NUI Galway students are no closer to knowing the composition of their timetables after the university provided them with an update on Monday informing students only of the number of hours they will be spending on campus.
NUIG Students’ Union president Pádraic Toomey said the lack of certainty is affecting students’ ability to make decisions on whether to secure accommodation and to inform potential employers on their availability.
He said; “We understand the reality we live in. However, we believe the university should have published the timetables earlier [especially] when students were told to secure their accommodation.
“Students know how many hours per week they will be on campus but they do not know which days they have class. This means they don’t know whether to commute or if they have a job what day they can work.
“It is worrying [that timetables have not be finalised] with the student population back in 25 days and first years arriving in 18 days.”
Mr Toomey also highlighted the issues many first year students experience when they attend college and are away from home for the first time.
“First year is about relationship building, learning life skills, and learning about being on your own. We have been flagging this issue [with the university]. If a first year has a lecture at 9am and their next lecture is at 1pm, where can they go [on campus] between 10am and 1pm? You can’t say go home for two hours and lock yourself in your bedroom.
“We need more things to do on campus and we need more safe things to do and to be providing a college experience for those coming for their first year.”
Commenting on the matter a spokesperson for NUI Galway said timetables would be issued to students closer to the start of term once students had matriculated and chosen their modules.
She said; “NUI Galway is committed to providing a top quality teaching experience in a blended mode of on campus and online delivery next year.
“Indicative schedules have been issued to students this week, providing information on the balance of on-campus and online teaching for each programme. The schedules provide students with all available detail on what components of each programme will be delivered on campus versus online, to assist students in making plans for the coming semester.
“Individual student timetables for all courses are being finalised by the schools and colleges in the university and these will be issued to students closer to the start of term, once students have registered and selected all of their module choices. Timetables must be planned carefully to ensure that teaching venue capacity and access to venues comply with public health guidelines. The health and safety of our students and wider community remains our main priority.”
