The negative publicity and antisocial behaviour indulged in by a minority of students have led to the NUI Galway Students’ Union decision to cancel Rag Week next spring.
At a meeting of the Students’ Union Council this week last night, it was decided by a majority vote of 95 per cent, not to organise any Rag Week events. The move came following a proposal from the SU that the university should provide a number of concessions in return for its co-operation.
The concessions include a trebling in the university’s contribution to the Student Assistance Fund and a guarantee that the university’s health unit would not introduce charges for students.
The move comes following last years events which saw a minority indulge in antisocial behaviour, particularly in residential areas close to the university, despite the Students’ Union’s focus on non alcohol events and the amounts raised for charity.
“NUI Galway students have an excellent tradition of raising money for charity which is the reason for Rag Week,” said NUIG SU president Emmet Connolly. “Over the past four years alone the Students’ Union has raised over €100,000 through Rag Week, however this is often forgotten.
“The actions of a minority of people, many of whom are not NUI, Galway students, have been very destructive and the Students’ Union has decided not to continue with something that is seen to support the behaviour of that minority.”
Mr Connolly added that despite the cancellation of Rag Week, the SU will continue to raise money for its chosen charities, The Galway Rape Crisis Centre and SpunOut.ie
