Báile Initiative.
Project Lead: Dr Aidan Mooney. Computer Science.
This project aims to connect first year students with each other through informal “get-togethers” in the Computer Science Centre. These events provide students an opportunity to meet other students in their CS modules, to meet students from
higher years of study, and postgrads and staff within the department. BAILE will aim to build student engagement with the department and make students feel at home (Baile as Gaeilge).
Business/German Visiting Speaker.
Project Lead: Dr Andreas Boldt. German Studies, School of Modern Languages.
This project funds the visit of and external speaker from the German Irish Chamber of Commerce who would address work life in Germany and German companies in Ireland as part of the Business German 2nd year module. This will provide students with real-life connection and a fuller understanding of the relationship between what is taught in the classroom and practiced in the workplace.
Friendship Supported Learning in First Year.
Project Lead: Dr Mags Crean. Department of Applied Social Studies.
This project will take place as a team-building event which will encourage students to work in teams and staff (myself as module co-ordinator & tutors) will allocate student to groups in a way that supports diversity in each group. This is in line with the National HEA (2022) Healthy Campus Strategy which aims to foster friendships and connection among students.
Making Time for Retention.
Project Lead: Dr Mags Crean. Department of Applied Social Studies.
This project provides designated time for building academic relationships between tutors and first year students at risk of leaving university. It consists of events and designated tutor hours for developing relationships with students and creating a sense of social, cultural and relational belonging while providing students with an opportunity to reach out at key transition points in their academic journey
Bridging the Writing Gap.
Project Leads: Kathleen Carroll and Helen Doyle. Academic Writing Support.
This collaboration between Academic Writing Support and the Department of History aims to bridge the gap between writing at pre-college entry, to that which is required at third level. This will be achieved through the integration of academic writing convention sessions within the curriculum, follow-up workshops focussing on specific assignments and provision of one-to-one writing support appointments.
Student Health Screening.
Project Leads: Dr. Robert Troy. Student Health Centre.
This research project will examine the feasibility for pre-arrival student health screening in Maynooth University. It is posited that such a programme would improve student outcomes by proactively engaging with such students before they arrive, improving their student journey by providing the relevant professional health support to help them thrive.
Tearmann - Irish Language Buddy Programme.
Project Leads: Dr Tracey Ní Mhaonaigh. Nua-Ghaeilge (Modern Irish).
This project consists of mentoring workshops, pairing 2nd and 3rd year students with 1st, and for two reasons: 1) to give the 1st years an ‘Irish-speaking buddy’ with whom they can practice linguistically; 2) to allow all cohorts to feel part of our language community. These activities will create social bonds between students and help them appreciate their place within a very special community.
Tearmann - Irish Language Buddy Programme.
Project Lead: Dr Tracey Ní Mhaonaigh. Nua-Ghaeilge (Modern Irish).
This project consists of mentoring workshops, pairing 2nd and 3rd year students with 1st, and for two reasons: 1) to give the 1st years an ‘Irish-speaking buddy’ with whom they can practice linguistically; 2) to allow all cohorts to feel part of our language community. These activities will create social bonds between students and help them appreciate their place within a very special community.
Joining Forces with your Brain.
Project Lead: Prof Richard Roche. Psychology.
Across the globe, universities are encountering significant challenges with student retention and mental health issues that impact students' ability to perform academically. The "Joining Forces with Your Brain" series aims to address these challenges by enhancing student success through the improvement of learning perceptions and approaches.
Empowering Transitions for Doctoral Education Students at Key Programme Milestones
Project Lead: Dr Rose Dolan. Department of Education.
The aim of this project is to use identified programme transitions as prompt points for Ed D students and graduates to learn from the experiences of those further along the doctoral path and to engender a deeper sense of belonging to the MU Ed D community. This will take the form of a one-day event featuring presentations, workshops, and panel discussions led and organised by current students and graduates.
Creative Writing Club
Project Lead: Belinda McKeon. English.
This project will establish a Creative Writing Club, providing students with an opportunity to meet and engage with fellow students in an informal and creatively stimulating context. By the end of the sessions, it is anticipated that students will have made bonds with other students, discovered or deepened their creative interests, and found useful outlets for the personal experiences they are undergoing during their arrival or return to campus.
Arts/Maths Students and the Maths Support Centre
Project Leads: Dr Detta Dickinson & Dr Ciarán Mac an Bhaird. Mathematics and Statistics.
This project focuses on first year Arts students taking mathematical studies and who can continue with mathematics into second year. The purpose of the project is to establish an informal and welcoming environment where students can get to know each other and Department staff outside of a formal class setting. It will facilitate the setting up of important relationships at the start of their university experience.
Maynooth at Dutch Design Week
Project Lead: Oratile Mokgatla. Design Innovation.
This project will enable enable a group of 4 students from the Design Innovation Department to attend the Dutch Design Week (DDW) in Eindhoven, Netherlands. This will lead to an enriched education experience not just for for those who attend, but indirectly for the entire cohort through post-event debriefing and presentations where students share their experiences and insights with the department.
Primary and Early Childhood Education - Cohort Engagement
Project Lead: Dr Leah O'Toole. Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education.
The objective of this project is to begin the process of mindfully providing academic learning and professional practice sharing opportunities between two student cohorts which would not normally interact; the BA in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning full-time (MH003) and the BA in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning flexible (MH004), cohorts with differing experiences who could potentially learn from one another.
Céilí Event
Project Leads: Derry Akin & Ian Russell. Student Skills & Success.
The Céilí event caters to a large and diverse group of students: those interested in music, dance and Irish language specifically, as well as those looking to de-stress, have fun and make friends, or students who are curious to explore a new activity/interest. The event planning and execution will bring together stakeholders across campus including Student Skills & Success, Oifig na Gaeilge, MSU, TradSoc and Healthy Campus.
