Maynooth University espouses a strong supportive environment for all students such as academic support with our Writing and Mathematics Support Centres, Careers and Employability Service, Counselling, Student Health Centre, Crèche and the Student Budgeting Advice Service.
Specific supports available for mature students are listed below.
Orientation Programme for Mature Students
A two-day Orientation Programme for Mature Students takes place each year prior to commencement of lectures. This Programme is provided for students who have been offered a place at this University. It aims to provide new students with a wide range of information which will help them cope with the transition to university life and study. It familiarises students with the campus and the Library, and provides information on finance, accessing support, subject requirements and study skills. For more information contact the Mature Student Office.
General Orientation and Registration
General Orientation and Registration for all new students takes place during the week following Mature Student Orientation. All students must attend.
Many students will only experience difficulties at particular times during their academic journey and therefore may only require short term or very specific supports. For some students however these issues can become overwhelming and can threaten not only their academic participation but perhaps students may even feel like leaving their course. In order to ensure that students are supported as effectively as possible all academic departments have appointed a lecturer as a MAP Academic Advisor.
MAP Academic Advisors can offer academic guidance and support with course related academic issues or concerns. They can also ensure that you don’t need to necessarily talk with all of your lecturers about the issue as they can offer a coordinated point of access and support. The important thing is that you know that there is an academic contact within each Department who can offer you academic guidance and support when you need it.
Visit MAP Academic Advisors for more information and a current list of MAP Academic Advisors for the academic year.
A unique and innovative module for first years at Maynooth University that runs the full academic year. Student Plus 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. Find out more about Student Plus.
Technology is a key pillar in the support provided to mature students. The main focus of technology support is to enable students to use technology to become more independent in their learning. You are invited to attend the Technology Transition Programme that will show you over three sessions how to use technology when starting at Maynooth to make you a more effective student.
The Mature Student Office provides an Advisory Service to all registered mature students, on an individual and confidential basis. The Office can be the first ‘port of call’ for mature students, and can offer assistance and guidance in any area in which a student is experiencing difficulties, whether academic or personal.
It may be that you feel you need some help but you are not sure where to go. You may just feel you want someone to talk to or you may need advice about personal aspects of study that concern you. The Mature Student Office can help identify which support service might best meet your need. Where appropriate, students will be referred to other support services within the University.
If you are a Mature Student and would like to discuss any concerns you have or any areas in which your learning needs extra support. Contact the Mature Student Office to arrange an appointment.
You may wish to join the active Mature Student Society while you are a student at Maynooth University. The Society organises social events throughout the year and members of the society are always available to help new students settle into university life.
A series of get together sessions are available throughout the first semester, organised by the Maynooth University Access Programme. These MAP My Way meetings are where you can meet new people and learn academic and personal skills to help with the transition to Maynooth University.
The Maynooth University Disability Office provides academic and personal assistance to undergraduate and postgraduate students.