Jen's Blog

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Posted 09 March 2010


Ah Raise and Give week how I've missed you and your debaucherous behaviour...Welcome to 2010!

The programme of events can be found here...

http://ditsu.ie/rag

It's an epic week of randomness so I hope you've your money saved and tickets bought cos they're selling out fast.
And remember for those of you who want to make it to Friday...the Die Hards, good luck...your gonna need it!

See ye all out there,

Your VP
Jen
xx

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Posted 23 Feb 2010

Elections Election Elections...

As you get harassed on site for the week and pulled every which way to vote remember two very important things:

• First of all: Vote
• Second of all: Get the sticker to say you voted so people stop nagging you to!

They’re the only tips I can give, but words of wisdom they are indeed! If you’re involved in a campaign remember don’t break any rules set out by electoral commission and if in doubt ask a DITSU staff member in the local office.

In other news...

It’s Art & Design week next week, submissions of any artistic type are being accepted from all sites and there’s a graffiti party on Thursday evening...

Got something from Rathmines thats arty? A piece of music, or maybe a video clip of a scene acted out?

What about a science project from Kevin street?

Or maybe a marketing ploy from Aungier...

Something built by engineering students or the apprentices?

Cooked/baked in the Brugha?

Maybe there are some savage photo’s taken by you guys in Temple Bar?

And I’m assuming you guys in Portland Row and Mountjoy will have a few entries...

Whatever it is make sure to enter it, if you think (or know anyone that might think) it could be considered art then contact Jonathan convenor.msq@ditsu.ie in Mountjoy Square and get it in for the exhibition on Monday evening (there’ll even be a wine reception, swit swoo!!)...there are some savage prizes to be won.


I’m working away on exam result issues at the mo so if you have any just gimme a buzz on 0866031075.

Chatya,

Your VP

Jen

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Posted 15 February 2010

Well SHAG week ’10 is all over folks. We had really positive media coverage, top rate preformers, loadsa freebies, competitions, a Paint Party, a sexual health workshop, a shocking set of survey results and plenty of information on how to protect yourselves if you choose to have sex.

If you missed any of it give me a call or drop in to one of our offices and get your information. Remember, if you’ve had sex without a condom, you’re at risk of having caught something, so get to the college doctor and book you sexual health screen, it’s only €15.

Elections get fully underway this week. Check out the Elections Page  to find out when the sabbatical and convenor hustings are happening on your site.  Rathmines sabbatical hustings were held last Thursday, so if you missed your chance to question the candidates make sure you get to the other sites to have a look and hear what everyone has to say.
  
Better run so I don’t start ranting or rambling!

Talk Soon

Jen

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Posted 08 Feb 2010

Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance week is underway, finally! 

Apart from all the fun, the games, the messing, the paint and of course the free stuff...namely condoms! The week has a serious message for all of you... If you choose to have sex protect yourself, wear a condom. I know sometimes your out late, have a few beers and just can't be arsed with the condom, but think of what your risking..... 

HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Herpes, Syphilis, Genital warts. Don't want a condom? Want genital warts on your cock or vage instead?!!  

HIV is on the rapid rise, and the rumour is out there that only gay men really get it which I may as well tell you all now is complete bollox! Side effects of catching an STI are a lot more than just an uncomfortable itch, I promise. People can be left infertile from STI's and some of them don't even have symptoms. Infertility may not seem an issue, wanting babies is too far off for many of us but just give it a minutes thought. Your having sex with someone now, whether it's a partner or a one night stand, and your not using protection. Think of down the line not having kids because of that relationship, because you weren't careful. Now I'm not in your head but I'm pretty sure using the word regret as a feeling there would be an understatement.  

It's so unbelievably easy, just WEAR A CONDOM! 

We did a survey over the last few weeks looking for stats on what DIT students knowledge was like of sexual health. Well I thought there'd be one or two shocking stats and there are, but not from the questions I thought they'd be. 

68.2% of you have had sex without a condom. Fair enough, it happens. But that means 68% of you are at risk of having contracted an STI and only 31.1% of you have had a sexual health screen.

Almost 17% of you think lesbians can't get STI's, they can. I promise. STI's can be caught from oral sex remember.

73.6% of you are not worried nor have you ever been that you may have an STI. THEY DO NOT ALL HAVE SYMPTOMS!! If you're having unprotected sex, why aren't you getting checked?!! 52% said it's because of embarrasment. Doctors do this for a living, they chose this and worked there asses off to make it their profession, they've seen it all before just make an appointment.  

The only way to protect yourselves from STI's is to use a condom, 1 in 10 of you thought that the contraceptive pill protects against STI's. It doesn't, the pill only prevents pregnancy. It can't protect you from getting sick. 

Listen, Just go for a check up and wear condoms from now on. It's really simple. I went for one last year, It's less than a minute of an mild uncomfortable feeling, a jab to take a little blood and your done. Simple, fast and cheap while your still in college so make an appointment. I've spoken to lads who got them too, all the horror stories of the umbrella thing being inserted opened and pulled swiftly out is, well to be honest I haven't a clue where it came from. Sounds like a medieval torture of some kind! It's just a swab, same as the girls. If your worried call the health centre on 4023051 and ask a doctor.  

The college doctor only charges €15, once you leave college you'll be paying up to 10 times that I you want a screen.  

Remember...”Your too stupid to be keeping your STI's to yourselves, and too ugly to be reproducing so always wear a condom!” 
 

Enjoy SHAG everyone

See you at the paint party 

Your VP

Jen Posted 1st February 2010

I hope ye’re all ready for semester 2 because it’s coming at ye fast. Keep your eyes peeled for posters, we have them plastered all over the place because there is so much happening.

• Refresh week
• Rainbow week
• SHAG week
• RAG week
• Finance week
• Welfare week
• Elections weeks
• Blood transfusion Service
• Nights out
• Day events
• Regurgitators
• Comedians
• Magicians
• Masseurs

Exam results will start coming out soon, so best of luck. Be patient though as some sites will be much later than others.

USI Congress is coming up so if there is anything you want us to have discussed there let us know as we’re writing motions for it at the moment. And if you wanna come along with us to the Carlton Clearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe to debate and have fun for a few weeks then tell us soon because spaces are limited.

Information is available on this website just click on the picture of your site. Any worries, complaints or pats on the back let us know. Call into an office or email me on vpacademic@ditsu.ie

Gotta run, Talk soon,

Jen

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Posted 19 January 2010

Well the postponement of Mondays exams was tricky but it seems to be all done now. If you have any difficulties with the timing of them then don't hesitate to contact us.

At the moment we're busy planning for the new semester and the start of classes! We've plenty on the cards to keep ye active once second semester kicks off properly, Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance (SHAG) week and Raising and Giving (RAG) are the two biggest for this semester so keep an eye out for the posters. Remember campaigns = free stuff!

Week one also means refresh week on all sites and also rainbow week run by the lgbt society. Keep eyes peeled for posters and information on both when you get in on Monday February 1st.

Gimme a buzz if anythings bothering you, academic or welfare related on 086 603 1075 or vpacademic@ditsu.ie.

All for now,

Jen Jordan

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Posted 18 Jan 2010

Well the postponement of Mondays 11th's exams was tricky but it seems to be all done now. If you have any difficulties with the timing of them then don't hesitate to contact us.

At the moment we're busy planning for the return of teaching! We've plenty on the cards to keep ye active once second semester kicks off properly, Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance (SHAG) week and Raising and Giving (RAG) are the two biggest for this semester so keep an eye out for the posters. Remember campaigns = free stuff!

Week one also means refresh week on all sites and also rainbow week run by the lgbt society. Keep eyes peeled for posters and information on both when you get in on Monday February 1st.

Gimme a buzz if anythings bothering you, academic or welfare related on 0866031075 or  vpacademic@ditsu.ie

All for now,
Jen

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Posted 11 Jan 2010

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Posted 07 December 2009

Hey Everyone,

Wow- it's Christmas already, sweet holy holiday how did this happen? It's dark most of the day, my hands are freezing on the bike and we still don't get the prettiness that snow brings....how unfair. But on the bright side christmasfm is back, yay!

Some tips for the holidays:

• Take some time to rest
• Balance your study and time off - I know it's awful but try to keep the head down and get some work done as well as relaxing beside the fire or in the pub! Getting some work done will ease the pre-exam stress so much for when you get back in the new year.
• Wrap up for the holidays...its fecking cold out there!
• Save some money for all our semester 2 events!
• Keep an eye on ditsu.ie for upcoming events like Finance, Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance (SHAG), Raising and Giving (RAG).
• Think about running for election – Nominations for my job close on February 5th. It's a full time paid job for the year so give it some thought. Call me if you want any inofrmation on this.
• Listen to christmasfm...it boosts the christmas spirit!
• Spread the christmas cheer
• Wrap your presents
• Volunteer if you have time between all the festivities

 
Well I can't think of any other festive tips and cheer,
So Merry Christmas to everyone, have a fab time bringing in the new year, and we'll see you in 2010.

Your Vice-President,

Jen Jordan

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Posted 18 November 2009

Hey all,

Sorry it's been a while since i posted, its been mental around here as I'm sure you all know.

Day three of PleaseTalk Welfare Week is over and it's been going well, we've had masseurs, comedians, aerobics classes (30students got up to join in in MSQ!!), free tea, coffee and fruit and tickets to Japanese popstars up for grabs and of course the beer goggles demonstration from the health centre which if nothing else is hilarious to watch!

Please let us know of any feedback you have from the 'power day' of stuff that happened on your site, we always want to know if campaigns have gone well and how/if! they can be improved...

Don't worry if you missed any of the antics though, there are plenty more campaigns on the way like the infamous SHAG campaign and a financial awareness one which we're doing our best to make exciting!

Governing Council is next week, check out the web for all the gorey details, remember if your not a councillor you can still attend and check out what goes on and get all the info first hand.

Well I better run, still have tea coffee and biscuits to source for tomorrow!

Talk Soon,

Jen xx

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Posted 08 October 2009

Well these last few weeks have been hectic folks. Cutbacks leading to cancelled classes, no labs, health and safety issues across the sites , equipment rooms being closed...the list gets longer everyday. If your class is experiencing any of these issues due to cutbacks please get as many of you as possible to email a complaint about the issue to your head of school. You can find out who that is on the DIT website.

On a lighter note, it's absolutely brilliant to have you all finally here, It was a long summer here with no students to keep us company! I hope you all enjoyed the Freshers Fortnight Sean ran for you, and make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming events.

Campaigns have also started, this week is national condom week, so if you haven't gotten your free packs make sure to call down (or up if your in Kevin st!) to the office and ask us for some, don't be embarrassed, they're only condoms!

We're busy working away here for ye everyday, so remember to call or email us is there's anything we need to know or help you out with. And if you missed clubs and socs week make sure to get signed up to a few things...you don't wanna be left out, trust me!

Finally...Class Rep Recruitment is ongoing. If you haven't got a class rep yet make sure you elect one soon. Pop in to the office and ask for the nomination form and if you need us we can come to your class and run the election for you.

Jen

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Posted 09 September 2009

Well well the time is nearly here, a few thousand of you are coming to us on the 14th and then its the full whack all the together by the 21st. Sean has all the events set and ready, check them out on the Events Section of this site. It's gonna be epic (not a word I use too freely!)

While all the antics are a'happening don't forget that myself, Aimee and Mary are here for any teething issues that might pop up in the first few weeks of settling (back) in to it all. We look after pretty much everything outside of facilities and events so give me a call on 086 603 1075 or even better drop me a mail at vpacademic@ditsu.ie.

We've been working away all summer to make sure that between now and Christmas the schedule is jam packed full of stuff to keep ye busy and get involved with. So have a laugh, grab some freebies and watch out for the ads we'll post around the place, on the website and in Toast magazine for jobs within the union that we'll pay you for. Got an eye for a good camera angle? Fancy writing an article or two? Call in and let us know, there's a bit of cash in it for you!

Right I better stop blabbin and get back to work, see ye all soon!


Jen

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Posted 10 August 2009

Aloha, Hey, Buenos Dias, Salut, Nei Ho and all the rest!

Welcome to the best year of you and your Unions life!

Ready for all the action? All the fun, all the free stuff? All the campaigns??

Remember the Union is here to support every aspect of student life so call in with questions, to give out, or just for the banter!

I run the academic and student affairs department which is here for your education and welfare needs. So whether you need free condoms, advice on dealing with lecturers, help to resolve an issue with a landlord, help with exams, or just a chat, you can come to see me, email, call me or just pop into any of the offices and ask someone to contact me.

Remember we've been elected by students for students but we'll take all the help we can get – there are 22,000 of you ya'know!! and EVERYONE is a member. So call in and get involved, you'll get a free t-shirt at least!

See ye all soon,

Adios!

Jen Jordan