Academic Support
(1) Outreach/Community Mentoring
The Adult Education Department in conjunction with CHART is piloting an outreach mentoring service. The outreach mentoring service is a pilot project introduced to combat educational disadvantage among adult part-time students in WIT.
This project aims to provide a support structure to students on the National Certificate/Diploma in Adult and Community Education. It also serves to aid student retention on such courses and to facilitate effective study practices for students.
Mentors for this programme are already in place. This programme applies to part-time students only. For further information contact the community education co-ordinator at 051-302721.
(2) Student Mentoring
This is a new initiative that was set up to combat the academic and social isolation experienced particularly by first year mature students. Some mature students are returning to education after a long period of time and this can be a quite daunting experience. CHART has established a panel of mentors consisting of mature students over the age of twenty-three. Their role would be to guide and encourage first year mature students who may be experiencing difficulties both personally and academically.
Initially the mentors will service an 'information desk' during the first two weeks of the college term - contact 051-302758 or Pastoral Care 051-302489.
(3) Academic Mentoring
It is envisaged that CHART will support the development of an Academic Mentoring programme for mature students with staff.
Mature Student Support
4) Mature Student's Club
Co-ordinated by our Chaplain Fr. David Keating the over 22's club is a support group designed to cater for the needs of mature students. An informal, friendly get together is held once a term where mature students meet up to discuss their needs, concerns and to share their academic experiences. The first gathering takes place in October, more details will be given in the college newsletter.
(5) Mature Student Summer School:
This is a one week taster programme for adults who have been out of the education system for a long time and who wish to re-enter 3rd level education.
(6) REGSA
The Regional Educational Guidance Service for Adults (REGSA) is a pilot project funded by the Department of Education and Science. The role of the project is to provide educational guidance for adults. Contact at 051 302287.
Other Support
(7) Additional Tuition: This is co-ordinated for students experiencing difficulties with specific subject areas. Generally, students are referred to the Centre through their academic departments.
(8) Childcare: Student parents on application to the CHART office may be given some limited financial assistance towards the cost of childcare during the academic year.
(9) Direct Financial Assistance: This is available to students who are experiencing severe financial difficulies. It is a limited fund and students must generally be referred to the CHART centre by a member of staff.
(10) Writing and Study Skills: Research has shown that the most successful students are not necessarily those who are the cleverest, but those who are organised in relation to their study. It is possible to learn techniques and skills to develop an organised approach to studying.
(11) Transfers: First year students who accept a place in WIT through the CAO process and who wish to transfer to another course within the Institute will only be considered under special circumstances. The student must also possess the appropriate points required for the relevant course including the specific subjects and grades required. Further information is available from the Admissions Office.
