Applications open for 2025/2026 academic year!
Be part of the change! Are you interested in challenging assumptions and disrupting the status quo?
We're now accepting applications to the Student Partnership Programme for the next academic year.
As a Student Partner, you will develop and deliver Universal Design and inclusivity workshops to students, support student communications, run our Inclusive UCD week and bring your unique perspective and student voice to our projects and initiatives. We're looking for applicants with a genuine interest in equity and inclusion and making UCD a place where students can belong and thrive.
This is a paid position, with a minimum of 5 hours a month.
Work with us to make impactful and meaningful change for the benefit of all students! Read the (opens in a new window)full role description before applying.
Please note that onboarding for the Programme will be the week before the academic term starts in September.
The application window closes on 25 April.
(opens in a new window)Apply now!
Here's what the Student Partners say about the Programme
"Navigating college as a woman of colour, studying in a male dominated field made me aware of many problems students go through. I wanted to be a part of solving these problems and contributing to a more inclusive and diverse student space. I wanted UCD to represent people from all backgrounds, supporting their needs and helping them thrive." - Victoria Adesioye, Chemical Engineering
"You have the opportunity to take part in creative work and working with others. My social media and advocacy skills have definitely benefited from my participation in the Programme. The main benefit for me has been the wonderful community we have created within the Programme, it's been very empowering." - Eleanor O'Kelly, History & Politics
"I was drawn to the Programme because I am passionate about developing inclusivity and diversity in my community. I have experience with working with refugee students or students with disabilities and I always found that working with others and being able to help one another is always very fulfilling. As an engineering student, I also really enjoy problem solving, and that really helps with solving the issues we discuss at meetings!" - Barbara Ziarnowska, Electronic Engineering
"I have worked with prospective students, current students and UCD alumni, so I felt that I could represent their feedback and concerns. I’m also acutely aware of how easy it is to miss out on existing services and supports so I wanted to help raise awareness about them." - Katie O'Sullivan, Law with Politics
"Apart from earning a side income, this programme allows you to contribute to a great cause. If you care about the challenges faced by fellow students and want to drive change, this is your opportunity to amplify student voices and help build a campus where everyone has the chance to thrive." - Elysa Lim, MSc, Biotechnology & Business
Inclusive UCD Week 2025
Incluza-Palooza! 10-13 February 2025 was Inclusive UCD Week. Across the campus our Student Partners organised pop-ups to meet students, gather feedback on their views on inclusive spaces in UCD, introduce them to Universal Design, and importantly give out freebies. Our ‘main stage’ event on Wednesday added to that excitement and energy with face-painting, prize draws, a NaviLens treasure hunt, Universal Design teasers and test your knowledge quizzes, and bracelet making. A shout out to UCD SU and UCD Dignity and Respect for popping by and joining in on the fun. We’ll have that Incluza feeling till next year!
We would like to thank everyone who stopped by during Incluza-Palooza. If it was just to say hello, or contribute to our feedback wall (or even to sneak a cupcake or two!).If you see some of our lovely staff walking around with funky sunglasses and beads, they are still feeling the Incluza-Palooza feeling! A feeling you can’t escape.
Student Partnership Programme
The Student Partnership Programme directly involves students in the work of breaking down barriers to inclusion in UCD through Universal Design. Recognising “Nothing About us, Without us”, the Programme seeks to foster genuine and meaningful partnership with students; empowering them to advocate for a more inclusive university experience for all. Student Partners are appointed for a full academic year.
The goals of the Programme are:
- To develop training materials for students that introduces them to diversity, inclusion and Universal Design, and their role in creating an inclusive university.
- To deliver this training to a variety of students across campus, particularly those who directly work with and support their fellow students such as class reps, peer mentors, student ambassadors, etc.
- To highlight to students the potential barriers some students may face in university and work together to brainstorm how these challenges can be overcome.
- To create communications materials and resources such as posters, social media content, flyers, etc. to raise awareness of Universal Design and University for All in a student focused format.
- To support the implementation of Universal Design in UCD, working in particular with the Faculty and Professional Staff Partnership Programmes.
The Role of Student Partners
- Develop and co-facilitate student workshops focused on Universal Design and inclusion.
- Actively communicate the message of University for All and Universal Design through social media and other communications channels.
- Support the development, planning and delivery of the University for All Roadshow.
- Generate, create and organise resources for students, explaining diversity, inclusion and Universal Design.
- Work with the members of the Faculty and Professional Staff Partnership Programme in rolling out the implementation of Universal Design across the University.
The 2024/2025 Student Partners are:
- Zara Brennan - English & Drama, Stage 4
- Hannah Gonzales - Physics, Stage 3
- Eleanor O'Kelly - History & Politics, Stage 4
- Katie O'Sullivan - Law & Politics, Stage 4
- Barbara Ziarnowska - Electrical Engineering, Stage 2
- Elysa Lim - Biotechnology, Masters
- Faith Holmes - Politics, Stage 4
- Hari Mohan - Computer Science, Stage 2
- Olasumbo Ajisafe - Medicine, Stage 3
- Thomas Rice - Economics & Finance, Stage 4
- Victoria Adesioye - Chemical Engineering, Stage 3
- Miruna Sirigiu - History, Stage 3