DCU’s funding for clubs and societies is now higher than ever before, according to the Office of Student Life (OSL).
Una Redmond, Manager of the OSL, says there are “more” funds available to clubs and societies this year than in previous years due to annual increases in the rate of capitation.
“The rate goes up every year, so provided student numbers don’t fall there is an increase every year,” said Redmond.
She added that there were no cutbacks and that the funding structure for clubs and societies would remain the same for the foreseeable future. No figures of funding were disclosed.
Clubs and society funding at DCU is generated from capitation. This is a portion of the registration fee which each student pays at the start of every academic year.
The money goes to the OSL where it is divided up between the Students Union (SU), the Societies and Publications Committee (SPC) and the Sports Club Committee (SCC).
From here the SPC and SCC allocate this money out to the clubs and societies in accordance to policy. Both committees consist of elected students, the manager of OSL and the Clubs and Societies Officer.
The OSL say they are adamant that this structure will require no reconsideration in the future.
“The established format for funding clubs and societies will remain this way,” said Eimear Fitzmaurice, Clubs and Societies Officer.
Redmond added: “There is no reason to believe that the funding structure will change.”
At the end of May, the post of Student Activities Officer (SAO) was scrapped after funding was pulled following the end of its three-year contract with Campus Property Ltd.
One of the duties of the SAO, then chaired by Lisa Muldowney, was to provide guidance to Clubs and Societies on proper financial structures and management.
Fitzmaurice says the position is “sadly” missed but that equivalent procedures are in place to ensure that the financial interests of Clubs and Societies are protected.
“This is very unfortunate for society life in DCU,” said Fitzmaurice, “…but we have done everything we can in the OSL to ensure nothing has changed.”
Siobhan Byrne, Clubs and Societies Finance Officer, now looks after the administration which was part of the role of SAO.
To ensure strong communication between the OLS and the University is maintained, Fitzmaurice has established a link with Student Support and Development.
Furthermore the co-ordination of the Uaneen Module remains as part of the work carried out by the Learning Innovation Unit.
“Overall society life in DCU will soldier on despite this loss,” said Fitzmaurice.