Student Community Support replaces Student Patrol | Audrey Ellard Walsh
This Fresher’s Week will see the launch of the Student Community Support scheme which is replacing an older scheme known as “Student Patrol”. Student Patrol, which was launched in 2009, was set up as part of a wider effort to rebrand RAG Week and increase student safety during times when alcohol consumption and anti-social behaviour are at their highest, namely Fresher’s and R&G Weeks.
Student Community Support has three main objectives- to support the welfare of students, to help maintain the cleanliness of the area surrounding College and to represent a positive image of UCC Students to the local community.
Students’ Union Deputy President Sam Ryan, who will be co-ordinating the scheme states that “Student Community Support is an incredibly important scheme for the SU for one main reason, looking out for our students’ welfare.” UCC’s student population has seen a relatively high number of alcohol related fatalities- 8 in the past 5 years. Ryan states that “This is just not acceptable.” and “SCS are going to be on the streets during Fresher's Week doing their best to make sure students are getting home safe.”
SCS will differ from Student Patrol in a number of ways. The duties of SCS will no longer include interacting directly with the Gardai, responding to noise complaints from residents or confiscating alcohol from students drinking in public. They will no longer approach house parties in response to complaints and will also no longer wear high-visibility jackets but will rather be provided with a branded jacket. As in previous years, a large part of the role will be informing students of the laws regarding alcohol consumption in public and offering to dispose of used drink bottles or cans. Drinking alcohol in the street is an offence that currently holds a €75 fine and risk of a criminal record.
The Student Community Support team will be recruited by the Students’ Union and paid the set student help rate of €9.11 per hour. The office of the Vice President for the Student Experience will cover half of this cost. All SCS members will complete compulsory training including basic first aid, communicational and situational skills to enable them to carry out their duties.
The Students’ Union wants to convey to students this Fresher's Week “to have an absolute blast and do your best to make as many friends as you can, a great Fresher's Week sets you up for a great year.” The SCS will also have condoms available for students who require them.
The SU are keen to stress that Student Community Support is there to aid the safety and welfare of students. “We want people to remember that while they're having fun it's important to do two things. To look after yourselves and your friends by making sure everyone gets home safe and sound and to remember that not only students live in the area around campus so, treat the residents of the area with respect.”