USI: National Mature Student Seminar and Women Lead Seminar

The Union of Students in Ireland hosted the National Mature Student Gathering on the 18th of January 2019. The purpose of this event was to meet mature students’ needs and to provide an opportunity for networking and to further assess needs. The event covered topics such as time management, budgeting, public speaking and career/college exit strategies. One of the main events on the day was a panel discussion with Mature Students who shared their experiences. This panel was chaired by the National News Presenter Aengus Mac Grianna who has recently returned to college as a mature student.

USI also held its Women Lead 2019 event between 25-26 January in Dublin. A two-day training and networking event organised for self-defining and encourage women who want to run either for election/leadership positions or to fill the role of campaign manager. One of the priorities of USI is to support self-defining women in the Student Movement to progress and succeed in leadership positions.

The event offered training on campaigning tactics, public speaking, panel discussions with elected representatives, leadership and facilitated discussions on women’s issues. A session for sharing campaign ideas and how to relate them to the National Campaigns run by USI -such as the Higher Education Funding campaign- was also included.