The UCC Students’ Union was established in 1973, and replaced a body known as the Students’ Representative Council. While different years have seen their role in different ways, the core principle of the students’ union is to represent and support their members at every level within the university, and outside on at such levels as they deem necessary, and to ensure that a quality education and social experience is provided for them throughout their University life.

Current Union records date from 1938, and, while the exact establishment date is unclear, the ‘Students’ Representative Council’ (otherwise known in Irish as Comhairle Teachta na Mac Léinn CTM) was established around 1908, presumably in line with the 1908 Universities Act. In its early years, all officers served in a voluntary capacity. The first full-time officer of the Union came with the introduction of a paid President in 1940, and expanded over time to 4 full-time officers in 2004. The most recent addition to UCCSU’s full-time officers is a 5th sabbat, a Commercial & Communications Officer.

The Union’s Centenary in June 2008, was marked with a visit from the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe who joined President Kris McElhinney and officers for the opening of the new Union offices at 54 College Road, and launch of their Students’ Union Common room project which was to be opened on the site of the old stables in September 2008.

Union Publication records date from 1972 and include Students’ Union Handbooks, the copies of the Union paper, and other Union publications including the current incarnation the UCC Express. (Over the years, the paper has been known variously as: ‘Aire’, ‘The Gazette’, ‘The University Examiner’, ‘The Campus Chronicle’, and ‘The University Xpress’).  As well as the UCC Express, the union publishes Motley Magazine.

There are currently six full-time sabbatical officers (President, Campaigns Officer/Deputy President, VP Education, VP Welfare, VP Commercial & Communications & Societies President) combined with a number of voluntary or non-sabbatical positions, which are elected each year by the students.

The Union employs 3 other full-time members of staff directly (an administrator, a secretary, and an entertainments/common room manager) and a number of part-time student help. The Union also provides other services to students – jobs portal, the Nitebus service, education advice & grinds, welfare advice & free condoms, a second-hand bookshop, etc.

The Union holds 2 directorships on Student Facilities & Services Ltd. (SFS Ltd.) as well as the Chair of its Board of Management. The President is also a director of Maradyke Arena Ltd. and UCC Accommodation Ltd.

The Students’ Union has 2 publications; a fortnightly newspaper, The UCC Express, and a monthly magazine, Motley. While the Express and Motley are editorially independent the management and support functions are carried out by the Media Executive.

The UCC Students’ Union Executive annually awards Honorary Life Memberships (HLM’s) of the SU. HLM’s are given to reward individuals that have demonstrated commitment to working in the best interests of students both within the University and externally. Honorary Life Members are entitled to speaking rights at all Student Councils. Honorary Life Memberships have been awarded to: