This nullification was criticised by USI, which blamed a "small cohort" in DCU for the nullification. While a referendum on USI membership in February 2014 was passed by only one vote, a majority of students voted to remain affiliated with USI in December 2016.
USI criticized this nullification, blaming a small group within DCU for it. A referendum on USI membership in February 2014 resulted in a narrow victory for the continuation of affiliation, while a majority of students voted to remain affiliated with USI in December 2016.