CIT Students’ Union MagazineVolume Eight - Issue Eight

CIT Students’ UnionRossa Ave,BishopstownCork,Ireland.

Telephone: 021 493 3120Fax: 021 454 5343Email: info@expliCIT.ie

expliCIT StaffEditor - Gearóid BuckleyDesign & Advertising - Philip O’Reilly

ContributionsBrian O’Sullivan CIT SocietiesMarie-Claire Jennequin Chris GibbonsVicky O’Sullivan Philip O’Reilly

CIT Students’ UnionPresident - Brian O’Sullivan(supresident@cit.ie)Vice President Education - Simon Bolger(sueducation@cit.ie)Vice President Welfare - Marie Claire Jennequin(suwelfare@cit.ie)Entertainments Officer - Caitriona Foley(suentertainments@cit.ie)Projects Officer - Wesley Kiely(suprojects@cit.ie)Communications Officer - Gearóid Buckley(sucommunications@cit.ie)

PrintBarnaville Print & Graphics LTDFreshford, Kilkenny.

Advertising OpportunitiesCIT has almost 17,000 full and part-time students withover 1,500 supporting staff. Why not use expliCIT topromote your business to this large audience?

Copy deadlines, advertising rates and technical specifi-cations are available from our website www.expliCIT.ieor upon request from the Publications Office.

expliCIT magazine is published monthly by CITStudents’ Union. The views expressed in the magazineare those of their authors and are not necessarily thoseof CIT Students’ Union. All articles and pictures are theproperty of their respective owners and should not bereproduced without their permission.

expliCIT editorial

If you would like to contribute to expliCIT pleasecontact Philip in the Publications Office, 1st Floor,

Student Centre or email: info@expliCIT.ie

We Need You!

First and foremost I'd like to thank all of you who voted for me in this year's CITSU Elections, the badnews for you is that you are stuck with me again for another year and I promise I won't let you down.

The position of Projects Officer comes with big boots to fill, Wez has dedicated the last two years of hislife to you and I am 100% positive his insights and experience will be missed next year, hopefully he'snot finished yet. He has set a standard for all Non-Sabbatical Officers to attain, which myself, John andEoin will aim to achieve next year.

I'd also like to congratulate all other candidates that have been elected. I am fully confident next year'sExecutive can and will deliver a representation of your views and fight for your rights.

People have asked me why did I run for election again, for me the answer is simple, I am sick and tiredof hitting brick walls when looking for basic facilities, astonished when hearing stories of CIT’s poor man-agement of your money, and more importantly students being kept in the dark about basic college wideissues that affect all of us.

I started my role as a class rep last year, listening to Jeremy O'Murchu (SU President 05/06) at UnionCouncil meetings roaring on about how the student body are continually being screwed over by man-agement. I ran for CITSU Communications Officer last year because I wanted to make a difference. Wesaw during the Creche Strike back in November how every student who marched out in the rain madea difference, it reached national media and opened a can of worms the management had turned a blindeye to, yes you guessed it, mismanagement. This years Executive uncovered a lot of untruths that cer-tain members of management have kept a hidden from us, However this is only the start, next year Iwant to apply a no nonsense regime and get the answers YOU HAVE PAID for.

As you know the main aim of safety week was to make people aware of dangers, especially the onesthat most of us have been affected by, road safety. I'd like to thank all of you who gave up a lecture orlunch break and coming over to the Student Centre and showing CIT cares. Staying with the issue ofcampaigns I'd like to congratulate the Class Reps of Architectural Technology and Interior Architecture.They were focused, dedicated and loud. They sat outside a meeting of management, in protest lookingfor answers for simple questions, Dr Brendan Murphy sneaked out the back door rather than talk to us.As I write students are still looking for answers which they need, how can they come back in Septemberif they have no lecture room to attend. The directors office is big enough???? Watch this space!

Sorry to be the bearer of even more bad news but if you haven't heard Earth Night Club has closed, thusCandy at Earth is cancelled for the rest of the year. I'd like to thank all of you who helped us flyer, organ-ise and run events throughout the year. In light of this set back Mick has further invested in board gamessuch as ludo and draughts to keep you entertained on Thursday nights, all you need is your college I.D.

However, on a more realistic level the thought of CIT students playing Ludo on any night of the week isamusing, after all we are not in UCC. Keep an eye out around the college for ents events coming up.

By now we are all in study mode (at least I hope so), you are probably aware that the library hours havebeen extended so you have no excuse but to get to work. I don't want to be party pooper but if youcannot get a seat and there are non CIT students using the facilities you paid for, call a supervisor andget what you deserve.

For the summer my plans are still uncertain, whether you're going away or staying here to make a fewmillion best of luck, and make the most of it. If I see you in August it’s not the end of the world, it justmeans an extra post exams party. Don't forget the SU are still available to answer any of your questions,even during the summer, so don't be a stranger.

See you next September,Gar

RSA launches national 3rd level safety campaign as a result of Safety WeekTHE campaign to save the lives of young people on our roads has moved toevery other third-level college in the country.

There is mounting concern about the number of young men being killed in late-night and early-morning crashes involving a single vehicle.

A five-point campaign aimed at reducing the carnage was launched two weeksago by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Union of Students in Ireland(USI). The significance of this campaign can only be attributed to the awarenessand success that CITSU’s safety week had on the RSA.

The RSA, USI and Rally Ireland have produced a road-safety leaflet which cov-ers issues such as drug-driving, wearing of seatbelts, drink-driving, using mobilephones while driving, driver fatigue and speeding.

More than 25,000 of these leaflets will be distributed to over 40 college cam-puses around the country this week to coincide with UN Global Road SafetyWeek. The week's theme is 'young road users'. Currently 200,000 students,mainly aged between 17 and 24, are enrolled in third-level education.

Twenty 17- to 24-year-olds per 100,000 people are killed each year in roadcrashes in the Republic.

This proportion is far higher than anywhere else in Europe. Noel Brett, RSA chiefexecutive said: "What is happening on our roads is no accident. The root prob-lem is excessive and inappropriate speed, driving while intoxicated whetherthrough drugs or alcohol, driver fatigue, failure to wear seatbelts and failure torecognise vulnerable road users."

The aim of the partnership is to educate students in the rules of the road, topromote road safety and to gain a better insight into the driving behaviour ofthis high-risk group.

On launching the scheme, Colm Hamrogue, USI president said: "Today marksthe beginning of what we hope will be a productive partnership between USIand the Road Safety Authority to drive down the number of young people killedor injured on our roads.

"As well as investigating the attitudes and behaviours of student road users, wewill be campaigning for improved awareness of safe driving practices," MrHamrogue added.

Speaking on the scheme CITSU President Brian O’ Sullivan said; “The launch ofthis scheme comes directly as a result of CITSU safety week. After placing relent-less pressure on the RSA and by publicly humiliating them due to their inactiv-ity in the third level market, this development marks a complete success forCIT.”

He continued to say: “The unprecedented media attention generated by theevent last month is a credit to all involved and once again shows that CITSU isa national leader when it comes to public awareness”

The RSA and the Department of Health are sending two young people to rep-resent Ireland at the World Youth Assembly for Road Safety being held at thePalais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

Please see www.citsu.ie for more information and photographs

CITSU Drives HomeNational Campignon Road Safety“...The launch of this scheme comes directly as a result ofCITSU safety week. After placing relentless pressure onthe RSA and by publicly humiliating them due to theirinactivity in the third level market, this developmentmarks a complete success for CIT...”

CIT Security Scandal:

One Year On &EASY AS EVER!“...this excerise shows that the only conclusion thecollege can come to is to ensure that security person-nel are urgently needed...”

Exactly one year ago, CIT Students’ Union held an awareness campaign to high-light the complete lack of on campus security at Cork Institute of Technology.The campaign included having a “thug” dressed in a hoody and balaclava tak-ing a computer monitor and walk around many of the college’s main corridors,atria and class rooms acting conspicuous. Finally he was able to leave campusand board the number 5 bus without being stopped or questioned by one sin-gle person from CIT.

This year to highlight the issue, it was decided to give CIT twice the opportuni-ty to catch our wouldbe thug. For year two of this campaign, our thug wasinstructed to double last years efforts, this time taking two monitors wearing abalaclava, walk twice as many corridors, and go to the atrium and main areastwice. After all this, he was then asked to do it for a second consecutive day.

Speaking out on the campaign last year, a spokesperson for CIT managementinsisted to the local and national media that CIT were aware of problems andthat the management were committed to improve on campus security.

Since then, management of the college have decided to delay the issue bysending it to review. A conclusion of this review could see the addition of secu-rity personal to bring CIT in line with other colleges. Then again, CIT could beas in the past slow to create any new staff positions and may recommendadditional investment in security technology.

There has been no visible improvement to any aspects of on campus securityand the Students’ Union is still receiving complaints from students and staff ofstolen belongings and fears for personal safety.

So far this year they have received complaints regarding belongings beingtaken from classrooms, changing rooms and offices. Tens of thousands of euroin cash has also been stolen from several offices in recent months highlightinghow inadequate this Institute’s security policy is.

CITSU President, Brian O’Sullivan, said “this excerise shows that the only con-clusion the college can come to is to ensure that security personnel are urgent-ly needed in addition to any technological upgrades that made be required. Itis futile to believe that a sole investment in technology alone will improve secu-rity if there are no dedicated trained staff with responsibility to oversee it.

I am calling on the management of this institute to take firm and decisiveaction on this issue and not fob us off with their ‘commitment’ for another year.Students’ and staff safety should be of paramount importance and any furtherdelay would itself be criminal, and must not be tolerated”.

He added, “I have visited many large and small colleges across the country andhave seen that CIT has one of the most lax security policies. Last year the Unionhighlighted our inadequate security to the management of this college. Thisyear we more than doubled our chances of being caught and only found thatit is easier than ever.

Everyone in CIT has become acustomed with the frustration of years of delays,disappointments and managerial failures. If CIT is serious about protecting stu-dent safety and property on campus, they need to act now”.

Please visit www.explicit.ie if you would like to read last years May issueon this campaign

Day 1

2 Monitors2 Thumbs Up!Nothing Learned Outside Library!

ThirstyWork

Day 2

This Job is a Drag! Out the Front Door At the Bus Again on Day 2

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) called on every political party to pledgeto uphold Free Fees if elected to government.

A demonstration was held outside Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), BoltonStreet at 11am Monday 23 April. Students will demand that every party put thiscommitment in its general election manifesto.

The development of a hierarchy in education must be resisted, USI said.Students “cannot reach the top” unless Free Fees are protected and studentgrants are increased by the next government.

USI President Colm Hamrogue said: “It is vital that Ireland does not retreat fromFree Fees after the next election, so students are calling on all the parties to

pledge to uphold them. Every party must include a commitment to Free Feesin its election manifesto.

“Higher education should not be reserved only for the rich. Yet many studentsalready face exclusion from Irish colleges because they don’t receive enoughfinancial support from the government. Student grants are too low and coverless than half the cost of living for students, but if the next government aban-doned Free Fees, inequality would increase.

“Free Fees are the bedrock on which fairness rests. Students and young peoplewill be horrified if any of the parties fails to make a manifesto promise aboutupholding them.”

Students Call On All Parties To Uphold Free Fees in Government

The Management & Staff of the Rochestown Park Hotel would like to wish all Students the Best of Luck with their Summer Exams and Holidays.

Thank you for once again making us your Number 1 Ball Venue for 2007!

Examination Time:

CIT Gets a D-D-elays, D-isappointments, D-isgrace!

“...Why does this happen and who was held accountable?..”It is the season for examinations and CIT Students’ Union have decided tograde management of this Institute with a D- for their efforts this year. This yearhas been a year of frustration and humiliation for everyone in this institute.

Yet another academic year has passed and still we have an incompletedStudent Centre. A building which was designed over 10 years ago has still gotfour units unopened. This is down to inadequate planning and consistentdelays in drafting up the contracts allowing parties to open these much soughtafter commercial units. The delay has been so significant that three of the fourinterested commercial organisations, have dropped out all blaming long delaysand complete break down in communication on CIT’s part. This is unaccept-able. The public sector is all about transparency and accountability but what

happened that the leases were unable to be drafted. Why was this not spottedmonths ago? We are now left in a position where months will go by and thedelays will continue.

Couple this with a significant other delay, the development of lower B Block.After pledging to complete the project by September last, suddenly it wasrealised that a fire cert will take months to obtain and the work would not becompleted in time. Why does this happen and who was held accountable?A question that will undoubtedly never be answered.

Hopefully this wont be a typical year with a mass exodus over the summer,nothing done, and leaving everything for the week before students return!

Local Thug Outwitted by New Institute Security PolicySpeaking in an exclusive interview with expliCITmagazine, local thug Robby McSteal outlines hisviews on the colleges new security policy whichhas completely outwitted him.

“Jaysus thins are gitten tuff for me and me kidsover the past year. CIT was tha joint to go for adacent computer, prajector or printer but latelyme customers tha I hock stuff too want newerand better computers tha aint more than fouryears old. They want the computer tha can run

the windas vista and say the the CIT stuff is a pile of shite. Wha’s a feen to do?

I was told last year that new computer labs wer bein soon sorted for de lads inthe architec???re DRAWIN course in B Bloc. All tha’s ther was bits a scrap andempty rooms. Also ther was to be some new shops n bars n stuff in the studintcenter. This aint on lads...

I had several buyers hangin on and was to make a mint. Now because of themlan-gers, I have to tell the kinder tha thay wont be goin to see mickey this yearin disneeland. If this keeps goin on I’ll hav to get a propa job, go bac to schoolor somethin”.

New Computer Labs?

Canteen Partition Project that cost thousands and lasted a Day!

Hard to believe we’ve gotten to the end of theyear already, it’s been a fantastic one! If youdecide to take a little break from the stress ofstudy and exams, there will be plenty of partiesgoing on, as well as our usual Wednesday nightsin Rafterz and brand spanking new Thursdaynights in Club Isobar at the Mardyke complex.

Of course if you’d like to organise a class partyto celebrate the end of term, call into us in theStudents’ Union and we’ll help you find the bestpossible deals on offer!

Before I sign off, I’d like to say a big thank you to Mick, Brian, Simon, MarieClaire, Gearóid and Wez, I’ve really enjoyed working with y’all this year, and alsoa million thanks go out to everyone who’s helped out with our events, couldn’thave done any of it without ye.

I’m really looking forward to stepping into Marie Claire’s shoes as WelfareOfficer in June, and I’d like to wish Eoin the best of luck in taking over asEntertainments Officer. As for the rest of you, good luck with exams, have a fan-tastic summer and keep doing what we CIT students do best – party!

Caitríona

CIT Students’ Union Entertainments Officer

Alas another year’s end looms around the cor-ner, and what a year we have had. It was a peri-od which saw our transition to the new StudentCentre which gave us a new location to basestudents’ services, Freshers week, rag week andeven a location to lay 368 students on theground to symbolise the vast amount of fatali-ties on our roads. It was a year where CIT struckloudly on the national radar, where at one stagewe achieved coverage from no less than sevennational newspapers and five national radio sta-tions. This was a feat never achieved by any pre-vious Students’ Union nationally and one which

showed that we are the leaders once again in students’ politics.

Enough on the past let us focus on the future. Plans are very much under wayat present for Freshers week and even Rag Week 08! With more space at ourdisposal all we need is more ideas to fill it with every aspect of entertainment.Only time will tell, but your input is invaluable. Plans for an environmentalweek have also been initiated, to highlight what little changes CIT studentshave to make, to once again become national leaders on an issue which are ofgrowing concern for everyone. An Even bigger and more impacting safety weekis being planned and no doubt together we can continue to save lives. That infact is an achievement that one can boast about for a lifetime but only if wework together and make small and simple changes to our lives. I’m on boardare you?

Along with the year’s end one more thing must be achieved before you headoff on the summer hols and that is the touchy subject of exams. I would per-sonally like to wish all those doing exams the very best of luck and hope thatthe grade you desire will be achieved. Should you feel the need to get somehelp in certain subjects we have an extensive grinds database on offer so justcall into Simon and ask. As I’m only too well aware, exam time can be a verystressful time so take a read of Marie Claire’s article on how to counteract stresswith meditation among other methods. If that wasn’t enough we hope to set

up camp outside the gym for a few days with bouncy castles and the likes foryou to relax and take a break. With that we will hand out free water, chocolateand oranges just like at Christmas, to make sure that you take a break and zoneout from the pressures related to exams. Please watch out for more details ofthis and come and enjoy.

I will be available in my office for the whole summer and indeed for the nextyear so if you have any queries just drop me a line or call in. If you happen tofail your summer exams and will be repeating in the autumn we can help withgrinds. Alternatively check out the ad in this month’s edition for the learningsupport centre as they offer FREE classes in Maths, Physics,Programming/Computing and Electronics and lecturers will cater for all levels.This programme will begin in July 2007.

So as I leave you with my last address for this academic year, I hope I havedone my job for you to the best of my ability for the year just passed.Remember I am here to work for your needs and I would like to think I haveachieved an answer for most if not all questions I have been asked. I will con-tinue to fight for your rights in every field for the coming year but if there is aproblem and I’m not told about it, I cannot do anything about it! At time, themost obvious student or class problems go undeclared until the issue has gonebeyond repair! So remember no matter how obvious or trivial the problem maybe, I am here to help.

I wish you every success with your studies and careers.

Until our paths cross again,Brian

PS; I believe they deserve a special mention! I would like to publicly thankeverybody in CITSU executive this year for their support, dedication and hardwork. You have done CIT proud and no doubt leave big shoes for the incom-ing officers to fill. They are the dream team of John Grant, Catriona, Gearoid,John Lane and Eoin, with whom I am relishing the though of working with!

CIT Students’ Union President

What a year it’s been. I can’t believe it’s almostover! (sob, sob, sniff, sniff!) I hope you allenjoyed the year as much as I did. For those ofyou at the end of your time here, I wish you allthe very best in your endeavours. And for therest of you… you lucky thing, you get to live thestudent dream a little longer! Thanks so muchto everyone who helped me out over the year.No words could fully express my gratitude.Thank you to all the executive and staff I hadthe pleasure to work with this year…. Thanksfor keeping me on my toes Brian. I’d like towish the very best of luck to Caitriona, my suc-cessor, and the entire new executive.

As the academic year comes to a close for us, we all know what that means…exams! I’m not going to go on and on as I’m sure you’re tired of repeatedlyhearing the same exam tips, ‘drink plenty of water!’, and ‘eat plenty of fruit!’. Inthis issue I have some exam help with a difference so take a look; it might bejust what you need. Amid the exam madness, remember to take a little timeeach day for some R&R. Short regular breaks can really help with retention.

If you do need any further help, don’t be a stranger. Myself, Brian and Simonare here full time to help you in any way we can.

Take care of yourselves,Marie-Claire

CIT Students’ Union Vice President Welfare

Students of CIT, I bid you farewell. This is my lastaddress as your VP Education which I say with anote of sadness. The year has gone so fast itseems like only yesterday I was giving speechesto first years from the prefab steps, I still remem-ber that speech but please don’t ask me. It hasbeen a great year lots of good memories and afew drunken ones too and I’ve enjoyed everyminute of it.

So for the last time I’ll remind you about the grind services in the Union that youcan avail of and also let you know that the library opening hours have beenextended to include Sundays 10-5 and also open early during the week. So if youneed advice or help just drop into the Education Office and best of luck in yourexams.

I have a lot of good memories from this year, if I started telling you I wouldn’t fitit all on this page. But one of the best things I’ve seen all year is the amount ofstudents willing to stand up and make their voices heard. Remember that youare and always will be what the Union is there for and without you it is nothing.I’ve seen it this year in you the students, the will for change, the belief that youcan make a difference but nothing is achieved if you do not speak up and letyour voice be heard. So I pray that future students and execs will see this andhave the will and power to stand up for what is right, for you the student. If ourwill is so strong that no hardship and suffering can subdue it, then our will andour might shall prevail.

So finally, I say goodbye to you as VP Education but also that I will not be faraway.

Mind yourself,Simon.

CIT Students’ UnionVice PresidentEducation

PRESIDENT:

Total Poll 758Spoiled (5)Valid Poll 753

Quota (50% +1) 378

Bolger Simon 262O’Sullivan Brian 472R.O.N. 19

Brian O’Sullivan was elected on the first counthaving exceeded the quota.

VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION:

Total Poll 760Spoiled (11)Valid Poll 749

Quota (50% +1) 375

Grant John 646R.O.N. 103

John Grant was elected on the first count hav-ing exceeded the quota.

VICE PRESIDENT WELFARE:

Total Poll 743Spoiled (8)Valid Poll 735

Quota (50% +1) 368

Foley Catriona 416Foley Padraig 290R.O.N. 29

Catriona Foley was elected on the first counthaving exceeded the quota

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER:

Total Poll 731Spoiled (9)Valid Poll 722

Quota (50% +1) 362

Lane John 611R.O.N. 101

John Lane was elected on the first count hav-ing exceeded the quota.

ENTERTAINMENTS OFFICER:

Total Poll 713Spoiled (11)Valid Poll 702

Quota (50% +1) 352

McInerney Owen 602R.O.N. 100

Owen McInerney was elected on the firstcount having exceeded the quota.

PROJECTS OFFICER:

Total Poll 715Spoiled (9)Valid Poll 706

Quota (50% +1) 354

Buckley Gearoid 607R.O.N. 99

Gearoid Buckley was elected on the firstcount having exceeded the quota.

CIT Students’ Union 2007/2008Executive Election Results

Cork Institute of Technology Students’ Union Executive Elections for the2007/2008 academic year took place on Thursday 15th March.

Polling stations were also running in the Crawford College of Art & Design,Cork School of Music and the National Maritime College of Ireland.

In total eight candiates ran for the six available positions, three of which aresabbitical posts. The new officers take up their roles on the 1st June 2007.

The Learning Support CentreTerm Timetable March 2007

Room B289 10am-2pm Tel (021)4326378http://learningsupport.cit.ie mailto:learningsupport@cit.ie

Subject Day Room Time LecturerMaths(for

First Years)Monday D259 1-2pm Dr. Violetta Morari

Maths Thursday D259 12.30-1.30pm Mr. Ciarán O’Conaill

Maths(forMature

Students)

Thursday D259 5-6pm Dr. Violetta Morari

Programming Monday D259 12-2pm Ms. Mary DavinElectronics Tuesday D259 12.30-1.30pm Mr. Matt CranitchElectronics Wednesday D259 12.30-1.30pm Mr. Paddy CollinsStatistics Thursday B229 1-2pm Mr. Declan

O’ConnorComputing Tuesday D259 12-2pm Mr. Denis Long

Physics Thursday D259 1-2pm Ms. EleanorBaldwin

Physics Friday D259 11-12pm Ms. EleanorBaldwin

These extra support sessions are FFRREEEE of charge to students taking the subject as part of their course.Students are encouraged to walk-in at the designated time, should they have a query or difficulty in a subject.

The CIT Learning Support Centre is funded by the Higher Education Authority IT Investment Fund.

This timetable may be subject to some changes, any changes will be posted on the LSC notice boards (outsidemain reception and outside B289). The LSC will be moving to block D during this term. Any room changes will

be posted.

E&OE Sean McIntyre, Returning Officer & Vicky O’Sullivan, Assistant Returning Officer

Dear reader,

I too have seen the bureaucratic nature that exists within CIT. I do believe that it isunacceptable that a few key figures have ultimate power to make decisions over rulingboards in specialist areas. Such examples include awarding the commercial units in theStudent Centre to the Student Services Company for sub letting. This was an issue thatan expert group from Deloitte and Touche consultants, voluntary members from thestudent centre management board and the Students’ Union were firmly opposed tobut all were over ruled by the Director Dr. Brendan Murphy.

This marked the beginning of a rollercoaster ride down every path imaginable to getthee units opened. The companies were chosen back in August and since then the stu-dent’s services company and CIT finance department have trashed this issue around. Itis now apparent that the company will be UNABLE to offer contract leases. Eightmonths have now passed and all but one of the four companies interested in offeringCIT greater services have pulled out and will not be coming to CIT. The remaining com-pany will no doubt have dropped out of the running by the time you read this.

WHY WASN’T THE PANEL OF EXPERTS LISTENED TO?This disaster would undoubtedly have been avoided and we would have a newStudent Centre, the envy of any one nationally.

On your issue of individual self gain from public money, I cannot respond as I haveseen no proof to date. While I believe this to be unlikely I will stop at nothing to getthe answers to every question. Too long I have seen individuals screw up in CIT and geta pat on the hand and told not to do it again. This madness has to end and someonehas to be held accountable. So at present the prospect of any more units opening inthe Student Centre soon is bleak. How long more will it take? That’s the million dollarquestion.

Should you have any further queries on the above issue or any other issue for that mat-ter please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards,Brian O’SullivanPresident

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Dear expliCIT.

Can you please tell me why we have waited for so many years for ournew Student Centre to become fully functional? I am a fourth year stu-dent and have seen Students’ Union Executives come and go with bro-ken promises about this amenity. When I have quizzed Executives on thisissue they all say the same thing, when they get into the real problemswhich exist in CIT they realise that you have to some how by pass thebureaucracy that exists within the college and this for the most part hasproved very difficult in their short terms.

From what I have seen and heard over the last few years it has becomeapparent that only one or two individuals are stalling essential projectsfor apparent self gain. Is this a fair assumption?

In anticipation of your reply,ELX Student.

Student Centre Bistro: One of many units that remain idle as external companies loose confidence in CIT management.

Open All Hours?

Dear expliCIT,

As an architecture student I write to voice my disgust at the recent turn of eventsregarding our relocation. Being placed down in the Herlihy building eight years ago asa temporary measure was bad enough but to be told a few weeks ago that there willbe inadequate space in the main CIT building is a disgrace. The development whichwas supposed to be completed last September, still has not even commenced.

I propose that senior managment take no holidays this summer to ensure that thisdevelopment is completed when the students return this September. The fact that thisproject is a year late is forgivable at this point but if this development is uncompletedthis September we will be unable to attend lectures. This a worrying period for us andis certainly a worry which no student should go through in this day and age. We willstop at nothing if this project is uncompleted and I call on senior management to takethis warning on board.

A.T. Student

End of Year Party Madness!Tuesdays with DJ Anthony Fleming

Thursdays with DJ Jason

See Posters & Fliers for Daily Details of Party EventsBest of Luck with Your Exams and

DON’T FORGET to Book Your Class Party

Selection of PhotosCITSU Elections - CIT Socs Awards - Pimps n Hoes Party - BICS National Awards -Herlihy Students Protest - CITSU Rep Awards

We don’t keep the best, we sell it!

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Special Offers This Month!

Everything You Need:Deli, Frozen Foods, Beverages, Confectionary,Fresh Fruit & Vegetables, Dairy & Fresh Meat anda Wide Selection of Groceries at Great Prices!

Free day to day banking transactions for 2 years*, discounted loans** and much more. Call into our CIT branch today and speak to Paula orRose or phone (021) 4545177 / 179

* To qualify for Graduate Banking you must have graduated from full-time third level education in the last three years. Graduate Current Accounts are subject to terms and conditions. Some additional charges may apply to overdrafts.For full details see our brochure ‘Schedule of Fees and Charges for Personal Customers’ available in any branch.**Lending criteria and terms and conditions apply. Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Financial Regulator.

before you leave college talk to us about a

graduate account*

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Enjoy the Summer!

Mondays:Texas Hold’Em Poker small entry - BIG CASH PRIZES

Tuesdays:Party Madness with DJ Trevor Fitz

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Super Student Meals Deals Week Nights!

Well it’s that time of year again when exam stress rears its ugly head and canreally get a grip on us. But it doesn’t have to, there are ways and means to tack-le this and meditation is one option. So what exactly is meditation? The wordcan be used in two ways; there are techniques of meditation and there is thestate of meditation.

THE STATE OF MEDITATION:Through the practice of meditation, we gradually arrive at a stage where muchof our time is spent in the state of meditation, even when we are busy. Bodyand mind can be fully occupied, yet we can still be aware of an inner stillnessand peace that spreads through all our activities and to the people around us. We have all met the kind of person who never seems rushed and always hastime to listen, yet, far from being idle, such people are usually the busiest andmost productive, the most loving and supportive, of all those whom we know. The state of mediation is a natural state which can sometimes arise sponta-neously. Meditation is a state or relaxed alertness, a responsive state, uncloud-ed by physical discomfort, self-centred emotions or personal opinions. A widerview becomes possible, as heart and mind expand beyond the confines of thepersonal self.

FEAR IS ALWAYS PHYSICAL:At exam time, many people experience fear of failing an exam, not studying theright things, forgetting what has been learned etc. But fear is always physical-we feel fear in our bodies, and we are fearful for our bodies. Because fear isfelt in the body, chronic and unrecognised anxiety can cause physical illness.The recognition and removal of the fear often occurs through regular medita-tion. This, in turn, can bring physical as well as emotional and mental healing.Fear can be a hard habit to break but meditation helps in many ways. It teach-es us to stop and listen, and to accept that what is is. Once we look at thingsas they truly are, it becomes possible to change our attitudes. We can draw sup-port and guidance from within.

STRESS AND BREATHING:Our body is influenced by the stresses the world can place on us and our emo-tional reactions to those stresses. Many times we feel ourselves gasping forbreath or our hearts thumping, and these are natural effects of stress. We canall try to live our lives in a way that we avoid all stress, but for most of us thatis an impossible dream! We can however learn to limit the effects of stress asit occurs in daily life.

So what has all this got to do with breathing?Of all our body systems, breathing is the only one over which we can gain anydegree of conscious control. When we notice that our breathing has changedfrom its natural flow, and has become stressed, we can change it back againand undo the stress. One of the most harmful effects of allowing ourselves toremain in a prolonged state of stress is that the body is kept in a state of imbal-ance. The overactive systems suffer from exhaustion. The immune system canbe suppressed by stress, so infections are more likely to take hold.

Once you are sitting in a comfortable position, close your eyes and start towatch yourself breathing. Be careful to observe without allowing this to affectyour breathing. Focus on your natural breath, as it flows in and out. You will findthis exercise soon becomes very easy and soothing. Overactive breathing fromthe upper chest makes the heart beat more quickly and can cause panic. Tobreathe more fully and deeply it is essential to sit up straight to allow thediaphragm to move freely around the waist. You may find it helpful to placeone hand over the breastbone and the other just above your waist. This deepbreathing is very revitalising. Try to practise this method as it may help to avoidfeeling panicky in an exam. Deep breaths allow oxygen to flow to your brainmore easily, helping you to think more clearly.

THE RIGHT CONDITIONS:Although the state of mediation can occur spontaneously most of us need towork at our meditation techniques to get into the right frame of mind.

There are 5 basic requirements:1. The body must be comfortable and still2. The internal energies need to be in balance3. The mind must remain focused and not be allowed to wander4. The heart must be at peace5. You must wait patiently and without expectations

You first need to learn how to sit comfortably in a suitable position, and to prac-tice this position until you can remain in it, relaxed yet alert, for half an hour ormore. (This will also help you with sitting comfortably in an exam hall), Youmay need to practise breathing exercises to bring the internal energies into astate of harmony. Otherwise you will be hampered in your practise by restless-ness of one sort or another- traditionally known as distractions! You shouldfocus your mind on one thing only, which can be an internal or external object.You should become aware of when your mind wanders, as it will, and gentlybring it back into focus. Your heart should become naturally peaceful and

Welfare Guide to:

Stress &Meditiation

“...Once we look at things as they truly are, itbecomes possible to change our attitudes. We candraw support and guidance from within...”

serene as a result of attending to your body, breathing and mind. Having got yourself ready for the state of meditation to arise, do noth-ing. Maintain your stillness and wait tranquilly.

Clearly for meditation you need somewhere quiet where you can besure you will not be interrupted. Whatever place you designate shouldbe comfortably warm and free from draughts. Meditation involves sit-ting still, which causes the body temperature to drop, so you will needa light shawl or blanket to keep you warm. You will also need firmcushions or a suitable chair. Some people like to use flowers, incenseor music.

So how often should you meditate? Try to find a half our in the day thatyou will have to yourself to sit in your space. Regularity is important inbuilding the habit of meditation so try to practise every day, preferablyat roughly the same time each day.

THE EGYPTIAN POSITION:Sitting upright on a hard chair is called theEgyptian position as it appears so often inhieroglyphics. You can rest your hands in yourlap, palms up, with one resting upon theother- this is sometimes called the gesture ofpeace, especially when the tips of thethumbs are touching. The Buddha is oftenshown with his hands in this position. If youare using a chair with arms you can rest onehand on each arm, with the palms down andthe forearms comfortably supported.

KNEELING:A Yoga position that can be used is simply to sit down on your heelsfrom a kneeling position. The trouble with this is that it can compressthe lower abdomen and you need this open for proper breathing. Toavoid this you can place a cushion on your calves to raise you up a lit-tle. Keeping the knees apart can also help.

THE BUDDHIST POSITION:The next easiest position is probably the onethat Buddhists adopt. You will need a roundand firm cushion for this, 5 or 6 inches high.You kneel up with your knees apart, pushthe cushion underneath you and sit onto it.Your knees and shins rest on the floor eachside of the cushion, with your feet relaxedand pointed out behind you. You can use acouple of blankets rolled up instead of around cushion. But make sure you are sittinghigh enough to be comfortable. As you

lower yourself down from the kneeling position it is important to tuckthe tailbone under, to lengthen and straighten the lower back as you sitdown. Next you pull the navel back towards the spine and stretch upfrom the waist. Then lift the breastbone. As you do this you createspace between the chest and abdomen. Finally, your head should pullup from the top of your spine with your chin level. Shoulders and armsshould remain relaxed with the hand folded in the lap.

THE ADEPT:The Yoga position of the adept is also very good. It may take a while toloosen up and feel comfortable with it but it is worth the effort. Startby sitting on one or two firm cushions with your legs spread out aswide as possible in front of you. Keep you knees straight and relaxedand your toes pointing towards the ceiling. You can lean forward toease out the hip joints. Next, bend one knee, and keeping the otherknee and thigh in position, slide your bent leg along the floor until theheel comes against the straight leg. When you feel ready, bend the sec-ond knee and slide the foot along the floor to press against the first.Both knees should remain in the floor.

The students of CIT have raised considerable funding for various worthwhilecauses based locally, nationally and internationally. We would also like toacknowledge the continued support of our sponsors.

RAG WeekThis year over €€14,785 was raised through Rag Week 07. The following are thedetails of the various charities which have benefited from the funds raised.

Aid Cancer Treatment - €€8000The supporters of ACT are the true force behind the development of theRadiation Oncology Department (R & O Dept) in the Cork university Hospital(CUH) in Wilton, Cork; it is recognised as the cancer charity that has contributedmore funding than any other organisation in the state for vital cancer treatmentequipment. There is a direct link with the outstanding work and developmentof the R & O Dept and the long-term commitment and shear dedication, of somany wonderful people throughout the province of Munster and beyond – ACTis merely the conduit for this selfless, caring effort - ‘by so many and indeed, forso many’.

The work will continue, as cancer diagnosisis increasing, the area of direct focusincludes the R O Dept’s treatment catch-ment population, of nearly half a millionpeople from South Tipperary, Limerick,Kerry, Cork and Waterford. In the words ofa prominent Government spokesperson –“No other voluntary organisation in thestates has provided so much funding forcancer treatment equipment as Aid CancerTreatment”.www.aidcancertreatment.ie

Junior Infant Pupil (Anon) - €€1000This donation was given to a junior infant pupil, suffering from an illness knownas Type One Neurofibrmatosis. The child has a tumour wrapped around thearteries to the brain, which in turn is affecting the eyes. The tumour cannot beremoved; therefore, the pupil will have to have continuous operations in futureyears to retain eyesight which will require significant funding.

SUAS – €€500Suas is a youth and education focused organisation, which facilitates youngpeople to address educational disadvantages at home and overseas. By givingIrish people a chance to directly experience the challenges faced by communi-ties in poverty, the Suas Volunteer Programmes aims to increase understand-ing, respect and empathy for communities in the developing world.www.suas.ie

Parent/Families and Friend of St Patrick’s Upton - €€750This group of volunteers have been fundraising over the past number of yearswith the aim of providing the residents of St. Patrick’s of Upton with a wheel-chair accessible bus.

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust (IHCPT) - €€1500The trust, each year at Easter, travels to Lourdes with young people who havespecial needs accompanied by carers. The aim of the journey is to give youngpeople and opportunity to meet other young people from the Island of Irelandas well as other participating international groups.

This time away for the young people also facilitates respite time for their fami-lies who then use the occasion to recharge their batteries. This trip is for sixdays and all expenses for the young people are covered by the Trust. The car-ers all pay their own fares. www.ihcpt.com

Hope Foundation - €€300For almost two decades, the HOPE Foundation has led the way in tap-ping the passion, collective wisdom, and leadership within learningcommunities to create schools where failure is not an option. Theresults of their work throughout North America, parts of Africa, andEngland have been used to re-shape school cultures so that low-per-forming students succeed in school. They do this by helping individualswithin the school, district, and region work as a team, one that is col-lectively focused on learning and success for all students.www.hopefoundation.ie

Enable Ireland - €€2000Their mission is to enable those who use their services to achieve max-imum independence, choice and inclusion in their communities. Theydo this by offering a range of services and supports of the highest qual-ity, in line with the needs and wishes of the service users and in activepartnership with them.

This year, the Rag Week donation has been earmarked to purchase anediting suite for the production of short films to help develop/foster cre-ative abilities amongst the users.www.enableireland.ie

DEBRA Ireland - €€735This is a registered charity set up to raise awareness of and offer sup-port to patients and families affected by the rare genetic skin condition,Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). This is a very distressing and painful disor-der which causes the skin layers and internal body linings to separatead blister at the slightest touch. Any friction can produce pain blistering which have to be lanced to pre-vent them spreading. Even in the mildest forms of EB, simple taskssuch as walking or typing can be transformed into impossible ordeals.

Fundraising and donations are vital so that DEBRA Ireland can fundservices and research for patients and families with EB.www.debraireland.org

CITSU Wedding DayOur own John Grant was wed to a former Miss Cork in a civil service inthe Bishopstown Bar in November 2007. All wedding gifts were donat-ed to Aid Cancer Treatment totalling €€515.48. John is still maintainingthe wedding was official but the lovely former Miss Cork has not beenseen since.

Christmas Day – CIT€€3295.50 was collected and donated to the Cork Simon Community,who provide essential services to those in need during the festive sea-son and throughout the year.

The continued support by students and staff of these worthwhile char-ities it greatly appreciated by those who benefit. Although studentsmay struggle financially, they never fail to dig deep into their pocketswhen it comes to a good cause and are to be lauded for their effortsand generosity.Vicky O’Sullivan

‘Society of the Year’Poker Society

‘Best New Society’Sustainable Living Society

‘Most Improved Society’Dance Society

‘Best Event’Choral Society

‘Best Course-Based Society’ Mechanical Engineering Society

‘Supreme Achievement in Society &College-wide Activities’

Brian Bermingham (4th Year Computing Student)

‘Special Achievement Award’Sophie Ho

(2nd Year Computing Student)

‘Individual Award’Brendan Gallagher

(1st Year Biology Student)

‘Individual Award’Ciara O’ Shea

(4th Year Fine Art Student)

‘Individual Award’Will Nunan

(3rd Year Business Studies)

‘Individual Award’Joanne Scobie

(4TH Year Fine Art)

The annual ‘CIT/AIB Student Societies & Activities Awards’ took place at the OrielHouse Hotel, Ballincollig, on the 27th March 2007. In all 11 awards were presented, 5group and 6 individual.

Certificates of Merit were presented by the Director Dr. Brendan Murphy and Masterof Ceremonies for the evening was Brendan Goggin. Our guest of honour was MrMartin King (TV3 and Today FM). www.citsocieties.com

CIT Society Awards 2007

CIT is a major consumer of energy. With a student body of 6,000, a staff ofover 1,000 and evening classes running late into the night during the weekthis is not altogether surprising.

However, in an attempt to initiate a reduction in energy consumption a"switch-off" campaign along the lines of the RTE Derek Mooney Switch-a-thon was undertaken during the mid term break, and more recently overthe Easter break.

The results:• The switch off – power down action appears to have achieved a

measurable reduction in night time energy use of between 5-10%• A 10% reduction in base energy use, over the unoccupied periods of

the college (night time, weekends and vacations) , could achieve a 5%reduction in total annual electrical use = €€30,000 p.a and a similar % reduction in Carbon Dioxide emissions

• The graph of Daily energy use shows the problem that we are still facing; a peak load of 1400 kWatts during the day, and a base load of nearly 350kWatts during the evening, when the college is unoccupied,and no storage heaters are being used.

Future Actions• Local actions across the colleges are needed to extend the action

already 70 people have signed up as local contacts for future actions.

Examples:• Set computers to complete shut down after you have left work• Ensure all office lights, printers and photocopiers are switched off at

night• Switch off all lecture room lights at lunchtime (they may not need to be

used in the afternoon)• Switch off all lecture room lights after the last evening class• Ensure all electric heaters are switched off at night, or are on a timer

for weekday use.• Switch off all corridor lights which have sufficient day lighting• Do the same at house.

This is not about returning to the stoneage, this is about using theresources we have most effectively, preventing unnecessary carbon emis-sions, and reducing the energy budgets. All essential lighting and equip-ment is of course to be left on as required.

Future actions will consider the heating use in the colleges, transportissues, and future building performance.

• Pressure also needs to be exerted on the college funding sources to implement energy saving measures that will pay for themselves in a few short years, and will reduce the carbon load immediately. Contactyour local TDs, councillors on this issue.

• If you are able to show the Oscar winning film “An Inconvenient Truth”by Al Gore, and discuss these issues wherever you can.

• If you haven’t already done so, see the same film yourself.

If you wish to be contacted directly regarding any actions which are beingplanned across the college, or if you have suggestions that you want tomake regarding the implementation of any activity that will help combatclimate change, please contact : - chris.gibbons@cit.ie

The college has applied for funding for a 800kW wind turbine, for the veryrear of the campus, although there are still a number of planning issues tobe considered. Improvements in the insulation and lighting controls of themain building are also being costed. This action or sequence of actions willonly be a success if as many people as possible get involved, and changehabits from those that take energy for granted, to those which cherish andappreciate the real cost of energy to us and to the environment.

Climate change is a serious threat to us all, and it is only by acting togeth-er directly at local level (switch-off and consumer power) and nationallythrough lobbying for effective political leadership and supporting respon-sible business and industry that the problems can be addressed.

Through the CIT community of staff, students, families and their extendedcommunities it is hoped that a positive message for a change to a sustain-able future can be delivered.

CIT Climate Change Response:

Switch Off – Power Down!

Word Search Puzzle http://puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com/code/BuildWordSearch.asp

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CITSU

CORK

ENJOY

EXAMINATIONS

EXPLICIT

HOLIDAYS

INSTITUTE

MAGAZINE

MAY

PARTY

SOCIETIES

STUDENTS

SUMMER

TECHNOLOGY

UNION

15 of 15 words were placed into the puzzle.

Solution

Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoverySchool.com

MAYEXPLICIT

MAGAZINECORK

INSTITUTETECHNOLOGY

STUDENTSUNIONCITSUPARTY

SOCIETIESEXAMINATIONS

ENJOYSUMMERHOLIDAYS

This Month’s Prize: €€330 0

Competition Closes 5pm Friday 11th May 2007Last Month’s Winner: John Cronin

Competition Rules: All Entries to be returned by deadline to the CITSU Office, 1st Floor Student Centre on official form. Open to CIT Students only and one entry per student.