SU President –
Richard Noonan
The key areas of my role are as follows:
- Chief spokesperson
- Finance
- Press & Media
- Representation
- National issues
- Organisation
The President of MTU Students’ Union is a full-time, elected representative whose primary role is to lead the Union strategically and ensure the voice of students is heard and represented at every level of decision-making within the University and beyond.
The President works to improve the overall student experience at MTU by advocating for students’ rights, needs, and interests across academic, welfare, financial, and structural matters. This includes ensuring the Students’ Union remains focused on enhancing student life through policy, representation, and strategic engagement.
Representation & Committees
One of the President’s key responsibilities is student representation at both university and national levels. The President sits on several high-level decision-making bodies within the university, including (but not limited to):
- MTU Governing Body
- Academic Council
- Strategic Development Committee
- Finance Committee
- Student Services Company
Through these roles, I ensure that students’ voices are central to discussions and decisions on everything from academic regulations to student services and university finances.
Additionally, to gain the voices of the students directly, I sit alongside the other officers of the student’s union to gain the insight on student’s thoughts, concerns and issues. These forums allow me to hear firsthand the main problems students are facing and bring these concerns to the different committees with the goal of seeing them resolved.
These student forums consist of:
- Union General Meeting – Public meeting open to all students to attend and speak.
- Union Council Meeting – Meeting comprised of Class Representatives to speak on behalf of class groups
National Engagement with AMLÉ
The President also resides as the primary figure represents MTU students at a national level through collaboration with other Students’ Unions, student networks, and representative bodies, such as Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ). This collaboration and unity within AMLÉ ensure that MTU students have a seat at the table when it comes to shaping wider policy and student life both within Cork and across Ireland.
Through AMLÉ, I sit on several working groups and committees alongside officers from other institutions that allow us to not only share ideas for how each of us are approaching different ongoing situations in our universities, but also allow for us to learn a new perspective to approach a situation bodies within the university. These working groups that sit on include (but not limited to):
- Presidents Working Group
- TU Working Group
- Southern Region Working Group
- Postgraduate Working Group
Leadership & Advocacy
As the leader of the Students’ Union, the President works closely with SU Officers and staff to deliver campaigns, support services, and initiatives that benefit the student community. I am also available to students who wish to raise concerns, suggest improvements, or get involved in shaping their university experience.
Additionally, as the primary liaison with AMLÉ, I act as the chief spokesperson for the student’s union on national issues affecting all students, including those in MTU Cork. Through this, I help to coordinate the union’s response to these issues and work with AMLÉ on actions that can be taken, such as the protest regarding the fees earlier in the summer.
Final Word
University is more than lectures and exams – it’s a time to grow, get involved, and make the most of your journey. I hope MTU is as rewarding for you as it has been for me. If there’s ever anything you want to talk about – big or small – my door is always open.
TEL: 021 433 5277
Mob: 087 900 5554
Email: supresidentcork@mtu.ie