Student Partnership Programme
The University for All Student Partnership Programme was launched to directly involve 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 see it as their responsibility to represent the interests of students from diverse backgrounds.
The Student Partners organised and promoted the University for All Roadshow, helping to raise awareness of inclusion and Universal Design across campus in February 2024. They designed and led on a sustained social media and communications to encourage students to complete the University for All Student Survey which runs every four years, leading to over 2,100 responses. They have delivered several Universal Design training sessions to the heads of UCD’s societies and to UCD Student Ambassadors. These interactive workshops give participants practical examples and advice on how to provide a more inclusive experience for students on campus.
Student Partners have been active collaborators in all of this work, shaping it through their opinions, feedback and experiences. They have been actively engaged in university wide consultations related to student communications and the development of the new UCD Strategy. In May, the showcased their work at the University for All Symposium directly addressing how students benefit from a Universal Design approach and providing ideas on how this might be achieved.
Keep up to date on (opens in a new window)Instagram for more from the Student Partners and read the (opens in a new window)role description.
The 2023/2024 Student Partners are:
- Zara Brennan - English, Drama & Film
- Hasan Khan - Engineering Science
- Elysa Lim - Pharmacology
- Phan Ngoc Nhi An - Commerce
- Grace O'Donnell - Psychology
- Katie O'Sullivan - Law with Politics
- Katie O'Reilly - Geography
- Miruna Surugiu - History
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 took 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.