The Law Society, University College Cork

[alison]

Hey guys, just answering the questions posted on the previous page regarding how I would promote (A)Work Experience and (B)suggest ideas for the best possible use of Blackboard.

An integral part of my maniesto is increased student interaction with the profession. I have identified boosting promotion of the work experience on offer from the Law Faculty as something I would be strongly committed to.

We are extremely fortunate as a student group to have the opportunity to participate in placements here in Cork or in Dublin and even in Los Angeles and Washington.Also during the summer U.C.C hosts the E Law Summer School an extremely innovative programme offered to Irish and American students.I believe that much more could be done to promote these facilities among the students.

Increased Promotion of Work Experience

1. www.ucc.ie/en/lawsite/students/placements:this is where details of placements are located, location,times, whether there is payment etc.As Education Officer I would be working closely with the law faculty and one of my first suggestions would be to update all particpant reports and also to include an email address of the particpant if permissible.Prospective candidates should have the option of contacting the person who has completed the work experience.

2.Message Board:This year Work Experience was not promoted under the Education thread, and I would aim to begin promoting work experience in the first term.


3.C.V.Building and Inverview Skills Seminars:As outlined in my manifesto, I intend to introduce more emphasis on c.v and interview skills through seminars.I believe these would represent an excellent forum to really push the idea of work experience.When advertising for the seminar I would concurrently promote the faculty’s work experience opportunites and the seminar would be the optimum way to prepare an application.

4.February 08.As it stands the dead line for applications falls on 15th March, therefore I would aim to really push the idea of work experience throughout February,again through use of the message board, announcements in lectures by class reps etc.Many placements specifiy that applicants have a special interest in certain fields, therefore I would ask the relevant lecturers to announce certain placements e.g. Criminal Lecturers to draw attention to the placement offered in the D.P.P's office and so on and so forth.


BlackBoard.
A question asking for suggestions for the best possible use of Blackboard has been posted, with particular emphasis drawn on as to how to implement the sociey's use of Blackboard.
Blackboard was not an issue I felt nescessary to deal with in my manifesto as I believe it is fulfilling it's aims to provide an online outlet of the lecture hall. Of course if concerns over whether some lecturers are not utilising it enough for course work, then if elected I would certainly look into the situation.

Another issue raised has been whether the society could use Blackboard for announcements etc.Over 60 law courses are registered on Blackboard and if the committee does have an interest in promoting the society through it, I would support the decision to the best of my ability by emailing lecturers to request they announce educational events.I must however state that the Message Board already handles this function extremely well in itself.

Thanks for taking to read this and VOTE ALISON NO 1 on Wednesday!!!!!! !!!

[elayne]

Manifesto for Education Officer ‘07/08


Hiya lads:) my name is Elayne Hannon and I’m running for the position of education officer in the 78th session of this fabulous society. First and foremost a little bit about me. I am a first year straight law student, born and bred in the classy Cork north side suburb of Mayfield. I’m a run of the mill gal trying to champion the education needs of the most important society there is aka the law society.


If voted education officer I have three main aims:

1. student welfare
2. continued representation for all law students
3. what to do with your law degree


Welfare

In my opinion, student welfare is an area which is an underdeveloped section of the law society. The law society caters for the academic, educational and social development of its members and I think it is imperative that we address the welfare issues of our members also. So if elected I would encompass this into my duties.


Student accommodation

As I am myself, a student in search of the ideal accommodation at the moment, I understand how difficult it is to find suitable student accommodation.

I propose starting a thread on the message board where older students can give advice about what to expect, how much you should be paying, where to avoid and any other tips. Of course I intend to lead by example with this venture, and will constantly have my ear to the ground for any developments in this area. Also if anyone knows of an available house they will be able to post it on the message board.

I intend to raise awareness of other avenues you can explore when searching for accommodation e.g. local newspapers, websites

Grants

I think everyone realises how expensive going to college really is. Between paying for books, accommodation, living expenses and of course the odd night out, sometimes you find yourself in a bit of a pickle financially.

I intend to increase awareness of the availability of grants to college students. I feel we need to address the lack of awareness of the available grants and those who are eligible to receive them. Grants open doors to the college experience and many a college student rely on this resource to be fed and watered.


Academic support

If elected I intend on implementing the much vaulted ‘buddy system ‘ . As a first year this year, I understand how overwhelming it is trying to adapt to the extremely different academic environment that is college. Even simple things like help with how to research in the library or how to properly cite cases would be extremely useful.

I propose having members of the executive and trusted second and third year volunteers each take on approximately 5 students and be a mentor to them on academic matters. If the person cannot advise the student they will be aware of whom to refer the student on to.


I also propose on setting up a grind service especially for the law faculty. This would involve final year students or post graduate students (who have first passed a test) giving grinds to younger students and giving them the benefit of their experience.

Peer support

There are many people in law who feel like they are not suited to the course and are seriously considering dropping out. This is an important issue which needs to be addressed. Students need to be aware of the available services should they need arise for them to call on them.

The Students Union and the law faculty itself are more than willing to help these students but this fact has to be highlighted as some students are not aware of this support. Even something as simple as posting on the message board, numbers or places where you can go to talk to someone in UCC would in my opinion be helpful.

Mature/night students

As the daughter of a night student I genuinely understand the time constraints the prevent night students from becoming actively involved in the society. If elected I promise to cater for the needs of all law students not just day students. I will endeavour to make the events at times which suit everyone. Im aware that this will not always be possible but I will do my best.

Books

As everyone is aware law books are extremely expensive and it is difficult to know the best book to buy.

I think it is necessary to raise awareness of the fact that books can be bought for 20% less if bought online.

I would make more use of the message board to advertise this fact and any other areas where books can be bought e.g. particular second hand bookshops. I would also set up a thread for the buying and selling of books.

I also propose asking a few older students to post on the message board which books are the most helpful and useful as the lecturers suggest way too many books at the start of the year. I am not referring exclusively to first year but all years.

Representation

An important role of the education officer is acting as a representative of law students on several committees.

The education officer acts as the link between the law faculty and law students and as a link between the Students Union and law students. If elected I will continue the work of the previous education officer in promoting the interests of law students .

I propose to set aside two hours per week where students can bring their issues to me. I think this is necessary to better represent all law students.

I will also work closely with the class reps to ensure that the classes are being adequately represented and any problems are being dealt with.

After Your Law degree

When speaking to my fellow students about the future I discovered that many of my peers are not sure what they want to do after their degree. This would be my main focus if elected.

I will organise the traditional events of people from Kings Inn and Blackhall Place coming to speak. I think it is important to maintain close ties with these two institutions and increase relations with Blackhall Place in Cork.

However, there are many people in law who do not wish to go to either Kings Inn or Blackhall Place and I think this needs acknowledging. I propose having events giving details of other avenues you can pursue with your law degree.

I propose asking people from alternative careers to come and speak and give students an insight into other areas where you could use your degree . For example having a representative from the third secretary come and speak to students would be beneficial. If elected I will organise a careers fair with representatives from such places as Friary Law to give students a chance to talk one on one with representatives.

I will endeavour to explore the possibility of making a booklet with all the different careers available to law students and who to contact for more information.

Work Experience

I think work experience is a vital part of your degree and one which too little students have the opportunity to participate in.

I participated in a CV class and I found it extremely helpful. i will promote the importance of this class to not just BCL clinical students but all law students.

If elected I will work closely with the law department in promoting work experience during the summer. I will promote that all interested students send their CV’s into the law department who can then pass them on to the relevant parties. I will also raise awareness of the placements available to law students for the summer.

I propose to have an open day after Christmas where interested employers can come and meet with students.


In conclusion, I wouldn’t be going for this position if I didn’t think I was capable of making a difference. I have the time, dedication and motivation to be a good education officer. I urge you to move forward and add new and fresh dimensions to the law society by voting for me. If you have any questions/ comments/ suggestions then please email me at Elayne_hannon@hotmail.com. Thank you for your time

[hegalicious]

Art wrote:

[brenerz]

Best of luck Elayne.

**

Just a very quick word re:B'Board... The idea of the society using it to annoucne events is great BUT....it won't happen.

At present, Class Council are allowed to use the service but this is the only group outside of the faculties that are in a position to use the service. If the Law Society are allowed to us, then so should CommSoc, Acc/Fin Soc, EngSoc, Science Soc etc... I don't want to put a dampner on things, but I'm just trying to be realistic.

I would love it if we could use the service and would fully support any individual, PRO or otherwise if they wished to pursue the feasibility of it, but I would be shocked if we were actually allowed to post as the 'Law Society'.

A much more feasible option is with regard to the Educational sphere of the society in particular; i.e. working through the Faculty and core-group modules to get news events and educational news announced on Blackboard.

I always say that "nothing ventured is nothing gained" but lets not set ourselves up for a fall either.
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Have Never Been In A Better Place

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[Cantthinkofone88]

hi guys mid this heated 'converstaion' i just want to say best of luck to everyone you all seemed well-prepped on the whole area!!undoubtedly this will be a tough one and very tight!! good luck to everyone guys!!

[alison]

Congratulations to Brendan!!!Who is no doubt currently partying hard at the Ard Fheis!!And also well done to Elayne.Best of luck to everyone on the new exec committee,i've no doubt it's going to be another great year for the Law Soc

[brenerz]

Thanks Ali. Also thanks Elayne... it was a savage week or two, my wallet is fair blank at this stage, but had great craic during it...

indeed, well donw toa ll elected - 78th session is going to be amazing, and i've no doubts it wille xcel in every area due to the great work of the past couple of sessions.

Best of luck in exams guys, and I really look forward to seeing those of you who were unelected, getting invlved with the various cub committees over the next few months... slán..it was a blast
_________________
Have Never Been In A Better Place

...there's free ice cream here!!

[johnny c]

[hegalicious]