1. Impeachment petition of Ascough gains total of 1620 signatures
On October 2, students of UCD submitted the original petition to the returning officer, initiating the impeachment referendum of UCDSU President Katie Ascough. The number of signatures gathered exceeded the number of votes Ascough was awarded in the UCD sabbatical elections in March by 466, but was later declared invalid.
2. Undergraduate name “Freshman” to change to gender-neutral “Fresh”
On November 28, students received an email announcing that the title given to first and second year undergraduate students be changed from ‘Freshman’ to the gender-neutral term ‘Fresh’,as proposed by the Equality Committee. The email was sent by Chris Morash, Vice-Provost and TCDSU President Kevin Keane. The announcement evoked a widespread response from students and external media platforms alike.
3. Student with depression and anxiety incorrectly withdrawn from Trinity due to admin errors
On December 8, it was reported that a student has been incorrectly withdrawn from College by Academic Services due to substantial administration errors and delays. Having applied for a full year repeat on medical grounds as well as an application for additional tuition fees to be waived as part of the Free Fees Initiative on medical grounds, the Senior Lecturer did not address the case until December 1. The student’s tutor, Professor Stefan Hutzler, had sent the application on September 25.
4. Trinity confirms closure for Hurricane Ophelia
On October 15, the arrival of Hurricane Ophelia saw Met Éireann issue a status red weather warning to the entire country. The Department of Education and Skills’ subsequently called for all schools and colleges to remain closed, causing Trinity to confirm that college would remain closed for the day despite prior reassurances that college would run as normal.
5. TCDSU Council votes to hold preferendum to have stance on united Ireland
On February 14, TCDSU voted to hold a preferendum on taking a stance on supporting the unity of Ireland,with the three options as neutrality, reunification or to oppose unification. The resulting vote, taking place on March 15, was to remain neutral. 2,157 students voted in the preferendum, with 1,184 voting for neutrality.
6. Students for Justice in Palestine fined for protest at Israeli ambassador talk
On April 3, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) received a fine of €150 following their protest of a talk given by the Israeli ambassador to Ireland, organised by SOFIA. The gathering of approximately 30 protesters at the event on February 20 resulted in the Israeli ambassador cancelling the talk last minute.
