CIT responds to reports of students in tears because lecturers showed 'no compassion' 

Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) says it is working to resolve issues regarding the operation and delivery of the BA in Social Care Work.

It follows the publication of a statement on CIT’s Student Union’s (CITSU) Facebook account, where President Aaron Buckley said he had received a number of complaints from students regarding the programme.

He said some of these students had been in his office in tears “more often than you’d care to imagine.” 

Describing examples of the ill-treatment, he said no compassion had been shown by some lecturers towards students who had informed them that either they or their family members were suspected of having COVID-19. 

In the statement, Mr Buckley stressed that he had witnessed “first-hand the amazing work done by lecturers and staff who go above and beyond for students to ensure their student experience is a very positive one” but said the “behaviour of these minority of lecturers goes against everything that CIT stands for.” 

He also stressed that students had asked him to state that there are a small proportion of lecturers on the programme “who have been excellent with them”.

In a statement issued this evening (Wednesday), a spokesperson for CIT said “Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) acknowledges that a number of issues have arisen in relation to the operation, and delivery, of the BA in Social Care Work programme.

"CIT is working to resolve these issues in an open and collaborative manner. 

"This includes a review of student/staff relationships and how these can be improved, the development and maintenance of an open and supportive culture for students and staff, and the development of communication protocols for students and staff. 

"CIT is also working to address a number of procedural issues which have been identified."

The spokesperson added: “CIT has gained national recognition for its work in relation to student engagement. 

"We will draw on this experience in relation to these specific issues, to foster a culture of partnership between students and staff, based on agreed shared goals, regular communication, and values of openness, trust and honesty.”