It is compulsory for students who have been accepted to the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) or Access DCU Supports Scheme to attend an Orientation programme at DCU.  This Orientation runs from 4th - 7th September inclusive 2012.  The programme aims to prepare students socially and academically for undergraduate life while familiarising them with the campus and with staff - including those in the Access Service.

Students are divided broadly into "streams" according to their subject group: Humanities, Science, Computers &; Engineering and Business. They work together on projects which are then presented to the whole group. There are also Sports events, Study Skills, Presentation Skills, Sample Lectures and Social Events. Current DCU Access Students act as leaders for the duration of the programme.

Comments on Orientation over the years:

I definitely feel I got a great headstart on college life. It was a great experience getting to stay on campus and I made so many friends”. 2009 Student

"Very helpful, I will feel much more confident starting college" 2008 student

Aristo sponsor the presentation skills workshop for the Access Orientation. For further information on Aristo click the logo.

Scholarships

Access Scholars are awarded a top-up scholarship which is paid in two instalments early in each semester.  Students may also apply for further financial supports based on individual circumstances.

Finance to support the top-up scholarships is raised through the Educational Trust.

Useful scholarship links

Student Finance

DCU Student Assistance Fund

All Ireland Scholarships Scheme

Washington Ireland Programme

Academic

Academic workshops are provided for first year Access students who require extra support with a module.  See your Project Officer for more information.

Current first-year students who wish to avail of this tuition should contact Cathy at cathy.mcloughlin@dcu.ie or at 700 8814

For all other years, contact Colette at colette.keogh@dcu.ie or on 01 700 8868.

Post-Entry Project Officers

Post-Entry Project Officers are assigned to all years. In first-year, students meet their Project Officer on a one-to-one basis early in the first semester. Further meetings are then arranged on a needs basis for the duration of their degree.

Students can discuss any issues they have and appropriate supports are identified where possible.

Peer Mentoring

Further support is provided by Peer Mentoring. The purpose of the scheme is to engage first-year students with fellow students who have already negotiated their way through the first year of university.

Mentors receive training and ongoing support and advice from the Access Office.

Volunteering

The Access Service strongly promotes an ethos of volunteering and often provides volunteering opportunities within the department.

Students can even gain academic credits in their final year based on their volunteering activities – see the Uaneen module page for further details.

Post-Entry Project Officers

The contact for incoming first year Access students in 2012 is Colette Keogh and for current 2nd - 4th year students is Cathy McLoughlin.  See contact details below:  

Colette Keogh,
Room LG18
Dublin City University
Dublin 9
Tel: 00353 1 7008868 / Fax: 00353 1 7008604
E-mail: colette.keogh@dcu.ie

Cathy McLoughlin,
Room LG18
Dublin City University
Dublin 9
Tel: 00353 1 7008814 / Fax: 00353 1 7008604
E-mail: cathy.mcloughlin@dcu.ie