FAQ

This section contains the answers to some of the questions frequently asked about the CSC. The questions are divided into two sections:

Information for students, staff and visitors

How do I join a society?

During Fresher's Week most societies have stands in Front Square. During the rest of the year, you may join up by attending one of its events  or by contacting them directly - look at the list and profiles on the main page.

What society events are being held this week?

Society events are usually advertised on posters throughout college. You will find a calendar on each Society Profile on this site or check the societies own website.  

How do I find a society's rooms?

See the societies profiles for details of a society's rooms. If you need help locating an address in college, you can try TCD's maps page.

 How can I set up a new society?

Setting Up A New Society

If you want to set up a new society in College, which will be recognised by the Central Societies Committee (CSC) and the College Board, there are certain steps that need to be followed.

1. Examine the list of existing societies to see if there is one that is already recognised, and which could accommodate your interest.  A new society whose aims overlap with an already existing one, is unlikely to be recognised. 

2. Second step is to gather together a group of similarly minded students/staff to help out if you have not already done so.  You can put up posters in College, either convening a meeting of the "Proposed" society, or asking people to get in touch with you. 

3. Then download a copy of the CSC Draft Constitution and use this to draw up your constitution. It contains certain sections which deal specifically with a society's relationship to the CSC - duties of the society officers re submission of annual accounts, secretary's reports, etc., which must be included in your society constitution.

4. You then must collect signatures and I.D. numbers of 100 students and staff members who would like to see the society being recognised in College.  You can set up a stand so long as you advertise as the "Proposed D.U. ………. Society".  A list of names will not be sufficient, they must be signatures and I.D. numbers must be included.

5. Now you need to submit both your constitution and your list of signatures to the Secretary of the CSC.  You will be given a time to come in and put your case to the CSC Executive.   You (2 or 3 proposed committee members may attend) will be invited to explain to the meeting, the aims of your society and how you intend to satisfy those aims.  You may be asked questions by the Executive.

The criteria under which the society will be examined are :

Must have 100 or more signatures and ID numbers in support of the application. 

A constitution and statement of aims must be produced and be deemed satisfactory.  It must be democratic and have proper financial controls.

The principal aims of the society must not already be covered in the aims of any recognised society or capitated body or group thereof.

It must satisfy the Executive that the society is likely to make a long term contribution to student life in College and to continue on an on-going basis.  (The Executive does not regard as likely to make a long-term contribution to student life in College, groups who sole or primary aim is, in its opinion, a clearly achievable short-term goal.)

6. You will be informed of the result of your application.  If you are not granted provisional recognition, the Executive must inform the group in question of the reasons for refusal.  You may be advised to alter your constitution and/or aims in some way, and re-apply.  The Executive may refer an application for provisional recognition to the Committee (i.e. a General Meeting of the CSC which consists of the Treasurers or all fully recognised College societies as well as the Executive).

7. If you are granted provisional recognition, you will immediately have access to the facilities in the CSC office to carry out your society business: You will qualify for a grant from the CSC under several headings (see the CSC Grants Policy Document - the only areas which will not be funded for provisionally recognised societies, are society travel and rooms expenses.)  Provisional recognition shall expire after a period of eighteen months

8. Having been in existence for a year, and provided you submit satisfactory accounts of the income and expenditure incurred for at least financial year, a secretary's report for the same period, an up-to-date constitution and evidence showing that the society has 50 or more fully paid-up members, you will be proposed for full recognition at a CSC AGM.  You then become a full member of the CSC with voting rights, and eligibility for full grants.

 How do I find a sports club?

If you're looking for a sports club, you should contact DUCAC - the Dublin University Central Athletic Committee. This body performs more or less the same function for sports clubs as the CSC does for societies. DUCAC's office is in House 27, and their phone number is (01) 896 1028.