Frequently Asked Questions

This page is a quick guide to frequently asked questions about EDI-related matters at Trinity. This information is dynamic and may not cover every question you have - Is there something you think would be helpful to have to hand here? Let us know at equality@tcd.ie

EDI in Student Societies and Clubs

Trinity has nearly 200 student societies, all of which have a role to play in supporting the inclusion of their members. Some societies also have a focus in their mission on specific minority communities and/or experiences. You can find out more about them on the Central Societies Committee website here.

Trinity's Sports Clubs are organised by the Trinity Sport Union and the clubs are supported in their EDI efforts by Sport Participation & Engagement Officer Naz Velic.

Accessible and Inclusive Spaces

Key Resources in Trinity

Some important practical resources available in Trinity for you to be aware of:

TCD Sense Map: This map provides information about the sensory environments in different areas of Trinity. It also provides physical access information for buildings across campus.
Accessibility & Sustainability Event Generator: The Accessibility & Sustainability Event Generator helps users create accessible and sustainable event plans. Developed by Trinity College Dublin's disAbility Service, it provides tools to ensure events accommodate diverse accessibility needs (e.g., wheelchair access, hearing loops, ISL interpreters), and sustainable practices like zero waste and eco-friendly products. Users can input event details, generate a PDF, and follow guidelines for inclusivity and sustainability. It emphasises feedback collection to improve event planning.

How can I keep up to date with EDI Related activity at Trinity?

Period Products

Free period products are available on campus here.

There is a drop-off location on campus for donations to Hygiene Hub which helps combat period poverty

Faith Spaces

There are several congregation spaces for faith on campus. You can find more information from:

The Christian Chaplaincy
Muslim Prayer Room in Goldsmith Hall - see informational video from the Muslim Student Association
Trinity's student-led Jewish Society
Trinity societies which include faith-based activities
The general reflection space available in the Arts Building - information from the local attendants desk

Inclusive Reading Lists

The Library has a range of inclusivity resources including guidance on accessible library usages and further reading lists on topics like disability, race, and LGBTQIA+

Trinity College Dublin Students' Union - Aontas na Mac Léinn

TCDSU represents every student in Trinity College Dublin and since 1968, it has united our voices around issues of learning conditions, discrimination, classism and inequality.

Key Support Roles in the Union

President
Education Officer
Welfare Officer
Oifigeach na Gaeilge
Access Officer
Ethnic Minorities Officer
LGBT Rights Officer
Mature Students Officer
Gender Equality Officer
Environmental Officer
Housing Rights Officer
International Student Officer
Off Campus Officer
Disability Officer
Student Carer Officer

What Peer Support Groups are available?

The Student Counselling Services runs a range of moderated peer support groups for students. For more information, visit their website here.

Ethnic Minorities Group (Mondays, 5-6.30pm)
Family and Friends in Addiction (Tuesdays 1-2.30pm)
Drop-in group therapy (Wednesdays 1-2pm)
Mindful Menstruation Group (Thursdays, 2-3pm)
Rainbow (LGBTQ+) Group (Fridays, 11am-12.30pm)

I want to share my pronouns, how can I do that?

At its most basic, sharing your pronouns helps ensure people know how to address you and what gender to consider you in conversation. This is optional and there is no requirement to do so. Including your pronouns somewhere visible helps simplify sharing this information and is practical, as well as helpful for normalising a lack of assumptions for everyone in this areas. It's particularly helpful and supportive for transgender and non-binary people in our community.

For more detailed information on how to approach this, you can see resources on pronouns.org

In practice, some examples of how you can start doing this by including your pronouns in your email signature e.g.

Alex Smith (he/him)
Project Manager

You can also say your pronouns after your name at the start of a presentation, lecture, or similar. Other places to consider including them are on staff listings on the Trinity website, on LinkedIn, on Zoom/MS Teams or anywhere you would normally introduce yourself.

Resolving Issues at Trinity

Trinity has several support structures in place to assist people resolve issues when they happen. These will vary depending on the nature of the issue. Immediate, local, and informal resolution should be explored in the first instance. If necessary, issue resolution can be progressed through the routes including:

Academic appeals – Academic appeals process within the School

Concerns related to compliance with the Disability Act - the Access Officer for Trinity (Declan Treanor)
or the Disability Act Inquiry Officers

For UG students: Cristina Boccardo (UG Student Support Officer)
For PG students: Martin McAndrew (PG Student Support Officer)
For staff and visitors: Victoria Butler (Secretary)

Disciplinary concerns regarding students - the Junior Dean's Office

Accident or Security incident - Security Office

Harassment, bullying, or sexual misconduct - Dignity, Respect, and Consent Service

Data Protection concern - Data Protection Officer

TCDSU related concerns - The TCDSU President and/or the TCD Oversight Board

Concern related to Trinity publications - the editor of the publication in the first instance. The Office of the Press Ombudsman can also receive concerns related to the following: Trinity News, University Times, Icarus, Jolt, Miscellany, Piranha!, TN2, Trinity Film review

General and formal complaints to Trinity can be made to the Secretary's Office by students, staff and visitors through the Complaints Procedure

EDI related issues – where otherwise not covered by the above processes, the EDI office can give informal advice and expertise on EDI related issues, can signpost enquirers to specialised services, or facilitate conversations and connections as needed. Where enquiries are escalated to the level of a case or formal issue, then the EDI office will in the first instance, and at a minimum, engage the case management process relevant to the enquiry and will collaborate with colleagues providing input as needed.

For complaints about online content - reports can be made through The Digital Services Act

Further Support for Staff - Inspire Workplaces Counselling Services provide the University's Employee Assistance Service. University staff and their immediate families (those living at home with them who are 18 years of age and older) can avail of up to 6 professional counselling sessions free of charge. For more complex issues such as trauma, an Inspire Case Manager will help you determine the best counselling options which can exceed 6 sessions. This is a strictly private and confidential service.

Other Resources

A range of recommended resources on different topics are available in the TCDSU Welfare Directory
The Higher Education Authority