DCU Events
University Events

Protocol for High-Profile Visitors to DCU

The University Events Team is responsible for managing protocol for dignitaries visiting one of the DCU campuses.

If you plan to invite a high-profile visitor or dignitary to campus, we encourage you to consult our team early in the planning process so we can advise on the required protocols and formalities.

 

We will:

  • Provide support and protocol expertise to members of the DCU community
  • Liaise with DCU Security on secure access and parking
  • Manage the visitor's speaking and protocol logistics
  • Provide guidance on creating a detailed running order of the event proceedings, the form of address, seating, speaking order, etc.
  • Issue a briefing document to all stakeholders involved in the event
  • Be present at the meet and greet to ensure protocol is followed

Inviting High-Profile Visitors to DCU

To maintain high standards for visits and events, all members of the DCU community should follow the guidelines in the tiles below for each visitor category:

President of Ireland

The invitation to invite this individual must be issued by the DCU President. Event organisers are required to complete the Dignitary Request Form at least eight weeks prior to your event to initiate this process. 

 

The steps of the process include:

 

  1. Event organiser obtains approval from the appropriate member of DCU Senior Management (e.g. Faculty Executive Dean)
  2. Event organiser completes the Dignitary Request Form
  3. President’s Office will review the form, and if the request is approved, an invitation will be issued in the President's name
  4. Event organiser to be notified by the President’s Office if the invitation is issued or not
  5. Dignitary accepts the invitation - event organiser notified by the President’s Office and introduced to the University Events Team to manage protocol elements 
  6. Dignitary declines the invitation - event organiser notified by the President’s Office 
Taoiseach or Tánaiste

The invitation to invite this individual must be issued by the DCU President. Event organisers are required to complete the Dignitary Request Form at least eight weeks prior to your event to initiate this process. 

 

The steps of the process include:

 

  1. Event organiser obtains approval from the appropriate member of DCU Senior Management (e.g. Faculty Executive Dean)
  2. Event organiser completes the Dignitary Request Form
  3. President’s Office will review the form, and if the request is approved, an invitation will be issued in the President's name
  4. Event organiser to be notified by the President’s Office if the invitation is issued or not
  5. Dignitary accepts the invitation - event organiser notified by the President’s Office and introduced to the University Events Team to manage protocol elements 
  6. Dignitary declines the invitation - event organiser notified by the President’s Office 
Government Minister

The invitation to invite this individual must be issued by the DCU President. Event organisers are required to complete the Dignitary Request Form at least eight weeks prior to your event to initiate this process. 

 

The steps of the process include:

 

  1. Event organiser obtains approval from the appropriate member of DCU Senior Management (e.g. Faculty Executive Dean)
  2. Event organiser completes the Dignitary Request Form
  3. President’s Office will review the form, and if the request is approved, an invitation will be issued in the President's name
  4. Event organiser to be notified by the President’s Office if the invitation is issued or not
  5. Dignitary accepts the invitation - event organiser notified by the President’s Office and introduced to the University Events Team to manage protocol elements 
  6. Dignitary declines the invitation - event organiser notified by the President’s Office 
Lord Mayor of Dublin

The invitation to invite this individual can be issued locally, i.e. by unit, School or Faculty. It is essential to complete the DCU Event Notification Form, and as a matter of courtesy, the following teams should be notified that an invitation has been issued to ensure that all relevant support services are aware of the visit. It is customary, where availability allows, that the DCU President will be present at the meet and greet for this individual. 

 

President’s Office - president@dcu.ie

University Events Team - universityevents@dcu.ie 

Office of the Executive Director of Engagement - sinead.rock@dcu.ie (PA to Laura Mahoney) 

Ambassador or Foreign Diplomat

The invitation to invite this individual can be issued locally, i.e. by unit, School or Faculty. It is essential to complete the DCU Event Notification Form, and as a matter of courtesy, the following teams should be notified that an invitation has been issued to ensure that all relevant support services are aware of the visit. It is customary, where availability allows, that the DCU President will be present at the meet and greet for this individual. 

 

President’s Office - president@dcu.ie

University Events Team - universityevents@dcu.ie 

Office of the Executive Director of Engagement - sinead.rock@dcu.ie (PA to Laura Mahoney) 

VIP likely to attract significant attention

The invitation to invite this individual can be issued locally, i.e. by unit, School or Faculty. It is essential to complete the DCU Event Notification Form, and as a matter of courtesy, the following teams should be notified that an invitation has been issued to ensure that all relevant support services are aware of the visit. It is customary, where availability allows, that the DCU President will be present at the meet and greet for this individual. 

 

President’s Office - president@dcu.ie

University Events Team - universityevents@dcu.ie 

Office of the Executive Director of Engagement - sinead.rock@dcu.ie (PA to Laura Mahoney) 

For any protocol enquiries, please contact us at universityevents@dcu.ie