“Dublin-based third-level institutions told to consider ‘enhanced protective measures’ as part of a five-level strategy to deal with Covid-19 over the coming months which was released by the government this afternoon …” (more)
[Rosie Roberts-Kuntz, College Tribune, 15 September]
“Third-level students should consider not returning home at the weekends during the academic term, in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19, the chairman of the CAO board has said. The suggestion has been challenged by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), which said visiting family is important for the mental health of young people …” (more)
[Shauna Bowers and Vivienne Clarke, Irish Times, 11 September]
“Half of students did not get their rental deposits back after they were forced to vacate their accommodation at the beginning of lockdown. A new survey highlights how students were negatively impacted when universities had to close, forcing many to return home to live with their parents …” (more)
[Amy Molloy, Independent, 10 September]
“USI President sets out student choices for the future of higher education in Ireland. Ireland’s education system could be a world leader, where students ought never be constrained by their ability to afford courses, USI President Lorna Fitzpatrick has told an education sector seminar today …” (more)
[USI, 3 September]
“Third level students in Cork are preparing for a return to college amid concerns over fees and accommodation costs. With some third level institutes opting largely for supporting students to learn from home, calls have been made for student contribution fees to be reduced …” (more)
[Darragh Bermingham, EchoLive, 31 August]
“The president of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has criticised the government for giving colleges the freedom to charge students with registration fees of up to €3,000. Minister for Education Norma Foley came under fire yesterday for saying that colleges would be allowed to charge full fees for this year if they wished to, regardless of how much time students spend on campus …” (more)
[Cormac Watson, University Times, 31 August]
“The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has called for an immediate €500 reduction of student college fees with many classes set to take place remotely. It comes as yesterday Education Minister Norma Foley said third-level colleges will be able to charge their students the full €3,000 in contribution fees, even if they severely restrict access to campus and force them to stay at home …” (more)
[BreakingNews.ie, 31 August]
“Third-level colleges will be able to charge the full €3,000 in fees to their students even if they severely restrict access to campus and force them to stay at home, Education Minister Norma Foley has said …” (more)
[Daniel McConnell, Irish Examiner, 30 August]
“Urgent and transformative action must take place to show there is zero tolerance for sexual violence and harassment in third level education after another report highlighted the extent of the problem, says the Union of Students in Ireland …” (more)
[USI, 28 August]
“As the Leaving Certificate results date of September 7th draws closer, many students are facing uncertainty regarding where they will get accommodation for the academic year. Earlier in the summer, University of Limerick (UL) announced they have amended their accommodation offerings, allowing some students to avail of ‘flexible accommodation’ in recognition of the reduced on-campus time they will have due to Covid-19 restrictions …” (more)
[Muireann Duffy, BreakingNews.ie, 26 August]
“The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has invited the Union of Students in Ireland to a meeting to discuss its proposals to strengthen protections for student renters …” (more)
[RTÉ News, 25 August]
“USI President Lorna Fitzpatrick has criticised the government for leaving student representatives out of the development of the public health guidelines that universities will have to follow during the coming year …” (more)
[Cormac Watson, University Times, 7 August]
“All third level institutions will be required to produce and publish action plans on tackling sexual harassment as part of efforts to root out sex crimes in colleges …” (more)
[Juno McEnroe, Irish Examiner, 27 July]
“New planned accommodation at Dublin City University has been postponed indefinitely due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the university. A spokesperson for DCU said, ‘We are working towards delivering new on-campus accommodation but there is no specific date for the construction to begin’ …” (more)
[Tadgh McNally, TheJournal.ie, 27 July]
“Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has said society needs to challenge the perception of what sexual assault is, adding he was ‘stunned’ by the prevalence of attacks among students. Almost three in 10 female students have reported non-consensual penetration by incapacitation, force or threat of force during their time in college, according to a Union of Students Ireland (USI) survey published in June …” (more)
[Aine McMahon, BreakingNews.ie, 27 July]
“A €500 reduction must be made to the Student Contribution Charge immediately to ease some of the financial pressure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Union of Students in Ireland. Government must also support students who will be expected to work remotely for much of the new academic year by creating and investing in a new scheme that provides access to devices and better WiFi …” (more)
[USI, 21 July]
“Students, parents, and colleges have been left scrambling as the fallout from the decision to delay publishing this year’s Leaving Certificate results added to the chaos and confusion engulfing the education sector …” (more)
[Jess Casey, Irish Examiner, 18 July]
“Union of Students in Ireland (USI) President Lorna Fitzpatrick and Trinity College Dublin’s Students’ Union (TCDSU) President Eoin Hand have condemned Dublin City Council plans to operate student accommodation as co-living following the Covid-19 pandemic …” (more)
[Shannon Connolly, Trinity News, 17 July]
“Universities have expressed ‘surprise and disappointment’ over delays in issuing Leaving Cert results which will force them to admit students to courses later than expected. They say plans to bring first years on campus for induction and orientation in advance of the return of main body of students may now be cancelled …” (more)
[Carl O’Brien and Sarah Burns, Irish Times, 17 July]
“Leaving Certificate students have been ‘pushed from pillar to post’, the Union of the Students of Ireland (USI) has said. Lorna Fitzpatrick, president of the USI, said the decision to delay the release of results until September, is ‘disappointing’ …” (more)
[Sarah Burns, Irish Times, 17 July]
