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/Welcome Week
The University’s Orientation Programme/ Welcome Week takes place in September for all new students. Tailored information sessions are scheduled for those coming through Mature, QQI, HEAR and DARE entry routes. Orientation aims to provide new students with a wide range of information, which will help them cope with the transition to university life and study. New students will be familiarised with the campus and the Library, and will receive information on finance, accessing support, subject requirements and study skills.
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.
Technology is a key pillar in the support provided to mature students. .....This support initiative will introduce to you the latest educational technology (including several really useful tools) and show you how to integrate it into your learning and into your daily life as a student. The Technology Transition Programme (TTP) was created to help in this area. www.maynoothuniversity.ie/access-office/ technology-transition-programme
The Advisory Team in MAP see students on an individual and confidential basis to help address any issues. It may be that you feel you need some help but you are not sure where to go. We can help identify which support service might best meet your needs. You may just feel you want someone to talk to or you may need advice about personal aspects of study that concern you. Students are welcome to discuss any concerns they have or any area in which they feel that their learning may need extra support. Our office is located in MAP Lodge, (W23 F2K8) on the North Campus. You may call in to reception or make an appointment with your designated MAP Student Advisor by booking an appointment here www. maynoothuniversity.ie/access-office/mapadvisor-calendars
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.