Maynooth University
Supporting your
Son or Daughter
Welcome to
Maynooth University
Launchpad4
Starting at
Maynooth University
Transport Routes
6
12
2–3
Understanding
the University
14
MAP Supports
20
Parental Support
23
As Director of the Maynooth Access
Programme (MAP), I am delighted
to welcome you and your son or
daughter to Launchpad and Maynooth
University! When someone in the
house starts at university it is a very
exciting time for all the family.
Your son or daughter has put tremendous effort into
achieving great success in their Leaving Certificate
and their reward for all that effort is a place here at
Maynooth University. This is a fantastic achievement
and starts a whole new chapter in their lives. The
transition to third level, while very exciting can also
be daunting for you and your son or daughter.
Maynooth University has achieved a national reputation
for providing an extremely supportive learning
environment. Your son or daughter will have access
to MAP supports for the duration of their degree and
Launchpad is the first of these supports. MAP have
put together this information booklet to help you,
as parents, to understand Launchpad, the Maynooth
University university environment, the expectations
of your son or daughter and what role you can play to
support them as they make this big change in their lives.
Rose Ryan
Director of Access
4–5
Launchpad
Launchpad is designed
to support and ease the
transition to third level for
students who have applied
through the Higher
Education Access Route
(HEAR) and/ or the Disability
Access Route to Education
(DARE) and have been
offered a place on a course
at Maynooth University.
Launchpad is a 4-day orientation programme
for incoming MAP students to get to know
one another and the University before starting
here at Maynooth University. The aims
of the programme are for new students;
– to get an insight into university life
– to make friends
– to learn academic and personal skills that
will help them at Maynooth University.
Students who attend Launchpad report feeling
better prepared for university. They have a
strong connection to Maynooth University and
feel comfortable finding their way around the
campus. They understand the way the University
works and where to go for support. They build
up a network of friends and learn about their
course and campus life from the MAP student
leaders. These student leaders are all previous
attendees and are volunteering their time
to give back to MAP and to pass along the
learning and fun that they got on Launchpad.
6–7
Starting at Maynooth University
Your son or daughter is
entering Maynooth University
on a degree course which is
a level 8 programme, two
levels up from the Leaving
Certificate on the national
qualifications framework.
This is why we talk about university being
a big leap from second level. Your son or
daughter will be adjusting in the next few
weeks to more independent living and to
becoming more responsible for themselves.
They will also be adjusting to a more
demanding academic environment, to new
teaching and learning settings, and to new
expectations on how they should manage
the academic demands of their course.
For parents, the leap to third level can be
very challenging. As a university student
your son or daughter is now treated as an
adult. The university, including MAP, will be
liaising with them directly. This is a big change
for all the family and while very exciting,
can be daunting for your son or daughter.
For them, to have you at home understanding
these changes and supporting them through this
transition to university is a huge advantage. At
times they may need to be reminded that this
is a huge change from school and a big step into
adulthood and that it is OK to feel daunted. If
you are concerned about how they are getting
on, you may wish to advise them to drop in to see
the Access or Disability Advisor for support.
Maynooth University takes pride in our
reputation for being welcoming and has a
strong tradition of encouraging broader
access to higher education. The University
strives to create a modern inclusive campus
with state of the art lecture theatres and
library facilities and a community where all
students are afforded the same opportunities
to learn, socialise, participate and progress
to their full potential. MAP supports are
designed to help students become independent
learners and ease the transition from school
to university and from university to career.
Dylan Kershaw
HEAR
The morning of the CAO offers
I stayed up all night waiting to log on
and see if I was accepted. When I saw
the offer it was one of the happiest
moments of my life – all of the stress
and worry just disappeared. I knew
what to expect from everything
I was told about Maynooth, but
I wasn’t expecting everyone to be
as nice and friendly as they are.
Originally I hated the idea of being
“forced” to attend Launchpad, I thought
it was going to be some of the worst
days of my life. I thought that I would be
the only person there that didn’t know
someone. But I wasn’t, very few people
knew each other, but by the end of
Launchpad everyone knew each other.
I met some really good
friends and had a great
time at Launchpad.
It also gave us a great
advantage over
everyone else when
starting in Maynooth
as we already knew our
way around and how to
use all of the services.
8–9
Starting at Maynooth University
University Orientation
After Launchpad there will be the official
University orientation for all first years starting
at Maynooth University, which is the welcome
week from the entire University. All new
students must attend. Your son or daughter will
have attended Launchpad and should also attend
this University orientation. The Admissions
Office will send out a student pack which gives
detailed information on the process for Student
Registration and the various orientation events.
During the University orientation week your
son or daughter will register as a new student
of the University and receive their MyCard,
which is their student identification smartcard.
They will sample introductory lectures and find
out general information about their course,
their timetable, the departments that will
link with them and the Maynooth University
student services, supports and facilities.
Student Registration
Once your son or daughter completes the student
registration process they become an official
student of Maynooth University with their
own student ID number granting them access
to the University’s resources and services.
All new students must complete
Student Registration in person
and produce the following:
1. Birth Certificate or Valid Passport
(Note: Baptismal Certificates or Driving
Licences are not acceptable).
2. Marriage Certificate (State Version)
for students wishing to register
in their married names.
3. CAO Offer Notice (Part B) indicating the
appropriate Maynooth University Course.
4. PPS (Personal Public Service) Number.
5. Evidence of payment of Student Levy.
6. Evidence of Fee Payment for the
Maynooth University Course (Grant
and Scholarship Holders must furnish
evidence of their awards).
Student Levy
The student levy is used for the development
and support of student sports, social and
recreational facilities. This levy must be paid at
or prior to registration by all students, regardless
of whether they are entitled to free tuition fees
or are receiving a SUSI grant. This student levy is
not covered by a grant/scholarship
www.nuim.ie/student-fees-grants.
Evidence of Fee Payment and SUSI Grant
Your son or daughter will have applied for
their SUSI grant over the summer and you
will have provided financial documentation
to support their application. If your son or
daughter has been awarded a SUSI grant
to pay the fees at University, the awarding
letter is the evidence of fee payment that
they will need to bring to registration.
Many students do not have their SUSI
grant award letter in time for their
registration date. This can cause concern
but they should not worry if they are still
waiting to hear about grant approval.
Students can register at Maynooth University
on a provisional basis by producing all other
documentation and paying the Student Levy.
In place of the evidence of fee payment
they should bring along the 13-digit SUSI
number that was allocated as part of
their grant application and this will be
provisionally accepted by the University. This
will mean that they can attend all lectures
and tutorials and make use of all university
facilities until their grant is awarded.
More information about fees
and grants is available at
www.nuim.ie/student-fees-grants.
Maynooth University MyCard
All registered Maynooth University students
carry a campus smart card called MyCard.
Students will collect their MyCard during the
University Orientation week. Students can
use their MyCard in the following ways:
– as a personal ID card
– for access to the Library and to borrow items
– to buy books in the on-campus bookstores,
purchase food in the restaurants/ vending
machines and for printing/ photocopying costs.
Money can be loaded onto the card and the
balance topped up online throughout the year.
HEAR students will have part of their MAP
financial support credited to their MyCard. This
enables HEAR students to use their MyCard
for University expenses without the need to
carry cash. HEAR students can be reassured
that they will have funds that can be spent on
meals, books and materials, photocopying
and in the Library while on campus.
Any loss of a MyCard should be reported via
[email protected]. A replacement card will be
provided at a cost of €20. MyCard information
is available at www.nuim.ie/computer-centre.
Accommodation
40% of places in on-campus accommodation
are reserved for first year students. If
your son or daughter was allocated on
campus accommodation this was the
result of a random draw. Following the CAO
offers, students are notified by email with
instructions on the next steps to take.
If your son or daughter was not allocated
on campus accommodation, there are many
other good choices near the University.
Often first year students stay in hostels,
digs or self-catering accommodation where
they usually make friends in other first
year courses. The best way to source good
accommodation is to come to Maynooth, where
the Residence Office will provide you with
advice on rent costs and a comprehensive list
of off campus accommodation with maps.
The Residence Office website also
contains information about tenant’s rights,
wheelchair accessible accommodation
and other useful resources about living
off-campus residence.nuim.ie.
10–11
Transport to Maynooth
Maynooth University is accessible by public
transport from most parts of the country.
The town is well served by two Dublin Bus
routes, Dublin Commuter and national rail
links, Bus Eireann national bus routes as well
as several private daily commuter and weekly
coach routes. The university is located 25km
from Dublin city centre and is also easily
accessible by car. Information about getting
to Maynooth and student travel discounts
is available at www.nuim.ie/location.
Students who require parking on campus
must apply and pay online for a parking
permit www.nuim.ie/campus-services.
Students must have completed
their University registration before
applying for their parking permit.
Disability parking spaces are available
in all university car parks. Applications
for national disabled parking permits
are via the Irish Wheelchair Association.
Temporary Maynooth University Disability
Parking Permits are available for periods
of time which will be decided upon by
Student Health Centre staff and MAP.
David Carroll
Father of Emma Carroll,
HEAR Student
As Emma was my first child I thought
it might have been difficult to help
her through college, as I my wife and
myself never got the opportunity to
attend. I thought it would have been
a minefield of problems but with the
supports in place for Emma by the
Access Office it made it easier.
After the last 3 years she is now
able to advise new students and
their parents on the experiences
she had and issues that we overcame,
such as financial problems and
issues within the household.
The Access Office are
there to help point you
in the right direction.
As for Launchpad it was so difficult
to get Emma to attend in her first
year in August 2010; 4 days later
she didn’t want to come home!
She has gone back every year to
encourage and support and empower
the young people attending, knowing
that many of them felt how she
did on that Sunday on August.
12–13
Transport Routes
Daily Train
MONAGHAN
CAVAN
Castleblaney
Carrickmacross
Virginia
ARDEE
Kells
SLIGO
Drogheda
Dunshaughlin
Duleek
Trim
Edgeworthstown
Kilmoon Cross
Dunboyne
Ashbourne
Summerhill
Mullingar
M3 PARKWAY
Dunboyne
Ratoath
Hansfield
Enfield
Tullamore
Kilbeggan
Kilcock
Leixlip
Kinnegad
MAYNOOTH
Clonsilla
Coolmine
Castleknock
Bracknagh
BIRR
Phoenix Park
Rathangan
Cellbridge
Lullymore
Rathcoffey
Clane
Edenderry
CLONBULLOGUE
Prosperous
Broombridge
Docklands
Chapelizod
Sallins
Blackwood
Naas
ALLENWOOD
Tallaght
Tullow
Roscrea
weekend Bus Services
Monasterevin
Athy
Portarlington
Kilkenny
WEXFORD
CARLOW
Mountmellick
CLONMEL
PORTLAOISE
WATERFORD
Allenwood / Ardee / Ashbourne / Athboy /
Athy / Ballytore / Belgard / Birr / Blackwood /
Bracknagh / Carbury / Carlow / Cavan / Celbridge
/ Chapelizod /Clane / Clonard / Clondalkin /
Clonbullogue / Clonmel / Coill Dubh / Collon
/ Croghan / Daingean / Drogheda / Duleek /
Dunboyne / Dundalk / Dundrum / Dunshaughlin
/ Edenderry / Enfield / Firhouse / Fonthill Rd/
Johnstownbridge / Kells / Kilbeggan / Kilcock
/ Kilcormac / Kilcullen / Kildare / Kilkenny /
Kilmead / Kilmoon Cross / Kinnegad / Limerick
/ Lucan/ Lullymore / Maynooth / Milltownpass
/ Monasterevin / Mountmellick / Mountrath /
Naas / Navan / Nenagh / Newbridge / Newland’s
Cross / Nutgrove / Palmerstown / Portarlington /
Portlaoise / Prosperous / Rathangan / Rathcoffey
/ Rathfarnham / Ratoath / Rhode / Robertstown /
Rochfortbridge / Roscrea / Robertstown / Sallins
/ Slane / Summerhill / Tallaght / Templeogue /Trim
/ Tullamore /Tyrrellspass / Virginia / Waterford.
DUNDRUM
Enniscorthy
Newbridge
DUBLIN
Rathfarnham
Bunclody
Nenagh
Drumcondra
DUBLIN
CONNOLLY
Templeogue
Robertstown
Kildare
LIMERICK
Ashtown
Clondalkin
Rhode
DAINGEAN
Lucan
Maynooth is very well served, during term time,
by a number of private bus services. Commuting
is easy from many locations around the country.
Daily Bus Services
DUNDALK
Slane
ATHBOY
Longford
For more information visit:
www.nuim.ie/location
Collon
Navan
daily and weekend private bus services
Bus Routes
(Coloured lines)
These services depart on a Sunday evening for
Maynooth and return on Friday afternoons.
Ardee / Bunclody / Carlow / Carrickmacross /
Castleblaney / Collon / Dundalk / Enniscorthy /
Kilkenny / Monaghan / Slane / Tullow / Wexford.
Understanding the University
The Academic Year
At second level the school
year was broken into terms.
At university, the academic
year is divided into two terms
known as semesters. The
first semester runs from
September to January and
the second semester runs
from February to May.
Faculties by subject area: (1) Arts, Celtic
Studies and Philosophy; (2) Science and
Engineering, and (3) Social Sciences. The
head of a faculty is called a Dean. Each of the
academic departments will have a Head of
Department and a MAP Academic Advisor
who is a personal point of contact for MAP
students who may have academic concerns.
A list of the Faculties and Departments at
Maynooth University is available at www.nuim.
ie/departments and the list of MAP Academic
Advisors is available at www.nuim.ie/accessoffice/staff-support/map-academic-advisors.
The University Course
Exams are held at the end of each
semester. Mid-way through each semester
is a study week. There are no classes held
during study week, but unlike a mid-term break
it is not a holiday. During study week, your
son or daughter will be expected to work on
assignments, catch up on essential reading,
organise lecture notes, download past papers
and prepare for the end of semester exams.
The University Calendar can be viewed annually
at www.cs.nuim.ie/mscse/important-dates.
University People
The lecturers who will teach your son or
daughter work in academic departments
relating to the subject they teach. At Maynooth
University, the University has 26 academic
departments which are organised into three
Each subject that your son or daughter studies
at Maynooth University will be broken down into
classes called modules. Modules are taught in
large group lectures or in laboratories. Students
may also have tutorials in smaller classroom
settings where they will have an opportunity
to interact with each other and with a tutor to
further develop the learning from the lectures.
Each module has its own electronic space
on Moodle, the University’s learning
management system. Moodle is an online
space where students can access module
notes and presentations, find their readings,
assignments and participate online with
classmates. It is extremely important that your
son or daughter logs onto Moodle regularly
to keep up with coursework. Training on how
to use Moodle is provided. There is also a
dedicated Moodle space for MAP students
filled with practical resources and advice on
all aspects of university life. All MAP students
are automatically enrolled into this MAP
Area Moodle space following registration.
14–15
Attendance and Engagement
It is the responsibility of your son or daughter
to attend lectures and tutorials. This is quite
a change from school where students were
required to attend all classes and there was
an immediate issue if this did not happen.
There is an expectation at university that
students will attend all lectures to support
their own learning. There are some subjects
where an attendance requirement forms part
of the assessment for the module and this
attendance is compulsory. Each department
will have a first year course handbook on
their webpage and moodle space that will
contain all of this information about modules,
office hours, attendance and assessment.
Once your son or daughter settles into the
routine of university they may be tempted
to skip lectures and cover the material in
their own time. This is not advised as the
material covered in lectures helps students
to interpret the reading and there is a risk
of missing out on key notices, deadlines
for assignments and tips for exams.
Lecturers encourage students to come and
talk with them about how they are progressing
in their modules. It is important for students
to be proactive in building a relationship with
their lecturers early on and not to wait until
the end of the semester to address queries or
concerns. Every week there is a set time that
your son or daughter’s lecturers are available
to talk about their modules, offer advice and
address any queries. These office hours are
posted on the academic department websites.
Some students do not use this contact/
time as they may feel that they are bothering
their lecturer, or that their concerns are not
important. However, there is no question
too small, and lecturers strongly encourage
students to meet them during office hours to
discuss course content or raise concerns. These
meetings also build your son or daughter’s
connection with their Departments which
makes them known to academic staff, who
may recommend them for further study or
employment opportunities in the future.
The Access or Disability Advisor will also have key
times when they will invite your son or daughter
to come in for a chat. We encourage students
to keep in contact with MAP and to share any
concerns that they may have, as many issues are
easily addressed. If your son or daughter has a
challenge or some good news to share they should
contact MAP by email www.nuim.ie/accessoffice/contact-us or drop into MAP Lodge.
Assignments
Unlike the Leaving Certificate, University
departments continuously assess students
by giving them assignments throughout the
year. Every assignment helps build marks
towards their end of year grade. The final
grade will be a combination of marks gained
from the continuous assessment work and an
end of semester examination. Deadlines for
assignments and small in-class exams are set by
the lecturer/ department. It is the responsibility
of your son or daughter to know the assignment
deadlines which are communicated in
class, online, and in course handbooks.
16–17
Students can always check with the department
office at any time. It is not acceptable to
miss deadlines in university (apart from very
exceptional circumstances permitted by and
agreed with the department) in advance.
Examinations
There will be end of semester exams held in
January and May. The marks from continuous
assessment and end of semester exams will
combine to make up their final grade. All past
exam papers are available to download on the
University’s library website library.nuim.ie.
University Grades
The expectation for students at first year in
university is that they submit their assignments
on time and pass all assignments and exams.
University grading is different than second
level. A pass is 40% and the average student
grade falls between 55% and 65%.
Generally first year grades are not
counted towards the degree with a few
exceptions, so we say to students who
are achieving 40% that their goal is to
get their grades up by second year.
GRADE
GRADE SUMMARY
MARK
FIRST CLASS (1:1)
Outstanding answer in every respect and casts
the question/issue in a new light
70-100
SECOND CLASS,
GRADE 1 (2:1)
Very well informed; coherent, well-constructed argument
and good grasp of concepts displayed
60-69
SECOND CLASS,
GRADE 2 (2:2)
Information good and question/issue addressed;
a fairly good grasp of concepts displayed
50-59
THIRD CLASS (3)
Information adequate and question addressed;
displays basic grasp of concepts
45-49
PASS (P)
Information adequate and question not fully addressed.
40-44
FAIL (F)
Little relevant information and/or question not addressed
0-39
Keeping up with coursework
We recommend that all students go for
feedback after every assignment and exam.
This way they will know what they did well,
where they need to improve and the Access
or Disability Advisor can work with them
to develop a study plan. Statistics from
the past number of years show that MAP
students generally outperform the general
student cohort in terms of their grades
and progression through their courses.
The way students are expected to study in
second level school is very different to how they
study at university. Your son or daughter will
need to get into a good study routine as they
may not have nightly homework to keep them
on track and it is very easy to get distracted and
then have a build up of work that could become
overwhelming or result in missed deadlines.
The examination results will be released
approximately one month after the end of
each examination period when students
can log in to look up their grades. There is
a designated consultation day held in the
University when students can speak with
academic staff about their results and their
options. It is advisable for all students to
attend this consultation day regardless of
their grade, as the feedback is invaluable.
New university students may need to adapt
to a more flexible day. Your son or daughter
may have gaps in their timetable when they
do not have lectures or tutorials. Students
who develop skills to manage their free time,
study, home and family responsibilities,
social life and part time work cope better
with the transition to this flexible structure.
Your son or daughter should ensure that
any part time work does not impact on their
ability to participate fully in their course.
Successful student tips
There are many opportunities through MAP
and their academic departments for your son
or daughter to develop their study skills and
become successful independent learners. For
every 1 hour of class students are expected to
do 1-2 hours of independent study. If your son
or daughter finds that they are falling behind
or wants to achieve their highest potential,
the best advice you can give them is to:
– Contact the module lecturer/tutor for
feedback on every assignment and exam
– Make an appointment with the Access
or Disability Advisor to discuss progress
www.nuim.ie/access-office/contact-us
– Attend Student+ which is a unique study
skills programme to help students become
resourceful, independent learners
– Attend Technology+ course which helps
students learn about educational technology
tools www.nuim.ie/access-office
– Visit the academic centres including
the Mathematics Support Centre, the
Writing Centre, the Programming Support
Centre, the Experimental Physics Drop-in
Centre and LIST Library Training Sessions
www.nuim.ie/current-students
– Catch up with lecture notes and
discussions on Moodle
– Form a study group
– Practise past exam papers
– Talk to the class representative if there are
difficulties in the lecture environment
– Request referral from the Access or
Disability Advisor to their MAP Academic
Advisors who are designated department
staff trained to support MAP students
www.nuim.ie/access-office/staffsupport/map-academic-advisors
– Discuss any significant issues
with the Academic Advisory Office
www.nuim.ie/current-students
18–19
Dean McCarthy
MAP Academic Advisor
I’m Dean McCarthy, assistant lecturer
in the Department of Experimental
Physics here at Maynooth University.
Firstly I would like to welcome
your family to the campus and
congratulate your son or daughter
on taking up their new course.
As MAP Academic Advisors, we are a
source of support and advice for MAP
students who have any academic or
course related queries or concerns.
This means that I and the other
MAP Academic Advisors are available
for your son or daughter to contact,
should the need arise, as we can
advise them on any specific academic
aspects of the courses run by each
department. Students should
also attend academic office hours
on a regular basis, particularly
for feedback on assignments and
exams when results are out.
My recommendation would be for
you to advise your son or daughter
to prepare themselves for their course
by reading the departmental course
handbooks and to make contact with
us early on in the academic year.
I also urge you to
encourage them to
make use of all the
facilities and resources
available to them
at the university,
to get involved with
clubs, societies and
campus events and
to remind them that
they can always come
to us for help.
I wish your son or daughter the best
of luck at Maynooth University.
MAP Supports
Supports for all HEAR and DARE Students
There are general supports
on campus that are available
for all MAP students:
20–21
MAP supports for HEAR students
– To obtain this financial contribution,
students must supply receipts for the total
amount of €800. These receipts must be for
approved college related expenses which
could include rent, books and materials,
travel costs etc.
Some HEAR students may be concerned about
their participation in university or finding it hard
to balance their family responsibilities, personal
circumstances, health issues or academics. Any
HEAR student is strongly advised to make an
appointment with the Access Advisor.
The third level maintenance grant is the main
source of financial aid for students. For more
information on the maintenance grant visit
www.susi.ie .
This assistance is co-funded by the Irish
Government and European Union under the
European Social Fund Human Capital Investment
Programme.
The following specific supports are available for
DARE students:
Maynooth University has a Student Budgeting
Advisor who provides financial advice as well as
support and guidance to all students who have
financial concerns or difficulties. Students can
make an appointment with the Student Budgeting
Advisor by emailing [email protected].
Financial Support for HEAR
students in 2nd, 3rd and 4th Year
In addition to the MAP academic supports,
the following personal and financial supports
are available for HEAR students:
Financial Support
– MAP Academic Advisors - all academic
departments have appointed a lecturer as
a MAP Academic Advisor, available to work
individually within their subject areas to
support MAP students with academic and
subject-specific issues/difficulties as needed.
They can offer academic guidance and support
with course related academic issues or
concerns.
– Student+ - a unique and innovative module
for first years at Maynooth University
that runs the full academic year. Student+
blends learning strategies with educational
technology. Students learn about academic
principles, study skills, writing techniques,
using technology in learning, exam techniques
and different learning styles.
– Technology+ is invaluable for students in all
areas of their academic journey. Technology+
runs throughout the first semester in the
Assistive Technology Centre (ATC) and consists
of group classroom sessions with tutor support
for first year MAP students. Note-taking,
reading, research, time management, writing
and proofreading; there are free and paid tools
available to assist students to develop their
skills in these areas.
– Students will receive €200 towards the cost of
books in early October.
After 1st year, all HEAR students will receive
a €100 contribution specifically towards the
cost of books. Where funds permit, students
who met 5 or more HEAR indicators at entry
will be prioritised for additional funding. All
HEAR students may make an application for
additional financial support if they are concerned
about meeting the costs of college. The amount
awarded will be subject to the level of need and
the budget available. To make an application for
additional funding, HEAR students should make
an appointment with the Student Budgeting
Advisor by emailing [email protected].
– Students will receive an additional financial
contribution of €800 from the Student
Assistance Fund. This will be provided in two
instalments, one in each semester.
Further financial advice is available at
www.studentfinance.ie. Financial advice
for families can also be obtained by visiting
www.mabs.ie.
Financial Support
for 1st Year HEAR students
1st year HEAR students will receive (where funds
permit) a bursary totalling €1,000 which will be
allocated as follows:
– The first instalment of €400 will paid
in early November.
– The second instalment of €400 will be paid
in early February.
Personal Support
There is a designated Access Advisor who is
available to all HEAR students who may wish to
discuss personal, academic, financial, or any other
issues in confidence.
– A dedicated Disability Advisor in MAP
Lodge will work with DARE students to identify
the supports they need to achieve their
academic goals.
–Educational technology training and
equipment loans are available in the Assistive
Technology Centre (ATC) and selected software
is mainstreamed in all computer rooms across
the campus.
–An Educational Support Worker, such as
an academic/personal assistant, a note taker
or a sign language interpreter may be approved
for DARE students.
– Student Central is an academic support
programme for students with significant
learning needs. Students who typically avail of
this support include students with Asperger’s
Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder or issues
such as depression or severe anxiety. Support
is tailored to meet the individual needs of
the student, with the objective of improving
academic outcomes and helping the student
meet the demands of his or her course.
– Examination accommodations may include
extra time, a smaller venue or the use of
educational technology.
Parental Support
Anthony Desmond
HEAR
Launchpad played
a very important
role in my first year
of university.
It allowed me to familiarise myself
with the campus, make friends and
most importantly to get a feel for
what university life would be like.’
Everyone on Launchpad is in the same
boat, which made it much easier to
talk to people and make new friends.
While staying on campus for the three
days the activities which took place
collectively gave me a well rounded
view of what starting university was
going to involve and ensured that I was
well prepared when lectures started. When I began university I knew my way
around the campus, had already made a
group of friends and wasn’t too nervous
about where to go and what to do (just
a little), all thanks to Launchpad.
I continued to benefit from being a
MAP student well after Launchpad
had finished. The friendly staff at
MAP provided me with a network of
people I could go to if I was having any
problems. I remained involved with MAP
by becoming a student helper, which
involved stewarding events, conducting
campus tours for secondary school
students, working as a student leader on
Take5 summer school and being a leader
on Launchpad! These opportunities
have given me work experience which
I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else.
I think it’s safe to say that being a
MAP student has played a big part
in my university life so far and it all
started with Launchpad. For this
reason, I would strongly advise
anyone taking part in Launchpad to
make the most of it, get involved
but most importantly to enjoy it!
As a university student your son
or daughter is now treated as
an adult. MAP will be unable to
discuss any concerns with parents
without consent from the student.
Financial Issue
22–23
Parental support will continue to be important
throughout their studies. You should use this
booklet to become more aware about the various
issues that your son or daughter may encounter.
Do encourage your son or daughter to make
contact with their Access or Disability Advisor and
follow up with them to see if they attended their
appointment. Please refer to the table of typical
issues for advice on what your son or daughter
could do in these cases:
Recommended steps
Worried about paying
the student contribution
before they receive their
grant award
Students can provisionally register and make use of all university
facilities until their grant is awarded. For any concerns, they should
contact the Fees and Grants Office www.nuim.ie/student-feesgrants for advice and should also call in for a chat with the Access
Advisor www.nuim.ie/access-office/contact-us.
Finding the cost of
university/a delay in
grant payment/change
in family circumstances
is making it difficult
to attend
All students can contact the confidential Student Budgeting
Advice Service www.nuim.ie/student-services.
There are options for additional financial support in
extenuating circumstances through the MAP Access Advisor
www.nuim.ie/access-office/contact-us.
Finding their parttime job/family
responsibilities
impacting on their
progress
University is like a full-time job and should be your son or daughter’s
main priority. Some students will need to supplement their income
with a part-time job and this is good for building work experience
and time management skills. It is important to limit the number of
hours to ensure that they can still meet their course demands. If
this becomes problematic, your son or daughter should make an
immediate appointment with their Access or Disability Advisor for
support www.nuim.ie/access-office/contact-us.
Needs to learn to
manage their money
Budgeting advice is included as a session at Launchpad and there
is an on-campus confidential Student Budgeting Advice Service
www.nuim.ie/student-services.
In need of a replacement
MyCard
Any loss of a MyCard should be reported via [email protected].
A replacement card will be provided at a cost of €20.
Academic Issue
Unsure about their
subject choices
Recommended steps
Students have an opportunity in the first few weeks at university to
attend sample lectures on the range of subjects that interest them.
The deadline for registering final subject choices is early October.
Each academic department has information on their websites
about their first year courses www.nuim.ie/study-maynooth/
undergraduate-studies/courses.
It may also be useful to visit the Careers Office careers.nuim.ie to
investigate subject combinations.
Unsure about the
location of lectures/
tutorials/ labs on
campus
Personalised timetables are available to download and print at
apps.nuim.ie/timetable/. Their electronic timetable links to an
online campus map that will show the various locations of each
venue. Allow enough time to find the rooms. All first year students
and even some second and third year students get lost at some
point, so it will happen!
Need to find information
about the University
(key dates, University
services, exams, travel,
courses, etc.)
The Current Students section of the Maynooth University website
contains a condensed set of resources that would be most often
needed by students at Maynooth www.nuim.ie/current-students.
Unsure about
assignment deadlines
and requirements
Students should contact their academic department or look at the
relevant Moodle page for their course. All lecturers have office
hours when students can drop in with these kinds of queries.
Contact details for academic departments are available on the
university website: www.nuim.ie/departments.
Unsure how to access
the library facilities
Needs help with
study skills
Having a difficulty with
part of their course
Students should spend time in the first few weeks getting to know
the library. During the main university orientation week tours of
campus will include a library tour. The new Maynooth University
library has an excellent website library.nuim.ie and Moodle page that
outline all of the online and LIST Library Information Skills Tutorials.
Each academic subject also has its own subject librarian.
The Access or Disability Advisor is happy to guide students with
study skills queries. The University has an innovative learning support
module (Student+) available to all first year students. MAP runs the
Technology+ module to introduce students to various tools that
may help. A number of drop-in academic support centres are also
available for essay writing support and for help with specific subjects.
Academic Issue
Recommended steps
Deciding to change
subjects within their
course
Some courses allow flexible selection of subject combinations
in first year. When deciding on subjects in the first few weeks,
students have the opportunity to sit in on any lecture. There is a
cutoff date in October each year when final subject choices must
be made.
Feeling that they chose
the wrong course
There are many reasons why a student might feel like their course is
not working out for them. Sometimes these are resolvable with the
right supports. Your son or daughter may wish to discuss their ideas
with the Academic Advisory Office www.nuim.ie/current-students
Considering
withdrawing from their
course or
Withdrawing from University has an impact on your son or
daughter’s HEAR status and on fees. It is very important that
students meet with their Access or Disability Advisor before they
take any action or make any big decision in consultation with the
Academic Advisory Office www.nuim.ie/current-students.
Unsure about their exam
venue
Students can look up their personalised exams dates and
venues electronically before the end of each semester. They should
make sure they are clear about when their exams are taking place
and where they must go and how to get there.
apps.nuim.ie/timetable/.
Unable to attend an
exam due to unexpected
circumstances
Contact the Examinations Office (www.nuim.ie/exams)
immediately. They should also contact the relevant academic
department and notify MAP. In the case of ill-health they will
be asked to supply a doctor’s certificate as soon as possible to
both the Exams Office and their academic department. Final
Year students are also required to submit the certificate to the
Academic Advisory Office.
Needs to access
examination results
Examination results are available online via the Student Web
Services online portal studentweb.nuim.ie.
All lecturers have office hours where students can drop in with
queries. Contact details for academic staff are available on the
university website www.nuim.ie/departments. They should also
contact their Access or Disability Advisor for support.
Personal Issue
Lonely/ finding it hard to
make friends
Worried about their
personal safety on
campus
Finding university hard
to cope with personally
Unwell during the year
Issues with alcohol
or drugs
Recommended steps
There are lots of options for getting to know others through
Launchpad. Once at Maynooth University the sports facilities,
Students Union, Clubs/ Societies and the Chaplaincy Office are
good places to make friends www.nuim.ie/student-services.
Download the Campus Watch booklet from Campus Security
for advice on how to stay safe on campus and discuss any
concerns with their Access or Disability Advisor www.nuim.ie/
campus-security.
Free confidential support for all personal issues is available through
the Access or Disability Advisor and the Maynooth University
Counselling Service www.nuim.ie/campus-life/student-wellbeingsupport/counselling.
Your son or daughter can access the tCampus Student Health
Centre free of charge www.nuim.ie/student-services . If their
illness has a significant impact on their academics or they will miss
assignment deadlines, they should contact the Access or Disability
Advisor and consult their academic departments as soon as
possible www.nuim.ie/departments.
Free confidential support for all personal issues is available through
the Access or Disability Advisor and the Maynooth University
Counselling Service www.nuim.ie/campus-life/student-wellbeingsupport/counselling.
James Cawley
DARE
I entered Maynooth University
through the DARE programme
as I have a physical disability
called Arthrogryposis.
DARE opened so many doors for me.
I received examination accommodations
like a scribe and extra time during my
exams. These really proved invaluable
to me. I came on Launchpad after
I accepted my offer and had such a fun
time getting to know everyone and the
university. At the end of my first year
I volunteered as a student leader.
It was great to be able to pass on my
experiences to the new students. I liked
it so much that I’m back again this year!
26–27
My advice to anyone
starting at Maynooth
is to say hi to everyone
and throw yourself
into the experience.
Since coming to University
I’ve learned the importance of
advocating for yourself and of
getting organised from the start!
Connecting to MAP
MAP Lodge, North Campus,
Maynooth University, Co. Kildare
www.nuim.ie/access-office/contact-us
Tel: (01) 708 6025
www.nuim.ie/access-office
Twitter: @nuimaccess
Produced by the Maynooth Access Programme,
Maynooth University, Co. Kildare © Maynooth University.
Design: Red&Grey Design. Photography: Richard Gilligan,
Matthew Thompson, Jimmi Ennis & Kate Turner.
The information contained in the publication is intended as a
guide for those entering the University and does not constitute a
contract or any terms thereof between the University or any third
party. Neither is it intended to give rise to legal obligations of any
kind on the part of the University or its employees. The University
reserves the right, at any time, or from time to time, to cancel,
revise, amend or alter any programmes of study and academic
regulations. The University is not responsible for and shall not
be bound by any errors in, or omissions from, this publication.
www.maynooth
university.ie