Student Supports
Staying ConnectED
Dr. Ro Aitken
Teaching/Student Support Programmes
My name is Dr. Ro Aitken and I work on the Professional Masters in Education (PME) in UCD as a teacher, a tutor, and as Director of both the Supplementary Teaching Support Programme (the STSP) and the Individual Student Support Programme.
1. Tutors
The role of the tutors is central to the Professional Masters in Education (PME) in UCD. The tutors provide support and direction when they meet with their PME students in weekly tutorials for the duration of the students’ time on the PME. Tutors also provide support outside of the tutorials, as required. The support provided is practical and connects the theory of the lectures with effective classroom practice. Tutors also supervise PME students and are well positioned to advise and support their students in their teaching practice. Tutors also provide a key supportive and communicative role in liaising with PME Management, schools, supervisors and other tutors.
2. Supplementary Teaching Support Programme: STSP
This is an additional programme to support and advise PME students in UCD, which may take the form of individual or group sessions. If a PME student requires further professional support, they can by referred by their tutor or supervisor, or may self-refer, to the STSP.
Areas covered include topics such as classroom management, improving lesson planning, and building confidence in communication skills and in classroom presence. Additional school placement supervisions can also be arranged as necessary.
3. Individual Personal Support
In addition to their professional needs, PME students may have personal needs that come to light in the course of the PME programme. Perhaps a member of the family is unwell, or the PME student becomes unwell, or maybe a student feels overwhelmed by both the
personal and professional demands of the programme. Individual support is provided to help the student through any difficult periods they may experience on the PME.
Health, Personal, and Welfare Support
Student Advisory Supports
The UCD Student Advisory Service is a point of contact, support and referral for all UCD students throughout their studies. Every academic programme in UCD has a dedicated Student Adviser who offers students time and space to explore issues of concern to them. The Student Advisers can assist students in finding pathways to deal with personal, social and emotional issues and can advise of appropriate UCD policies, procedures and services. Student Advisers work closely with academic and administrative staff as well as with the other student support staff to ensure that each student’s experience at UCD is as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible. See https://www.ucd.ie/studentadvisers/ for more information.
Student Advisers
Provides support when personal issues arise which affect happiness, wellbeing,capacity to cope, relationships or learning.
Students, faculty and staff, and the local community work together to ensure the holistic health and wellbeing of every member of the UCD community.
UCD Students’ Union helps students to navigate their way through UCD. Our main aim to is make sure that students’ voices are being heard. We actively engage with the University to ensure the student voice is being represented.
Academic and Professional Support
Primary point of contact for students, available to help with advice and support on a range of issues including module and programme information, registration advice, timetable issues, assessment and progression, changing subjects or modules, extenuating circumstances, leave of absence, University and degree policies and regulations.
Provides free, one-to-one and small group tuition and a range of workshops on all aspects of maths and statistics.
Supports students in their learning regarding collections, study spaces, guides, classes, one-to-one advice including specialist supports, Health & Wellbeing collection and respite room.
UCD Students’ Union helps students to navigate their way through UCD. Our main aim to is make sure that students’ voices are being heard. We actively engage with the University to ensure the student voice is being represented.
Enable and empower individuals to develop the skills, self-confidence and attitudes needed to flourish in learning and work within a global economy.
Offers advice and supports to widen access and ensure participation by diverse student cohorts.
Provides free, one-to-one tuition and a range of workshops on all aspects of the writing process.
Resources for international students and/or students living on campus
Provides information, guidance and support on the international elements of the student experience.
Students’ Union / Estate Services / Financial Support
UCD Students’ Union helps students to navigate their way through UCD. Our main aim to is make sure that students’ voices are being heard. We actively engage with the University to ensure the student voice is being represented.
Offers peer support, advice and representation of students on welfare, educational and social issues.
General Campus Support Enquiries (24/7) 01 716 7000
UCD Emergency Phone Line (24/7/365) 01 716 7999
We recognise that financial problems can arise for a number of reasons. To allow for these circumstances, UCD offers opportunities for students to apply for financial assistance.
University College Dublin
Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 7777