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Discover, Connect, Thrive...

Discover a rich student experience beyond textbooks and lectures. At University of Galway you’ll find a vibrant landscape of organised groups, activities, and experiences that enable you to make friends, belong and flourish.

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Engage in student life, Discover your passions...

Passport


What is your
USP - University Skills Passport

Student Life at the University of Galway offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and skill development, both inside and outside the classroom. We recognise that learning happens everywhere and we want to enable our students to make the most of the experience.

The goal of the USP is twofold. Firstly we want to ensure that our students can navigate the co/extra-curricular landscape of the university by hosting all available activities on one central USP platform. Secondly we want to enable students to recognise the value of their learning and to articulate the skills that they have developed. Increasingly, employers look for evidence of skills and whole person development as a differentiator in candidate selection.

We do this by formally recognising skill development, in the moment, using digital badges and centrally recording these achievements on the USP platform. At any point in time perhaps to create an application or a CV, or in preparation for interview, a student can generate their own USP to view an inventory of their skills, and the activities that they have completed to develop them. Finally, upon graduation each student will receive their degree parchment, their academic transcript and their USP - University Skills passport.

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Start Building
your USP Now!

Start Building
your USP Now!

Activities

Level up your skills, unlock achievements, and earn badges through approved activities

Activity: Students’ Union Sign Language Course

Students’ Union Sign Language Course

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.
Adaptability Communication Confidence Empathy
Activity: Seas Suas Participant

Seas Suas Participant

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.
Confidence Empathy Ethical Awareness Resilience Self-Awareness
Activity: Flirt FM 101.3 - Radio Essentials

Flirt FM 101.3 - Radio Essentials

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?
Communication Confidence Digital Skills Project Management Self-Awareness
Activity: MakerSpace Team Member

MakerSpace Team Member

Ready to unleash your creativity? Join our Makerspace and dive into a world of endless possibilities! The MakerSpace is a space where staff and students can be creative, collaborate, share, develop ideas, innovate, and generally just 'make stuff'. The space is available for staff and students to use at any time while the Library is open. We are always looking for volunteers to facilitate workshops and help maintain the equipment and the space. As a MakerSpace team member you are part of a diverse group of student volunteers who maintain the MakerSpace, assist other students, learn new skills, and work on exciting projects together. Team members work in a digital creative environment to ensure the effective day-to-day running of the University MakerSpace. You will receive full training on 3D printing and printer maintenance, and the systems used to manage equipment booking. 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. If you're interested in helping us out why wait? Become a part of our innovative community today.
Communication Creative Agency Digital Skills Innovative Thinking Teamwork
Activity: CÉIM Collaborative Learner

CÉIM Collaborative Learner

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.
Communication Critical Thinking Curiosity Resilience Teamwork
Activity: Sports Club Volunteer

Sports Club Volunteer

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!
Adaptability Communication Ethical Awareness Self-Awareness Teamwork
Activity: Student Ambassador - Event Support

Student Ambassador - Event Support

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!
Communication Confidence Critical Thinking Self-Awareness Teamwork
Activity: ALIVE: The President’s Award for Volunteering

ALIVE: The President’s Award for Volunteering

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.
Communication Confidence Creative Agency Ethical Awareness Global Citizenship
Activity: Societies Leadership

Societies Leadership

Join a committee and work as part of a team to achieve your shared goals. The Societies Office provides training, resources, funding and support to make your vision a reality. When you join a society committee you not only can pursue your interests and make your dream a reality, but you can create an opportunity for other students to be part of something dynamic and help them find their people and a sense of belonging. There are so many societies to choose from. Joining a Society on a committee or as a member is a great way to make friends, meet likeminded people, learn new skills, pursue an interest and broaden your horizons, enhance your CV. You can get as involved as you like. You can join as many as you like. We have over 120 active societies ranging from artistic and performing to charity and volunteering, social and cultural, lifestyle, wellbeing and special interest societies. If you don't see one you like, why not set up a new one. Societies are student-led for students and are a great way to get involved in campus life, societies organize thousands of events each year both on and off campus. To Earn a badge, (A badge is a digital credential that recognises your achievement and outlines the skills that you have developed) you must be an elected committee member of a society which has completed the following criteria: • Have 100 members • Have at least 4 committee members • Have held at least 5 events, (not including societies day and committee meetings) • Have completed all end of year reports. • Have an up-to-date constitution • Have completed the Society leadership requirements, set goals and mission statement & charter at the start of the year and reflected on these at the end of the year.
Communication Leadership Project Management Self-Awareness Teamwork
Activity: IdeasLab Internship Programme

IdeasLab Internship Programme

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.
Communication Innovative Thinking Leadership Project Management Teamwork

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