Your Union
What is the Students' Union?
The Students' Union represents every single full time student in Athlone I.T. We at the Students' Union welcome all of you to the college. The Students' Union provides support, information and advice on a wide range of issues. It is an organisation run by students to facilitate for the students' needs. The day - to - day operations of the union is carried out by the Executive Committee that is elected by student ballot annually. The Executive Committee consists of three full time sabbatical officers, President - Gary Cassin, Deputy President (communication and education) Louise Kane - and Vice President (accommodation and welfare)- John Madden and five part - time officers complete the line up. The Union also organises a huge range of social events for students within the Institute. The overall policy and direction of the Students' Union is decided by students, at Union General Meetings and at Class Rep Council Meetings.
The principal aims of the Union are to;
Represent and protect the rights of students.
Afford a recognised means of communication between the students and Institute Authorities.
Provide social and recreational facilities for students.
Provide a commercial service to students.
Provide a comprehensive accommodation service to students including all of the necessary information.
Offers advice to students on all matters relevant or affecting them.
Representation
This is the central function of the Students' Union. The Institute's Students Union ( AITSU ) has a long tradition of excellent and effective student representation, which is valued by both students and the Institute's authorities. The Union represents students on many Institute Committees such as the Governing Body, Academic Council and its various sub-committees, Campus Watch and the Campus.
Sports and Social Committee
The Students' Union is affiliated to the Union of Students in Ireland . Through USI, students gain national representation - a voice for students at national level in negotiations with a wide variety of other organisations.
Accommodation and Welfare Advice
The Welfare Officer John Madden is available in the Students' Union to give information, advice and referral on various matters, finances, benefits, personal counselling, legal advice and consumer advice. The Students' Union provides accommodation lists which are available on request or on the website at www.aitsu.ie . The Students' Union has set up an accommodation approval system to ensure that houses for rental are of a certain standard; otherwise they will not be registered as a 'student house'. This system assures an improved service and ensures that landlords are held responsible for the standard of their accommodation.
Education
The Education officer Louise Kane is available in the Students' Union to deal with matters such as course changes, problems students may be experiencing with grants or exams, and also provide training for all members of the Class Rep Council.
Services
Photocopying
Binding
Accommodation & Welfare Services
Laminating
Faxing
Bus Tickets / Timetables
Legal Advice
Lockers
Educational Advice
Ents. Events
Scanning
Entertainment
The Union provides a comprehensive entertainment schedule throughout the academic year. Athlone I.T is unique in the fact that we are one of a few institutes with an on campus social centre, which includes the college bar 'scribes'. The entertainment service is an essential element to both college and student life. The schedule ranges from mid-week gigs to numerous other events. RAG Week is held towards the end of February to raise money for local charities.
Information / Contact Details
For more information please contact the Students' Union Office located at C1171, just beside the Coffee Dock.