“You know the story about Marcel Proust and the madeleine – how the memories came flooding back when he nibbled at one with a cup of tea. I always thought this was slightly ridiculous, but perhaps ageing means I now have more memories to recapture. Suddenly it all made much more sense …” (more)
[Athene Donald’s Blog, 22 January]
“There are calls for cross-party support to ensure the planned medical school for Derry remains on track. Local Councillor Mickey Cooper is to put forward a motion this week calling for Derry City and Strabane District Council to raise the matter with the head of the Department of Health …” (more)
[Highland Radio, 22 January]
“Minister of State for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD today published the Eurostudent VI study, the sixth report of its kind into how students experience university life, while visiting GMIT Mayo campus Castlebar …” (more, download)
[Maura O’Shea, Higher Education Authority, 22 January]
“When announcing the latest links between university funding and delivery of national priorities, the Government has once again shown that there is a clear need for a wider understanding of the structures and processes of transparency and accountability that are already in place in the higher education sector …” (more)
[Andrew Deeks, Irish Times, 22 January]
“Over a third of higher-education students in Ireland experience ‘severe financial problems’ according to a new study of student living conditions. About 36% of the total student population say they are in severe financially difficulty, with the problem at its most severe among older students. Over 40% of students above the age of 24 say they struggle with money …” (more)
[Conor Gallagher, Irish Times, 22 January]
“Tinkering around the edges and skirting the big issues has become Richard Bruton’s political forte. The Minister for Education has, for the last two years, promised immediate action on funding and said it was of the highest importance. Yet, as the government this week released a raft of reforms – including fines for mismanagement in Irish universities – it’s getting to the stage where everything and anything goes. Except for funding …” (more)
[University Times, 21 January]
“More than one-third of Irish third-level students feel like ‘detached consumers’ in terms of their education. The finding is contained in sixth Eurostudent study into how students experience university life. More than 20,000 students attending third-level colleges were surveyed as part of the report. The findings show that, while 42% of students feel like they are partners in their education, almost the same amount (36%) feel like ‘detached consumers’ …” (more)
[Conall Ó Fátharta and Niall Murray, Irish Examiner, 22 January]
“Minister for Education Richard Bruton has announced a wide-ranging review of the career guidance system in second and third level institutions. In 2012, 600 guidance counsellor posts were withdrawn from the education system. Some 500 of these have been restored in the past two budgets, but there are still concerns many students, particularly those in post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, do not have access to adequate career guidance …” (more)
[Conor Gallagher, Irish Times, 22 January]
