Meeting of Heads and Deans 2025

H25/M01

MEETING OF HEADS AND DEANS

Thursday 16 January 2025

AG01 @ 2pm

44 Members in attendance

Chair – Prof Anne Sinnott

Minutes – Jennifer O’Toole

1. Chair’s Welcome

The Chair welcomed members to the meeting and apologies were noted. The Chair also welcomed Dr Sarah Jane Cullen in her new role as HOS, Health and Human Performance and thanked Dr Brendan Egan who now steps down from this position.

2. Minutes of meeting, 12 December 2024

The minutes were approved subject to a slight wording revision.

3. Minutes of meeting, 12 December – approval for the intranet

The minutes were approved for posting on the intranet.

4. Matters Arising

None

5. President’s Report

·         The President began by wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

·         The President referenced the Program for Government which had just been agreed amongst the political parties. The President noted from the IUA perspective the five priorities which the Universities had set out in their pre-election manifesto have been secured and noted the Government's indication to address the funding gap.  The President also referred to the potential drawdown of the National Training Fund but no specifics were mentioned.

·         The President and members of SMG met with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, to officially sign the Performance Agreement.  Feedback from the HEA meeting was positive and complimentary regarding DCU. It was also noted that the Performance Agreement and DCU’s own Strategy are very much aligned.

·         The President also shared updates about the North City Task Force, which is expected to benefit DCU.

·         The President reported progress in DCU’s partnership with Rutgers University. Currently, there are two potential projects/calls under early development.

6. Area updates from Senior Management Group (SMG):

None.

7.       Presentations:

A presentation on the Race Equality Action Plan was given by Rachel Power, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager.  This is filed in the January 2025 folder of Heads and Deans.

8. AOB

The Chair thanked all H&Ds for attending and confirmed the next meeting will take place on Thursday 20 February 2025.

H25/M02

MEETING OF HEADS AND DEANS

Thursday 20 February 2025

AG01 @ 2pm

45 Members in attendance

Chair – Prof Anne Sinnott

Minutes – Jennifer O’Toole

1. Chair’s Welcome

The Chair welcomed members to the meeting and apologies were noted. The Chair also welcomed Dr Jane O’Kelly in her new role as HOS, Policy and Practice and thanked Dr Martin Brown who now steps down from this position.

2. Minutes of meeting, 16 January 2025

The minutes were approved.

3. Minutes of meeting, 16 January – approval for the intranet

The minutes were approved for posting on the intranet.

4. Matters Arising

None.

5. President’s Report

As the President was abroad on university business there was no update.

6. Area updates from Senior Management Group (SMG):

None.

7.       Presentations:

Graduation Update, University Events Team

Results from recent LibQual survey, DCU Library

These are filed in the February 2025 folder of Heads and Deans

8. AOB

The Chair thanked all H&Ds for attending and confirmed the next meeting will take place on Thursday 20 March 2025.

H25/M03

MEETING OF HEADS AND DEANS

Thursday 20 March 2025

AG01 @ 2pm

41 Members in attendance

Chair – Prof Anne Sinnott

Minutes – Jennifer O’Toole

1. Chair’s Welcome

The Chair welcomed members to the meeting and apologies were noted. The Chair also welcomed Dr Sinead Smyth in her new role as HOS Psychology and thanked Prof Pamela Gallagher who now steps down from this position.

2. Minutes of meeting, 20 February 2025

The minutes were approved.

3. Minutes of meeting, 20 February – approval for the intranet

The minutes were approved for posting on the intranet.

4. Matters Arising

None.

5. President’s Report

·         The President reported very strong progress in our research profile and delivery of our strategy within this constrained environment, he noted that research success is critical as to how DCU is perceived.  He further noted that the recent awards, which are still embargoed, were spread across all Faculties and thanked everyone involved.

·         The President also reported on the DCU Futures International Advisory Panel and the positive feedback from the panel's visit and student showcase experience.

·         The President also reported on the Internationalisation front, he had recently returned from a successful US visit, with engaged alumni and positive meetings with ASU and Rutgers which were also attended by the Dean of Global Relations.

·         He also noted the recent SIS project milestone with the migration of 44 years of academic data from ITS to Banner, a complex task completed successfully, and he recorded his thanks to all involved.

·         The President reminded members of the recently launched AI Literacy course and DCU's position statement on AI.

·         The President also reported on recent sporting success with DCU having won both the Sigerson Cup and O’Connor Cup, in addition, it was heartening to see our Rugby team progress to the finals as sport is a signature strength of DCU.

·         Finally, the President noted the annual upcoming HEA Budget Meeting with an anticipation of renewed PRTLI focus from the new Minister.

6. Area updates from Senior Management Group (SMG):

None.

7.       Presentations:

ECIU Update

This is filed in the March 2025 folder of Heads and Deans

8. AOB

The Chair thanked all H&Ds for attending and confirmed the next meeting will take place on Thursday 17 April 2025.

H25/M04

MEETING OF HEADS AND DEANS

Thursday 17 April 2025

AG01 @ 2pm

41 Members in attendance

Chair – Prof Anne Sinnott

Minutes – Jennifer O’Toole

1. Chair’s Welcome

The Chair welcomed members to the meeting and noted apologies. She also informed members that anyone wishing to present to Heads and Deans should contact her office.

2. Minutes of meeting, 20 March 2025

The minutes were approved.

3. Minutes of meeting, 20 March – approval for the intranet

The minutes were approved for posting on the intranet.

4. Matters Arising

None.

5. President’s Report

·         The President reported on a recent research publication by the Institute of Education (IoE) focusing on teacher burnout. The piece has garnered significant national attention and engagement.

·         The President highlighted the official opening of the Polaris Building on 3 April 2025, which was attended by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Further and Higher Education. Both spoke highly of DCU, with particular praise from the new Minister, who has expressed a strong understanding of and sympathy toward the challenges facing higher education institutions, especially in relation to research competitiveness and associated pressure points.

·         The President referenced the ongoing President’s Awards. Ceremonies have already taken place for Engagement and Research, with forthcoming ceremonies scheduled for Teaching & Learning and Professional categories.

·         The President shared encouraging news on the research front noting that €3.2 million has been allocated to research infrastructure in Q1, a much needed and welcome investment.

·         The President congratulated DCU Sports on their recent successes at the IUAA Track and Field Championships held in Morton Stadium. The DCU Ladies’ team celebrated their 18th consecutive win, while the Men’s team also achieved strong results.

·         Finally, the President expressed sincere gratitude to all staff for their contributions throughout the semester and wished everyone a restful and enjoyable Easter break.

6. Area updates from Senior Management Group (SMG):

The Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (VPPEDI) provided an update on the 2025 Employee Engagement Survey, which is scheduled to close on 25 April 2025. He reported a positive level of participation to date but encouraged all members to promote the survey further and to actively encourage colleagues to take part, ensuring broad and representative feedback.

7.       Presentations:

DTS Authorised AI tools in DCU

This is filed in the April 2025 folder of Heads and Deans

8. AOB

The Chair thanked all H&Ds for attending and confirmed the next meeting will take place on Thursday 15 May 2025.

H25/M05

MEETING OF HEADS AND DEANS

Thursday 15 May 2025

AG01 @ 2pm

35 Members in attendance

Chair – Prof Daire Keogh

Minutes – Jennifer O’Toole

1. Chair’s Welcome

The Chair welcomed members to the meeting and noted the apologies received. A welcome was extended to Michelle Butler, who joins as the new Head of School for Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health. The Chair also expressed thanks to Veronica Lambert for her service in this role as she steps down.

2. Minutes of meeting, 17 April 2025

The minutes were approved.

3. Minutes of meeting, 17 April – approval for the intranet

The minutes were approved for posting on the intranet.

4. Matters Arising

None.

5. President’s Report

●        The President reflected on the recent President’s Awards Season, which had just concluded, and extended compliments to all involved in making the events both enjoyable and celebratory and special thanks were given to the President’s Office team and the Events team for their efforts in creating such memorable occasions.

●        The President also noted that additional research funding awards had been secured, though details remain under embargo. However, he highlighted the university’s recent success in the Research Ireland New Foundation call, acknowledging the strength of the applications and the valuable support provided throughout the process.

●        The President proudly announced that Declan Walsh, an alumnus of theSchool of Communications, had been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on the war in Sudan.

●        Finally, he reported on the recent visit of Minister James Lawless to the CTYI event in St Pats and shared his encouragement upon hearing the Minister’s speech on the Future of Ireland at the IUA Council. The Minister’s comments on renewed investment in the PRTLI, sustainable funding pathways for research and investment in higher education, skills and research were particularly welcomed, with optimism that this positive momentum will benefit the university and the broader education sector.

6. Area updates from Senior Management Group (SMG):

The Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (VPPEDI) thanked everyone who participated in the 2025 Employee Engagement Survey and noted that we had over a 50% participation which is well above the industry norm.

7. Presentations:

                Quality and Insights Officer - Rankings Activity and Performance Update

Vice President for Research - Review of Research Strategy Targets

DTS - Introducing Zoom Phone - A New Digital Phone Solution

These are filed in the May 2025 folder of Heads and Deans

8. AOB

The Chair thanked all H&Ds for attending and confirmed the next meeting will take place on Thursday 19 June 2025.

H25/M06

MEETING OF HEADS AND DEANS

Thursday 17 June 2025

AG01 @ 2pm

30 Members in attendance

Chair – Prof Anne Sinnott

Minutes – Jennifer O’Toole

1. Chair’s Welcome

The Chair welcomed members to the meeting and noted the apologies received. The Chair noted the university improvement in its position within the QS rankings, moving from 421 to 410 with increases in academic and employer reputation, faculty staff to student ratio and citations. THE Impact rankings saw the university maintain its position despite increased competition.

2. Minutes of meeting, 15 May 2025

The minutes were approved.

3. Minutes of meeting, 15 May – approval for the intranet

The minutes were approved for posting on the intranet.

4. Matters Arising

None.

5. President’s Report

●        As the President was away on university business, there was no report.

6. Area updates from Senior Management Group (SMG):

The Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) noted the successful publication of student results last week, acknowledging the extraordinary effort involved across all faculties and staff in the context of this first implementation of Structured Progression.  The VPAA also mentioned that the PGR2 process will open shortly subject to resolution of a data issue, with extended deadlines for completion.

7. Presentations:

                Data Governance Policy and Framework - Aisling McKenna 

Insight into Student Profile - Lisa Looney

8. AOB

The Director of Placement noted DCU’s strong presence at the ECIU Forum in Trento, highlighting its European engagement. Staff showcased expertise in innovation, teaching, and learning, while student leaders and participants contributed meaningfully. A major highlight was DCU receiving the ECIU Impact Award 2025, recognising a collaborative project involving university teams and external stakeholders.

The Chair thanked all H&Ds for attending and confirmed the next meeting will take place on Thursday 18 September 2025.