FINDING YOUR FEET WITH CLUBS & SOCIETIES
With the successful re-introduction of an in-person Clubs & Societies Fairs Days, the annual drive by Clubs and Societies to recruit members, we talk to Lucas Jeanniot (MSU Vice-President for Student Life) and Mary MacCourt (MU Clubs & Societies Co-oridnator) about the impact clubs and societies has on campus life and why students should join.
Click on link to listen to MAYNOOTH LIFE EPISODE 1
Useful Resources
The Gateway to Clubs & Societies Life: www.mulife.ie
Maynooth Students' Union: www.msu.ie
Maynooth University Student Experience (MUSE) Awards: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/experiential-learning/students/student-experience-award
Subject Choices and Academic Success at Maynooth
With the deadlines for academic enrollment and subject choices approaching, we speak with Rose Donovan (Academic Advisory Office) and Alex Balfe (MSU VP of Education) about how to make the best choices regarding courses of study at Maynooth University.
Click on the link to listen to MAYNOOTH LIFE EPISODE 2
Useful Resources
Subject Choices Queries
The Programme Advisory Office is available to assist and advise undergraduate students, including incoming first year students, with programme related decisions they may be unsure about before and after the registration period.
1st Year Subject Choices Deadline: Friday, 21st October 2022
Programme Advisory Office Website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/programme-advisory-office
Programme Advisory Office E-mail: programme.choices@mu.ie
Academic Advisory Office
The Academic Advisory Office offers a convenient first point of contact for students who wish to seek advice or assistance with their general experience of University life. The office provides an ombudsman-like role for students who may be encountering difficulties in their programme of study.
Academic Advisory Office website: www.maynoothuniversity.ie/academic-advisory
Academic Advisory Office email: advisory.office@mu.ie
Maynooth Students' Union / Educational & Welfare Queries
Maynooth Students’ Union (MSU) represents the students of Maynooth University and St Patrick’s College Maynooth. The primary objective of the Union shall be to provide for and promote and defend the interests of its members.
MSU Website: www.msu.ie
Education Officer email: education@msu.ie
Welfare Officer email: welfare@msu.ie
Information on Withdrawing / Deferring or Suspending Registration
Special note for students withdrawing from 1st Year of Study before the 31st of October.
For 1st Year Students returning to the Same Course:
Withdrawing before the 31st of October and returning to the same course the following year the student must re-apply to the CAO and put their current course as their First Preference on the CAO form to guarantee their place on the course.
STUDENTS MUST ALSO REQUEST A DEFERRAL FROM THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR PROCEDURE
For 1st Year Students returning to a Different Course:
Withdrawing at at any part of the year and returning to pursue a different course the following year the student must re-apply to the CAO. Do not put the current course in the CAO preference.
Please complete the Undergraduate Withdrawal / Deferral Form
Students will only be de-registered from the date the completed form is received in the Student Records and Registration Office.
Undergraduate students must perform an exit interview with the Academic Advisory Office. You will be contacted by the Academic Advisory Office in relation to this exit interview.
For other information about withdrawing / deferring or suspending registration, click HERE.
Ciarán and Ian chat to Kealan Hilley (MSU Vice-President Welfare & Equality) and Kirsten Baltazar (President of the MU Mental Health Society) about our mental health and the importance of minding our mental health.
Click on the link to listen to MAYNOOTH LIFE EPISODE 3
Useful Resources
Counselling Service
MU Counselling Service: www.maynoothuniversity.ie/counselling
The Counselling Service is a professional, confidential service, which is available to all registered students of the University and is provided free of charge. The Service offers one-to-one counselling and support on a wide range of psychological and mental health issues, as well as academic, family and social concerns, any of which may impact on your personal health and well-being or academic performance.
We are here to support you. If you are experiencing any difficulties, please link in with us. It can be helpful to talk with someone in a confidential way about your worries and concerns.
MU Mental Health Adviser
The Mental Health Advisor, Sandra Fox is a Mental Health Clinician with over 20yrs experience in both community and hospital settings. She is available to all students who in confidence wish to speak about their mental health & wellbeing.
Sandra is based in the student health centre with her GP and nursing colleagues, she can offer face to face or virtual appointments .
For an appointment with Sandra please contact the student health centre on 01- 7083878.
Chaplaincy
The MU Chaplain is Ciarán Coughlan and he can be contacted at chaplaincy@mu.ie
Chaplaincy Website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/student-services/chaplaincy
Whatever the conversation, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I offer a friendly, non-judgemental ear to anyone who wants or needs it. I have regular drop in hours weekly (Accessed via telephone if you are not on campus) and you can make an appointment with me at any stage.
Chaplaincy is available by telephone, online or in person (Room 49 Arts Block, North Campus)
Chaplaincy is here for those of all faiths and none and is here to faciltate:
Community (Bringing students together);
Conversation (One to one support);
Contemplation (Allowing you to explore and contemplate the deeper question of life & faith);
Compassion (Working with and towards helping others, Charities etc).
Student Support Officer
The Student Support Officer, Dr Colleen Doyle, is available to offer personal support and practical guidance to students.
You can contact the Student Support Officer by email at student.support@mu.ie
Maynooth Students' Union / Welfare Queries
Maynooth Students’ Union (MSU) represents the students of Maynooth University and St Patrick’s College Maynooth. The primary objective of the Union shall be to provide for and promote and defend the interests of its members.
MSU Website: www.msu.ie
Welfare Officer email: welfare@msu.ie
MU Mental Health Society
The Mental Health Society (MHS) is for anyone who has an interest in Mental Health or who believes Mental Health is a topic worth talking about. The MHS slogan is "unleash the elephant", as Mental Health often feels like the elephant in the room - the thing everyone knew existed but no one wanted to talk about - and the MHS wants to get people talking. Over the last few years the MHS has begun to move the elephant out, but there's still a lot more work to be done!
The Mental Health society is for everyone, whether you've struggled with mental health yourself, know a friend or family member who has or just think mental health is worth talking about! Mental health is something we all have, just like physical health, and its something we all should be looking after!
Mental Health Society website: https://mulife.ie/society/mental-health
This week, the Maynooth Life Team (Bret, Ciarán & Ian) take time to reflect on the semester so far but also on the study break which can in itself be a time for students to reflect on the 1st half of the semester as well as a time to rest.
Click on link for STUDY BREAK EPISODE
This week Bret speaks with Brian McKemzie and Aneta Stepien from the Critical Skills Team about the challenges and opportunities associeted with transitioning into third-lvel studies.
Click on link for EPISODE 5
Useful Resources
More information about Critical Skills can be found at https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/critical-skills
This week Ciarán chats with Emma McDermott (Student Helpdesk Team Leader) about the Student Helpdesk and how it can help students.
Click on link for EPISODE 6
Useful Resources
Student Helpdesk Website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/studenthelp
Open on Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4.45pm
Tel: +353 (1) 474 7444
Email: studenthelp@mu.ie
Live Chat by clicking the ‘Ask’ button on the student helpdesk web page
In-person by dropping by the Student Helpdesk in the John Hume Building or in the TSI Building. We are located on the ground floor in both buildings.
This week Ciarán chats with Sandra Fox (Mental Health Adviser) about all things to do with men's mental health.
Click on link for EPISODE 7
This week Ian chats with Rachel Fagan (Exams Officer) about all things to do with exams.
Click on link for EPISODE 8
Useful Resources
Examinations Office Website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/exams
The Examinations Office is part of the University Registry and administers the examination timetable. It is responsible for the central administration of the University written examinations. The academic year is semesterised with examinations held in Semester One (January) and Semester Two (May) with a Supplemental/Resit autumn session in August.
Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 17:00
We are happy to answer your queries by telephone on (01) 708 3820, or by email:
General queries please email: exams.office@mu.ie
PhD/Research Masters queries please email: research.theses@mu.ie
Subject External Examiner queries please email: extern@mu.ie
This week Ciarán and Ian chat with Brendan Baker (Head of the Careers Service) about career planning and the support offered by the Career Service when it comes to planning for future opportunities.
Click on link for EPISODE 9
Useful Resources
Career Service Website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/careers
Careers Connect: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/careers/students/talk-us
Maynooth University Careers Service helps you take the next step.
If you’ve no idea what to do next, we’ll help you to learn more about yourself and show you where to begin.
If you’ve already got some ideas but feel overwhelmed by choice, we’ll help you to narrow your options and gain some experience.
And if you’ve got a clear idea about your future plans, we’ll help you to apply for roles, stand out from the competition, and double check your plan. Whatever stage you’re at, our online resources and expert team of Careers Advisers are here to help.
This week Ciarán chats with Dr Jim Carolan (Chairperson of the Green Campus Committee) and Mireia Guardino-Ferran (Green Campus Co-ordinator) .
Click on link for EPISODE 11
Useful Resources
Maynooth Green Campus: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/green-campus
Maynooth Green Campus Committee (MGC) is officially in existence since December 2012. MGC brings together stakeholders from St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth, Maynooth University, and the Catholic world development agency, Trócaire, headquartered on campus.
Our Goal
MGC was awarded the Green Campus Flag in September 2018. The Flag is an international award under a scheme co-ordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), based in Copenhagen. The Flag is awarded to third level institutions that satisfy an assessment of progress undertaken by An Taisce.
To achieve this goal and to further develop the reach of our activities, MGC created a roadmap with a set of realistic objectives that fall under a number of thematic areas: Biodiversity, Energy Management, Water Conservation, Waste Management, and Sustainable Travel and Transport. In addition, MGC adopted the theme of Climate Justice, which we see as absolutely urgent in the context of global warming and climate change. This theme has now been included as a sub-theme under the national Green Campus programme by An Taisce. The flag was awarded in recognition of our achievements under all of these thematic areas.
Fúinn
Tá Coiste Champas Glas Mhá Nuad (MGC) ar an bhfód go hoifigiúil ó bhí Mí na Nollag 2012 ann. Tagann páirtithe leasmhara ó Choláiste Phádraig, Má Nuad (SPCM), ó Ollscoil Mhá Nuad, agus ón ngníomhaireacht Chaitliceach forbartha domhanda, Trócaire, atá lonnaithe ar an gcampas, le chéile don tionscanamh seo, MGC.
Ár gCuspóir
Bronnadh Gradam na gCampas Glas ar MGC i Mí Mheán Fómhair 2018. Is gradam idirnáisiúnta é seo mar chuid de scéim a chomhordaíonn an Fhondúireacht um Oideachas Comhshaoil, atá lonnaithe i gCóbanhávan. Bíonn an Gradam bronnta ar choláistí tríú leibhéal a shásaíonn an measúnú foráis a dhéanann An Taisce.
Fad is a bhíomar ag iarraidh an cuspóir seo a bhaint amach, cuireadh plean le chéile le spriocanna réalaíocha, spriocanna a tháinig faoi na ceannteidil théamacha seo a leanas: Bithéagsúlacht, Bainistíocht Fuinnimh, Caomhnú Uisce, Bainistíocht Dramhaíola agus Taisteal agus Iompar Inbhuanaithe. Anuas air sin, ghlac MGC le Ceartas Aeráide mar théama, toisc go bhfuilimid láidir den tuairim gur an-phráinneach atá sé i gcomhthéacs an téimh dhomhanda agus an athraithe aeráide. Tá an fothéama breise seo san áireamh anois faoi Chlár Náisiúnta na gCampas Glas atá curtha le chéile ag an Taisce. Bronnadh an Gradam orainn mar gheall ar na gaiscí atá bainte amach againn faoi na ceannteidil théamacha seo go léir.
This week Ian chats with Máire Buckley (Experiential Learning Officer) about how to make the most of student experience outside of the classroom as well as some of the fantastic initiatives that Máire's office manages.
Click on link for EPISODE 12
Useful Resources
Experiential Learning Programmes for students: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/experiential-learning/students
Maynooth University Student Experience (MUSE) Award: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/experiential-learning/students/student-experience-award
The Maynooth University Student Experience (MUSE) Awards recognise and reward your contribution to non credit bearing activities such as work experience, volunteering, club and society involvement, student representation and lots more! As well as being a fantastic addition to your CV, this Award will help you to articulate the skills you develop on your journey towards becoming a distinctive Maynooth student and future graduate.
Summer Programme for Undergraduate Research (SPUR): https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/experiential-learning/students/research
The Summer Programme for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) is an active research based and paid experiential learning programme for successful undergraduate students who wish to learn more about the postgraduate experience and possibly pursue a career in research is held for six weeks during the summer. It affords students the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects across a range of disciplines, offering an academically enriching environment and exposure to a myriad of learning and research opportunities, thereby enhancing students’ confidence and discipline knowledge.
Alumni Mentoring: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/experiential-learning/students/alumni-mentoring
The MU Alumni Mentoring programme's purpose is to support the development of student preparedness for work, life and engaged citizenship through informed career insights and empowering students to achieve their career aims. It also seeks to advance the networking propensity of Maynooth University students from underrepresented groups with 30% places prioritised for students from underrepresented groups (Access Students).
Skills for Success Elective (EX201 / 202) - for 2nd Years: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/experiential-learning/students/upskill
Experiential learning professional development and employability modules are available to eligible second year students. The key purpose of these modules is to facilitate students in their academic, personal and professional career development, so that they will be well equipped to secure internships and to successfully enter the graduate labour market. The modules, involving a number of employers, will provide students with the opportunity to develop a strong sense of self-awareness, as well as enabling them to identify and develop a range of employability skills, which will be fundamental to their future career.
If you have any feedback on our podcast or any sugegstions for future topics we would love to hear from you.
To leave feedback or suggest new topics please click on the FEEDBACK FORM
