As you are probably aware the decision was taken by the university last week – in consultation with student officers from UL Student Life and the Postgraduate Student Union – to keep the current form of academic delivery in place until the end of the semester. This decision is viewed as both necessary and proactive by student officers given the recent spike in cases of COVID-19 both in Limerick and in Castletroy, and the wider country as a whole.
Further to Taoiseach Mícheál Martin’s announcement on last Monday night, the university’s decision for academic delivery to remain in its current form is in line with the government guidance issued to third level institutions on the implications of our current level 5 lockdown. With this in mind, we urge students who may be returning home and are concerned or have issues to raise with regard to accommodation to make contact with Peadar Collins or Cían Quinlan – our contact details can be found below. We will do our utmost to protect our students who are, without a doubt, experiencing difficulties like never before.
We understand that this is an extremely difficult time for all stakeholders in our university’s community. It would be naïve to suggest that we are all doing fine. Students, staff, and everyone that has a connection to the university’s community are finding it difficult at the moment due to a variety of different challenges that we are all currently facing on a day-to-day basis. The lack of engagement and social activity with our peers, mentors, family, and friends is having a profound impact on how we view university life.
These times are most certainly challenging but we must not forget, we all belong to the pack. We are the UL community. Together, we are UL Student Life. We will overcome these challenges and eventually our students, our staff, and our campus will thrive again.
To anyone who may be struggling, feeling disconnected, feeling overwhelmed or would just like someone to chat to, we urge you to reach out to your student officers. We are here to help.
At a time when engagement and having your voice heard is more important than ever, feel free to contact your officers about joining the student council or becoming a class rep. Additionally, if you would like to share an idea or voice a concern we can be contacted on:
Student support services and the UL counseling service are all currently open.
We will continue to work with the university to represent, advocate, and be a voice for every member of the student body.
We will continue to lobby the government on issues such as accommodation for students, student fees, technological poverty, and all other issues that are currently facing our students.
