An important part of the DCU Access Service is the commitment to support successful participation as well as access to third level. With this in view the Access Service provides academic, financial and social support to students entering DCU through Access Routes. For further information on post entry support please contact Colette Keogh or Cathy McLoughlin.

• Summer School
• Undergraduate Support
• Careers Advisor

Summer School

This is a 1-week full time programme, which will run on campus at the beginning of September each year. It is aimed at the students who have been accepted to HEAR or Access DCU. Summer School 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 will work together on projects, which are then presented to the whole group. There is also Drama, Keyboarding, Sports, Study Skills and social events. Students lead the groups who are in the 2nd or 3rd year of the same or a very similar programme

Comments on Summer School over the years:

• "A great 2 weeks meeting people and entering into university life"
• "The balance between fun activities and other work was just right. I would strongly recommend these two weeks to anyone"
• "Had a great 2 weeks, sorry it's over! Thanks very much!"
• "I really enjoyed the two weeks, overall it was interesting and enjoyable and the chance to meet some of the other students was one of the best ideas of the Summer School. The team leaders were also very friendly and helpful"
• "Very helpful, I will feel much more confident starting college"

The Summer School Programme is designed by a Teaching Advisory Group (comprised of representatives from the participating schools, the community and the academic and administrative staff of the university) and by the students themselves as each year they evaluate the programme and changes are made accordingly.

It is compulsory for incoming Access students to attend the Summer School.

For further information contact Access Service at Tel: 01 7008052

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

Undergraduate Support

This comes partly in the form of a top up scholarship, for those who have gained their place through Access routes. "Study Groups" are set up in the first semester of first year so that the new students can meet with 2nd or 3rd years to discuss any academic problems or queries they may have. If necessary the Access Service will provide tutoring for students who are having real difficulty with a subject.

The students are all very welcome to call into the Access Offices at any time if they have any queries or issues and the staff will do all in their power to help. It could be something academic or financial or personal. This support is ongoing throughout a student's time at DCU.

For further information contact: Colette Keogh or Cathy McLoughlin

Careers Advisor

As part of the support network for students coming to DCU under the HEAR Programme the Careers Advisory Service is available to offer advice and information. The Careers website is: www.dcu.ie/students/careers.