This basic introductory course in Irish Sign Language runs over 10 weeks with a 1-hour class each week in person on campus. The course equips students with enough sign language to introduce themselves and conduct a basic conversation with another sign language user. Participants learn the manual alphabet and some vocabulary associated with everyday conversation. There is some emphasis on conversational practice. Learning basic sign language enhances communication and inclusivity, promoting a more inclusive society by fostering understanding and breaking down barriers for people with hearing impairments.

The Seas Suas is a student-to-student awareness and encouragement programme developed by the Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care Service in the University of Galway. Its aim is to promote awareness, empathy, well-being, and bystander intervention both on campus and in the wider community. With contributions from community organisations, Seas Suas covers a wide range of important topics such as: mental health, alcohol and drugs, sexual violence, suicide prevention, peer-to-peer support, and awareness of relevant supports services. It encourages students to be more aware of each other’s health and well-being. it fosters a supportive environment where students can encourage one another and it helps Students connect with their peers, building a sense of community and belonging. Through weekly interactive lectures, students will gain greater knowledge about challenging issues, ways in which to respond, and the corresponding supports. These include strategies and skills for effective helping, such as active listening and referral through safe intervention. Seas Suas successfully trains 500 students per year. With 250 on the 4-week October Programme, and 250 on the 4-week February Programme. You also earn a digital badge in the process. A badge is a digital credential that recognises your achievement and outlines the skills that you have developed.

Join a team of students and represent your course, college and University while growing both personally and professionally, developing confidence and establishing a strong network of friends and professional relationships with other university personnel. Are you looking to develop skills that employers seek in today’s world? The Student Ambassador programme offers students the opportunity to work alongside university staff and fellow students in representing their course, college and University. Supporting the Student Recruitment and Outreach Team you will assist in various roles such as Event Support, Event Leader and University Representative. This is a part-time paid position, with flexible working hours where students will gain invaluable experience in areas such as communication, networking, public speaking, hospitality, tour guiding, leadership, teamwork, adaptability, event planning and logistics among many others and earn a digital badge in the process. A badge is a digital credential that recognises your achievement and outlines the skills that you have developed. This is the perfect opportunity to tell your story to potential students while also enhancing your CV. So, if you would like to become a part of our Student Ambassador Programme and help support future students as they explore college options then get in touch today to find out more about current opportunities. The Student Ambassador Programme is a great way to develop a variety of skills, make some money along the way and make lots of new friends!

The Employability Award goes beyond your grades and equips you with a framework for lifelong career management. It gives you an edge over other applicants by showcasing your real-world work skills to employers. It recognises what you have learned and the skills you have developed through coursework, part-time work, and extra-curricular activities. The Award is designed to prepare you directly for the job market by: • developing your work skills through workshops and events • highlighting your work experience and leadership roles • showcasing what you can offer to employers Sharing your achievement is easy with our digital badge and certificate. A badge is a digital credential that recognises your achievement and outlines the skills that you have developed. It also goes on your Diploma Supplement that you get after graduation. Click on ‘Find out more’ on how to develop your skills, credit your work and get an award.

Do you enjoy problem-solving, thinking outside the box and being a good communicator? If so, our internship programme might be for you! The internship programme brings together students from all backgrounds and fields of study to join diverse teams that support our campus activities. There are a range of roles for internships, including digital media, event management and community building across campus. The Internship graduate is one who is an excellent communicator and team player. They are innovative and actively seeking out opportunities to develop and grow. They are well networked and a role model for other students of the University. They demonstrate leadership skills and join a community of over 100 prior interns of our programmes. Why not try something new and exciting and earn a digital badge in the process. A badge is a digital credential that recognises your achievement and outlines the skills that you have developed.

Do you volunteer already or would you like to start? The University of Galway student volunteering programme, ALIVE, harnesses, supports and rewards students’ voluntary activity across the university campus, Galway city, and wider communities to develop their own practical skills and civic awareness. There is a wide variety of volunteering opportunities available to choose from across health, education, arts, sport, social justice, and environment.   ALIVE is dedicated to helping students volunteer in the area of their choice which suits their individual needs, interests and time commitments. Students that commit to volunteering and complete their reflection diary achieve the President's Award for Student Volunteering, the ALIVE Certificate, a unique celebration at the University of Galway acknowledging the learning emanating from community engagement. Students will also earn a digital badge to acknowledge their volunteering activities. A badge is a digital credential that recognises your achievement and outlines the skills that you have developed. Enrich your personal development with new experiences, knowledge and employability skills. Learn from and contribute to communities, while having fun and making friends.

Enjoy the sport you love while meeting new people and gaining valuable experience and skills. By joining a sports committee, you will be making a tangible impact. Experience the joy of contributing to the club’s achievements and seeing the impact of your work while earning a digital badge in the process. A badge is a digital credential that recognises your achievement and outlines the skills that you have developed. Have a direct say in important decisions and help drive the club’s success. The Sports Club Volunteer Badge is exclusive to club committee members who fulfil certain requirements. Sports Unit requirements: Club Committees must initially meet with the Sports Unit to establish goals and draft a Clubs Committee Charter. At the year’s end, they must submit a Club Yearly Report via the Clubs Portal. Join the Sports Committee: Lead, Grow, and Make a Difference!

Join the Cell EXPLORERS team and share your love for science! Cell EXPLORERS is a science education and public engagement programme led by a team of undergraduate students, postgraduate students and members of the University of Galway staff. By joining our team of volunteers, you can engage young people in hands-on science at different events including: - Delivering Fantastic DNA and Fantastic DNA in a Box to primary schools (maybe yours!)  - Cell Explorers Escape Room in post-primary schools   - Science Workshops during various science and education festivals throughout the year Volunteering with Cell EXPLORERS provides you the opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends! It gives you an opportunity to develop a unique set of skills, including communication and teamwork, through training and experience delivering events in a supportive environment! You can commit to as much or as little time as you like, and we can work around when you are free. You will also earn a digital badge in the process. A badge is a digital credential that recognises your achievement and outlines the skills that you have developed. Once experienced as facilitator, you will have access to more opportunities to develop your leadership skills.

Love all things radio then Flirt FM 101.3 the award-winning student radio station for Galway city is for you. Part of a 23-station national network of community radio stations broadcasting from the University of Galway since September 1995. On air weekdays throughout the year, there is a full-time term schedule of 100 hours, and a reduced academic holiday schedule of 70 hours. We provide extended coverage of important campus events from the SU elections to event weeks and student issues. You will learn the basics about community media, how to structure a show, how to use a sound desk, complete your first recording and participate in the station’s output and earn a digital badge in the process. A badge is a digital credential that recognises your achievement and outlines the skills that you have developed. What are you waiting for contact us now and become part of our team?

Participate in CÉIM peer learning and develop your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills! CÉIM is an academic peer learning programme for 1st year students available in the following courses: **Science & Engineering:** Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Computer Science & Information Technology, Engineering, Genetics & Genomics, Science. **Arts and Law:** Geography, Law (all programmes), Political Science & Sociology, Psychology, Social Sciences, Spanish. How does it work? You’ll meet weekly with fellow students on your course and higher year student leaders in small CÉIM groups where the atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive. CÉIM will support you to make friends on your course, settle in smoothly to life at University of Galway, develop key learning and study skills, and gain a deeper understanding of coursework. You’ll also practice transferable skills, gain valuable experience of working in groups, build your academic confidence, get support with assignments and exam preparation, and develop your referencing and critical thinking skills, while also earning a digital badge in the process. A badge is a digital credential that recognises your achievement and outlines the skills that you have developed.