Peer GUIDEBOOK 14/15
CONTENTS
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The Role of a Mentor Peer Mentoring at NCI Aims of the Peer Mentor Programme Responsibilities of a Peer Mentor Skills Required for Being a Peer Mentor
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06
Meeting Incoming Students Orientation Guide at NCI How Many Students are Allocated to a Peer Mentor? Contacting your Students Throughout the Year Boundaries of Peer Mentoring
Student Life 08
Sport and Recreation Facilities Sport and Recreation Programmes Sport Development Programme Clubs and Societies Peer Mentor Society Please Talk Campaign Students’ Union Students’ Union Executive Class Reps MyNCIStudent Portal
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Student Support Learning and Disability Support Learning Development Service Mathematics Support Service Medical Service
Student Finance Back to Education Allowance The Fund for Students with Disabilities Student Assistance Fund Student Grant Students’ Union Welfare Loan
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Useful Contacts Communication and Evaluation Useful Resources Academic Calendar
THE ROLE OF A MENTOR
PEER MENTORING AT NCI The role of a Peer Mentor is to help make the transition to college life as easy and enjoyable as possible, so think about the things you were concerned about when you arrived as a new student. In essence, the Peer Mentor Volunteer Programme at NCI is designed to help new full-time undergraduate students settle into college life by providing signposting and assistance through peer support. Aims of the Peer Mentor Volunteer Programme • To assist a smooth transition to college life by giving new students the opportunity to meet with current students in the same academic school, during their first year. • To provide mentors with the skills and information they need to help students settle in. • To help new students feel an early sense of belonging to their peer group, school and the college. • To ensure that there is always a friendly face to turn to for information and assistance. • To contribute to developing an excellent supportive environment by utilising our most valuable resource; our students.
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Responsibilities of a Peer Mentor • Listening to the needs of the students and assisting them in finding a social outlet that is appropriate to their needs. • Talking with and listening to the students on a regular basis through the year. • Identifying students at risk and referring them to the appropriate support service for guidance and advice. • Support and encouraging students to participate in organised College events throughout the year.
SKILLS REQUIRED FOR BEING A PEER MENTOR QUESTIONING
LISTENING
Asking appropriate questions and receiving quality/authentic responses.
Active listening involves giving full attention to the other speaker.
SUMMARISING
GIVING FEEDBACK
Giving an accurate account of what’s just been said.
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Expressing your observations and feelings with clarity and sensitivity.
INFLUENCING
REFERRAL
Having a significant effect on the way others think and on what they do next.
Providing the support which enables people to express their feelings and consider their options.
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MEETING INCOMING STUDENTS
ORIENTATION AT NCI The first contact you will have with your students is during Orientation. The role of a Peer Mentor is to ensure that the students in your group feel at ease and ‘inducted’ into NCI throughout their Orientation day. Think back to your Orientation and the anxieties you felt upon arrival. Try to address those concerns by continually chatting to the group, reassuring the group and facilitating conversation amongst the group. Thus, the role of a Peer Mentor during Orientation can be broken into three parts: 1. To facilitate discussion and relationship building amongst the students within your group. 2. To provide information to the students during the day on all aspects of college life at NCI. 3. To ensure the smooth running of all induction sessions throughout the day.
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The responsibilities of a Peer Mentor during Orientation include the following: • Putting the students at ease. • Moving your group between sessions. • Explaining the objective of each session. • Identifying key lecture theatres/rooms to the students as you walk around the college. • Getting to know your students and preparing for your role as a Peer Mentor.
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE ALLOCATED TO A PEER MENTOR
Each Peer Mentor is allocated approximately 10-20 students depending on course numbers. This may seem like quite a large group but generally speaking only a few of your students will require ongoing support.
CONTACTING YOUR STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR It is essential that you give your contact details during Orientation and it is equally important that you confirm your mentees details. It is anticipated that most of your one-to-one contact with the students will be done through sending text messages and emails. You will be required to communicate three times (sending text messages and emails) in the first semester and two in the second semester. It is important to let the students know that they can approach you on campus and that regular face-to face contact is maintained by simply saying hello or by organising a group catch up over coffee. Mentees are free to call their Peer Mentor as often as they choose, within socialable hours. However, it is anticipated that only in cases where the student is experiencing ongoing difficulties will this occur.
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BOUNDARIES OF PEER MENTORING DO • Arrange to meet your students in a group following your initial introduction meeting.
DON’T
• Send an email and text to your students at least twice a semester.
• Turn into a counsellor - if necessary refer them to the Student Support or the appropriate service within the College.
• Ask about their experience to date of living and studying at NCI. Identify students who may be having difficulty at NCI.
• Guarantee outcomes like “this will happen” or “you’ll be fine”.
• Always contact your student via your college email account or mobile phone. • Always meet on college premises or in a public area. • If you feel that your student needs support which falls outside your role of mentor, encourage the student to seek appropriate help. • Respect the right to privacy; don’t discuss anything the students tell you with people that it doesn’t concern.
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• Be overbearing, your students are the decision makers, you are the guide. • Impose your own ideas, values or solutions. • Encourage dependency or over commit yourself time wise. • Overstep the boundaries of your role by giving guidance or advice. • Never give out personal details such as your address or landline phone number.
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STUDENT LIFE
SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITIES Following a Students’ Union referendum held in 2013/14, the full-time undergraduate student body voted in a one year fixed membership agreement to use SV Fitness Healthclub adjacent to the campus. This is a mandatory charge and will be billed to all students per annum as part of the registration process. Registration cannot be completed until this charge has been paid. All students in receipt of Student Grants are required to pay this charge which is not covered by the Grant Scheme.
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NCI students and members of Clubs and Societies also have easy access to a range of discounted premier Dublin City sport facilities.
SPORT AND RECREATION PROGRAMMES The Student Ambassador Scholarships is an investment in student leaders of Clubs and Societies. There are three funding levels available - Bronze, Silver, and Gold to acknowledge and motivate students to continue their active involvement. The scholarships will also include two funding levels - Representative and High Performance for individuals who significantly contribute to student life, represent the College, and who have reached a high level of sporting achievement and commitment to their sport. The Social Recreation Programme was developed to provide social and non-competitive opportunities for all students of all abilities to try and get involved in recreational activities. Throughout the year students can try fun activities such as Sports Day, Fun Run, Bubble Football, Adventure Pursuits, 5-a-side Football, and Sightseeing Trips.
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME The Student Leadership Programme is designed to enhance leadership and communication skills in an interactive, participatory learning environment. Selected students will be assisted to identify their leadership style and learn how to effect positive change in their college and community. The programme will give an opportunity to talk to and learn from leaders who are leading change in their organisations, and will also allow frank conversations with senior leaders from within the National College of Ireland and its associates.
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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
CLUBS
There are lots of great Clubs and Societies to get actively involved with on campus. Whether you are sports enthusiast, enjoy being part of team, share a special interest or enjoy being engaged in the community there is bound to be an opportunity for all students to participate.
SOCIETIES
Badminton
Business
Basketball
Fashion
Cricket
Gaming
GAA
Harry Potter
Karting
Health and Fitness
Pool
International
Soccer
Journalistic
Table Tennis
LGBT Movie
It is free to all registered students of the College to join so all first year students are encouraged to get involved in student life. If you miss Sign up Day you can also join online, contact the Clubs and Societies Officer located in the Students’ Union Recreation Hub or a committee officer directly.
Multimedia Music Peer Mentor Pokemon Winter Sports
PEER MENTOR SOCIETY As many of you are aware, trying to ‘fit in’ and make friends is often the most difficult task for new students. The Peer Mentor Society provides support and friendship to first year students to ensure they adapt into their new College environment. Along with promoting awareness of the Please Talk student welfare campaign, the Society also organised referencing workshops, exams workshops and multiple social events. 8
2014 Winners: NCI Society of the Year 2014 Winners: NCI Fresher of the Year 2014 Nominees: BICS National Awards ‘Small Colleges Society of the Year’ 2014 Nominees: BICS National Awards ‘Small Colleges Fresher of the Year’
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All Peer Mentors are essentially members of the Society and therefore should get actively involved and support the committee. Enjoy your role and participate in Mentor and College events. https://twitter.com/NCIMentoring
http://www.facebook.com/pages/NCI-Peer-Mentor-Society/
PLEASE TALK
Please Talk is supported by the HSE through the National Office of Suicide Prevention, and is part of the National Mental Health Strategy. NCI launched its participation in this national welfare campaign to support at risk students. It promotes ‘Speaking is a sign of strength not of weakness’ message through its website (www.pleasetalk.ie) directory allowing students to browse the various support services present in the College. The message has been reinforced through campaign promotional material and awareness events organised through the Peer Mentor Programme, Peer Mentor Society, and the Students’ Union Mental Health and Welfare Weeks.
STUDENT’S UNION The NCISU are the representatives of the student body. The NCISU mission is to provide the best possible service that accommodates and facilitates all students to ensure they get the most out of every aspect of the college experience. “If you don’t know who, turn to your SU”. This means no matter what your issue is, the NCISU can advise you or at least point you in the right direction. The NCISU is situated in the Student Basement where there are pool tables, table tennis tables, play stations, TV, big screen and sofas for your use. The offices are located through the doors and everyone’s welcome! No need to knock or make appointments. Basically the NCISU organise all of your entertainment and look after your issues regarding education and equality. The NCISU are here if you need someone to talk to; if you have problems with classes, exams, lecturers, or even money problems. All in all, the NCISU ensure you get the best possible experience during your time in NCI.
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STUDENTS’ UNION EXECUTIVE President James Duffy
692
Vice President Emmet Hughes
president@ncisu.ie 681
vicepresident@ncisu.ie
Clubs and Societies Officer Patrick Erhard Entertainments Officer Daryl Gerard
680
680
Communications Officer Eve O’Connor
clubsandsocs@ncisu.ie
entertainments@ncisu.ie
680
Administration and Finance Officer Rachel Maher
comunications@ncisu.ie 680
admin@ncisu.ie
CLASS REPS Becoming a class rep not only gives you the opportunity to meet new people but you can also gain experience in dealing with lecturers and students. If you feel that there is an issue within your class, your class rep is the first person to go to. As a class rep, you have the chance to put forward any changes that you feel would be beneficial for your class, course, or the Union as a whole. The NCISU provides each rep with all the training and resources they need. Each class rep attends a number of SU Council and School/ College service meetings each semester.
MYNCISTUDENT PORTAL This is a website that acts as a one-stopshop for all students to support their college life in NCI. MyNCIStudent will provide you with a single point access for all college communication and information during your time in NCI. You can access it from the bottom right link available on the NCI homepage www.ncirl.ie Some of the other IT Services provided include: • NCI Student Email • Moodle – Course Management System for your Lecturers Course Notes 10
• Citrix – Access to your NCI Desktop, Software Applications and Home Directory • Past Examinations Database • MyAthens – Online Databases • MySite – your own customisable area of the Student Portal The NCI IT Department has a dedicated team to provide IT Support to all students. If you have any queries, or issues please ensure you contact the team email: itsupport@ncirl.ie or visit the IT Support Desk located on the first floor, Room 1.07, opposite Theatre 1.
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STUDENT SUPPORT
For any students requiring more information or are in need of the services provided by the Student Support office please visit us on the Atrium ground floor or contact:
01 4498624
studentsupport@ncirl.ie
At National College of Ireland, we want our students to get the very best out of the years spent with us. We want them to look back on their period of study as one which was not only successful in academic terms, but rewarding on a personal and social level. To this end we have provided a range of services to provide advice, support and encouragement. NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND | PEER
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COUNSELLING SERVICE College life can sometimes produce a great deal of stress. The Counselling Service provides an opportunity to discuss any difficulties you may be experiencing with a specialist student counsellor. The counsellor will help by listening without judgement, offering new perspectives and working with you on strategies that are right for you. The Counselling Service is provided free of charge to all full-time registered students and the counsellor meets with students on-site in NCI. To make an appointment please contact Mary Keating on 086 8783086 or email counselling@ncirl.ie.
Counselling Service Scenario Over the past few weeks you have noticed Martin’s behavior increasingly bizarre. He is often fatigued and not feeling well. On many occasions you have overheard him whispering in an agitated voice, even though there is no one nearby. After many approaches Martin confides that he drinks alcohol most days. He says he generally drinks alone and does not usually go to parties. He is also not sure he wants to stop drinking because it helps him relax and sleep. You have tried to get him to go with you to Students’ Union Welfare, but he refuses. Lately, he has refused to answer calls and has stopped attended classes altogether.
LEARNING AND DISABILITY SUPPORT You can register with the LDS service if you have a learning difficulty, a disability, a mental health difficulty or a significant ongoing illness. It offers an understanding supportive environment that recognises and help students to overcome their difficulties. The service helps you to adapt your learning by identifying your individual learning differences and supports you as you acquire the skills to learn independently. The service offers: small group workshops; individual learning support; proofreading service; information on useful support materials and resources.
Counselling Service Scenario Over the past few weeks you have noticed Martin’s behavior increasingly bizarre.
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He is often fatigued and not feeling well. On many occasions you have overheard him whispering in an agitated voice, even though there is no one nearby. After many approaches Martin confides that he drinks alcohol most days. He says he generally drinks alone and does not usually go to parties. He is also not sure he wants to stop drinking because it helps him relax and sleep. You have tried to get him to go with you to Students’ Union Welfare, but he refuses. Lately, he has refused to answer calls and has stopped attended classes altogether.
LEARNING DEVELOPMENT SERVICE The Learning Development Service provides weekly workshops throughout the academic year. These structured workshops are designed to help students become more confident and effective learners. To compliment these workshops, students are encouraged to download the ‘Effective Learning’ manual from the Learning Development portal page. This manual offers practical tips and guidance on all key academic areas.
MATHEMATICS SUPPORT SERVICE The Mathematics Support Service provides an informal environment for students who are experiencing difficulties or wish to improve their understanding of and confidence in mathematical concepts. A primary goal of the service is to empower students with confidence to take responsibility for their own mathematical learning through active involvement in service programmes and activities. The Mathematics Support Service provides a number of tailored services which are available to all NCI full-time students.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT SCENARIO You discover that Katie feels overwhelmed with the computing course and is finding the maths element very difficult. She is considering dropping out of the College.
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MEDICAL SERVICE National College of Ireland provides a subsidised medical service to all fulltime undergraduate registered students. The Custom House Medical Centre, located just minutes from the College, are the appointed doctors for National College of Ireland. The Medical Centre provides full male and female health screening, cardiovascular screening, occupational health, travel vaccinations, minor surgery, nursing care, sports injuries and specialist clinics. Students are charged â‚Ź10 per appointment and the balance is paid by the College. To make an appointment please contact the Custom House Medical Centre on (01) 829 0902 or email reception@custommedical.ie.
MEDICAL SERVICE SCENARIO You discover that Peter owes fees and is on a College payment plan. He is working throughout the semester so he can afford to make payments and is now unable to attend classes. He is feeling really anxious and stressed and is often suffering from general health related illnesses.
STUDENT RETENTION AND ATTENDANCE SUPPORT SERVICE The role of the Student Retention and Attendance Support Service is to ensure that if a student is finding it difficult to attend college, due to academic or non-academic pressures, that their individual needs are supported in an attempt to help the student to re-commit to their studies. The role of the office is also to assist students with progression queries throughout their time in NCI. Students often need advice on how to approach a particular situation, potential options available to them, how to inform the College of personal circumstances, how to communicate feedback etc.
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STUDENT FINANCE
BACK TO EDUCATION ALLOWANCE The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) allows qualifying persons to return to full-time education in approved courses while continuing to get income support. The BTEA allows people in receipt of certain social welfare payments to retain those payments whilst participating in approved full-time courses in further and higher education. All information in respect of the BTEA is available from the Department of Social Protection at www.welfare.ie NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND | PEER
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THE FUND FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES The Fund for Students with Disabilities allocates funding to further and higher education colleges for the provision of services and supports to full-time students with disabilities. The Fund aims to ensure that students can participate fully in their academic programmes and are not disadvantaged by reason of a disability. A claim under the Fund is made on behalf of an eligible student by their college following an assessment of need. Applications cannot be made directly to the Fund by students. Colleges are also responsible for the management of the funding approved for eligible students.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE FUND The Student Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for full-time higher education students who are experiencing financial difficulties whilst attending college. Students can apply for Student Assistance to help them with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties. The Student Assistance Fund provides a further source of funding for higher education students in addition to the Student Grant. Each year, the State allocates a certain amount of Student Assistance funding to all publicly funded higher education colleges based on the size of the college’s full-time student population. Students in need of financial support can then make application in the college for assistance under the Fund.
STUDENT GRANT The student grant is the main source of financial help available from the Irish State for students in full-time Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLCs) and full-time higher education undergraduate/postgraduate courses. For eligible students, the grant is there to help with the various costs of participating in further or higher education. Family and/or personal income is a key factor that will be assessed when you apply for a student grant but there are also some other conditions. Studentfinance.ie can help you to assess whether you are eligible and guide you in starting the process.
STUDENTS’ UNION WELFARE LOAN The NCISU operates a welfare loan system for students experiencing financial difficulties. Loans must be re-paid in full by the end of the academic year.
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USEFUL CONTACTS
COMMON ISSUES WHICH MAY ARISE Consider some of the concerns you had when you first arrived in college. Try to use your own judgments to anticipate what kind of issues you can expect to deal with. The issues that may arise can be broken into three components:
1. ACADEMIC – Does my continuous assessment count toward my end of year result? – Do the Christmas exams impact upon my overall result? – What is expected of me when writing an essay? – What is referencing? – Who do I give my essays to? – Who is my programme co-ordinator? – Should I write down everything the lecturer says? – How do I log on to moodle? – How do I download the lecture notes? – I lost my IT password, who should I contact? – Is there anywhere I can go to get extra academic support? – I don’t like my course and considering leaving college, should I just leave or talk to somebody first? – If I withdraw from NCI and start first year in another college, do I have to pay? Will it affect my grant? – I have a complaint about one of my lecturers, what should I do?
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2. SOCIAL – Are there any social nights organised by the college? – What does the Students’ Union do? Where are they located? – What is the best way to meet people and make friends in NCI? – What Clubs & Societies are there in NCI? – How do I join a Club or Society? – I am having difficulty settling into NCI and don’t seem to be making friends, what should I do? – I want to set up a club or society. What should I do? – What is a class rep? How do I become one? – How do I get a student discount travel card? – What is the best way to find accommodation in Dublin?
3. PERSONAL – I am having a lot of financial difficulty, is there anything the college can do to help? – I am feeling really down, I think I am depressed, is there anyone I can speak to? – I have a learning difficulty that I have not disclosed to the college, I thought I could manage without support, what should I do? – I cannot seem to cope with the study expected of me, I didn’t think it would be this difficult, what should I do? – Is there a medical service available in the college? – Do I qualify for a medical card as a student? – I hate college and I am thinking of dropping out, what should I do? – I am feeling really lonely living in Dublin; I don’t know what to do. – I have been evicted from my house; the landlord did not give an explanation, what should I do? – My landlord just increased my rent by 100 euro, can he do this?
WHERE DO I GO FOR ADVICE AS A PEER MENTOR?
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Every Mentor will complete a comprehensive training program which addresses the common issues that may arise and how to handle these situations. You will of course encounter some issues which fall outside the scope of the training program. If you need advice on how to approach a particular situation please contact a member of the Student Services team.
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STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT As the name suggests the Student Services Department is principally concerned with the student experience while at College. Our role is to guide, encourage and support students in their journey through higher education. We strive for an environment that encourages excellence, celebrates differences, supports success and fosters involvement. Acting as a “one-stop-shop” for many student needs, Student Services coordinates a number of administrative functions, support services and student-centred activities within the College. The Student Services department operates a drop-in service for students and endeavours to answer any questions a student may have. On occasion, it may be necessary to refer a student to another individual/support within the College. The Student Services department is located on the Ground Floor and can be contacted on (01) 4498540 or by emailing studentservices@ncirl.ie.
SCHOOL FACULTIES A Faculty is all the academic members of staff, lecturers and professors, associated with that area of study. Faculties meet every two weeks during the academic year and consider the issues of concern such as new courses, student affairs and policy. All of the faculties have other members of administrative staff, some of whom may have particular responsibility for dealing with student queries and problems.
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ADMINISTRATION OFFICE - ROOM 2.08 POSITION
NAME
PHONE
Dean of School
Jimmy Hill
Ext 520
jimmy.hill@ncirl.ie
Senior Administrator
Nicola Carroll
Ext 542
ncarroll@ncirl.ie
Programme Co-ordinator
Leah Kinsella
Ext 605
leah.kinsella@ncirl.ie
Programme Co-ordinator
Nicola O’Shaughnessy
Ext 532
nicola.oshaughnessy@ncirl.ie
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING, ADMINISTRATION OFFICE - ROOM 3.24 POSITION
NAME
PHONE
Dean of School
Pramod Pathak
Ext 611
ppathak@ncirl.ie
Programme Co-ordinator
Louise Devlin
Ext 607
louise.devlin@ncirl.ie
Programme Co-ordinator
Fiona Flynn
Ext 606
fiona.flynn@ncirl.ie
Computer Support Tutor
Sam Cogan
Ext 260
sam.cogan@ncirl.ie
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STUDENT SERVICES Admissions
Careers & Opportunities
Exams
Student Records
Student Support
• Exemptions
• CV Preparation
• Exam Deferrals
• Course Deferrals
• Clubs & Societies
• Progression
• Cover letters
• Exam Timetables
• Graduation
• Transfers
• Employer Presentations
• Reviews
• Student Cards
• Counselling Service
• Rechecks
• Student Letters
• Registration
• Job Search Strategies
• Withdrawal
• Disability Support • Financial Assistance • Learning Support
• Interview skills
• Maths Support
• Recruitment Fairs
• Medical Service
• Vacancy Newsletters
• Orientation & Induction • Peer Mentoring • Personal Support & Guidance • Sports & Recreation
Contact
Contact
Contact
Contact
Sarah Duignan Admissions Officer (01) 4498 539 sarah.duignan@ ncirl.ie
Caroline Kennedy Careers & Opportunities Officer (01) 4498 526 ckennedy@ncirl.ie
Orla Heslin Examinations Officer (01) 4498 646 orla.heslin@ncirl.ie
Aoife Cassidy EA – Student Services & Registrar (01) 4498 540 aoife.cassidy@ ncirl.ie
Sinead Kavanagh Executive Assistant Exams & Assessment Ext 243 sinead.kavanagh@ ncirl.ie
Contact Corrie Adams Student Support & Recreation Coordinator
(01) 4498 548
corrie.adams@ncirl.ie
Michael Goldrick Learning Support and Development Officer
(01) 6599 245
michael.goldrick@ ncirl.ie
Jonathan Lambert Mathematics Development and Support Officer
(01) 4498 650
jonathan.lambert@ ncirl.ie
Mary Keating Student Counsellor
086 878 3086
counselling@ncirl.ie
Karen Mooney Disability Officer
(01) 659 9269
karen.mooney@ncirl.ie
Catherine Elliott Learning Support Tutor
(01) 6599 208
catherine.elliott@ ncirl.ie
Jonathan Lynch Student Retention and Attendance Support Coordinator
(01) 4498 503
jonathan.lynch@ncirl.ie
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COMMUNICATION AND EVALUATION
VOLUNTEERING ACHIEVEMENT NCI will provide you with a certificate of recognition and reference letter for participating in the Peer Mentor Volunteer Programme. This represents the volunteering, training and reflection undertaken during your experience as a Peer Mentor and Orientation Guide. • The Certificate represents your commitment to something further than your studies. By volunteering on campus, NCI recognises the learning that can come from outside the classroom and so do future employers. • On your CV it is important to refer to the Certificate as an Achievement. • The volunteering you committed yourself to and the training you received has been recognised by NCI through the Certificate. • Future employers seek employees with a variety of experiences, and volunteering can offer a whole range of experiences. NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND | PEER
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Additionally to the main role, to receive a Certificate of Recognition signed by the President of NCI and Reference Letter signed by Student Support, it is a requirement that Peer Mentors complete all responsibilities of the programme as outlined below. 1. To attend five group communication and feedback meetings organised by Programme Co-ordinator. 2. To attend three personal development workshops on personal leadership, effective communication, and influencing others. 3. To communicate five texts and emails to your group of first year students. 4. To co-ordinate semester face to face meeting with your group of first year students. 5. To complete online semester evaluation questionnaire available on the MyNCIStudent portal.
Template for Emails and Texts to Students Please copy to corrie.adams@ncirl.ie when sending your emails.
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FIRST SEMESTER FIRST EMAIL AND TEXT – WEEK 2 FRESHER’S WEEK
Hi everyone it’s your Peer Mentor. It was great to meet you all last week. I’ve seen some of you around the college, I hope you are all well and settling into your first real week of classes.Just a quick reminder that Fresher’s Week is coming up, I am sure you have seen the posters around the college. If you can get involved and go out, it is a great way to meet new people. Also, Clubs and Societies sign up day is coming up and that is another great way to get involved with different activities around the College. If you need any help or have any questions feel free to drop me an email or text. Oh and if you see me around the college don’t be afraid to say hey.
SECOND EMAIL AND TEXT – WEEK 5 CHAT AND COFFEE
Five weeks in now already, I hope it’s not proving to be too stressful for you guys! I have no doubt you’re all busy just like myself with assignments, CA’s, going to lectures, or hanging out around the college. During this week, specially on [ADD DATE], I’ll be in [ADD ROOM] between [ADD TIME]. Please use this time to come and speak to me about any issues or queries you might have about anything you’ve faced so far this year, and even just about your experience in NCI so far! Don’t forget if you see me around the college you can just approach me, don’t worry if I look busy because even if it is a case that I can’t talk to you right then I’ll make sure I get back to you as soon as I can. Remember throughout the semester to keep an eye out for events held by societies, clubs, class reps or even the students union. All the events hosted in/ around the college are great to attend.
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THIRD EMAIL AND TEXT – WEEK 10 DE STRESS
This is your Peer Mentor once again. Hope everyone is doing well! I know this time of the year can be really busy in relation to assignments and CA’s but it’s also important to make time to de stress from the studies. As NCI students you are all members of the SV Fitness Gym around the corner which is a good way to de stress and they also have a wide range of fitness classes too. The SU are hosting Mental Health Week coming up so there will be games, chats and lots of other ways to unwind. Check out the student portal or drop into the students union for more info! Also importantly don’t forget about the college’s Learning and Academic Support Services available to students if anyone is experiencing any difficulties coming up to CA’s or exams. You can find more information on your student portal under Student Services & Support. If you have any questions do not hesitate to text or email me. Chat to you all soon.
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MENTOR GUIDEBOOK 14/15
SECOND SEMESTER FOURTH EMAIL AND TEXT – WEEK 2 HAPPY NEW YEAR This is your peer mentor again. Just wanted to drop you all an email to see how your first set of exams went? How did you settle into college life over the first semester? Don’t forget, if you ever need any academic, personal or social guidance, drop into the Student Support or Student’s Union office. There are a few dates for your diary in February, there will be a Refresher Clubs and Socs Sign Up Day if anyone fancies starting off the New Year by joining a new club or society. Additionally there is the NCI Fashion Show which is always great fun. The Students’ Union have been busy planning lots of fun events during Rag Week, such as the the Moxygen Festival in Galway. There are also lots of fundraising activities planned to support the chosen charity Barretstown so get involved if you can or drop an email to the SU President if you have any ideas to help raise funds. As always if you have any questions at all, please drop me an email or a text.
FIFTH EMAIL AND TEXT – WEEK 9 EXAMS This is your Peer Mentor again. The end of the semester is in sight so that also means exams will soon be upon us. I know the exams can be stressful so please don’t forget that academic support is available in the College. Also remember there are Medical and Counselling services available if you are unwell. Drop into the Student Support office located on the ground floor and they will be able to help you out. As usual there will be opportunities to de-stress and have some fun before the exams start. The Students’ Union Feel Good Week is coming up and will feature lots of fun social and recreational activities, including the annual Sports Day. Finally, if I could ask you all to fill out the student survey. Your feedback helps the college to improve the service and is much appreciated. The very best of luck with your exams and as usual if you have any questions or queries, please email or text me.
NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND | PEER
MENTOR GUIDEBOOK 14/15
25
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2014/2015 2014
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Mon
1
Tue
2
Wed
3
1
3 4
Thur
1 2
4
2
Fri
1
5
3
Sat
2
6
4
1
6
Sun
3
7
5
2
7
Mon
4
8
6
3
8
Tue
5
9
7
4
9
Wed
6
10
8
5
10
Thur
7
11
9
6
11
Fri
8
12
10
7
12
Sat
9
13
11
8
13 S1 END
Sun
10
14
12
9
14
Mon
11
15 S1 START
13
10
15
Tue
12
16
14
11
16
Wed
13
17
15
12
17
Thur
14
18
16
13
18
Fri
15
19
17
14
19
Sat
16
20
18
15
20
Sun
17
21
19
16
21
Mon
18
22
20
17
Tue
19
23
21
18
Wed
20
24
22
19
22 CHRIST23 MAS BREAK 24
Thur
21
25
23
20
25
Fri
22
26
24
21
26
Sat
23
27
25
22
27
Sun
24
28
26
23
28
Mon
25
29
29
26
30
27 READING 28 WEEK
24
Tue
25
30
Wed
27
29
26
31
Thur
28
30
27
1
Fri
29
31
28
2
Sat
30
29
3
Sun
31
30
4
5
Mon Tue 26
NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND | PEER
MENTOR GUIDEBOOK 14/15
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2014/2015 2015
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
Mon Tue Wed Thur
1 1
2
Sat
CHRIST2 MAS BREAK 3
Sun
4
1
Mon
2
Wed
5 FIRST 6 SEMESTER EXAMS 7
Thur
Fri
3
1
4
2
1
5
3
2
6
4
3
3
7
5
4
4
8
8
5
5
9
Fri
9
6
6
10
6 SECOND 7 SEMESTER EXAMS 8
Sat
10
7
7
11
9
Sun
11
8
8
12
10
Mon
12
9
9
13
11
Tue
13
10
10
14
12
Wed
14
11
11
15
13
Thur
15
12
12
16
14
Fri
16
13
13
17
15
Sat
17
14
14
18
16
Sun
18
15
15
19
17
Mon
16
20
18
17
16 READING 17 WEEK
21
19
Wed
19 FIRST 20 SEMESTER BREAK 21
18
18
22
20
Thur
22
19
19
23
21
Fri
23
20
20
24
22
Sat
24
21
21
25 S2 END
23
Sun
25
22
22
26
24
Mon
26 S2 START
23
23
Tue
27
24
24
27 REVISION 25 28 WEEK 26
Wed
28
25
25
29
27
Thur
29
26
26
30
28
Fri
30
27
27
29
Sat
31
28
Tue
Tue
28
30
Sun
29
31
Mon
30
Tue
31 NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND | PEER
MENTOR GUIDEBOOK 14/15
REVISION WEEK
27
Compiled by Corrie Adams Student Support and Recreation Tel: 01 449 8548 Email: corrie.adams@ncirl.ie Web: https://myncistudent.ncirl.ie/StudentLife