UCC is an engine of growth, says President

An engine of growth

UCC is an engine of growth for Cork. Our students, our staff and our activities all contribute to the economy of our city and region.

We are investing in the future of Cork. A stunning business school in the heart of the city is being developed which will usher in a new chapter to this part of the city.

Student accommodation is always a challenge, but we consistently offer the best rates for purpose-built student accommodation in the city, and this year we opened the Crow’s Nest complex.

This is a beautiful addition to the skyline of Cork and brings the total number of UCC-operated student beds to 1,534.

Yes, there are other projects we have not been able to develop as quickly as we might like, such as the Cork University Business School, but we will keep working to support the fabric of this city.

As our city expands, it is so important it develops sustainably. Cork is beautiful city in a stunning region and we have to respect the footprint we leave.

UCC has been a loud national voice on the future of our planet, as we believe it is an issue that demands urgent action. This year, here in Cork, we saw clear evidence of what a changing climate will bring, and we will continue to focus minds on this pressing issue.

Ensuring access to education

Our people and our planet are at the heart of UCC’s new five year strategic plan, called Securing our Future, launched earlier this year. This plan reaffirms UCC’s commitment to inclusivity in higher education, breaking down barriers for students traditionally excluded on the grounds of disability, finances, or background.

The Access UCC team collaborates across schools and communities, actively reaching out to guarantee that individuals aspiring to access UCC receive the necessary advice and support.

This wonderful team provides support for students throughout their academic journey and as they embark on their careers after graduation, ensuring that every individual thrives.

UCC has four established Access pathways into the university. These are designed to support learners from diverse backgrounds, including Mature Students, Students with Disabilities, students experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage and those entering from further education. It’s heartening to note over 20% of students entering UCC annually are benefitting from these Access pathways, emphasising the impact of these initiatives.

Diversity is our strength

Cork has always been a vibrant and diverse city. It was the gateway to the world for generations of Irish and our maritime history has ensured the city has been exposed to change and diversity. A diverse and tolerant society is a strong society.

UCC is a proud international and diverse community of students and staff: with over 4,000 international students, and 17% of our staff are from international backgrounds. Our Race Equality Network, nationally-adopted Bystander Intervention Programme, and Proud Ally Network speak to our efforts to make our campus a home to everyone regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, or sexuality.

This year, UCC was very proud to be recognised as a Traveller Ally, and we stand firm with our colleagues from the Traveller community. We are committed as an institution to creating welcoming spaces for Travellers and to supporting Traveller rights and culture.

Our autumn conferrings saw the graduations of students from 50 countries internationally, and UCC hosts nearly 4,000 students from 104 countries.

Impacting lives

UCC is a powerhouse of research, but what exactly does that mean for you? We set out that UCC will be globally known for niche areas of research such as Sustainability, Food and Health, Photonics and Quantum, Collective Social Futures, Children, and be the university of choice for Post Graduate education. It means before you walk out the door you can check the air quality of Cork online. It means Cork University Maternity Hospital benefits from the very latest best-practice research from our pioneering INFANT centre. It means that industry leaders in tech and pharma come to the region to engage with our researchers, bringing economic benefits to Cork.

Research impacts the quality of our lives for the better and we will continue to build on our contributions to society.

Being a good neighbour

Earlier this month, I was delighted to launch an exhibition of art works created by residents who live in the environs of our campus, one of our local outreach initiatives led by our dedicated community liaison officer. We have worked hard to make sure that university activities and events do not impact on our neighbours and we will continue to ensure respect is at the heart of the values we teach to our students.

A city of learning and culture Cork is a city of learning and culture, and we are proud to play our part in supporting partners across the arts, culture, and sport.

The Glucksman continues to provide an award-winning space to highlight thought-provoking art, right in the heart of our campus. Through partnerships with Cork Opera House and the Cork International Film Festival, we champion performing arts. We welcomed Other Voices to UCC again in September, providing a platform for emerging musicians. Through our Sports Scholarships, Quercus Talented Students’ Programme, and our role as Official Academic Partner of Cork City FC, we assist dozens of athletes to combine their education with the pursuit of sporting excellence.

Our community

As we come into Christmas I want to give a sincere thanks to our students, researchers, academics and staff for making UCC is the wonderful place that it is to learn and to work. I want to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of our university – the support and services staff who work behind the scenes to keep operations ticking over seamlessly.

I also want to thank those who may not work or study in UCC, but who make an invaluable contribution to our success. Our students’ loved ones who provide so much for them through their time with us. The families who support our staff every day. Our stakeholders, alumni and partners from civic, commercial, research, sporting and cultural areas.

As President, on behalf of all at University College Cork, I am grateful for this opportunity to thank you all, and to wish you a happy, healthy New Year.