Executive Director - Blackstone Launchpad
Office of Vice President For Research
Ref: 007831
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Executive Director – Blackstone Launchpad
Office of the Vice President for Research
Applications are invited from suitably qualified enthusiastic candidates for a full-time fixed term position as the
Executive Director of Blackstone Launchpad in the Office of the Vice President for Research at the National
University of Ireland, Galway. This position is funded by the Blackstone Charitable Foundation and is available
for a 3 year period from October 2015- October 2018.
About Blackstone LaunchPad: “Blackstone LaunchPad is a campus-based experiential entrepreneurship
program open to students, alumni, staff and faculty offering coaching, ideation and venture creation support. It
is modeled on a successful program originated at the University of Miami and was further developed by the
Blackstone Charitable Foundation.”
Job Description: As the Blackstone LaunchPad Director at NUI Galway, you will be part of an international
network. Blackstone Launchpad at NUI Galway will support students who have business ideas to take those
ideas from the concept phase through feasibility assessment, business plan development and readiness to launch.
The Director will inspire, mentor, coach and advise students; will develop a network of experienced business
leaders and entrepreneurs who can serve as venture coaches to the student’s entrepreneurship; and will develop
programs on specific topics to drive undergraduate entrepreneurship at NUI Galway.
Qualifications:
 Bachelor’s degree required (Masters desired)
 Track-record of experience and success as an entrepreneur and/or innovator (minimum 7 year demonstrated
experience)
 A track-record of involvement in competitive bidding for funding is desirable
 Past experience in development work and or building enterprise/institutional partnerships
 Active and credible participant in start-up community networks
Salary Scale (Under Review):
Assistant Secretary Scale - €75,874 - €86,234 pa (New entrants post January
2011). Assistant Secretary Scale- €84,082-€95,593 pa (Pre Jan 2011)
Associate Secretary Scale - €109,789 per annum (New entrants post Jan
2011). Associate Secretary Scale- €121,766 pa (Pre Jan 2011)
Start Date: October 2015
Garda Vetting will apply
Further information about Blackstone LaunchPad is available at http://www.blackstonelaunchpad.org/
Informal enquires concerning this post may be made to Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice President for Research,
NUI Galway (vpresearch@nuigalway.ie)
Appointment to the post advertised will be dependent upon University approval, together with the terms of the
Employment Control Framework for the higher education sector. This appointment will be made on the above
scale in line with current Government pay policy.
(For pre 1995 public sector entrants in Ireland, the D class Salary rates will apply)
Closing date for receipt of applications is 17.00 GMT on September 15, 2015. It will not be possible to
consider applications received after the closing date.
For more information and Application Form please see website: http://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/jobs/
Applications must be submitted online
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunity employer.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
1. Job Title
Executive Director- Blackstone
LaunchPad
Is post permanent or a contract?
Discipline/Section
Office of the Vice President for Research
Current Job Holder
Vacant
Fixed Term Contract – 3 Years
2.
Role Relationships
The post holder under the VPR’s direction will have specific contact with:
 Senior Management of the College; President, Registrar, Academic Secretary, Deans of Colleges, Heads of
School
 Directors of Research Centres, Heads of Support Units
 Blackstone LaunchPad National Director and associate staff
 Blackstone LaunchPad Global Network
 Galway University Foundation (GUF) Director and associate staff
 NUI Galway Alumni (through GUF)
 Human Resources, Technology Transfer Office, Financial and Research Accounting, in the course of
developing collaborative partnerships.
 Blackstone LaunchPad University sites in Ireland
 NUI Galway Student Union President and staff
 NUI Galway Undergraduate Students
S/He has general contact with:
 Academic, research, technical, administrative and support staff throughout the University.
 Visiting delegations and individuals from partner Universities, funding bodies and industry
 Primary and Secondary level schools and students
VPR
Executive Director
Programme Manager
Blackstone LaunchPad
Technology Transfer
office
NUI Galway Marketing
and Communication
Office
BlackStone
LaunchPad
Blackstone Launchpad
Stakeholders
at
at NUI Galway
NUI Galway
Organisational Chart
3. MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:
Blackstone LaunchPad is a program focused on incubating and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs through
inspiring and supporting students and alumni in developing their business ideas from concept to business launch.
Blackstone LaunchPad provides resources, one-on-one coaching, access to networks of advisors, and a place where the
student entrepreneur can find other like-minded students.
As the Blackstone LaunchPad Director at NUI Galway, you will be part of an International network. Blackstone
LaunchPad at NUI Galway will support students who have business ideas to take those ideas from the concept phase
through feasibility assessment, business plan development, and readiness to launch. The Director will mentor, coach
and advice students; will develop a network of experienced business leaders and entrepreneurs who can serve as
Venture Coaches to the student entrepreneurs; and will develop programs on specific topics to drive undergraduate
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entrepreneurship at NUI Galway.
The key mission of the Director will be to successfully launch and build a dynamic Blackstone LaunchPad program in
NUI Galway in a timely, collaborative and results oriented manner that engages a multitude of users and stakeholders.
Ideally, the Blackstone LaunchPad Director will be the catalyst for the creation of a cohesive community of
entrepreneurs at NUI Galway and a champion for student entrepreneurship. This position offers the opportunity to
make a difference – for individual students and for the NUI Galway community.
4. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Write in perceived order of Importance)
Drive and execute Blackstone LaunchPad program on campus
 Make NUI Galway’s BLP programme a successful model for undergraduate entrepreneurship on a global scale
 Develop enabling structures to support undergraduate entrepreneurship at NUI Galway
 Provide senior leadership to staff and students in relation to undergraduate entrepreneurial activity
Develop collaborative and comprehensive engagement and outreach strategies
 Achieve 10% undergraduate student recruitment to the BLP programme in Year 1
 Ensure program participants reflect co-curricular program goals
 Build strategic plans to attract different audiences and customer segments
Inspire and coach students and ventures
 Expand, adapt and refine entrepreneurial interests and venture concepts and businesses
 Identify resources to support further success and facilitate connections
 Be actively involved in coaching and directly supporting student entrepreneurs
Team Leadership
 Provide leadership to the newly established Blackstone Launchpad team
 Develop structures to support the activity of the BLP Team
Be forward thinking and innovative
 Create and develop innovation support programmes to harness Undergraduate entrepreneurship on campus
 Seek opportunities to support Undergraduate Entrepreneurship and Innovation on campus through new cocurricular support models
Actively participate in global network and in external/internal communities
 Utilise existing networks and contacts to support Blackstone LaunchPad activities and events
 Create new networks and opportunities for NUI Galway in terms of entrepreneurship and innovation
5. SPECIAL FEATURES OF JOB:
 The ability to inspire and deliver
 A background in entrepreneurship and new venture creation is required
 A clear reporting style and excellent communication and inter-personal skills are desirable, as is the ability to
prioritise, summarise and analyse within a complex landscape.
6. QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Essential Criteria
 Bachelor’s degree required (Masters desired)
 Track-record of experience and success as an entrepreneur and/or innovator (minimum 7 year demonstrated
experience)
 A track-record of involvement in competitive bidding for funding is desirable
 Past experience in development work and or building enterprise/institutional partnerships
 Active and credible participant in start-up community networks
 Ability to relate, coach and inspire students/young entrepreneurs; Familiarity with coaching business ventures
 Strong communication and organisational skills
 Self-starter and team player who can be responsive and adaptive
 The ability to lead a team in terms of strategic planning and the delivery of high quality service
 Familiarity with University, Public and Private sector activity
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


The diplomatic, advocacy and communication skills required to balance expectations across a broad stakeholder
community
Diverse connections within the regional business and entrepreneurial community are an asset, though experienced,
well-qualified people from outside the region are encouraged to apply. The critical skill is to convert a strong
relationship base of entrepreneurs and business leaders to become involved with Blackstone LaunchPad
High energy; enthusiastic; integrity and authenticity
Garda vetting will apply
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Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh
National University of Ireland, Galway
PROFILE OF THE UNIVERSITY
1.
CONSTITUTION
National University of Ireland, Galway was established in 1845 as Queen’s College, Galway, by Charter
under the Queen’s Colleges (Ireland) Act. Under the Irish Universities Act 1908, it became a Constituent
College of the National University of Ireland established under that Act, and a new Charter was issued,
changing its name to University College, Galway.
Under the Universities Act, 1997, the College (together with the other Constituent Colleges) was
reconstituted as a University and its title was changed to National University of Ireland, Galway/ Ollscoil
na hÉireann, Gaillimh. It is at the same time a Constituent University of the National University of
Ireland, almost all of whose functions were transferred under the Act to the Constituent Universities.
The legal standing of the University derives from the Irish Universities Act 1908, its Charter issued under
that Act, the University College Galway Acts, 1929 and 2006, and the Universities Act 1997. The
provisions of these instruments are further developed in Statutes and Regulations, made in accordance
with those Acts and Charter.
The University’s general relationships with the State are mainly conducted through the Higher Education
Authority.
2.
AUTHORITIES
The Charter and relevant legislation provide for two authorities, Údarás na hOllscoile (The University
Governing Authority) and the Academic Council.
Subject to the provisions of the relevant Acts and Charter, Údarás na hOllscoile is empowered to
manage and control all the affairs of the University. Its membership (40) for the three-year period
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February 2013 – 31 January 2016 is as follows: an external Cathaoirleach (Chairman), the President, the
Registrar and Deputy-President, 5 Professors/Personal Professors, 5 other academic staff, 3 other
employees, 2 elected officers of the Students’ Union, 1 postgraduate student, 4 graduates, 7 elected by the
local authorities of the region, 2 nominees of the NUI, 3 nominees from selected external organisations
(including business and industry), the President of St. Angela’s College, Sligo, a member drawn from
artistic and cultural interests, and 3 nominees of the Minister for Education and Skills.
Under the Universities Act 1997, the question as to whether the President, or another person (not an
employee of the University or a member of Údarás na hOllscoile), is to be Cathaoirleach of Údarás na
hOllscoile is a matter for decision by Údarás na hOllscoile at its first meeting and from time to time
thereafter.
The Academic Council is the chief academic authority and, subject to review by Údarás na hOllscoile,
controls the academic affairs of the University, including the curriculum, instruction and education
provided by the University. Its members are the President, the Registrar and Deputy-President, the VicePresidents, the Deans of Colleges, Heads of Schools, the Professors (including Personal Professors), the
other Heads of discipline and other members drawn from the other academic staff grades and the student
body, the Librarian, Director of Information Solutions and Services, Director of Lifelong Learning, the
Príomhfheidhmeannach of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, the Director of the Centre for
Excellence in Learning and Teaching; its present total membership is about 150. The President is entitled
to preside at all meetings of the Council.
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3.
THE PRESIDENT
Under the Universities Act, the President is responsible to Údarás na hOllscoile (The University
Governing Authority) for the efficient and effective management of the University and for the due
performance of his/her functions, and is subject to such policies as may be determined from time to time
by it. S/he shall, subject to the Act, manage and direct the University in its academic, administrative,
financial, personnel and other activities and for those purposes has such powers as are necessary or
expedient.
4.
THE UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT TEAM
The University Management Team comprises:
The President
The Registrar and Deputy-President
The Vice-President for Innovation and Performance
The Executive Director of Operations
The Bursar
The Secretary/An Rúnaí
The President is the head and chief officer of the University and is appointed for a 10-year period, subject
to retirement at 65 (for those already employed in the public sector in Ireland). The Vice-Presidents are
initially appointed for a four-year period and are eligible for reappointment for one further four-year term.
Acting under the President, the various members of the UMT each have specific policy and linemanagement responsibilities and functions. These responsibilities and functions will be reviewed from
time to time. The Vice-President for the Student Experience and the Vice-President for Research will be
full members of the UMT from 2016.
5.
STRATEGIC PLAN 2009-14
In September 2009, following widespread consultation, the University published the NUI Galway
Strategic Plan. NUI Galway offers a holistic, educational and cultural experience to its diverse student
body. Our University is recognised nationally and internationally for innovation, excellence and
leadership in selected and distinctive programmes of teaching, research and scholarship. Our
programmes reflect the strengths of the University, national priorities, and the strengths and needs of the
region. We have a particular commitment to Gaeltacht regions and the Irish language community. The
University seeks to develop and sustain effective strategic partnerships with relevant regional, national
and international stakeholders and organisations.
A copy of the Strategic Plan is available online: http://www.nuigalway.ie/president/reports.html
6.
STUDENT SERVICES
NUI Galway has historically provided a variety support services for students. Up to 1970s this was
through Deans of Residence (the Chaplain and Lady Superintendent) and directly by academic staff.
Since then, as the University expanded, a more structured approach was adopted, including setting up a
Student Services Committee and hiring of specialist staff (Student Services Administrator,
Accommodation Office, Counsellor, Sports Officer and Careers Officer). In 2004, the first Vice President
for Student Services was appointed, reflecting the vision of the University to be student-centred. In the
intervening period, the Vice President post has been refocused and renamed as Vice President for the
Student Experience. In 2013 a Director of Student Services was appointed to provide leadership in the
integration of the student services functions and for the provision of high quality and comprehensive nonacademic support and wellbeing services for students. Student Services currently encompasses the
following areas: Access including mature students; Accommodation; Counselling; Chaplaincy;
Disability; Medical Unit; Societies; Sports (Clubs & Participation); and Welfare including Financial Aid,
Health Promotion and Mentoring. The total staff complement is shown under Organisation and
Management
(Appendix
1).
The Student Services team are core to the personal and academic development of students. This is
embodied in our vision and mission statements and the University’s strategic plan. The shared vision of
Student
Services
which
inspires
its
actions
is:
‘Every NUI Galway student will be supported to actively engage with the University experience to
maximise
their
potential
for
learning
and
leadership
for
life
and
work’
The
achievement
of
this
vision
is
through
our
mission:
‘Student Services will provide students with integrated and prioritised personal, high quality services,
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appropriate to their developmental and support needs, to promote student engagement.’
7.
COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS
In 2008, the University re-organised how it conducts its academic affairs and now is grouped into the
following five Colleges:
Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies
Science
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Engineering and Informatics
Business, Public Policy and Law
Each College has the right to take into consideration all matters bearing upon the studies within its scope
and, subject to review by Údarás na hOllscoile and the Academic Council, is responsible for the
transaction of all academic business pertaining to it. A copy of the structures of the Colleges and
Schools/Disciplines is enclosed.
8.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
The University provides teaching in those five Colleges, up to PhD level, for primary and postgraduate
degrees and for a wide variety of Diplomas and Certificates and, in conjunction with Extern Examiners,
conducts examinations and confers awards (under the 1997 Act, all degrees and other qualifications are
technically NUI degrees and qualifications, although awarded by the individual Constituent University).
56 separate programmes of study are offered for undergraduate students, and over 150 taught
programmes at Postgraduate level and about 140 research programmes.
The University has displayed considerable dynamism in the development of programmes to meet the
evolving needs of society.
The University also provides a programme of Lifelong Learning and conducts a number of Summer
Schools.
The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) plays a central role in relation to academic
staff development, audiovisual services, learning technologies, language laboratories, teaching and
learning policy, and (through the Community Knowledge Initiative) civic engagement and service
learning.
9.
STUDENT BODY
The total student enrolment stands at approximately 17,000 (14,000 fulltime, 3,000 part-time).
Postgraduates accounted for 22% of enrolment. Overall, 57% of enrolment is female. There were 2,257
overseas students (including ERASMUS), from a total of 110 countries.
10. RESEARCH
NUI Galway has developed a distinguished reputation for its integrated approach to teaching and
research. It has over 1,000 students undertaking post-graduate degrees through research, and has an
external research income of over €59 million annually.
The overarching objective of NUI Galway’s Strategy for Research and Innovation (2009-2014) is that
NUI Galway be firmly embedded within the top rank of research universities internationally, in selected
prioritised areas. To meet this objective, the University has identified and prioritised a set of crossdisciplinary research themes, building on our research achievements to date, and is focusing its resources
and efforts on these themes through targeted recruitment and resource allocation, and the establishment
of a number of specialised research institutes and centres.
Our approach to research is guided by the following principles:
The process of prioritisation in building on the academic strengths of the University
Responsiveness to regional, national and international interactions, allied to the national demands to
support the achievement of the knowledge and innovation economy and society
Partnership and collaboration with regional, national and international research organisations
which enable the achievement of greater effectiveness, complementarities and economies of scale
Organisational restructuring to facilitate new interdisciplinary modes of interaction
A commitment to knowledge transfer and innovation, which is underpinned by an intensification of
knowledge dissemination and a particular focus on technology transfer and commercialisation.
Research Priorities
The five thematic research priorities of the University are:
i.
Biomedical Science and Engineering
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ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Informatics, Physical and Computational Sciences
Environment, Marine and Energy
Applied Social Sciences and Public Policy
Humanities in Context
These thematic research priorities transcend School and College boundaries, are intimately linked to
staffing and other resources, and are integrated within the overall framework of University strategic foci.
NUI Galway places significant emphasis on inter-disciplinary research programmes, and the
development and expansion of collaboration and research alliances with economic, social and cultural
partners, in areas of regional and national strategic importance. This strategy has resulted in the creation
of research clusters in themes that are academically challenging, economically viable, and regionally and
nationally relevant.
11. STAFF
The University employs 2,525 staff, including fulltime and part-time. The academic complement is
1,076 staff, of whom 610 are fulltime. A further 511 staff are employed as researchers. Additionally,
there are 104 technical and senior technical officers, with a further 787 staff engaged in computing,
library, administration and ancillary services.
Human Resource issues are managed within the Human Resources Office, under the direction of the
Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, working with the Executive Director of
Operations and with appropriate liaison with the Registrar and Deputy-President, who has a special
responsibility for academic staff.
12. FINANCES
The University is its own financial authority and has an annual income, for recurrent purposes, of about
€213m, including contract research income of approximately €59m. The sources of income (excluding
contract research income) are State Grants (30%), Student Fees (60%) and Miscellaneous (10%). Pay
costs comprise 71% of recurrent expenditure.
12.
THE UNIVERSITY AND IRISH
The University has a special obligation, and a policy, to promote the use of Irish in its teaching and
administration. The original legislative mandate was set out in the University College Galway Act 1929.
Under an amendment to that Act in 2006, made at the University’s request, the obligation that
competency to carry out the duties of the post through Irish constitute a factor (and in certain
circumstances a decisive factor) in all appointments was removed; in its stead, the Act now provides a restatement of the University’s unique strategic commitment to Irish by requiring that the provision of
education through Irish shall be one of the principal aims of each strategic development plan. In line with
other organisations in the public sector, the University also has a Scéim Teanga in operation under the
Official Languages Act 2003/Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003.
Under the University’s Strategic Plan 2009-14, which includes as one of its strategic priorities the
development of an exemplary bilingual campus, a number of specific initiatives have been undertaken,
most significantly the establishment of a new, integrated structure (Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge)
within the University, to plan and implement academic programmes through Irish, responsive to the
community’s educational and developmental needs, in addition to the traditional programmes and courses
offered in a number of areas, and the further development of the University’s Gaeltacht centres in Galway
and Donegal. Irish is in use in the administrative services of the University, particularly in its central
offices, and facilities are offered to assist staff and students in developing their competency in Irish.
In addition to Áras na Gaeilge (the centre for Irish-language activities on the main campus), the
University, with support from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Údarás na
Gaeltachta, operates three Gaeltacht centres – Áras Mháirtín Uí Chadhain in An Cheathrú Rua, Áras
Shorcha Ní Ghuairim in Carna and Ionad an Acadaimh in Gaoth Dobhair – which, aside from tailored
language courses for students, staff and outside organisations, provide Diploma, Degree, Higher Diploma
and Master programmes and research services, with a view to the sustainable development of the
Gaeltacht and the Irish language nationally. Language courses are also offered in some 20 other locations
outside the Gaeltacht.
13.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITY AND THE REGION
NUI Galway is strongly committed to the principle of expanding social and geographic access to its
programmes and to forging and maintaining links with the communities of its region, through a variety of
educational, community service and social inclusion initiatives.
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The University has operated an educational outreach programme since the 1960s, whereby off-campus
educational programmes are offered throughout the region and across Ireland. Outreach programmes
include the provision of fulltime, part-time and open and distance learning programmes at certificate,
diploma, degree and postgraduate levels. The cumulative impact of outreach and non-traditional
programmes can be appreciated from the fact that close to 40,000 individuals have participated in its
programmes over the last 40 years. Such courses have also been provided abroad, in the Baltic countries
and in Sri Lanka and Kosovo.
To facilitate access for the socio-economically disadvantaged and non-traditional groups, the University,
alone and in partnership with other institutions, has established a range of Access and Foundation courses
for school-leavers and adults across the Border, Midland and Western Region (which enjoys Objective 1
status). Completion of these gives students special admission to the University’s full-time and part-time
undergraduate programmes.
14.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
The University has a longstanding involvement in the promotion of indigenous enterprise and the direct
provision of services to locally-based industry. The first incubator centre on an Irish university campus
was set up here in 1984 and a significant number of campus companies have been established as a direct
result.
The Technology Transfer Office is a high-performance team that guides breakthrough NUI Galway
research to business reality through comprehensive support services. Its Business Innovation Centre
provides an environment for entrepreneurship and new business growth, with 23 incubation units which
offer the necessary infrastructure to support biomedical and biotechnology start-up companies and with
priority given to companies spinning off from campus research. The Office also provides expert
Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property support.
15.
LINKS WITH OTHER THIRD-LEVEL INSTITUTIONS
In addition to a wide range of international links, the University has a longstanding relationship with St.
Angela’s College, Sligo, originating in its becoming a Recognised College of the NUI in 1978 under the
supervision of NUI Galway, but which has since led to an increasing number of joint educational and
developmental initiatives.
That culminated in St. Angela’s College becoming a College of NUI Galway on 1 January 2006 under a
formal Agreement, while retaining an appropriate degree of autonomy and preserving its separate legal
status and its traditional ethos. There is appropriate cross-representation of staff on the academic bodies
of the partner institutions, including membership of Údarás na hOllscoile for the President of the College.
In 2003 the College was designated by the Minister for Education and Science as henceforth the sole
national centre for the training of teachers of Home Economics, with a consequent growth and
diversification of its specialisms within that discipline. Its educational provision, however, has expanded
beyond that original remit. Today it offers programmes at Bachelor, Master, Higher Diploma and
Diploma levels in a wide range of aspects of Home Economics, Education (including Special Education
Needs), Nursing (General and Intellectual Disability), Food, Textiles, Fashion and Design; it also
provides an Access course for the socioeconomically disadvantaged in association with the University,
and cooperates in the delivery of NUI Galway’s BA programme in Youth and Family Studies. It also has
an important Food Product Development Centre and has been involved in a variety of cross-Border
projects with educational institutions in Northern Ireland. The College currently has an enrolment of 510
full-time and 472 part-time students and a staff of 87 full-time and 19 part-time.
The University also has incroporated Shannon College of Hotel Management, under which students of
that College pursue, under the supervision of the University, a BComm degree, the final year of which is
spent in the University. A BBS degree in International Hotel Management commenced in 2001 in
collaboration with and under the supervision of the University. In that year the College also became a
Recognised College of the NUI.
Also in Co. Clare, the University partners Burren College of Art in the offering since 2003 of a
postgraduate programme leading to the award by NUI Galway of the Master of Fine Arts degree. A PhD
research programme in the College in Studio Art has also been approved by the University.
In 2000, in the context of the National Development Plan which projected significant investment for the
new Objective 1 (Border, Midland and Western) region, the University, which is the only University in
that region, initiated broader cooperative links with all the higher education institutions in the region, in
the form of a unique Regional Higher Education Network (LÍONRA). This network, which formalises at
10
institutional level a wide range of cooperative measures and maximises the provision of education and
training opportunities for all residents of the region through innovative approaches and the use of new
technologies, comprises the University, St. Angela’s College, Sligo, and the Institutes of Technology in
Galway-Mayo, Sligo, Athlone, Dundalk and Letterkenny.
The University, through the Atlantic University Alliance, is engaged in an inter-regional technology
transfer project with University College Cork and the University of Limerick. The AUA aims to pool
their individual expertise and resources, making them available through joint projects in training,
education and Research and Development. At the heart of the Alliance is its interaction with academia
and industry. Among its projects are part-time Diploma, Degree and Master programmes delivered by
distance/on-line learning in areas such as Technology Management and Science and Technology Studies.
Abroad, there are direct programme linkages with Regis University (Denver, Colorado) and the Ahavoli
Institute of Psychology (Jaffna, Sri Lanka).
In 2010, the University launched a Strategic Alliance with the University of Limerick, across all key
areas of activity, in support of the social and economic development of our wider region. By combining
the strengths of the two universities, we will enhance the services we provide to our students, (through a
student mobility Link to Learn programme) and to the community, while being responsive to the needs of
our industry and business partners. The Alliance has an international dimension, through a partnership
with Georgia Institute of Technology in the US. The Institute will work with the Alliance to establish a
translational research institute to focus on technology commercialisation with industry partners.
16.
THE CAMPUS
The main University Campus, with an area of some 105 hectares in the heart of the city of Galway, is
attractively situated on the west bank of the River Corrib, and stretches from Nuns’ Island in the south to
the Sports Grounds in Dangan to the north. Other facilities are located at An Cheathrú Rua (Acadamh na
hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge), Carna (Marine Science Research Facility, and Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim),
Mace Head, Carna (Atmospheric Research Station) - all in Co. Galway - and Carron and Finnevara in Co.
Clare (Natural Sciences Field Stations), and Ionad an Acadaimh in Gaoth Dobhair in Co. Donegal. The
oldest building on the main campus, the original Quadrangle building, of limestone in a Tudor style, dates
from 1849. The Clinical Science Institute is located on the Galway University Hospital site beside the
main campus. The University premises comprise of 177,098 sq. m. of buildings, including student
residences on the north campus and satellite locations (at Carna and Carran, for example).
The following construction projects have been completed in recent years:
Marine Science Buildings at Carna and the Main Campus
Student facilities, including a new Sports Complex, a refurbished Cultural Centre (Áras na Mac
Léinn) and a refurbished restaurant (An Bhialann)
Nursing Library
Award-winning Engineering Building
Park & Ride facility
The O’Shaughnessy Bridge (in conjunction with Galway City Council)
An extension to the James Hardiman Library
Biosciences Building
Lifecourse Institute
Clinical/Translational Research Building
The University is continuing its major campus development programme under the Strategic Plan 20092014 including a Human Biology Building and a new theatre and arts building
17.
LIBRARY
The James Hardiman Library
The James Hardiman Library is the main Library for the University and is located at the heart of the
campus. There is also a separate Medical Library located in the Clinical Sciences Institute at University
College Hospital.
The Library contains approximately 480,000 printed books, with the total library stock, including bound
periodicals, being nearer to 700,000 volumes. There is a strong emphasis on electronic access and NUI
Galway is a member of IReL (the Irish Research eLibrary), a nationally-funded programme to acquire
electronic content on a consortium basis. The Library provides access to over 35,000 electronic journal
titles in full text, along with 350,000 electronic books. Full details of all holdings are available through
the Library website.
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Archives are vital to the academic mission of the University. Holdings include the Douglas Hyde
manuscripts, Galway’s municipal records dating from 1484, the literary archive of John McGahern, and a
wealth of material in theatre, film and the performing arts, with a particular focus on companies such as
the Druid Theatre, Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe and the Lyric Players Theatre in Belfast. A major project to
digitise the archive of the Abbey Theatre is currently in progress. Complementing the archives are special
collections, whose particular strengths include folklore, Irish-language materials and travel literature
relating to Ireland.
Library services to academic staff include information skills training, notably a researcher-specific
workshop series, online courseware and advisory services on effective literature searching, using
reference management software, getting published, disseminating research and measuring its impact. A
team of subject librarians and a Research Services Librarian provide these and other services, including
course reading list support. The Library also manages the ARAN service, which provides open access to
the full text of University research publications, and the Academic Writing Centre.
Full details of all Library services are available at: http://www.library.nuigalway.ie
18.
COMPUTER FACILITIES
The University’s ICT services are provided by Information Solutions and Services (ISS). ISS reports to
the Executive Director of Operations and has a staff of 50 FTEs.
There is a high-speed campus network and internet connection provided by HEAnet, the Irish national
research and education network. This is complemented by an extensive wireless network. High-speed
network links are also being provided to outlying research stations at Carna, Mace Head and Carron, and
to the Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge locations at Gaeltacht sites in An Cheathrú Rua, Carna and
Gaoth Dobhair.
University-wide eMail services are provided to staff and students. A University-wide directory service
with associated file storage and print services has been implemented.
The main ICT resources for teaching and learning are the eResources provided by the James Hardiman
Library, the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), and about 150 specialist software
packages. Delivery of the VLE is led by CELT. A range of specialist software packages are currently
hosted on some 1,800 computers distributed across the campus in about 60 computer suites. About half
these computers are available for general student use; the other half are restricted to use by students in
specific academic units. There is also some specialised local ICT provision for student use in areas such
as Engineering and Informatics and language learning.
ISS manages the University’s analogue and VOIP telephone networks and supports a range of enterprise
applications (Student Records, Finance, HR/Payroll and Estates Management) to support the
administration of the University.
19.
QUALITY
Quality Assurance of research, teaching and support services is the responsibility of all staff across the
University. All staff are responsible for the effective implementation of the University’s various Policies
and Procedures and also for continuously seeking ways to improve quality and efficiency. All units are
also responsible for assuring quality through their Operational Planning and Performance Measurement
process that encourages changes and ideas that are innovative and will increase value for the University’s
various stakeholders including students. The Quality Office is primarily responsible for managing the
peer review element of Quality Assurance. Expert reviewers and external examiners are retained by the
Quality Office to provide recommendations for improving research, teaching and support services based
on their experience at leading Universities around the world. Quality Reviews mainly focus on the
operational plans and improvement initiatives within units and on ways to enhance this change
management process. Quality reviews can also be thematic, focusing on such issues as student feedback,
internationalisation and research outputs. A recent quality review focused on research performance
across all Schools. This initiative and others will be developed and improved in coming years with the
aim of maintaining the University’s standing as a leading University in research and teaching.
20.
LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY
The University has a formal Learning, Teaching & Assessment Strategy which is regularly reviewed
(http://www.nuigalway.ie/celt/documents/revised-LTA-2012.pdf) and which provides both an overview
of our educational philosophy and specific actions that aim to ensure the highest possible quality learning
experience for our students, one that enriches, enthuses and empowers them for their future life and
careers . The Centre for Excellence in Learning & Teaching (CELT) plays a key role in shaping and
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supporting the implementation of this strategy, as well as undertaking pilot studies and research on
aspects of pedagogy and policy.
NUI Galway was the first University in Ireland to develop the role of ‘Learning Technologist’; to offer to
its staff a PgCert/PgDip/MA framework in Teaching, Learning and wider ‘academic practice;’ to embed
‘service’ (or community based) learning in its programmes. It has also garnered recognition at national
and international levels for innovations in, and commitment to, teaching and the nurturing of student
learning. An annual Symposium, visiting scholars and an active seminar programme all centre on
aspects of teaching and learning. The University has secured a very significant number of National
Teaching Awards and invested heavily in its technological infrastructure to support teaching.
Technologies embedded with teaching venues include videoconferencing, ‘clickers,’ echo360 (lecture
capture) and smartboards. In the online context, Blackboard and a range of ancillary tools (such as
Turnitin, Collaborate, Kaltura, echo360) are used on all the University’s programmes and also support
projected growth in blended and online offerings (currently the University has 60+ such programmes:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/celt/eLearning/online_blended_learning.html)
STRUCTURES OF THE COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS/DISCIPLINES
COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF ARTS, SOCIAL
SCIENCES AND CELTIC STUDIES
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, PUBLIC
POLICY AND LAW
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
INFORMATICS
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, NURSING
AND HEALTH SCIENCES
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
SCHOOL
School of Geography and Archaeology
School of Humanities
School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
School of Education
School of Psychology
School of Political Science and Sociology
JE Cairnes School of Business and Economics
School of Law
School of Engineering and Informatics
School of Medicine
School of Nursing and Midwifery
School of Health Sciences
School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics
School of Natural Sciences
School of Chemistry
School of Physics
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