TCDSU passes motion to launch an information campaign on postgraduate issues

The motion, which aims to inform undergraduate students of the issues facing postgraduate students, passed in the fourth council of the year

Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) council has passed a motion to create an information campaign to educate students on the issues that face Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs). 

The motion, proposed by Postgraduate Convenor Seathrún Sardina, aims to “build solidarity” with postgraduate students to combat “a lack of understanding” about “very poor” postgraduate conditions among undergraduates.

The motion was seconded by TCDSU president Jenny Maguire,

Speaking on behalf of the motion, Sardinia said: “Quite often when I’m talking to undergrads people are shocked.” 

Sardinia added that undergraduate students should come to understand “this is the condition College subjects your teachers to”. 

The information campaign will illuminate the issues facing PGRs through emails, social media posts, and town halls. With the help of TCDSU president Jenny Maguire and TCDSU communications and marketing officer Beth Strahan, the campaign aims to reach across the College community. 

“It’s about bringing things together and saying we need to build that level of solidarity,” said Sardinia. 

Postgraduate students and researchers were recently integrated into TCDSU at the start of this academic year. Before this, the Graduate Students Union (GSU) in Trinity was disbanded after a series of scandals, leaving postgraduate students with no formal union representation.

 

Annabelle Wadeson

Annabelle Wadeson is Deputy News Editor of Trinity News and is currently in her third year studying English.