Statement on Postgraduate Representation - 22nd September 2022
The Trinity College Dublin (TCD) Dean of Graduate Studies has emailed the Postgraduate community to communicate the decision to suspend funding from the Graduate Students’ Union (GSU). This decision was made by the Capitations Committee, as the GSU has not complied with the mandated report of their finances and concerns with the constitutionality and transparency of EGMs and Elections. The last time the GSU has submitted audited financial statements to the Capitations Committee was for the year ended August 31 2020.
In light of this, on September 22 2022, the Board approved a mandate for Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) to nominate postgraduate students to attend relevant College committees at the invitation of the committee chair. We believe that Postgraduate Students deserve representation — at school level, at Board level, and in all other committees in College where decisions regarding Postgraduates are made. We believe Postgraduates deserve financial transparency in how their capitation is allocated and spent. At the present time, we can say with certainty that Postgraduate Students are not receiving what they deserve.
TCDSU will arrange a Postgraduate Town Hall which will allow us to engage in direct consultation with Postgraduate Students to discuss the future of Postgraduate representation within Trinity. TCDSU will facilitate Postgraduate Students in the interim period — but the decisions regarding the future of Postgraduate representation are in the hands of the Postgraduates themselves. The TCDSU Sabbatical Officer Board is working internally to ensure that we can communicate effectively with registered Postgraduate Students going forward.
TCDSU exists to advocate for and support all students. Every Postgraduate Student can avail of our services, including but not limited to the pastoral or academic support provided by the Sabbatical Officer Board. If you have an issue or a question during your time in Trinity, you can contact us at the email addresses listed below.
Postgraduate students can also access the support offered by the TCD Postgraduate Advisory Service (PAS). To make an appointment with the Postgraduate Student Support Officer, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Tabhair aire,
TCDSU Sabbatical Officer Board
Gabrielle Fullam, President / Uachtarán, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,
Zöe Cummins, Education Officer / Oifigeach Oideachais, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Chloe Staunton, Welfare & Equality Officer / Oifigeach Leasa agus Comhionannais, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,
Max Lynch, Ents Officer / Oifigeach Siamsaíochta, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,
Julie Smirnova, Comms & Marketing Officer / Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí agus Margaíochta, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..