DCU Events
University Events

Protocol for High-Profile Visitors to DCU

The University Events Team is responsible for managing protocol for high-level 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.

 

To ensure the visit runs seamlessly, the University Events Team will:

  • Provide protocol expertise and dedicated support to all members of the DCU community
  • Liaise with DCU Security to arrange secure campus access and reserved parking
  • Manage logistics regarding the visitor's itinerary, arrival, and formal requirements
  • Provide detailed guidance on event proceedings, including running order, correct forms of address, seating arrangements, and speaking orders
  • Issue a comprehensive briefing document to all internal and external stakeholders involved in the event
  • Manage the official meet-and-greet on the day to ensure all formal protocols are strictly maintained

Inviting High-Profile Visitors to DCU

To maintain the highest institutional standards for campus visits and official functions, all members of the DCU community are advised to follow the specific guidelines outlined below (click on the tile) for each category of visitor:

President of Ireland

The formal invitation to invite this individual must be issued directly 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 process involves the following sequential steps:

  1. Internal Approval: The event organiser must obtain formal approval from the appropriate member of the DCU Senior Management Team (e.g. the relevant Faculty Executive Dean)
  2. Form Submission: The event organiser completes and submits the official Dignitary Request Form
  3. Presidential Review: The President’s Office reviews the submission. If the request is approved, a formal invitation will be issued in the President's name
  4. Outcome Notification: The President’s Office will notify the event organiser whether the invitation has been issued
  5. Acceptance Workflow: If the dignitary accepts the invitation, the President’s Office will notify the organiser and introduce them to the University Events Team to manage the required protocol elements
  6. Declined Invitations: If the dignitary declines the invitation, the President’s Office will notify the event organiser, and the process concludes
Taoiseach or Tánaiste

The formal invitation to invite this individual must be issued directly 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 process involves the following sequential steps:

  1. Internal Approval: The event organiser must obtain formal approval from the appropriate member of the DCU Senior Management Team (e.g. the relevant Faculty Executive Dean)
  2. Form Submission: The event organiser completes and submits the official Dignitary Request Form
  3. Presidential Review: The President’s Office reviews the submission. If the request is approved, a formal invitation will be issued in the President's name
  4. Outcome Notification: The President’s Office will notify the event organiser whether the invitation has been issued
  5. Acceptance Workflow: If the dignitary accepts the invitation, the President’s Office will notify the organiser and introduce them to the University Events Team to manage the required protocol elements
  6. Declined Invitations: If the dignitary declines the invitation, the President’s Office will notify the event organiser, and the process concludes
Government Minister

The formal invitation to invite this individual must be issued directly 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 process involves the following sequential steps:

  1. Internal Approval: The event organiser must obtain formal approval from the appropriate member of the DCU Senior Management Team (e.g. the relevant Faculty Executive Dean)
  2. Form Submission: The event organiser completes and submits the official Dignitary Request Form
  3. Presidential Review: The President’s Office reviews the submission. If the request is approved, a formal invitation will be issued in the President's name
  4. Outcome Notification: The President’s Office will notify the event organiser whether the invitation has been issued
  5. Acceptance Workflow: If the dignitary accepts the invitation, the President’s Office will notify the organiser and introduce them to the University Events Team to manage the required protocol elements
  6. Declined Invitations: If the dignitary declines the invitation, the President’s Office will notify the event organiser, and the process concludes
Lord Mayor of Dublin

Invitations for this category of visitor may be issued locally by an individual unit, School, or Faculty. While local hosting is permitted, organisers are required to complete the official DCU Event Notification Form.

As a matter of courtesy, organisers must also notify the following teams as soon as an invitation is issued. This ensures all relevant campus support services are fully aware of the visit:

President’s Office - president@dcu.ie

University Events Team - universityevents@dcu.ie 

Office of the Executive Director of Engagement - director.engagement@dcu.ie 

Where scheduling and availability allow, it is customary for the DCU President to be present at the official meet-and-greet to welcome the guest to campus.

Ambassador or Foreign Diplomat

Invitations for this category of visitor may be issued locally by an individual unit, School, or Faculty. While local hosting is permitted, organisers are required to complete the official DCU Event Notification Form.

As a matter of courtesy, organisers must also notify the following teams as soon as an invitation is issued. This ensures all relevant campus support services are fully aware of the visit:

President’s Office - president@dcu.ie

University Events Team - universityevents@dcu.ie 

Office of the Executive Director of Engagement - director.engagement@dcu.ie 

Where scheduling and availability allow, it is customary for the DCU President to be present at the official meet-and-greet to welcome the guest to campus.

VIP likely to attract significant attention

Invitations for this category of visitor may be issued locally by an individual unit, School, or Faculty. While local hosting is permitted, organisers are required to complete the official DCU Event Notification Form.

As a matter of courtesy, organisers must also notify the following teams as soon as an invitation is issued. This ensures all relevant campus support services are fully aware of the visit:

President’s Office - president@dcu.ie

University Events Team - universityevents@dcu.ie 

Office of the Executive Director of Engagement - director.engagement@dcu.ie 

Where scheduling and availability allow, it is customary for the DCU President to be present at the official meet-and-greet to welcome the guest to campus.

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