUC Radio really helped me focus my attention for my final year. It provided me with invaluable experience and great transferable skills which helped me a lot with my coursework and it also helped to build my CV.

From my involvement with SMUC Radio, I got more involved with the Students’ Union itself; mainly helping out with Box Office sales during busy periods.

After graduating from St Mary’s an opportunity arose for a full-time position in the SU which I was successful in applying for. I now work as Media, Marketing and Communications Administrator for the Students Union. To see more of what my jobs entails click here.

I’m sure that my previous involvement in the SU definitely contributed towards my success in getting this job. I’ve made lots of friends and continue to meet lots of interesting people and have fun. I definitely regret not getting involved with the SU sooner, especially given how many opportunities there is to get involved. I would definitely recommend getting involved with the SU - why wouldn’t you?!

The highlight of working here in the SU definitely has to be SIMMStock, St Mary’s inaugural music festival. It was such a fantastic day and it just goes to show what our voluntary committee can achieve!