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| Union of Students in Ireland (USI) Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn | |
|---|---|
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| President | Chris Clifford |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland |
| International affiliation | European Students' Union |
| Website | www.usi.ie |
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) (Irish: Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn) is the national representative body for third-level students' unions in Ireland. Founded in 1959, USI represents more than 374,000 students in over forty colleges across the island of Ireland.[1] Its mission is to work for rights of students and a fair and equal third-level education system in Ireland.
The Union's ultimate governing body is its Annual Congress, and its executive authority is vested in a its National Council, comprising representatives from each member organisation. Members of the executive team of USI serve a one-year term beginning on 1 July. As of the 2023 Annual Congress, the national President was Chris Clifford, former President of the MTU Kerry Students' Union.[2]
A number of past officers of USI have gone on to prominent positions within Irish society.[citation needed] Past USI presidents include former Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, former Chief Justice John L. Murray (1966/67), and broadcaster Joe Duffy (1983–84).
In Northern Ireland, USI jointly operates NUS-USI with the National Union of Students of the United Kingdom, with students being members of both national unions. USI is a member of European Students' Union, was formerly a member of EURODOC and has provided officer-holders in both organisations.
- ^ "About USI". Union of Students in Ireland. 22 August 2012. Archived from the original on 9 August 2007. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ Fernane, Stepehen (20 April 2023). "Kerry man becomes first MTU student to be elected President of USI – 'The plan is to fight for students'". Irish Independent/Kerryman Newspaper.