The future of the Tipperary Institute (third level college), which was under threat of closure, now looks reasonably secure.
The Minister for Education Mary Coughlan is expected to make a full statement shortly following a proposal from the newly formed alliance between the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) and the Tipperary Institute.
The so-called ‘Bord Snip’ report which was compiled by economist Colm McCarthy last year, recommended that this campus, which consists of the Tipperary Institute here in Thurles and in also Clonmel, should be closed down and auctioned off as part of an overall package of national government cost saving measures.
It would appear that the Government will now give their full approval to the proposal, agreed by both third level colleges, to merge under the flag of the Limerick Institute of Technology. This move will create a significantly enlarged Institute of Technology serving counties Limerick, Clare and both Ridings of Tipperary.
The amalgamation once fully agreed, will be is expected to be fully implemented by September 2011.
LIT currently has two campuses in Limerick city with the main campus at Moylish Park and the Limerick School of Art and Design at George’s Quay and Clare Street, in Limerick City.
Under this proposal both Tipperary Campuses will in future be known as LIT Thurles and LIT Clonmel and this alliance will lead to an expanded range of courses and student services in future years.
Student numbers are expected to rise considerably by 2015.
Tomorrow is DDay for thousands of students the length and breadth of this country as they prepare to sit English Paper 1 in both the Junior and Leaving Certificate.
It’s a very stressful “make or break” time for every student involved and on behalf of everyone here at Thurles.info, we want to wish each and every one of you out there, the very best of luck in your examinations.
We all know that participation in exams can be pretty depressing for all involved, so hopefully this video hereunder of 2FM DJ Jim – Jim’s ‘I Got Me Leaving’ will help you crack a smile.
It’s the tune of the Black Eyed Peas Super hit ‘I Got a Feeling’ set to new Leaving Cert Lyrics, to which I think we can all relate.
[wpyt_profile2]ssWYnRlW_CM[/wpyt_profile2]
Best of luck to the Junior and Leaving Certs of 2010. I got a feeling your all going to be just fine.
Remember, if things do not work out, you can always take up a career in politics. It is still one of the few jobs where educational qualifications and C.V’s. are not necessarily required.
This week St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, Co.Tipperary launched details of two new entrance scholarships aimed at recognising academic excellence.
These awards are based on academic achievement in the leaving certificate and will be awarded to incoming first year undergraduate students in both the BA in Education, Business Studies and Religious Studies and the BA in Education, Irish and Religious Studies.
The student with the highest entrance points in each programme will receive an entrance scholarship valued at €500.
Fr. Tom Fogarty, President of St. Patrick’s College stated:
St Patrick's College, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
“Our entrance scholarship program recognises the hard work and exceptional achievement of secondary school students, and by making these awards available, we aim to assist students in financing their continued education.”
These new entrance scholarships, compliment the St. Patrick’s College GAA scholarship announced earlier this year.
Dr. Rebecca Purcell, Head of Business in St. Patrick’s College stated :
“As our numbers continue to grow, it is important that we recognize high levels of achievement, in both the academic and sporting arenas, and reward those who have excelled in different facets of their life, prior to studying at St. Patricks”.
In 2009 St. Patrick’s College, welcomed over 80 first year students, a record number since the college’s official opening by President Mary McAleese in 2007. The St. Patrick’s College, Thurles entrance scholarships are supported by Archbishop Clifford and the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly.
Archbishop Clifford will present both scholarships at a special awards evening in September 2010 at St. Patrick’s College.
A shake up of this countries 3rd level colleges appears imminent, with a possible end to the 5 months of Summer Vacations time currently enjoyed, which leaves expensive equipment and buildings lying idle at the expense of the tax payer.
Higher Education Authority (HEA) chief executive and head of the State’s third-level funding body,
Tipperary Institute
has warned that there are too many universities and colleges, and these must now merge or die.
At present, there are 40 State funded Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) made up as follows: seven universities, 14 institutes of technology, seven colleges of education, latter which are involved in the training of teachers, seven other State funded colleges such as the Tipperary Institute, here in Thurles, and five recognised colleges of the National University of Ireland.
Mr Boland, speaking to a conference on public services in Croke Park, stated:
“All institutions must be more strategic in their course offerings, collaborating more with partner institutions and ending courses and programmes. We can no longer afford the long the lock up of expensive facilities during summer months. Changes here will require reform of employment contracts. This will require a shift to more flexible teaching and learning techniques where students can study anytime and anywhere.”
Mr Boland also called for a single body to award higher education grants as local bodies were unable to make grant decisions in a timely manner last year, leading to added costs for the colleges and students.
Full time student numbers are now projected to grow from 155,000 at present to almost 190,000 within the next five years and possibly to 270,000 by 2030.
This news will not be received well by the Irish Federation of University Teachers.
Attending the gathering of four hundred Irish, American and Australian Girl Guides, which included their Leaders, here in ‘The Dome’, Semple Stadium, on Saturday last, set me to thinking.
My thoughts, (a very dangerous practice many would forecast) were focused on the major event in progress.
Four hundred young people were all lodged in less than three acre of activity space and despite an abundance of Fruit Drinks in plastic containers, Twix Bars, Mars Bars, Lolly Pops, Chewing Gum, Sweets and Treats of all make, manner and description, not one solitary paper wrapper or plastic bottle could be found carelessly dumped on the ground during the afternoon events. No one shouted or verbally argued, pushed, shoved or were disrespectful to those leaders who from time to time issued commands. Questions were asked and fully answered in a pleasant civil manner, silence was fully observed when necessary, without any request from authority, when leaders and guests spoke publicly. Contentment, enjoyment, fun, a thirst for knowledge, civility and wisdom was everywhere in abundance, yet these Girl Guides were not hand picked and came from all denominations and varying social backgrounds, to attend this event.
What was the secret to achieving this harmonious setting I pondered?
Afraid to ask the question, I watched in the full expectation that all would be self revealing. Later, leaving the event, close to the close of business, the answer was clear as crystal.
To my mind, it was a successful combination of what most of us have now sacrificed on the alter of that most powerful and insatiable deity, the god of greed, during that short period, known as the ‘Celtic Tiger Era’. Their secret was a mixed bag of goodies they collected and now carried with them, each item clearly wrapped and labeled. The labels bore the words ‘share’, ‘team work’, ‘practical education’, ‘self discipline’ and ‘respect for fellow beings’.
Having watched these bright inquisitive young people, I left with the feeling that despite the current absence of honest leadership in this county and country, the future of Tipperary and Ireland was in safe hands, thanks to the mighty work and effort, much of it unpaid, by this worthy organisation, who gave so unselfishly of their time and vast experience. Well done.
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The future of the Tipperary Institute (third level college), which was under threat of closure, now looks reasonably secure.
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