Atlantic Technological University Magazine - Issue 15
Editor: Anne Donnelly
Design: The Foundation
Photography: Aoife Herriott, Alison Laredo, James Connolly, Jessica Priddy, Mike Shaughnessy, Clive Wasson, Aengus McMahon, Lauren Fitzgerald, Paul McGuckin, Brad Anderson, Tommy Weir, Katarina Rozvadska, Conor Doherty, Katarina Rozvadska and ATU staff.
Cover photo: Pearse Summerville with his bench ‘Melodies’, which won the Robin and Lucienne Day Award 2024. Pearse has completed second year of the BSc (Hon) in Furniture Design and Manufacture at ATU Connemara. Photo credit: Aoife Herriott.
Contributors: ATU Communications team, Jessica Duffy, Orlaith Ní Mheachair, Eve-Anne McCarron, Michelle Reynolds, Carina Ginty, Katarina Rozvadska, Michelle Lee, Séan Duffy, Sinéad Campbell, Celia Keenaghan, Ellen McCabe, Sinéad Ní Bhroin, Leoine McDonagh, Joanne Kilmartin, Denise Healy, Anne Conlon, Stephen Glennon, Paul Leamy, Kristen Cavagnet.
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK:
If there is anything you would like to see in future issues of this magazine, please email anne.donnelly@atu.ie
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Welcome from the Editor 03
University Updates
- Branding a new University
- ATU Podcasts
- Icons 24 Furniture Exhibition
07
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- ATU Supports Traveller and Roma Communities
- Aurora Leadership Programme
- ATU Staff and Students Rally in Support of Human Rights
- Mentoring for Access, Retention and Student Success in Higher Education
Research News
- Research Spotlight: Leonie McDonagh
- Addressing Rural Health Inequalities
19 Sustainability
- EU GREEN Alliance Research Conference at ATU
- EU GREEN Joint Education Degrees
- A Journey Toward a Greener Future Blended Intensive Programme
Innovation and Engagement
- North West Tertiary Education Cluster News
- Supercharge Your Business with AI
- Symposium Explores the Future of Education
- Preparing for Tomorrow’s Learning Landscape
- Meet our new EMPOWER Cumasú Project Coordinator
ATU Celebrates
- Creative Arts and Design End-of-year Exhibitions
- ATU Alumna Athletics Success
- ATU Student competes at the Paralympics
- Canines on Campus
Welcome from the Editor, Anne Donnelly
Our cover photo for this issue is of Pearse Summerville with his bench ‘Melodies’, which won the Robin and Lucienne Day Award 2024. Pearse has completed second year of the BSc (Hons) in Furniture Design and Manufacture. His bench was one of several furniture pieces designed and created by students at ATU Connemara which were on display during the Icons 24 Exhibition Showcases held over the summer.
Did you know that currently, only one percent of Travellers transition to higher education? ATU has one of the highest numbers of students from the Traveller community attending university in Ireland and has secured HEA funding under the National Access Plan to support students from Traveller and Roma communities. On page 7 we give you an overview of some of our initiatives in this area, and on page 16, Leonie Mc Donagh talks to us about her research project on the Roma community on the island of Ireland
Dear Reader,
I hope you had a lovely summer, and I am delighted to welcome you to Issue 15 of our ATU Magazine.
If there is anything you would like to see in future issues of this magazine, please email me
ATU staff and students have been deeply affected by Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza and on page 11 we look at how staff and students are coming together to support human rights for everyone.
In our sustainability update we report on the EU GREEN Alliance Research Conference held at ATU in June and we are delighted to announce that ATU have been listed as partners in two Masters’ proposals selected to be developed as Joint Education Degrees in the EU GREEN consortium.
There will be an exciting opportunity to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can supercharge your business at the Digital West conference which will take place on 11 October at ATU Mayo. You can find out more about the conference and how to book your place on page 25
Sadly, Dr Gay Corr passed away on 1 July 2024. Dr Corr, a pioneering figure in the development of higher education in the western region, was the first Principal of Regional Technical College Galway, which subsequently became GMIT and is now ATU Galway-Mayo. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him. His obituary can be read on page 51
The purpose of this magazine is to keep you updated on our activities and initiatives. So, whether you’re a member of our student or staff body, or are one of our regional, national or international stakeholders, we hope you find something of interest here.
Best Wishes
Anne Donnelly
Focal ón Eagarthóir
A chara,
Tá súil agam go raibh samhradh álainn agat, cuireann sé an-áthas orm fáilte a chur romhat chuig an 15 eagrán d’Iris OTA.
Ar chlúdach tosaigh an eagrán seo tá Pearse Summerville agus a bhinse ‘Melodies’, a bhuaigh Gradam Robin agus Lucienne Day 2024. Tá Pearse tar éis an dara bliain den Baitsiléir Eolaíochta (Onór.) i nDearadh agus Déantúsaíocht Troscáin a chríochnú. Bhí a bhinse ar cheann de roinnt píosaí troscáin a dhear agus a chruthaigh mic léinn OTA Conamara agus a bhí ar taispeáint le linn Taispeántais Icons 24 a reáchtáladh i rith an tsamhraidh.
An raibh a fhios agat nach dtéann ach aon faoin gcéad den Lucht Siúil ar aghaidh chuig oideachas tríú leibhéal? Tá OTA ar cheann de na hOllscoileanna is mó a bhfuil mac léinn ó phobail an Lucht Siúil ag freastal ar in Éirinn, agus tá maoiniú faighte againn ón Údarás um ArdOideachas (HEA) faoin bPlean Rochtana Náisiúnta chun tacú le mic léinn ó phobail an Lucht Siúil agus na Romach. Ar leathanach 7 tugaimid forbhreathnú ar chuid dár dtionscnaimh sa réimse seo, agus ar leathanach 16 labhraíonn Leonie Mc Donagh linn faoina tionscadal taighde ar phobal Romach anseo in Éirinn.
Tá oibríochta mhíleata leanúnach Iosrael in Gaza ag goilliúint go mór ar fhoireann agus ar mhic léinn na hOllscoile. Feicfidh muid ar leathnach 11 mar atá pobal OTA ag teacht le chéile chun tacú le cearta daonna do chách.
Agus muid ag tabhairt uasdátú ar cheist na hinbhuanaitheachta, tuairiscímid ar Chomhdháil TaighdeComhaontas EU GREEN a tionóladh in san Ollscoil i mí an Mheithimh agus tá an-áthas orainn a fhógairt go bhfuil OTA ainmnithe mar pháirtithe i dhá thogra Máistreachta atá roghnaithe le forbairt a dhéanamh ar Chéimeanna Comh-Oideachais comhaontas EU GREEN.
Beidh deis iontach ag comhdháil Digital West, ar an 11 Deireadh Fómhair in OTA Maigh Eo, iniúchadh a dhéanamh ar conas is féidir le hIntleacht Shaorga (AI) do ghnó a threisiú. Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil ar an ócáid seo agus chun d’áit a chur in áirithe, téigh chuig leathanach 25.”
Faraor, d’éag an Dr. Gay Corr ar 1 Iúil 2024. Ba é an Dr. Corr, a bhí ceannródaíoch i bhforbairt an ardoideachais i réigiún an iarthair, an chéad Uachtarán ar Choláiste
Teicniúil Réigiúnach na Gaillimhe, GMIT ina dhiaidh sin agus atá anois aitheanta mar OTA. Gaillimh-Maigh Eo.Déanaimid comhbhrón ó chroí lena theaghlach agus tá gach a raibh aithne acu air agus a raibh grá acu dó go mór inár smaointe. Is féidir a scéala báis a léamh ar leathnach 51
Tá sé mar aidhm leis an iris seo daoine a choinneáil ar an eolas maidir leis an méid atá ag tarlú ar fud na hOllscoile, idir gníomhaíochtaí agus tograí. Mar sin, más ball foirne nó mac léinn atá ionat, nó dream dár bpáirtithe leasmhara réigiúnacha, náisiúnta nó idirnáisiúnta, tá súil againn go bhfeicfidh tú rud éigin a mbeidh suim agat ann.
Le dea-ghuí, Anne Donnelly
“ Má tá nithe faoi leith ar mhaith leat a fheiceáíl sna heagráin atá le
teacht, is féidir teagmháil a dhéanamh liom anne.donnelly
Branding a New University
The Journal of Education Advancement and Marketing recently published a peer reviewed paper titled ‘Branding a new university: The development of Atlantic Technological University’s brand identity’ written by Dr Seán Duffy Vice President for ATU Integration.
Establishing a university is not an every - day event. It is the result of years of painstaking efforts by those dedicated to a cause that can be regarded as a once in a generation occurrence.
A university’s name is an important part of how it will be perceived. It should represent the place, capture the spirit of the community and serve the aspirations of organisations and people.
Dr Duffy’s paper analyses how ATU successfully created a unique brand identity for the university. He reviews the opportunities and challenges presented by such a large task.
Developing a new higher education brand uniting three education institutes, each with over 50 years of history, required a team effort and
considerable communication and engagement skills to ensure that all stakeholders supported the project.
Developing the brand involved dedicated and motivated internal teams supported by an external branding consultancy company. Dr Duffy’s paper outlines the work of the team responsible for developing the brand identity, along with the lessons learned which ultimately resulted in a successful launch of a brand for ATU.
The three-stage approach adopted for naming and developing a brand was:
Stage 1: Name and brand development process
Stage 2: Stakeholder research and engagement — data collection, analysis and reporting
Stage 3: Brand positioning
Dr Duffy’s paper provides a first-hand account and insights into the importance of research, stakeholder engagement and internal communications to develop a brand that resonates with audiences and builds institutional assets. To read the paper please click here
“ The great names of the world and those of universities have one thing in common: they speak people’s language in order to communicate something worth saying. Such names have conviction, ambition, personality, a mission and, where needed, they are willing to push boundaries.”
Dr Seán Duffy, VP for ATU Integration
ATU Podcast
“Are we superstitious anymore?”
Dr Marion McGarry, a lecturer in furniture at ATU talks to Ivana Hanjs about old customs and traditions and what she wishes more people knew about Irish customs and cultural heritage. Dr McGarry is a renowned author and independent researcher who explores the rich tapestry of Irish history, folklore, design, and culture. To listen please click here
“Focus on Uganda, eyeglasses to read a bible at night.”
Dr Edel McSharry and Séan Kelly from ATU St Angelas talk to Aidan Haughey about leading a team of nursing students to Uganda, engaging in life-changing community projects as part of the Erasmus project at ATU to improve healthcare and education in Ugandan communities, ensuring a lasting and positive impact. To listen please click here
“The ash tree, the nobliest of the species and most abundant tree in Irish hedgerows.”
Dr Marion McGarry and Séan Garvey, lecturers at ATU talk to Ivana Hanjs about the present and future of the ash tree, and the fascinating world of furniture design at ATU. They discuss the cultural and historical significance of the ash tree in Ireland, as well as the impact of the disease, ash dieback on its population and the furniture industry. To listen please click here
Icons 24 Furniture Exhibition
An exhibition of furniture pieces designed and created by students in the National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology at ATU Connemara took place over the summer, from June to August.
Titled ‘Icons 24’, the exhibition showcased 56 stunning furniture pieces including tables, chairs, cabinets, lamps, shelving displays, children’s educational toys and more.
Commenting on the exhibition Paul Leamy, Head of Department, ATU Connemara, said: “Icons 24 exhibition showcases not only the exceptional talent and creativity of our students but also the dedication and hard work that has gone into every piece on display. This collection of outstanding work is a testament to the innovative spirit that we cultivate in our students.”
Cabinet by student Keith Roberts which won the Ellis Award for Excellence in Making 2024. Keith has just completed fourth year of the BSc (Hons) in Furniture Making and Architectural Woodworking programme and is representing Ireland at the WorldSkills finals in Lyon, France in the cabinet making competition in September having already won the IrelandSkills national final. Photo credit: Aoife Herriott.
Some of the pieces on display at the furniture exhibition in ATU Connemara. Photo credit: Aoife Herriott
won The
for
Pearse Summerville with his bench ‘Melodies’, which won the Robin and Lucienne Day Award 2024. Pearse has completed second year of the BSc (Hon) in Furniture Design and Manufacture programme. Photo credit: Aoife Herriott.
Melissa Shiels with her chair which
Conor Farrell Award
Excellence in Design 2024. Melissa has just completed second year on the BSc (Hon) in Furniture Design and Manufacture programme. Photo credit: Aoife Herriott.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
ATU Supports Traveller and Roma Communities
Funding available through the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH), has helped ATU support students from Traveller and Roma communities on their educational journey into higher education in recent years. ATU has one of the highest numbers of students from the Traveller community attending university in Ireland
Collaboration with stakeholders
HEA funding has provided possibilities for collaboration with several community development and advocacy groups, including Donegal Travellers Project, Galway Traveller Movement, Sligo Traveller Support Group (STSG) and other stakeholders, providing a partnership approach to access and widening participation.
HEA PATH 3 a joint collaboration from the West/North West Higher Education Cluster (ATU and University of Galway), saw the funding of one full-time and one part-time Traveller Education Officer for the region.
The Traveller Education Officers, Anne Marie Stokes (Galway/ Mayo) and Sinéad Campbell (Donegal/Leitrim/Sligo) have been instrumental in developing links with other education providers, Traveller Advocacy groups and other stakeholders. They have initiated and supported several events on campuses throughout the region in conjunction with colleagues from ATU’s Access and Widening Participation Service, academic staff as well as professional, technical and support staff within the University.
About the National Access Plan (NAP)
The Higher Education Authority’s (HEA) National Access Plan: A Strategic Action Plan for Equity of Access, Participation and Success in Higher Education (20222028) provides for a higher education sector which is accessible to all, supporting a diverse student body, with particular emphasis on students who may experience challenges in accessing higher education. Students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, students with disabilities and students from the Irish Traveller community have been identified as priority groups under NAP 2022-2028.
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ATU works closely with Traveller and Roma advocacy groups in supporting access to university education for all age groups including school-leavers, parents and grandparents.
Primary school children science workshop at ATU as part of the DTP Afterschool Programme.
The University has set up a Traveller and Roma Advisory group which includes representatives from the Traveller and Roma communities as well as student and staff representatives. Rory McMorrow, Student Services Office at ATU says: “This Advisory Group has an important role in directing the work of ATU’s Access and Widening Participation Service in achieving the targets set out in the NAP for this group.”
Taster courses
ATU St Angelas in conjunction with STSG and Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education Training Board (MSLETB) has provided several unaccredited taster courses in Sligo (e.g. Community Development, Childcare, Car Maintenance, Special Educational Needs, Soccer), to over 40 participants from the Traveller community, several of whom subsequently completed or are currently studying QQI modules in these subject areas with MSLETB.
Certificate
in Community Development
Practice
Forty-four members of the Traveller Community across Mayo and Galway have completed this ATU accredited programme, which is a joint collaborative initiative between ATU, Traveller Projects, Health Service Executive (HSE), local partnership companies and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP).
Sinéad Campbell, Traveller Education Officer (Northwest) at Traveller Pride Week in Ballyshannon.
Yellow Flag Programme
ATU’s Traveller Education Officers, in collaboration with the Irish Traveller Movement, are supporting three schools across the region (Donegal, Mayo and Sligo) to secure Yellow Flag status. Similar to the Green Flag Programme, the Yellow Flag Programme takes a wholeschool approach to promoting interculturalism, diversity and inclusion.
ATU recently welcomed 22 primary school pupils onto its campus at ATU Donegal Letterkenny as part of an afterschool programme which is managed by DTP and funded by ATU. DTP and ATU have successfully collaborated on the afterschool programme for several years and recently extended the programme to include Letterkenny and Ballyshannon. As part of the programme, pupils from Traveller and Roma communities attending local primary schools are provided with afterschool homework support as well as other educational and recreational activities throughout the school year.
“ Currently, 1% of Travellers transition to higher education and this [DTP] initiative is an essential step in encouraging educational opportunities at primary school age. The Afterschool Programme has also allowed us to connect with ATU in a way which might not have happened otherwise, particularly the on-campus element which has been so successful. Pupils got to try out activities, different subjects and get a sense of what a university campus feels like and what staff and students are like. We look forward to continuing this and other work with ATU into the future .”
Barry Mooney, Education Development Team Lead, DTP
Talks, exhibitions and events
‘Tatau – Tattoo: Self-Expression & Identity: Celebrating the Cultural Significance of Tattoos’ exhibition showcased tattoos that have significant meaning to the individuals’ ethnicity and cultural backgrounds. The exhibition was curated by ATU Student and 2023 Earagail Arts Festival New Curator, Clodagh McIvor.
DTP’s, Our Journey, photo exhibition was launched on 19 March 2024 at ATU Donegal Letterkenny. Margaret Joyce, an ATU Donegal graduate and member of the Traveller community spoke about the need for equity of opportunity and ambition for children and young people from the Traveller and Roma communities and outlined her own journey in education, graduating from ATU Donegal in recent years.
Pavee Beoirs Whiden’ (Traveller Women Talking) creative arts project on display as part of International Women’s Day at ATU.
Left to right, Hugh Friel, Roma Health Coordinator for the Northwest Region, and Eimear Heaney. Hugh Friel has noted that the presence of ATU has infused new energy and boosted engagement with the Traveller and Roma communities, fostering numerous opportunities for creating equitable prospects.
‘Get Inspired”, a talk on Traveller Success Stories in Higher Education, delivered by Anne Marie Stokes, Traveller Education Officer (Galway/ Mayo) was held at ATU Galway in February as part of Traveller Ethnicity Day celebrations.
Training
ATU Access and Widening Participation staff along with staff members from ATU Donegal Sports Centre and Teaching and Learning took part in Cultural Competency Training, delivered by DTP during Traveller Pride Week.
Students on the Certificate in Community Development Practice (ATU Mayo) facilitated a group session on Traveller history and culture, which coincided with Traveller Pride Week.
Further information:
To find out more about Traveller and Roma communities at ATU please click here or email travellerandroma@atu.ie
Students from the Certificate in Community Development Practice, ATU.
Aurora Leadership Programme
On 31 May Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President presented certificates to the 14 ATU staff who completed the Aurora leadership programme for women in 2023/24 and the 14 who completed the programme in 2022/23. This annual programme is open to academic and PMSS staff who are not currently members of the University’s senior management team to enable them to explore and develop leadership skills.
The programme is delivered online and includes workshops on identity, impact and voice, power and politics, core leadership skills, adaptive leadership skills and optional networking sessions. ATU also facilitates a mentoring programme to support staff participating in the programme.
Expressions of interest in the Aurora 2024/25 programme will open to ATU staff in early September through an open competitive call. For more details, please email edi@atu.ie.
“ Completing the Aurora programme provided me with invaluable mentorship, networking opportunities and collaborations. Additionally, the programme equipped me with the skills and confidence to take on a leadership role, knowing I have a support network to share thoughts and ideas with. The Action Learning Sets, Development Day, and regular sessions offered thought provoking and relevant content, encouraging lively discussions and opportunities to share experiences and perspectives.”
“ The programme is a unique, empowering and meaningful opportunity to reflect on your own unique skills while learning from and engaging with individuals established in various roles within the higher education sector. Each participant will connect and resonate with some topics more than others depending on your circumstance, and like any journey of self-discovery you will take from it what you need at that time. It’s a real opportunity to think and reflect on the potential of your future career. Fíordheis chun smaoineamh agus machnamh a dhéanamh ar acmhainneacht do ghairme bheatha amach anseo.”
ATU colleagues who completed the Aurora programme at a presentation event hosted by ATU President Dr Orla Flynn.
ATU Staff and Students Rally in Support of Human Rights
As a vibrant and tolerant university community, built on equality of opportunity and respect for human rights ATU staff and students have been deeply affected by Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza in which tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, two-thirds of whom are women and children, and the displacement of over 2 million individuals.
All twelve of Gaza’s universities have been demolished or destroyed1 and in the first six months of the military operation more than 5,479 students, 261 teachers and 95 university professors have been killed in Gaza.
Reporting on the war in April of this year United Nation’s experts2 said: “With more than 80% of schools in Gaza damaged or destroyed, it may be reasonable to ask if there is an intentional effort to comprehensively destroy the Palestinian education system, an action known as ‘scholasticide’.”
The experts who include UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education have also warned that the “persistent, callous attacks on educational infrastructure in Gaza have a devastating long-term impact on the fundamental rights of people to learn and freely express themselves,
depriving yet another generation of Palestinians of their future”.
ATU Friends of Palestine
ATU Friends of Palestine is a diverse group of over 60 staff and students from across our geographically dispersed community. This collection of likeminded individuals have come together in response to these devastating developments, to express solidarity with educators and students in Gaza, to raise awareness of the plight of Palestine and to advance institutional supports for Palestinians in our own university community as well as in Palestine.
Yazan Odeh, an ATU Postgraduate student in Engineering and Design encapsulates the purpose of the group.
He says: “I joined this group to participate in spreading awareness and interacting with the oppressed in Palestine. As a Palestinian, I cannot stay away from my country in my exile, like the Irish people who participated in spreading awareness at home and abroad. I hope that my country will be liberated, and the oppressed will triumph over the oppressor all over the world. There is still a long way to go, but freedom begins with not remaining silent, and we must not be content with just watching and denouncing. We are a people who love life, like everyone else and have many customs and traditions to share
with other peoples. Reviving these customs is the duty of our people to ensure that our identity is not erased.
"I am very happy to be a student in Ireland, specifically in Sligo. Feeling supported, even in a small way, comforts me in light of the injustice taking place in my country, and makes me feel that the spark of goodness will triumph, even after a while. I will finish with Ghassan Kanafani quote “Everything in this world can be robbed and stolen, except one thing; this one thing is the love that emanates from a human being towards a solid commitment to a conviction or cause.”
ATU’s Friends of Palestine have held a series of events over the last seven months including eyewitness testimony from Head of Environmental Science in Sligo, Dr Salem Gharbia who is from Gaza and whose family lived in Gaza; Jim Roche a founding member of Academics for Palestine, and local activist Stella Carroll, board member of Sadaka, the Irish Palestinian Alliance.
In March Maynooth University lecturer and renowned expert in international law, Dr John Reynolds gave a hybrid talk focusing on the International Criminal Court ruling in January, which found plausible evidence that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
On 17 April, ATU Friends of Palestine joined higher education institutions across the island of Ireland for a unified day of action under the banner ‘Third Level Campuses for Palestine’. The day featured several events, foremost of which was an online address to staff and students by the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid.
Ambassador Wahba Abdalmajid acknowledged the Irish people’s commitment to advocating for Palestinian human rights and she outlined numerous ways in which Irish higher education institutes can provide practical and meaningful support to Palestinian universities. Following the Ambassador’s presentation, ATU’s Dr Gharbia, discussed his personal experiences, as a native of Gaza, with the students of ATU St Angelas.
On the same day a vigil was held at ATU Sligo’s main reception. During this poignant and reflective ceremony origami cranes bearing the names of Palestinian academics who have been killed were distributed. In a sobering moment, Dr Gharbia selected several of the birds at random and on reading those named and said: “I know them.”
Later in the month the group welcomed Omar Barghouti, founding committee member of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel who urged university leaders in Ireland to: “First do no harm, by divesting from Israel.”
In May, the group hosted a powerful eyewitness account from Máire Ní Mheibhric, Human Rights monitor, recently returned from the West Bank. She recounted her role and that of other monitors, staying overnight with families at risk of being attacked by settlers, and accompanying children to ensure they arrived safely to school.
Also, in May the group marked the recognition of the state of Palestine by the Irish government with a commemorative event which featured an olive tree installation in the main reception with photos and biographical information on some of the Palestinians killed in Gaza.
In support of our colleagues and students of Gaza, ATU is committed to delivering initiatives such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) as a contribution to Gaza’s educational recovery. We will foster open dialogue and discussion on the conflict. Collaborative partnerships with twinned regions and universities in Gaza are also being pursued to aid in the reconstruction of higher education infrastructure post-conflict.
While our efforts are small and the scale of the events in Palestine are enormous, as a university community committed to human rights and equality of opportunity, our stance in solidarity with the people of Palestine, is just and warranted.
Mentoring for Access, Retention and Student Success in Higher Education
Last February a new study titled ‘Mentoring for Access, Retention, and Student Success: A Review of Practice in WNW Cluster of HEIs’ was launched. The study focused on access, progression and retention currently in place in ATU and University of Galway and was undertaken by a research team from University of Galway and ATU. It includes a literature review, the perspectives of multiple stakeholders involved in mentoring in school, university and community settings, and presents guiding principles for mentoring initiatives based on the literature and participant experience.
The speakers at the launch included Dr Michele Glacken, WNW Connect Steering Group; Sarah Mohan, ATU Galway-Mayo Students’ Union President; Dr Bernadine Brady, Principal Investigator, UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre, University of Galway; Dr Celia Keenaghan, Education Mentoring Co-ordinator, WNW Connect; Dr Orla Flynn, President, ATU and Joellen Spacek, Senior Director of Affiliate Impact, MENTOR.
Speaking from the perspective of the student, Sarah Mohan, ATU GalwayMayo Students' Union President said: “During times of transition, uncertainty and self-discovery, whether you’re transitioning from secondary school to university, navigating through challenging coursework or contemplating career choices, having a mentor can be a game changer.”
Left to right: Sarah Mohan ATU Galway-Mayo Students’ Union President; Dr Michele Glacken, WNW Connect Steering Committee; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Joellen Spacek, Senior Director of Affiliate Impact, MENTOR (US); Dr Bernadine Brady and Dr Lorraine Duffy, UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre, University of Galway.
“The idea of mentoring and nurturing people, to achieve their potential is a big part of what our vision really is about. It’s about ensuring that people can stay in our region and that people can thrive in our region.”
Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President
Principles-based approach to developing quality mentoring systems
Mentoring for access, retention and progression in higher education operates within a complex system. The new study concluded that a principles-based approach to developing quality mentoring systems is viewed as an effective way to provide guidance, rather than a prescriptive approach for equitable and effective programming.
Commenting on the principlesbased approach to developing quality mentoring systems, Dr Celia Keenaghan said: “The first principle is really about normalising mentoring, so that it is not stigmatised, that it becomes everybody’s business and everybody knows that it’s OK to look for mentors, have access to mentors and that we’re trying to get to that place where everybody has access to mentors and everybody can be a mentor.” To read the full report please click here.
Left to right: Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President, Joellen Spacek of MENTOR and Dr Bernadine Brady, University of Galway at the launch of ‘Mentoring for Access, Retention, and Student Success: A Review of Practice in WNW Cluster of HEIs’.
Left to right: Ronan Cox, ATU Sligo; Maria B Kelly and Kirsten Lowe, ATU Galway, from the WNW Connect Mentoring programme presenting at the European Mentoring Summit 2024 on Mentoring for Access, Retention and Progression in Higher Education: Reflecting on Innovative Practices.
Research News Researcher Spotlight: Leonie McDonagh
What are you currently researching?
I am currently coming to the end of the first phase of my research project on Roma on the island of Ireland, a 32-county focus. I am about to enter phase two. As the research is ethnographic in nature my focus has been on getting to know and spend time with members of the Roma community.
What is the aim of the project?
Firstly, I hope that through spending time with individuals I can gather insightful data through participant observation and conversation. Secondly, as Roma are frequently referred to as a homogeneous group, I hope to challenge this misconception by demonstrating Roma diversity, such as subgroup affiliations.
Why is this research important?
The Pavee Point (2018) Roma Needs Assessment was the first of its kind to take an in-depth look at lives as lived by Roma in Ireland, identifying communities facing homelessness, inadequate housing, educational disparities, discrimination, limited healthcare access, and persistent challenges in overcoming social exclusion and marginalisation, resulting in poorer health outcomes.
While this research constitutes the main source of Roma research in Ireland, literature is limited. Additionally, Brexit has brought forth concerns regarding Roma communities, which is also a cause of concern for the Roma population who live in Northern Ireland.
About Leonie McDonagh
Leonie originally completed a PLC in Early Childhood Education while working in the sector. She then applied for the first cohort of Sociology and Politics in ATU Sligo and subsequently completed an online ordinary degree in Human Resource Management. She has now completed the second year of her PhD programme.
“ I want to work directly with the Roma community, letting them shape the route the research takes. Their destiny has been determined by the majority for too long. It’s time for more communities to actively participate in research that concerns them. ”
How is the research being carried out?
Ethnographic research is something which has many layers. The journey from starting fieldwork to documenting the findings is nowhere near as direct as it would be for a quantitative survey.
My methodology includes purposive sampling, visiting individuals of interest multiple times, employing participant observation and then hosting semiformal, albeit, casual conversations. The biggest challenge here is gaining trust. When I am asked what I want
to know, I respond with, “Well, what would you like me to know?”
I am often met with understandable scepticism. I mean, what kind of researcher does not have questions? Of course I have questions, I am in fact often bursting with questions. However, my goal is to minimise interrogation and let the participants shape the research process. I need to ask questions to maintain a healthy conversational flow, however, I attempt to guide my questions based primarily on topics the participants themselves have raised.
There is no way to be objective in such immersive research. The research is subjective, I spend time socialising with my participants. However, my supervisors have really helped me to embrace subjectivity through transparency.
Could you share with us what your research findings have been to date?
So far, research findings have shown that Roma in Ireland struggle to access sufficient housing and healthcare. Of course, issues relating to the housing crisis and poor healthcare access are not unique to minority groups. However, at a time when even those less likely to face discrimination or prejudice
are struggling to access healthcare and housing, the most marginalised groups in society are going to be struggling disproportionately.
A more positive finding, is that despite often unfortunate circumstances, every single participant has expressed their desire for their children to receive as much education as possible. One participant who had to resort to begging when she first arrived in Ireland, now has a great job and children who are attending university.
Participants have also been eager to express their diversity. With references such as “I, her, we are all Roma, but we are all different”. This is a welcome outcome as one of the research objectives is to chip away at the common misconception that Roma is a homogenous group.
In September I will be presenting the research at a conference in Bulgaria, which will be a nerve wrecking endeavor. However, my supervisors Karin White and Grainne Ketelaar will be there to help me, as always. Attending conferences and events provides a wealth of opportunities to continue sharpening my ethnographic research skills.
Addressing Rural Health Inequalities
The WiSAR Lab at ATU has been awarded €1.4 million in funding to empower rural workforces, address health disparities, and improve patient outcomes. The Tech2Heal project, which aims to bridge the gap between technology and healthcare, has been funded under the framework of the 4th Call of the Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme (NPA) 2021-2027.
The Tech2Heal project, coordinated by WiSAR, brings together five European partners in a multidisciplinary team of technicians, clinicians, and academia, including the WiSAR Lab at ATU (lead partner), University of Oulu in Finland, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Norwegian Centre for E-health Research and Centre for Rural Medicine Region Västerbotten, Sweden.
Access to healthcare services is critical for inclusive labour force participation; however, rural patients face significant barriers to timely medical care leading to increased workplace absenteeism and early retirement.
The main objective of the Tech2Heal project is to help employees and self-employees in peripheral areas live healthier for longer by proposing suitable changes to work and health policies. Project stakeholders include reindeer herders, fishermen, farmers and healthcare workers who face several working and environmental challenges.
To achieve this, the project team will use an approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative research methods with cutting-edge technology to monitor work-life balance. Following this, a series of
“
Through Tech2Heal we can help equip remote populations with the digital tools to improve their health and wellbeing to live and work for longer, helping to build their sense of security and independence.”
Dr Karla Muñoz Esquivel,
Principal Investigator, WiSAR Lab
innovative technology pilots will be implemented to validate solutions.
WiSAR Director, Dr Nick Timmons said: “WiSAR Lab at ATU is delighted to win this significant Interreg NPA funding for the Tech2Heal project. Health monitoring has been a key research focus at WiSAR for several years, and this project will build upon our strong competency in this area.”
“Significant research gaps remain in our understanding of what healthcare
is available in different areas, how patients are affected, and how services could better serve the health needs of rural and island areas. Projects like Tech2Heal have the potential to make a significant impact in addressing these healthcare inequalities and can play a vital part in our ongoing work in this field.”
The Tech2Heal project will commence later this year and run for 36 months.
Left to right: Dr Karla Muñoz Esquivel and Dr Nick Timmons, WiSAR Lab, ATU.
Sustainability EU GREEN Alliance Research Conference at ATU
ATU welcomed over 100 delegates from around Europe to the second edition of the EU GREEN Alliance Research Week in June. The event brought together the nine EU GREEN universities to explore the theme “Bridging Gaps: How to Advance Collaboration in Research and Education?”
The event showcased the progress made by EU GREEN partners in the past year and highlighted their contributions to sustainable challenges through research. Key discussions focused on the integration of research and education, with plans for the next steps in the alliance’s six thematic clusters, the Joint Research Committee, and the PhD Council. The goal is to share best practices and manage opportunities for collaboration among EU GREEN universities.
Leading the initiative are the University of Angers, France, and the University of Parma, Italy. These
universities are fostering connections between researchers across the EU GREEN network. Several tools, including mobility funds, seed funding, and co-supervision of PhD programs, have been established to facilitate this collaboration.
The inaugural research week, held in Angers, France, in June 2023, marked the first in-person meeting of the research segment of the EU GREEN project.
Claire Manceau, Head of the European project division at University of Angers and WP3 leader, said: “We are honored to convene for the second time with our European university partners at ATU as part of EU GREEN for collaborative engagement. As the lead partner for the “Structuring Research-Based Excellence Clusters” work package, our goal is to establish a collaborative network among our universities while preserving the connection between
research and education within the broader context of sustainability.”
EU GREEN is part of the broader European University Alliances initiative, comprising 60 alliances dedicated to strengthening European values and enhancing international competitiveness within the European higher education area. Launched in January 2023, EU GREEN embodies the principles of responsible growth and inclusive education.
The nine EU GREEN universities span across Spain, France, Italy, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Germany, and Portugal, under the leadership of the University of Extremadura. Together, they form a ‘super campus’ with over 158,000 students and 18,000 staff. With a united commitment to responsible growth, inclusive education, and environmental stewardship, these institutions have united under the EU GREEN banner to amplify their impact and drive positive change.
At the core of EU GREEN’s mission lies the commitment to foster sustainability. To achieve this, specific challenges will be developed for EU GREEN communities, encompassing students, researchers, staff, and associate partners from various sectors. These challenges will address pressing issues and empower participants to drive positive change within their communities and regions. For further information please contact: eugreenwp3@univ-angers.fr
Researcher Rui Salgabu from University of Evora, Portugal at the EU GREEN ALLIANCE Research Week.
EU GREEN Joint Education Degrees
ATU have been listed as partners in two out of the three Masters’ proposals selected to be developed as Joint Education Degrees in the EU GREEN consortium, along with four other EU GREEN partners. The degrees will be in:
• Green Energy for Sustainability and Resilience
• Sustainability, Innovation, Entrepreneurship in Intelligent Rural Territories
Successful implementation of joint programmes is one of the big goals for all European Alliances. These
programmes on Green Energy and on Sustainability, Innovation, Entrepreneurship in Intelligent Rural Territories are each strategically vital for a sustainable future in all our EU GREEN regions. They are also a perfect fit within the new ATU Strategic Plan in terms of sustainability and internationalisation.
The ATU Programme Design Force members on the EU GREEN applications are as follows:
Green Energy for Sustainability and Resilience: Emmet Kerr, Salem Gharbia and Mohammadreza Kadivar (Reza).
Sustainability, Innovation, Entrepreneurship in Intelligent Rural Territories: Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin, Paul McCusker, Úna Quinn and Padraic Fingleton (Donegal Local Development Company).
Each programme team will now work with their wider university supports across the partners to develop joint mechanisms and overall processes so that the programmes can commence in 2025/2026.
Attendees at the EU GREEN Alliance Research Week in June.
A Journey Toward a Greener Future Blended Intensive Programme in Lisbon, Portugal
Recently, lecturers and students from ATU St Angelas School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies participated in a Blended Intensive Programme hosted by the University of Applied Sciences, Instituto Superior De Engenharia De Lisboa, Portugal. The theme of the Erasmus programme was Sustainability; ‘Start Locally, Impact Globally’.
This unique programme experience involved lecturers and students working together. In addition to the ATU students, there were students from Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, ISEL- Instituto Superior De Engenharia De Lisboa, Akademia Tarnowska, Poland, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences – Xamk, University of Hogent and U!REKA European University.
During this Erasmus programme students were immersed in learning environments where sustainability
was not just a topic but a fundamental principle. The international nature of this Erasmus programme provided a unique platform for cross-cultural collaboration. Students from diverse backgrounds came together, bringing different perspectives to sustainability challenges. This diversity fostered creativity and innovation, as students learned to appreciate and integrate various cultural approaches to sustainability.
Collaborative projects, group activities, oral presentations and debates were designed to simulate real-world scenarios, encouraging students to work together to devise practical and effective solutions. Courses and workshops covered a wide range of subjects from planetary health, the health care environment, air pollution and climate change, micro plastics pollution, and the impact of climate change on health.
ATU lecturer Denise Healy, who was involved in the program said: “The journey through this Erasmus programme was not only about academic and professional development but also personal growth. Students learned to navigate different cultural environments, enhancing their communication skills, and developing resilience and adaptability.”
ATU lecturer Siobhán Healy McGowan added: “The international nature of this Erasmus program further enhanced educators’ cultural competence and continuing opportunities for collaboration in education, research, and learning.”
ATU St Angelas School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies will continue to work alongside European colleagues to develop further blended intensive programmes.
Lecturers and students on the Erasmus blended intensive programme in Lisbon, Portugal.
Innovation and Engagement
North West Tertiary Education Cluster News
Success at the EURASHE Conference in Austria
The North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC) recently won the Professional Higher Education Star Award for Local and Regional Impact at the EURASHE Annual Conference for the second year in a row. This success at the St Pölten University of Applied Sciences in Austria follows on from winning the equivalent award at the University Politechnica, Bucharest, Romania in June 2023.
The NWTEC presentation was delivered by Paul Hannigan, VP Cross-
border Engagement, Head of College ATU Donegal; Anne McHugh, Chief Executive, Donegal Education and Training Board; JoAnne Kilmartin, NWTEC Project Officer, ATU Donegal and Wendy Gibbons, NWTEC Project Officer, North West Regional College.
The presentation titled, ‘Collaborating for a Shared North West, a Connected, High Performing Region’, highlighted how NWTEC engages through its member institutions with the national and international diaspora to ensure the North West City Region (NWCR) has the necessary support for the region to achieve its full potential.
About EURASHE
EURASHE, the European Association of Institutions in Higher Education was established in 1990 and has been working since to strengthen the sector on national and European levels to support Applied Higher Education. EURASHE aims to promote the interests of Applied Higher Education at national and European level; cooperate internationally on the development of Applied Higher Education; and promote internationalisation within its member institutions.
The theme for this year’s EURASHE annual conference hosted by St Pölten University of Applied Sciences in Austria was Stronger Together – Fostering Transitional Cooperation in Applied Universities.
Left to right: Paul Hannigan, VP Cross-border Engagement, Head of College ATU Donegal; JoAnne Kilmartin, ATU and Wendy Gibbons, NWRC accepting the award from the President of EURASHE Hannes Raffaseder on behalf of NWTEC.
Joint Conference at Ulster University
On Wednesday 29 May 2024, Ulster University hosted a joint conference between the Centre for Cross Border Studies and the North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC). The conference focussed on the future and what desirable transformation could be achieved for Ireland and Northern Ireland through more coherent planning.
The conference was addressed by the ministers in both jurisdictions with responsibility for higher education, Mr Conor Murphy MLA, Economy Minister and Mr Patrick O’ Donovan TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Speaking at the conference, Minister O’ Donovan said: “I am delighted to be here in Ulster University, this morning to speak at today’s conference. The North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC) has evolved as a brand and a meaningful partnership focusing on supporting the development of this region. It has been to the forefront in promoting and highlighting education, advanced skills training, cutting-edge innovation, enterprise services and internationally recognised high-quality research in this region.”
Conor Murphy MLA, Economy Minister in his contribution said: “The North West is very fortunate to have its key educational institutions – Atlantic Technological University, Donegal Education and Training Board, North West Regional College, and Ulster University – working together in collaboration. Excessive competition too easily leads to duplication, wasted resource, and a fractured skills eco-system. Collaboration provides the best chance of meeting skills and needs of students and the local economy.”
Former RTÉ Northern Editor, the late Tommie Gorman was the MC for the event which started with a discussion on integrated education and the border and moved on to concentrate on how to foster economic development in the North West. Mr Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec delivered the keynote address.
Panel discussions featured leading enterprise representatives from the region and the development agencies from both sides of the border. These panels examined the opportunities available for the North West through coherent strategic collaboration. An inspiring and thought-provoking conference was brought to a close with the leads from the four NWTEC partners setting out tertiary education priorities for the future North West.
Mr Patrick O Donovan TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science pictured at the North West Futures Conference with Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Mr Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec; Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice Chancellor of Ulster University; Paul Hannigan, VP Cross-border Engagement, Head of College ATU Donegal; Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College and Anne McHugh, Chief Executive of the Donegal Education and Training Board.
About the Centre for Cross Border Studies (CCBS)
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, CCBS is an independent organisation with charitable status, based in Armagh. By empowering citizens and building capacity across sectors, the centre promotes and supports practical cooperation across the border on this island as part of the ongoing peace and reconciliation process, as well as cooperation between the island of Ireland and Great Britain, Europe and beyond to increase mutual understanding, prosperity and wellbeing. The centre also provides practical information and advice for those crossing the border to live, work, study or retire –information and advice that is increasingly being sought after in the context of Brexit.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU and Paul Hannigan, VP Crossborder Engagement, Head of College ATU Donegal at Queens University Belfast with President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer & Dr Ryan Feeney, VP Strategic Engagement & External Affairs.
ATU Visit to Belfast
Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President and Paul Hannigan, Head of College, ATU Donegal visited Belfast on 14-15 May 2024 to meet with stakeholders and potential collaborators to brief them on the University’s new strategic plan. They also met with representatives from Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland. The visit to Belfast proved to be productive with several follow-up engagements arranged.
On Augst 6 the inaugural meeting of the joint ATU and Ulster University (UU) Strategic Partnership Steering Group was held on UU’s Derry~Londonderry campus.
Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President and Paul Hannigan, VP Cross-border Engagement, Head of College ATU Donegal hosted in Belfast by Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice Chancellor of Ulster University, Professor Paul Seawright and Professor Malachy Ó Néill from Ulster University.
Supercharge Your Business with AI at the Digital West Conference
An opportunity to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can supercharge your business and connect with industry leaders and innovators
The much-anticipated Digital West conference will take place on Friday, 11 October at ATU Mayo. The event promises to be a pivotal gathering for business leaders, innovators, students, and tech enthusiasts, focusing on the transformative power of AI in business. Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President will give the opening address.
Unveiling the Potential of AI
This year’s theme, ‘Supercharge Your Business with AI,’ highlights AI technology’s crucial role in enhancing business operations and driving growth. Attendees will gain valuable insights from a stellar line-up of keynote speakers, engage with compelling success stories, and witness a live demonstration showcasing practical AI applications.
Keynote Speakers
The event features an impressive roster of speakers who are at the forefront of AI innovation led by Minister Dara Calleary TD. The speakers include, Dr Muslim Syed (ATU), John Clancy (Galvia), Graham Baitson (Graham Baitson), Muireann Fitzmaurice (Marketing Coach), Alan Heaney (Lely Mullingar & Efficient Farm Systems) and Brian Hanely (Brightbeam).
In addition to the keynote addresses, the conference will feature a dynamic
segment called ‘Supercharge Stories,’ where business leaders will share 10-minute stories on how AI has revolutionised their operations. These first-hand accounts will provide actionable insights and inspire attendees to explore AI solutions within their organisations.
Another event highlight will be a live demo, showcasing the practical application of AI in business settings. This demonstration illustrates how AI technologies can seamlessly integrate into daily operations, from automating routine tasks to enhancing decisionmaking processes.
Due to the high demand and the intimate nature of the conference, tickets are limited. Prospective attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early to ensure participation in this groundbreaking event. To book your free ticket please click here
Join us at Digital West and take the first step towards harnessing the power of AI for your business success. Registration opens at 9:00 am on the day and the conference will run from 9:30am-1:30pm. For more information, please check the Digital West website by clicking here.
Symposium Explores the Future of Education
ATU held the Higher Education 4.0 Exhibition and Symposium in March of this year at ATU Sligo with the theme of the event titled ‘Moving from Higher Education 4.0 to Society 5.0’.
The symposium set out to explore what type of society we are building for future generations; the role that education, employers and policy makers have to play; and, as technology advances at a rapid pace, what role will human skills have to play in Society 5.0.
Greeted on arrival by a MakerSpace demonstration, attendees got an insight into the energy, innovation and enthusiasm generated by the event, while the exhibition stands, representing Career and Learning Pathways and Innovation projects, lining the walls of the main Hume
Hall were a hive of activity from early morning.
The MC for the event Darrin Morrissey, CEO of the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) and Chair of the Higher Education 4.0 Steering Committee, opened proceedings by welcoming ATU President Dr Orla Flynn to deliver the opening address. Dr Flynn reflected on the success of the project to date, particularly the introduction of innovative methods of supporting the lifelong learning ecosystem for ATU students.
Professor Jacqueline McCormack, who is the project lead, gave a comprehensive overview of the progress of Higher Education 4.0 to date, and shared some statistics that outlined the scale of the project beyond what was on show at the event. She said that there are over
one thousand Reuseable Learning Objects (content) created already under the Higher Education 4.0 project, which is funded by the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3.
The first keynote speaker, Associate Professor Deirdre Hughes who specialises in careers, employment and skills policies, research, and practice at an international, national and regional level, gave an inspiring talk on the theme of ‘Navigating the Future: Higher Education 4.0 in the Era of Society 5.0’, which left attendees with plenty to think about.
A lively discussion, directed by Mr Morrissey, followed. Professor Hughes joined the panel of speakers, which also comprised William Beausang, Assistant Secretary, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Bridie Killoran, ATU Career and Learning Pathways Manager; JP McGonigle, Head of Business Improvement, Forward Emphasis International; and Ciaran Hastings, MyCareerPath student learner and Merit Medical Galway employee.
In the afternoon, the second keynote speaker, Professor George Siemens, spoke about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Professor Siemens is a leading expert in AI and a founding President of the Society for Learning Analytics Research.
Professor Siemens emphasised the importance of universities recognising and planning for the transformations that AI are going to bring to the learning landscape. This
Getting creative at the Higher Education 4.0 Symposium and Exhibition.
was followed by a ‘fireside chat’ with Noel Mulkeen, Higher Education 4.0 Innovation Projects Manager, and a Q&A from the audience, with librarians getting a special mention for their levels of innovation.
The symposium also saw the launch of ATU MakerSpace on the Sligo campus. The Higher Education 4.0 project has funded state-of-the-art facilities on three ATU campuses, and these give students better access to cutting edge technology. A trip to visit the new MakerSpace at ATU Sligo provided a fascinating highlight for many of the industry and employer groups in attendance.
Exhibition stands on the day included: MyCareerPath.ie; ATU MakerSpace; Strengths Path Programme; Social Robotics; Recognition of Prior Learning; VR Courtroom; Innovation Tools for Access Programmes; MOOCs; and Adaptive learning, Project Based Learning.
The Higher Education 4.0 event demonstrated that the spirit of innovation is well and truly alive in ATU and, when combined with a learner and industry centric approach, it underlines the dedication ATU has to serving the community of local, national, and international learners, as well as employers in the ATU region.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) was one of the hot topics of discussion at the Irish Learning Technology Association’s Annual EdTech Conference at ATU on 30-31 May at ATU Sligo.
Titled ‘EdTech Horizons: Preparing for Tomorrow’s Learning Landscape’, the conference provided an insight into the ever-changing landscape of education, addressing such themes as the use of digital technology and the rise of Generative AI.
The two keynote speakers at the conference were Professor Martin Oliver from UCL Institute of Education UK, and Dr Inge (Ignatia) de Waard, a longtime researcher, activist, and award-winning learning innovator who currently works as a learning strategist for the Masters+ at InnoEnergy (European network of engineering and business universities).
The future is not what it used to be
Professor Oliver, in his address, ‘The future is not what it used to be (but maybe that’s for the best): Choosing a different path towards tomorrow’s learning landscape’, discussed the challenges – and perceived challenges – that exist in education, and what the approaches being taken look like and where they might lead.
“The future is neither entirely fixed, nor entirely fluid,” he noted.
Speaking after his address, Professor Oliver said the reason he loves attending the annual EdTech Conference is because it strikes a neat balance between the practitioner and the researcher.
“It’s a really engaged community and it is a really thoughtful community – and it’s great fun, you have all the current issues and contemporary debates, but I think it is really nice to see it being approached in a way that really brings it all together – that sort of important link of what the evidence is, what the research says, what the research people are doing, and that commitment to work through things in practice,” he said.
“ AI is the unknown for a lot of people, and we are really trying to work out how does it relate to the things we do in disciplines, and how does it relate to how we produce assignments and all the rest of it.”
Professor Martin Oliver, UCL Institute of Education UK
Guest speakers at the EdTech Conference, Professor Martin Oliver from UCL Institute of Education UK, and Dr Inge (Ignatia) de Waard, a learning strategist for the Masters+ at InnoEnergy.
Professor Oliver acknowledged the importance of other topics discussed at the conference and said: “We have conversations about MOOCs and accessibility, we have got inclusion of people around disabilities, and we have the inspiring ways people are taking these technologies and thinking about how we engage people in new ways, how do we infuse the learners, how do we motivate people to enjoy [education], as well as getting through the courses they are doing.”
Strategic improvising with AI
Dr de Waard, in her address titled ‘Strategic Improvising with AI’, shared some of the work undertaken in her European University network.
In an engaging, and often humorous address, she sought to identify what works, what is still unclear, and what hinders. Noting that “AI is constantly changing”, Dr de Waard advocated an AI literacy framework, which would endeavour to “level up everybody”, cultivating a wider understanding of AI when it comes to courses, approaches, and guidelines.
“So, if you use AI or not, it is important to test it,” she said. “If after testing it you decide not to use it, no problem, because then you know why. It is an informed decision.”
“ Because AI is changing so rapidly and so frequently, it is important to find the right strategy to be able to evolve with this constant flux of technology and tools.”
Dr Inge (Ignatia) de Waard
Dr de Waard acknowledged there were those who had concerns about the ethics of AI, particularly in traditional university settings, but she hoped, as society moves forward, the opportunities that AI could cultivate in education would be explored.
The Conference Chair Gavin Clinch, President of the Irish Learning Technology Association (ILTA) and Head of Innovation (OFPD) at ATU, welcomed the 130+ delegates – educators, technologists, and innovators – and thanked all those involved in bringing the conference to fruition.
He highlighted that over 11,500 of ATU’s student population of 25,500 are committed to online, part-time and flexible programmes across ATU’s nine campuses.
He said: “Reflecting on ILTA’s ‘EdTech Horizons’ conference, we are delighted with the fruitful discussions and insights into AI integration and digital skills cultivation.
“This event empowered educators and technologists with strategies to navigate and innovate within the evolving educational landscape, fostering collaboration and preparing us for future challenges and opportunities.”
Gavin Clinch, President of the ILTA and Head of Online Learning Innovation (OFPD) at ATU.
Meet Michelle Lee, our new EMPOWER Cumasú Project Coordinator
Originally from Glencorrib, Co Mayo, Michelle has over 16 years of experience working in Ireland and abroad in various administrative roles. Before returning home, Michelle spent over eight years working in Toronto, Canada for a real estate investment firm.
In 2020, Michelle joined ATU iHub Galway working closely with entrepreneurs in the iHub and working on the New Frontiers and EMPOWER Programmes. Michelle is now based at ATU iHub Mayo managing the new EMPOWER Cumasú Programme.
Congratulations on your new role as EMPOWER Cumasú Project Coordinator, Michelle. Could you tell us about your role and the EMPOWER Cumasú programme?
My new role is very exciting as this is a new programme funded by Údarás na Gaeltachta, and we will be
delivering it alongside our colleagues in the Rubicon Centre in Munster Technological University (MTU). ATU iHubs and the Rubicon Centre have vast experience in delivering female entrepreneurship programmes, but this is the first time we have partnered on such an initiative.
The EMPOWER Cumasú programme delivers two distinct programmes. EMPOWER TÚS (START) is designed for those with an idea who are seeking to validate their business concept. This programme is delivered once a week, for approximately 4 hours over 12 weeks. It is delivered predominantly online and allows participants to balance their family commitments while at the same time allowing them the opportunity test their start up idea for customer acceptance.
EMPOWER (FÁS) GROWTH is for women established in business, who are looking to grow. This programme will run once a month, for approximately 11 months, both in person and online. The programme is more about peer-to-peer learning and participants will develop a vision at the beginning of the programme, and then work towards achieving that vision over the following 11 months. That vision may be to increase sales, customers or hire more employees etc.
We aim to attract 150 females over the next three years.
Why was the EMPOWER Cumasú programme established?
The programme was created to address the specific needs and
unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in Gaeltacht regions, providing them with necessary resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship to validate and grow their business ideas.
The inspiration comes from a desire to foster economic growth, innovation, and community development in these regions by leveraging the potential of female entrepreneurs.
Údarás na Gaeltachta asked us to run a pilot programme for the Gaeltacht areas in Galway and Mayo in early 2023. 13 females completed the EMPOWER TÚS (START) programme and five of those went on to complete a further six-month extension programme. Based on its success, Údarás na Gaeltachta wanted to roll out the EMPOWER programme nationally, to the wider regions of the Gaeltacht across seven counties.
How will female entrepreneurs benefit from participating on the programme?
The female entrepreneurs will benefit both professionally and personally. There are numerous supports available to females, however they are not always aware of them.
Over the years many have commented on feeling unsure and not confident enough to put themselves forward and then when they do, they often feel they shouldn’t be there. The EMPOWER Programme gives them a safe space amongst peers to explore and work on new ideas.
About Michelle Lee
Networking is also a huge part of the programme. We’ve had over 120 women complete the first two cycles of original EMPOWER programme and many doors have been opened because of the great network that we have built to date. The new Cumasú programme will only add to this.
The gteic network of innovation and digital hubs developed by Údarás na Gaeltachta throughout the Gaeltacht areas, will be central to the delivery of the Cumasú program, as the participants will have the opportunity to complete the programme at a gteic hub in their own local area.
The participants will also have opportunities to work with ATU and MTU students on work placements. During the EMPOWER II cycle, 30 ATU students completed work placements and assignments in EMPOWER businesses and some of our founders also gave guest lectures to the ATU students.
Participants on the programme are not required to speak Irish, as it will be delivered in English, but we will have plenty of opportunities for Gaeilgeoirs who want to speak Irish.
Why did you decide to take up this new role as project coordinator?
When I joined ATU in summer 2020, I was based in ATU iHub Galway and I worked on both our entrepreneurship programmes: EMPOWER and New Frontiers. I always enjoyed working with the entrepreneurs, but I had a special grá for the EMPOWER programme. When this job came up, I felt this was something I would like to apply for as I had the necessary experience from my time working closely on the previous EMPOWER(s) and the New Frontiers Programme.
“ Now working out of ATU iHub Mayo, I am very excited to be working solely on the EMPOWER programme, it’s a fantastic opportunity to work on something so innovative. I look forward to working with many more female founders and watching more female businesses develop and grow in our rural regions”
Could you describe a typical day as the EMPOWER Cumasú Project Cordinator?
The last couple of months has been heavily concentrated on promoting this new programme, which is expected to start in September. My typical day will entail working with over 60 women per year participating on the Cumasú programme. There are always email enquiries to reply to, and check-ins with our colleagues in MTU’s Rubicon Centre and Údarás na Gaeltachta. No two days are identical but it’s extremely enjoyable and rewarding to work with such innovative women and to watch their businesses develop.
Left to right: Michelle Lee, Minister Dara Calleary and Maria Staunton at the launch of EMPOWER Cumasú in May 2024.
ATU Celebrates Creative Arts and Design End-of-year Exhibitions 2024
At the end of each academic year students on our Creative Arts and Design programmes showcase their work. Over the next 11 pages we give you a taste of some of our students’ creative works at our 2024 exhibitions
ATU Galway city Creative Arts and Media Exhibition
The Department of Creative Arts and Media at ATU Galway city ran its annual exhibition in June. The exhibition showcased the work of 70 students in painting, print, photography, short films and documentary, games and animation, graphic design and illustrations, product design, and textile and fashion. Through their
Using a combination of found materials, metals, wood, plaster, ceramics and video projections, Ellen Susan invites viewers to contemplate and raise questions about the impermanence and brevity of life and the profound beauty which can be found in fleeting shared experiences.
work the students explored human relationships with ourselves, our communities and our environments.
Celine Curtin, Head of Department of Creative Arts and Media, ATU Galway city said: “We congratulate the graduates for their exemplary work showcased in this exhibition. Their dedication and scholarly rigor have culminated in a remarkable display of creative talent and academic achievement.”
Ellen Susan Igoe, Contemporary Art student
Fashion Show (Textiles artists) at ATU Galway city campus.
Niamh Heavey, Industrial Design
Niamh’s project aims to create healthier workspace habits, while making use of the vertical space in a bedroom, which can be used for storage. Implementing modularity in the design increases the customisability of the product.
Jake Heather, Animation and Game Design student
Jake and his team created an animation about an adventurer who delves deep into a labyrinth and ends up being caught up in all sorts of traps and deceptions. He also created a game in which the player fights their way through monstrously large insects to ensure humanity’s survival.
ATU Sligo Yeats Academy of Arts, Design and Architecture (YAADA) Showcase
The ATU YAADA 2024 Creative Showcase held in June, celebrated the work of graduating students, showcasing their achievements in fine art, theatre design, performing arts, writing and literature, interior architecture, creative design and more. This year’s event marked a significant milestone as it was hosted for the first time in the newly refurbished Yeats Academy Buildings on ATU’s Sligo campus.
Dr Emmet O’Doherty, Head of the Department of YAADA, said: “I am immensely proud of our students and the incredible work they have produced for this year’s showcase. Their creativity and hard work are truly inspiring. This exhibition not only highlights their individual talents but also the collaborative spirit that defines our academy. We are excited to celebrate their achievements in our stunning new facilities.”
Installation, Mixed Media by Maria May Fleming, Fine Art student at ATU Sligo.
Painting, Mixed Media (Dyptch) by Katie Greenan, Fine Art student at ATU Sligo.
Visual Art by Rayna More, Fine Art student at ATU Sligo.
Installation/ Assemblage. Mixed Media by Kyle Fairbanks, Fine Art student at ATU Sligo.
ATU Donegal Design and Creative Media Showcase
Students from the Department of Design and Creative Media showcased their work in May of this year. The event featured collections from students in animation, fashion, film and video, and graphic and UX design with the university canteen being turned into a runway for the students’ fashion design show.
From Eva Traulina’s collection titled, ‘Briviba’ (modelled by Obi), which is the Latvian name for freedom, a nod to Eva’s Lativan heritage. The collection is inspired by the free-flowing movement of hot air balloons and Ko�ngmíng lanterns.
From Hollie Marie Gallager’s ‘Dare to Howl - Twists ‘n’ Thoughts’ collection (modelled by Zoe Stewart). Hollie says: “My brand Dare to Howl values individuality, tolerance and acceptance, and works hard to honour those who didn’t make it on the journey. It understands the importance of freedom from anguished thoughts and negativity.”
Display stand at ATU Donegal Design Showcase, displaying projects by animation students at ATU Donegal.
Sáerlaith Lusson’s Graphic and Unix Design project, ‘Só’, which provides a hub of information and support relating to LGBTQIA+ topics for parents and young people to access online and physically in community spaces.
ATU Mayo Contemporary Art Practices Exhibition
Friday 7 June 2024 saw the opening of the BA in Contemporary Art Practices Exhibition at ATU Mayo. It featured visual artwork from this year’s graduates of the programme. Ten graduates displayed their work in St Mary’s Hall on the Mayo campus. Their work explored many themes including, war and mortality, loss and transformation, the female body, and the natural world with the west of Ireland providing inspiration for some of the artists.
Artwork by Rachel
at the Contemporary Art Practice Graduate
Mayo. Rachel’s work stems from an obsession with bodies, and how we convey emotion through movement.
Corcoran
Exhibition at ATU
Graduates of the BA in Contemporary Art Practices at their end-of-year exhibition at ATU Mayo.
Untitled. Medium: Gelli print on paper by Contemporary Art Practice student Sheila McArdle.
Sheila’s work involves creating abstract prints based on nature, using organic shapes and contrasting colours to reflect the changing seasons and landscapes of Ireland.
Creatures of Dreams
The interdisciplinary costume project ‘Creatures of Dreams’ by first year Performing Arts students at ATU Sligo was finalised and filmed in May.
The Costume Design Project, led by lecturers Katarina Rozvadska and Marketa Formanova, introduced students to costume design practice through an interdisciplinary exploration of character, material, body, and movement. Students developed original characters, researched, designed, and created costumes, and collaborated on the development of an original story. This led to the creation of a short choreography and performance, paying close attention to costume and story embodiment.
ATU Alumna Lauren Cadden Athletics Success
Lauren Cadden being welcomed back in Sligo after the European Athletics Championships. Photo
Alan Finn Photography.
ATU held a special celebration in June to honour alumna, Lauren Cadden, who won a silver medal in the European Athletics Championships in Rome. The Ireland women’s 4 x 400 metres relay team, featuring Lauren, came second in the relay final.
In April of this year Lauren, a sports scholarship student at ATU, won the women’s 400 metres title at the Irish Life Health National Senior Track & Field Intervarsities Championships in Belfast. Her time of 53.38 seconds, broke a long-standing record that had stood since 1999.
Lauren Cadden said she has been overwhelmed by the support she has received, “I’ve been running on adrenaline, but I wouldn’t change this moment for anything. I may never
experience it again, so I’m soaking it all in. Sometimes I look at the medal and think, ‘Is that really mine?’ This win has boosted my confidence and made me believe in myself more. It’s everything I’ve worked for, and I like to think I deserve it. It’s great to be back at ATU where my step in the right direction really took off.”
To listen back to an interview with Lauren on Ocean FM please click here:
In other sports news, ATU student Tirna Connors, travelled to Hungary in July to compete for ATU in the Karate competition at the European University Games. She qualified for the competition by virtue of her victory at this year’s Irish Karate Intervarsity competition. Tirna, who already has a World Youth title to her
credit, also competed in Croatia with the Irish Senior Team at the European championships.
credit:
ATU Student Competes at the Paralympics
Shauna Bocquet, a second-year Sport and Exercise Science student at ATU, represented Ireland at the Paralympic Games in Paris in the para-athletics category.
Shauna, from Craughwell, Co. Galway, was one of five Para Athletes selected to represent Ireland in the games which took place from 28 August to 8 September.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, shared her excitement about Shauna’s achievement, after saying “We are thrilled to see Shauna represent Ireland on such an esteemed international stage. Her dedication to both her studies and her sport is truly inspiring, and she embodies the spirit of excellence that we strive to cultivate at ATU.”
Balancing the demands of her academic pursuits in Sport and Exercise Science with the rigorous training required to compete at the highest level is no small feat, Shauna's
success is a source of inspiration for students and athletes alike.
As she prepared to compete on the world stage, Shauna said: “I’m incredibly excited and honoured to represent Ireland at my first Paralympic Games. Competing on this stage has been a dream of mine since taking up wheelchair racing after London 2012, and I’m grateful for the support from my family, friends, and everyone at ATU who has helped me along the way. I’m ready to give it my all in Paris and make the most of this amazing opportunity.”
Results
Shauna finished eighth in the T54 5000m wheelchair racing final. She narrowly missed out on securing a place in the T54 1500m final finishing in sixth place in her heat with only the first five qualifying for the final.
Shauna finished fifth in her T54 100m heat missing out on a place in the final by .05 of a second.
This was Shauna's first time to compete in the Parapympics and no doubt her experience will stand to her in future competitions.
Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President with Shauna Bocquet and Molly Dunne, ATU Sports Development Officer.
Canines on Campus
Canines took over three of our campuses on 26 August in Letterkenny, Sligo and Galway city for a fundraiser for animal rescues in the west and northwest of Ireland.
ATU staff and students were invited to bring their furry friends for a walk on Monday, 26 August, which also happened to be National Dog Day.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU said the fundraiser is about making a positive impact in our region. She added: “By coming together for this event, we can support these organisations in their mission to improve animal welfare in the west and northwest of Ireland. I invite everyone to join us in celebrating our furry friends and contributing to a cause that truly makes a difference.”
Animals in Need (Donegal), MADRA (Galway), Galway SPCA and Leitrim Animal Welfare benefited from the
Kelly, Marketing Communications and Student
Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President with her dog, Bella and Sarah Mohan, ATU Galway-Mayo Students’ Union President at the ATU Galway city dog walk.
Séan
Recruitment, ATU St Angelas with his dog Cara at the ATU Sligo dog walk.
ATU staff Laura Murphy with her dog Archie and Ann Finnie with her dog Rocco at the ATU Galway city dog walk.
Kate McCarthy, ATU staff, with her Pomeranian dog, Penny at the ATU Sligo dog walk.
Participants at the ATU Donegal dog walk.
ATU in the Media
Project to repurpose wool receives funding
A project led by Munster Technological University in collaboration with Technological University of the Shannon, University College Dublin and Atlantic Technological University received over €500,000 in funding to repurpose waste wool for cosmetics & healthcare. To find out more please click here
ATU welcomes professor from the University of Colorado.
Professor James Walsh visited our Mayo campus recently, met with staff and was given an overview of the evolution of the campus as a former psychiatric hospital to university status today. In his research Prof Walsh has identified the names of over 1,200 Irish immigrants (many of whom were from Mayo), who died in Leadville, Colorado in the late 1800s. To find out more please click here
Understanding ocean pollution
On Ocean FM, Dr Róisín Nash, ATU lecturer talks about the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) she and her team has created on Ocean Pollution. The short course explores the impact inland and onshore pollution can have on our oceans and ecosystem. To listen to the interview please click here.
News in Brief
ATU hosts North Atlantic Forum conference
In June, internationally renowned researchers, policy makers and practitioners from Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada, and the USA met in ATU Connemara to share their knowledge on the future of rural and island areas around the north Atlantic. The event showcased how rural communities are striving and achieving sustainability. To find out more please click here
Fifty-four student ambassadors awarded digital badges for volunteering
A recent awards ceremony recognised and rewarded ATU students for their voluntary contributions to university life. Students receiving awards contributed at least twenty-five hours voluntary time supporting on-campus events and activities across the academic year 2023/24. To find out more please click here
Mental Health Research
ATU postgraduate Machailla McCabe presented her research titled, ‘Bridging Minds - A Situational Analysis of Mental Health Promotion and Suggested Supports for Students across a Mutli-Campus Irish University’ at the 12th European International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) conference in Lodz, Poland on 17-18 June.
Machailla is pursuing a PhD in the Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Science at ATU Sligo campus. She is supervised by Margaret Mc Loone and supported by an ATU research team comprising of Renagh Linnane, Dr Gail Cummins and Dr Richeal Burns.
Para Triathlon Programme Lead for Paralympics
Natasha Kelly, a recent graduate and scholarship holder at ATU was the Irish Para Triathlon Programme Lead at the Paralympics, which took place from 28 August to 8 September in Paris. Natasha, who earned her MSc in Health Promotion Practice from ATU, is a distinguished member of the Triathlon Ireland community. To find out more please click here
Prestigious appointment for ATU academic
Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin has been appointed chair of the operational board of the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN) for the 2024 / 25 academic year. Founded in 2017, the WTUN is a global network of technology universities committed to conducting innovative, challenge-led and impactful research. To find out more please click here
Restoration plan for Nephin Forest, Co Mayo
A new study by researchers in ATU and the Marine Institute, in collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), highlights the need for a varied approach to ecological restoration in the Nephin Forest region. To find out more please click here.
Global conservation timber programme
Galway County Council has partnered with ATU, WoodConnect - Ireland’s wood industry cluster, Pilot Projects and Greenville Procurement Partners as part of the Cities4Forests Partner Forest Programme through which partners are invited to source tropical hardwood from exemplary community forest conservation enterprises to be used in prominent public infrastructure. To find out more please click here
N-TUTORR Updates
Launching ATU Staff Training Hub
In June the Staff Development team along with support from ATU N-TUTORR project office launched the ATU Staff Training Hub. This new hub is designed to be a one-stop shop for all training opportunities and resources for staff across ATU. The aim of the hub is to house the tools and information staff need for professional development available in one space.
Stephen Aitken, ATU Staff Development Co-ordinator N-TUTORR has coordinated the development of the hub in partnership with the Staff Development team across ATU with the support of Shane Langan, Sharepoint Designer in IT Services. Several functions including the Teaching and Learning Centre, Online, Flexible and Professional Development, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Human Resources, Health and Safety and more have fed into the resources and offerings available on the hub.
New Digital Teaching and Learning Academic Champion Badge for ATU staff
The N-TUTORR team have developed a new Digital Teaching and Learning Academic Champion badge for staff. The badge consists of three modules.
The initial module, titled “The Landscape,” serves as the foundational segment in a trilogy designed to explain the essential terminology and concepts of online teaching and learning.
The second module, titled “Competencies,” focuses on the essential skills, proficiencies, and approaches crucial for teaching online courses that foster learner success and engagement.
The third module, titled “Effective Practice,” delves into advanced topics pertinent to designing and managing online and blended courses.
The scaffolded design of this updated learning pathway empowers participants to tailor their depth of learning based on relevance, interest, and available time. The objective is to provide substantial information within a brief period, with the resources serving as a reference point for future consultation as and when needed.
ATU staff can find out more about the Digital Badge by clicking here and for further information please contact ATU T&L Centre team in Galway and Noreen Henry, Annette Cosgrove and David Chernick from the ATU N-TUTORR project office.
Meet our new ATU N-TUTORR Student Champions
The Student Champion Programme is one of the key initiatives of the N-TUTORR national programme of work which aims to transform the student experience through learner empowerment and to offer students the opportunity to learn and develop skills under one or more of the N-TUTORR development themes.
N-TUTORR Student Champions collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to advance educational initiatives at local and national levels. They engage in various learning enhancement projects, including student-staff partnerships, workshops, leadership training sessions, focus groups, and the development of assessment resources aligned with N-TUTORR’s core themes. This student-centric approach promotes inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability in the learning environment by valuing the student voice and prioritising their needs and perspectives.
To welcome our new Student Champions, Dundalk Insititute of Technology (DkIT) organised a teambuilding workshop in July that united N-TUTORR Student Empowerment Coordinators with current and newly recruited Student
Champions from the TU/IoT sector. The goal was to foster a community of practice where students could share ideas and tackle challenges in innovative ways. To find out more about the N-TUTORR Student Champion Programme please click here
Rolling out the ATU Curriculum Framework across our 9 campuses
The N-TUTORR team in collaboration with ATU T&L Centre has continued to expand support for academic programme design teams and all those who engage in programme and module design with the ATU Curriculum Framework Toolkit. The framework comprises a suite of resources and workshops that have been carefully designed to align to each stage of the programme design process, allowing all staff members to engage with the themes of: Academic Integrity, Employability, Digital Transformation, EDI, Sustainability and UDL.
Staff involved in the development of a new programme or interested in engaging with curriculum framework supports for module or programme development, may contact Dr Ellen McCabe, ellen.mccabe@atu.ie and Dr Sean Daffy, sean.daffy@atu.ie at ATU T&L Centre and the N-TUTORR Project Office.
N-TUTORR in the media
Dr Carina Ginty, ATU who co-leads the N-TUTORR student empowerment workstream says: “When students are given the power to make decisions to drive change in their university or higher education institution it enhances the teaching and learning and assessment experience. N-TUTORR funding provided the opportunity to promote greater student empowerment and partnership across the sector.” To find out more please click here.
“ Student empowerment is now a high priority within the higher education sector.”
“ How students are using artificial intelligence.”
ATU lecturer Robert Mooney recently conducted a survey to see how students are using artificial intelligence (AI). 75 %of survey respondents said they had used an AI engine during their studies, and 48% per cent used it during the previous month. Mr Mooney says: “Students have found ways to integrate these tools into their learning, using AI to help with grammar, to generate study notes and to research topics. To find out more please click here
Obituary
Dr Gay Corr
The death of Dr Gay Corr occurred on 1 July 2024. Dr Corr, a pioneering figure in the development of higher education in the western region, was known affectionately as the “founding father of Galway RTC”. His legacy is profound and enduring.
Dr Corr, a graduate of NUI Galway and a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, was appointed as the first Principal of Galway Regional Technical College (RTC), on 1 April 1972. His visionary leadership was instrumental in forging significant links and partnerships, such as those with Mountbellew Agricultural College and Connemara West PLC in 1987, which led to the establishment of the Letterfrack campus. His efforts further expanded RTC Galway’s footprint with new campuses in Castlebar, Co Mayo, and Cluain Mhuire in Galway city in 1994.
Under Dr Corr’s guidance, GMIT saw the development of the landmark Learning Resource Centre on Galway city’s Dublin Road. His commitment to research and consultancy was exemplified by his chairing of the 1982 national report on Research and Consultancy in VEC Colleges and the subsequent establishment of the first Research and Consultancy unit in an RTC in 1984.
Dr Corr’s influence extended beyond Galway RTC when he was appointed by the then Minister for Education, Mary O’Rourke, to the role of ‘acting’ Chairman of the HEA in January 1990, a testament to his significant contributions to education at a national level. He served in this role until 1 January 1993, during which time Galway RTC became a statutory body under the RTC Act 1992, and Dr Corr was named its first Director. It was under his stewardship that RTC Galway officially became GalwayMayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) in 1997.
After a remarkable 30-year tenure marked by extraordinary growth and transformation, Dr Corr retired in 2002. His enduring impact was further recognised on 1 April 2022, when GMIT transitioned to ATU, and Dr Corr was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his invaluable services to the HEA.
Dr Corr’s dedication, vision, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of the region. His contributions have shaped the lives of countless students, educators, and community members. ATU extends its deepest sympathies to his family and our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him throughout his incredible life.
