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
Play your part in a University for All
Every member of UCD's community is responsible for inclusion - that includes you as a student! Here's what you can do:
- Be respectful of everyone in our community and always treat others with dignity. This includes the way we speak with and about one another.
- Chat with other students and step outside your comfort zone. Talk to anyone you observe standing alone or who appears anxious and strike up a conversation. This is how we create a welcoming environment.
- Don’t make assumptions about others. Although we are all here now, you never know what path someone else has taken to get here. By being open minded, we can learn a lot from others.
- Remember that everyone is different and to acknowledge that we all can learn from each other, particularly those that are different from ourselves.