Vice President for Equality & Diversity
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Vice President for Equality & Diversity
The post of Vice President for Equality and Diversity is a new and exciting opportunity in NUI
Galway. Responsible to the President, the Vice President for Equality & Diversity will be a member
of the University Management Team (UMT) with responsibility for advancing equality-related
outcomes across the university. There will be a particular focus on gender-equality initially.
The university is committed to effecting cultural and systemic change to ensure that
1. The contribution of all staff to the University is recognised and valued; and
2. All staff are equally supported in their work to achieve their full potential.
The ideal candidate
 will be a graduate, with a higher degree
 will have significant experience of academic leadership
 will be passionate about equality
 will have demonstrated experience of strategic planning, policy formulation, leadership
development and advancement of gender equality based on international best practice
 will have demonstrable expertise in gender equality
 will have an in-depth knowledge of the policy and legal framework supporting gender
equality and diversity in employment
 will have a good understanding of the Higher Education sector in Ireland
 will have the capacity to create trust, listen, and facilitate a positive working environment
 will have excellent inter-personal skills
 will have excellent communication skills both verbal and written
 will demonstrate commitment to the ethos and vision of the University
The post will be for a period of eight years initially with a commitment to the post-holder to move
to an appropriate post on completion of contract.
Salary:
€106,515.68 - €136,275.84 p.a.
Candidates who wish to discuss the post should contact the office of the University Secretary at
+353 (0)91-492220.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 17.00 (Irish Time) on 29th October 2015.
Please Note Garda Vetting may apply
For more information and Application Form please see website:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/jobs/
Applications should be submitted online.
Please note that appointment to posts advertised will be dependent upon University approval, together with
the terms of the Employment Control Framework for the higher education sector.
National University of Ireland Galway is an equal opportunities employer.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
VICE-PRESIDENT FOR EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
Background to the Role
This new position has been established by the University in recognition of the fact that women have not
enjoyed equal participation across the sector generally and in NUI Galway specifically. It follows the
establishment of a Task Force on Gender Equality by the University’s Governing Body with the remit “To
consider the University’s present gender mix among staff, including academic and support staff, and advise
the University what measures it should take and over what timescale to develop effective gender equality”
This new post reflects the University’s commitment to transformational change (see
http://www.nuigalway.ie/genderequality/). The Vice President with the support of dedicated resources will
lead this change to ensure that equality of opportunity is provided to every member of staff as well as
developing and implementing a strategy that establishes the University as an exemplar of best practice in
the area.
Key Responsibilities
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Develop and implement a University wide Strategy on Equality and Diversity.
Lead a programme of change management across the University to eliminate bias and
remove barriers to equality of opportunity in employment.
Develop targets and timetables in relation to the delivery of equality of opportunity.
Develop best practice policies and procedures to support equality & diversity.
In conjunction with the relevant offices, ensure that education and training supports are
available to all staff of the University and that staff involved in key decision making
committees, recruitment selection / promotion decisions receive appropriate training in
equality and diversity.
Lead the implementation of the recommendations from the Task Force on Gender Equality.
Lead the University’s participation in the Athena SWAN Charter. NUI Galway became a
member of the Athena SWAN charter in 2014. The attainment of an Athena SWAN
Institution award has been identified as a key performance indicator in the University’s
Strategic Plan 2015-2020.
Oversee the University's engagement with sectoral programmes and reviews of gender
equality
Key Working Relationships
The Vice-President will report to the President.
The VP will be a member of the University Management Team (UMT) and will work collaboratively
with colleagues of UMT, Vice-Presidents, Deans, Heads of Schools and Administrative Units, staff
and Trade Unions.
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Requirements for the Post
The ideal candidate
 will be a graduate, with a higher degree
 will have significant experience of academic leadership
 will be passionate about equality
 will have demonstrated experience of strategic planning, policy formulation, leadership
development and advancement of gender equality based on international best practice
 will have demonstrable expertise in gender equality
 will have an in-depth knowledge of the policy and legal framework supporting gender
equality and diversity in employment
 will have a good understanding of the Higher Education sector in Ireland
 will have the capacity to create trust, listen, and facilitate a positive working environment
 will have excellent inter-personal skills
 will have excellent communication skills both verbal and written
 will demonstrate commitment to the ethos and vision of the University
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APPLICATION AND APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES
1.
Application
A. Current NUI Galway employees
If you are a current NUI Galway employee please use the NUI Galway Employee Self Service
(ESS) portal to apply for this post. The following is a link to the ESS portal:
http://ess.nuigalway.ie
The following is a link to a User Guide for ESS:
www.nuigalway.ie/hr/documents/internal/nuig_user_guide_support_internal.pdf
Please ensure that you read the attached guide prior to applying for this post and allow
sufficient time to make your online submission in advance of closing date.
Please note that closing dates/ times will not be extended for user error
Late applications will not be accepted
Non NUI Galway employees
If you are not a current NUI Galway employee please use the NUI Galway online
recruitment portal to apply for this post. The following is a link to the online recruitment
portal:
http://erecruit.nuigalway.ie
The following is a link to a User Guide for the online recruitment portal:
www.nuigalway.ie/hr/documents/nuig_user_guide_support_external.pdf
Please ensure that you read the attached guide prior to applying for this post and allow
sufficient time to make your online submission in advance of closing date.
Please note that closing dates/ times will not be extended for user error
Late applications will not be accepted.
Please submit the following documents under the Applicant CV section of the online form:
a. A cover letter/personal statement outlining why you wish to be considered for the
post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements for
the post of ‘Vice-President of Equality and Diversity’ ’.
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b. A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in
your career to date.
The completed application document must be submitted online to reach the Human
Resources Office no later than 5.00 p.m. (GMT) on Thursday, 29th October 2015. Please
note that an application will ONLY be considered if documents a to b above are fully
completed and received by the closing date.
B. All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of application. If you do not receive an
acknowledgement of receipt of your application or if you have any other queries regarding
the application process please contact recruit@nuigalway.ie
or telephone 091-492151.
C. Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER):
It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in
Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from
applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such
retirees may not apply for this position.
D. Pension Entitlements:
This is a pensionable position. Details of the applicable Pension Scheme will be provided to
the successful candidate. The Pension element of this appointment is subject to the terms
and conditions of the Pension scheme currently in force within the University. This Scheme
may be amended or revised by the Irish Government or its agents at any time.
The Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 set a minimum
retirement age of 65 and removed the upper compulsory retirement age for certain New
Entrants to the Public Sector on or after 1 April 2004. Effective from 1st January 2013, The
Single Public Service Scheme applies to all first-time new entrants to the public service, as
well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than
26 weeks.
Retirement age set, initially, at 66 years; this will rise in step with statutory changes in the
State Pension Contributory (SPC) age to 67 years in 2021 and 68 years in 2028.
Compulsory retirement age will be 70.
E. Declaration:
Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously availed of a public
service scheme of incentivised early retirement. Applicants will also be required to declare
any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any
other Public Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu in
respect of service in any Public Service employment.
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F. Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants :
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform letter dated 28th June 2012 to Personnel
Officers introduced, with effect from 1st June 2012, a Collective Agreement which had been
reached between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Public Services
Committee of the ICTU in relation to ex-gratia Redundancy Payments to Public Servants. It is
a condition of the Collective Agreement that persons availing of the agreement will not be
eligible for re-employment in the public service by any public service body (as defined by
the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009 – 2011) for a period of 2
years from termination of the employment. Thereafter the consent of the Minister for
Public Expenditure and Reform will be required prior to re-employment. People who availed
of this scheme and who may be successful in this competition will have to prove their
eligibility (expiry of period of non-eligibility) and the Minister’s consent will have to be
secured prior to employment by any public service body.
G. Department of Health and Children Circular (7/2010)
The Department of Health Circular 7/2010 dated 1 November 2010
introduced a Targeted Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) Scheme and
Voluntary Redundancy Schemes (VRS). It is a condition of the VER scheme
that persons availing of the scheme will not be eligible for re-employment
in the public health sector or in the wider public service or in a body wholly
or mainly funded from public moneys. The same prohibition on reemployment applies under the VRS, except that the prohibition is for a
period of 7 years, after which time any re-employment will require the
approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. People who
availed of either of these schemes are not eligible to compete in this
competition.
H. Declaration
Applicants will be required to confirm whether they have previously
availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement and/or
the collective agreement outlined above. The above represents the main
schemes and agreements restricting a candidate’s right to be re-employed
in the public service. However it is not intended to be an exhaustive list and
candidates should declare details of any other exit mechanism they have
availed of which restricts their right to be re-employed in the public
service. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a
Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other
Public Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-inlieu in respect of service in any Public Service employment.
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I. Work Permits:
Work permits are permits which are granted to non-EU/EEA Citizens to allow them to work
in Ireland legally. It's an illegal offense to work in Ireland without a work permit and both
the employer and the employee are held responsible.
For more information on work permits and for future updates, visit the Enterprise, Trade
and Employment website www.entemp.ie
2.
Assessment Procedure
(a) Board of Assessors
Applications will be considered by a Board of Assessors, which will shortlist and interview
candidates and report to the University Appointing Authority.
Where a specific Irish Language competence is set out as an essential criterion for a post,
candidates will be required to sit an Irish Oral and Written Examination at the initial stage
of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates that successfully complete this
initial stage will be considered by a Board of Assessors, which will shortlist and interview
candidates and report to the University Appointing Authority.
All applications and other materials submitted by applicants will be treated in strict
confidence by all panel members and others involved in the administration of the
recruitment. No information about the identity of applicants, or details of their
applications, will be released to others, except where it is necessary as part of the selection
process.
(b) Presentation & Interview Dates
Candidates will be advised of arrangements in due course. We endeavour to give as much
notice as possible for interview dates etc., candidates should make themselves available
for interview and presentation on the date(s) specified by the University.
Candidates who do not attend for interview or other test when and where required by the
University or who do not, when requested, furnish such evidence as the University requires
in regard to any matter relevant to their candidature, will have no further claim to
consideration.
(c) Expenses
Expenses are paid to candidates invited to the Assessors’ Interview (see (a) above). For
further information see the University policies on expenses at the following link
http://www.nuigalway.ie/financial_accounting/policies_procedures.html
(d) Referees
Referees listed on the application form of the successful candidate will be contacted
following interview.
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(e) Offer
All candidates will in due course be notified of the outcome of their application. The
Human Resources Office will offer the post to the candidate appointed once the
appointment has been made by the University Appointing Authority.
The successful candidate will be required to submit evidence of age, original qualifications
and may be required to complete a medical examination. Once a conditional job offer has
been made, the candidate will be asked to complete a pre-employment health
questionnaire that the University’s Occupational Health Service will use in order to assess
medical fitness to undertake the duties of the post.
The information provided on the questionnaire will be used (i) to assess the candidates
medical capability to do the job applied for; (ii) to determine whether any reasonable
adjustments may be required to accommodate any disability or impairment which the
candidate may have; and (iii) to ensure that none of the requirements of the job for which
the candidate applied would adversely affect any pre-existing health conditions the
candidate may have.
Human Resources Office
September 2015
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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 1 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 Vice-Presidents, the Deans of Colleges, Heads of Schools,
the Professors (including Personal Professors), the other Heads of discipline and other
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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.
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:
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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 line-management responsibilities and
functions. These responsibilities and functions will be reviewed from time to time. The VicePresident for the Student Experience and the Vice-President for Research will be full
members of the UMT from 2016.
5.
STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2020
In March 2015, following widespread consultation, the University published Vision 2020, the
NUI Galway Strategic Plan 2015-2020. The University’s mission is to foster a vibrant
community of students and staff, where distinguished learning, impactful research, and
creative thinking are shared with the world; and Vision 2020 lays out a five-year strategy to
fulfil this mission and face the future with ambition. It includes key actions and targets across
a range of topics broadly divided into three themes:
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Teaching and Learning
Research and Innovation
NUI Galway and the World
Our Communities: including our students, staff, alumni and community partners,
among others
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Some highlights from Vision 2020 include:
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a rise in global rankings into the Top 200
an increase in annual research income to €60 million
growing the share of postgraduate students and international students
increasing opportunities for work-based learning experience across our
undergraduate programmes
building new student accommodation
integrating the Shannon College of Hotel Management and St Angela’s College, Sligo
into the University
and fostering a transformed organisational culture of gender equality
A copy of the Strategic Plan is available online:
www.nuigalway.ie/vision2020
6.
STUDENT SERVICES
NUI Galway has historically provided a variety support services for students. Up to the 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 non-academic 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, 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
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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 parttime). Postgraduates accounted for 22% of enrolment. Overall, 57% of enrolment is female.
In 2014/15 were 2,675 overseas students (including ERASMUS), from a total of 110
countries.
Find out more about our student body in the Essential Guide at:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/who-we-are/about-the-university.html
10. RESEARCH
NUI Galway has developed a distinguished reputation for its integrated approach to teaching
and research. It has over 1,200 students undertaking post-graduate degrees through
research, and has an external research income of over €52 million annually.
The overarching objective of NUI Galway’s Strategy for Research and Innovation (215-2020)
is to produce research that is recognised as being excellent, transformative, and relevant to
societal and economic needs, while we train the next generation of researchers. NUI Galway
is a research-led University with global impact. Our research community is adaptive and
agile, and is collaborating and competing on a world stage. Their success is reflected in
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quantifiable measures. Between 20015-2015 the number of indexed publications tripled, the
number of citations quadrupled, and the number of invention disclosures made annually
rose from ten to forty.
Research Priorities
The University has prioritised five cross-disciplinary research themes, building on our
international success to date. These are:
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Applied Social Sciences and Public Policy
Biomedical Science and Engineering
Environment, Marine and Energy
Humanities in Context, including Digital Humanities
Informatics, Data Analytics, Physical and Computational Sciences
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 strategy. 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 2,458 staff, including fulltime and part-time. The academic
complement is 1,051 staff, and a further 489 staff are employed as researchers. Additionally,
918 staff work in an administrative or support capacity, including technical officers and
library staff.
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 €215m, including contract research income of approximately €52m. The
sources of income (excluding contract research income) are State Grants (25%), Student Fees
(65%) and Miscellaneous (10%).
13. THE UNIVERSITY AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE
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 re-statement of the University’s unique
strategic commitment to Irish by requiring that the provision of education through Irish shall
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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 2015-2020, a number of specific measures are aimed at
fulfilling our unique commitment to higher level education through Irish. The include
important commitments to increasing the number of Irish language-based modules
available, making NUI Galway the national leader in providing initial teacher education
training in Irish, and rolling out structured study and work placement programmes in the
Gaeltacht to our students.
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.
14. 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. Our
Strategic Plan commits us further to expanding our dynamic network of partners to develop
strong, mutually-beneficial relationships that extend our influence and reach.
Examples of our community partnership include:
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The ALIVE programme, which sees thousands of students gaining valuable experience
volunteering with civic and community organisations each year, and which
contributes at least €1 million in work hours annually
Our Regional Medical Academies, which enables our medical students to gain
valuable hands-on experience in hospitals in Letterkenny, Sligo, Castlebar and
Ballinasloe
The Youth Academy, which welcomes hundreds of gifted primary school children to
experience a range of academic programmes on campus delivered by our teaching
and research staff
The EXPLORE initative, which funds staff-student partnerships to develop a range of
innovative social projects and enterprises
The University will continue to play a leading role in our city and region, serving and engaging
with our diverse communities.
15. 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
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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 incubation units that 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.
The University is consistently one of the most productive in Ireland in terms of commercial
research outputs. Growing our research commercialisation further is a key target in Vision
2020, with a commitment to produce 30 new spin out companies, 75 new licences and 40
new patents over the lifetime of the Strategic Plan.
16. LINKS WITH OTHER THIRD-LEVEL INSTITUTIONS
In addition to a wide range of international links, the University has a longstanding
relationship with a number of Colleges in our region.
Shannon College of Hotel Management: The Shannon College of Hotel Management was
formally integrated into NUI Galway in August 2015, with staff and students of the College
becoming staff and students of the University. Shannon College is a constituent of the
University's College of Business, Public Policy and Law, and the integration saw all academic
and administrative systems aligned across the two institutions. For more information on the
integration, visit: www.nuigalway.ie/shannonintegration
Burren College of Art: Also in Co. Clare, the University has a strong partnership with the
Burren College of Art since 2003, offering 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.
St Angela’s College, Sligo: Work is well underway to integrate St Angela’s College, Sligo, into
the University, and this is a key commitment in Vision 2020, the University’s Strategic Plan
2015-2020. The two institutions have a history of working closely together, originating in its
becoming a Recognised College of the NUI in 1978 under the supervision of NUI Galway. The
integration will see staff and students of St Angela’s College becoming staff and students of
the University, with a closer alignment of programme delivery and shared administrative
systems.
University of Limerick: 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 are
working to enhance the services we provide to our students 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.
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17. 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 – as well as 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 and the Lambe Institute are located on the Galway
University Hospital site beside the main campus.
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)
 Hardiman Research Building
 Biosciences Building
 Lifecourse Institute
 Clinical/Translational Research Building
The University is continuing its major campus development programme under the Strategic
Plan 2015-2020 including a Human Biology Building and a new Centre for Drama, Theatre
and Performance due for completion in 2016. Other upcoming construction projects include
new student residences on campus and new sports facilities, including a water sports centre.
18. 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 510,000 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.
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
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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 researcherspecific 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
19. 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.
20. 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
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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.
STRUCTURES OF THE COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS
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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