TU Dublin Access Support Service
by Doireann Moroney
In TU Dublin there is a service called, the Access Support Service. This service supports students throughout their undergraduate study at TU Dublin. This service represents students who are under 23 years of age, and who enter TU Dublin through one of the four Access entry routes; HEAR, Access TU Dublin, QQI Access TU Dublin, & Access Foundation Programme.
According to Careers Portal Ireland, the Access programmes are made to offer a supportive learning atmosphere that helps students get ready both mentally and emotionally for a full-time undergraduate degree at the third level, who might be in areas with lower rates of people going to third level education.
The Access Programme at TU Dublin has a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, with everyone having their own story. Let’s hear about some of experiences of this year’s current access leaders, and why you should consider being a leader.
Davis Jaudzems, a second-year engineering student in Bolton Street, said, “I wanted to become an Access Leader to help ease the transition stage for new students coming into university. My personal orientation for college didn’t set me up too well and it had given very little long-term effects on what to expect.”
Jaudzems experience is similar to the other access leaders, when speaking on how their initial college orientations felt a little rushed, with Access giving them a little bit more information.
Jaudzems continued, “So, the following year I signed up as an access leader to give students a better experience to meet new friends, learn about the college and find their passions. This year the orientation went along so much better, and I feel that was due to the improvements that the new people brought to the table when planning. With more planning and the introduction of new voices each year, the programme gets better.”
Jenny Thao Huynh, a second-year computer science student in Central Quad, said, “My course orientation left me a little confused and with more questions. So, I volunteered as a leader to make things better for the incoming students and as a way to show them that college is daunting, but really fun. I made some really good friendships through becoming a leader, and it really helps with your confidence in public speaking.”
There are other benefits to joining the Access Programme, you’ll get recognition for volunteer efforts, such as certificates, awards, or even academic credit. But not only that, volunteering can give you a sense of purpose and belonging, as being part of such a driven community focused on making a difference can be not only motivating, but make you feel good. Plus, it definitely looks good on your CV.
Wesley Kelly, a staff member of Access, said, “Volunteering as an access leader or co-ordinator helps you grow professionally and personally. It can foster a sense of purpose, build invaluable skills, and create a ripple effect of positive change. You can create a positive change in the life of incoming students.”
If those reasons weren’t enough, here’s some more, Access leaders frequently collaborate with volunteers, educators, and leaders in the community. Students can use this as a platform to develop deep connections and widen their professional networks.
You can also use this special platform to advocate for causes that are important to you, bring attention to educational disparities, and contribute towards finding solutions. You have the ability to utilise your voice to effect positive change. Your volunteering here could even trickle into different areas of volunteering throughout the college.
Stephanie Lynn, a second-year clinical measurement science student in Central Quad said, “I think it’s important to be an access leader because it allows you to give others the guidance you would’ve wanted for yourself as a first year. But it also allows you to make friends and connect with likeminded people studying on different courses that you would have never normally met if it wasn’t for putting yourself out there and becoming an Access leader/co-ordinator.”
There are many reasons why you might want to be an access leader and help out your community, and there might be some reasons you might be hesitant to join. But whatever that reason is, the more people making a difference the better. The Access Team is currently recruiting more leaders and co-ordinators for the 2024/25 academic year. If you’re interested in becoming an Access leader, check your Outlook inbox for the email with the application form. The closing date for applications is the third of May.
For more information on the Access programme, you can email Johanna King at Johanna.king@tudublin.ie and Wesley Kelly at Wesley.Kelly@mytudublin.ie.
You can also follow the Access Support Services Instagram page, under the handle, @tudublinaccesssupport for updates on all things Access.