A NEWSLETTER FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Introductory Issue | July 2021
Welcome from the Presidents We are delighted to invite you to view this first external newsletter of the Connacht Ulster Alliance partners, as we mark a momentous period in the evolution of our three institutes. The three institutes have come together to apply for designation as a Technological University, and our journey to this point spans the last decade, during which time we have made huge strides in working in partnership and in building real collaboration across all of our 8 campuses.
Strong relationships based on mutual trust and parity of esteem have been built up which will enable us to deliver on our ambitious goals for our TU.
The Technological Universities Act (2018) specifies the legal basis by which two or more Institutes of Technology can together become a Technological University following the
achievement of defined criteria in the areas of research, engagement, and flexible access for learners. In mid-July, we will have an intensive interaction with an international panel, who will
present a detailed report for eventual consideration by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science. This newsletter provides you with some information as to the scale of this endeavour and the exciting collaborative developments that are happening, and we hope you find it informative. Above all, we look forward to future engagements with you in the months and years ahead, as we strive - together - to deliver an enhanced and effective university for the region.
Dr Orla Flynn
Paul Hannigan
Dr Brendan McCormack
GMIT President
LYIT President
IT Sligo President
Contents Background to the Formation of the CUA
1
A new TU for the West and North-West Region
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Benefits for the Region
5
Support from Industry
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CUA Mission, Vision, and Values
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Our Multi-Campus Operation
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The CUA TU Journey
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The CUA Application for TU Designation
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CUA Project Governance and Management
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Eight Campuses – One Technological University
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Collaborative Project Spotlight – iNOTE Project
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Institute Presidents in Profile
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A Students’ Union President in Profile
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Learning and Teaching Together – Facts and Figures
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Our Student Stories
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Research and Innovation in the CUA
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Community Engagement Activities
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Meet the CUA Project Team
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Recent CUA Conferences
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EDITOR Anne Donnelly LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK Email: anne.donnelly@cualliance.ie
EDITORIAL BOARD Dr Seán Duffy Dr Shirley Wrynn Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin Ann Higgins
DESIGN & LAYOUT Seán Clancy
Introductory Issue
Background to the Formation of the CUA The National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030, published in 2011 emphasised the need for significant Higher Education reform and the requirement for an innovative and transformative approach to enable the provision of flexible opportunities for larger and more diverse student cohorts.
The CUA as a TU will make a distinctive national and international contribution to higher education. The report recommended that some Institutes of Technology may amalgamate and apply for re-designation as technological universities (TUs). 1
In July 2012, prompted by the report’s vision of the future of higher education provision in Ireland, GalwayMayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) and Institute of Technology, Sligo (ITS) came together to form the Connacht-Ulster Alliance (CUA). They committed to work together to deliver on jointly agreed strategic objectives that meet the higher educational service needs of the business and
wider communities of the Connacht-Ulster Region of Ireland. The CUA as a TU will make a distinctive national and international contribution to higher education. Through its staff and programmes, the new TU will educate and inspire people. It will develop talent to accelerate the sustainable economic, social, and cultural development of the West and North-West region and beyond.
WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
The CUA Institutes at a Glance
1 Region
3
593+
Programmes
Institutes
8
€ 208m Income
Research Centres
8
5,034 Graduates annually
Campuses
20, 273
2,215
Total Students
Total Staff
Daros Coastline, Donegal
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Introductory Issue
What is a Technological University? The Technological Universities Act (2018) specifies the legal basis by which two or more institutes of technology can merge to become a Technological University. The universities will meet the social and economic needs of their region and engage in industry-focused research.
What is distinctive about a TU? The TU concept is distinctive in that it offers a wide scope of levels of technological provision, rooted in regional connectedness, reaching out nationally and internationally through teaching, learning and research collaborations, and enabled by digital connectivity.
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WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
A new TU for the West and North-West Region
• Eight campuses are coming together as one to attract, educate, nurture, and retain talent in the West and North-West. • The CUA is a community of 20,273 students and 2,215 staff, providing lifelong learning, undergraduate, postgraduate, remote, and enterprise-based education. • We contribute towards the accelerated and sustainable development of our region, and advance knowledge through research and engagement.
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
• We specialise in innovative professional, technical, and vocational education, with a real focus on agile applied learning. • Our 8 research centres of excellence are engaged with regional and national employers from micro-enterprises to multinationals, funded through national and European agencies, with a global reach. • All our programmes are developed in conjunction with industry. Most of our programmes offer structured work placement which connects students directly with employers, providing sustainable employment opportunities for graduates.
Letterkenny Institute of Technology
• Our institutes offer a rounded higher education experience built on integrity and respect, helping students achieve their social, cultural, and personal goals. • We believe that the new Technological University will make a significant contribution to the lives of people in the region and beyond and will stand as a legacy for all those who have been involved.
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Institute of Technology Sligo
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Introductory Issue
Benefits for the Region The new TU will make the West and North-West region a more attractive place to live, work and learn by: • Fostering social inclusion and widening access to Higher Education by offering programmes from pre-degree to doctoral level, including apprenticeships. • Making it easier to study by providing a full range of learning environments on campus, blended, online and remote. • Meeting the skill needs of the region through collaborative partnerships with industry. • Creating a green region through our Sustainable Energy Communities initiative. • Developing urban-rural connectivity by accelerating digitalisation.
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WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
Support from Industry
I fully support the Technological University for the West and NorthWest of Ireland and see the benefits for students in the region. Having access in our region to high level research and collaboration between Industry and the TU will bring distinct competitive advantages to many organisations and also places the region on a par with other regions and clusters who have enjoyed access to a university infrastructure. Andrew Hodson, IT Sligo Graduate, CEO, Verus Metrology Partners
The transition to a Technological University would be a very logical stepping stone at this stage serving the West and North-West, and would become a very powerful tourism education hub that will be critical to the further development and servicing of the industry as a whole, in an area that is so dependent on a well-educated work force. Mark Nolan, GMIT Graduate, Managing Director, Dromoland Castle & The Inn at Dromoland
Business has a huge level of interest in the successful designation of the Connacht-Ulster Alliance as a Technological University as it will be a key driver of the regional economy and regional competitiveness. Future graduates deserve nothing less. Businesses in the North-West and West will fully benefit from successive future generations of high-quality Technological University graduates. This will further assist businesses in retaining key skill sets in the region, thereby advancing their knowledge base and growing expertise for the region. Séamus Hughes, North-West Regional President, Ibec and GM, Zeus Industrial Products (Ireland)
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Introductory Issue
Our Mission To be renowned for building capacity and community in our region through flexible and excellent academic programmes, collaborative and experiential learning, advancing knowledge through research and engagement, provision of lifelong learning and undergraduate, postgraduate remote and enterprise-based education.
Our Vision To educate and inspire people and develop talent to accelerate the sustainable economic, social, and cultural development of our region and beyond.
Our Values Integrity, respect, innovation, initiative, excellence, sustainability, inclusivity, and agility.
Streedagh Beach, Sligo
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WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
Our Multi-Campus Operation
IT Sligo
LYIT Killybegs
LYIT
DERRY
LYIT
GMIT Mayo
LYIT Killybegs
DONEGAL BELFAST
IT Sligo
GMIT Mayo
GMIT Letterfrack
GMIT Letterfrack GMIT Galway
GMIT Mountbellew GMIT Centre for Creative Arts and Media
DUBLIN
GMIT Galway LIMERICK
WATERFORD
GMIT Mountbellew
CORK
GMIT Centre for Creative Arts and Media
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
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Introductory Issue
The CUA TU Journey In advance of the passing of the Technological Universities Act in 2018, the CUA built up its alliance via engagement in collaborative projects, sharing of knowledge, the formation of a strong project management structure and a work plan during the period 2012 – 2018. The agreement and subsequent passing of the TU Act in 2018 was the trigger for intensive CUA TU related activity from mid-2018 onwards.
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One notable example is the successful CUA collaborative project iNOTE developing digital capability which received funding of €2.84m from the HEA Innovation and Transformation Fund. The initial outcomes of this project (which runs to 2022) ensured the CUA was prepared to provide timely supports for staff and students in relation to emergency remote teaching following the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The partnerships and working relationships developed via the iNOTE project also served to support the CUA’s application under the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Fund. In October 2020, the CUA won €12.4m for its Higher Education 4.0 project to further develop the agility and flexibility to deliver increased access to higher education.
WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
CUA Timeline The Presidents of GMIT, LYIT and IT Sligo and the three Governing Body Chairs sign a Memorandum of Understanding to form the Connacht-Ulster Alliance (CUA). The CUA was officially launched by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
May 2013
The CUA Steering Committee adopts a TU Implementation plan.
February 2014
Appointed CUA Project Manager and CUA Data Analyst.
March 2015 CUA is granted approval by the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan T.D., to proceed to the next stage of the process of building a Technological University for the West and North-West of Ireland.
December 2015
€0.757M funding awarded by the HEA.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
July 2012
Green Light for Technological Universities. The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn, issued a policy statement setting out a new configuration for the Irish higher education system. He announced his approval for three groups of institutes of technology to proceed towards detailed planning for a formal application for designation as technological universities.
February 2014 CUA launches a new online research repository, with extensive research material from staff and students, called ‘CUAL’, (Connacht-Ulster Alliance Libraries), developed by the libraries in GMIT, IT Sligo, and Letterkenny IT.
April 2014
Submission of CUA Expression of Interest for Re-designation as a TU to the Higher Education Authority.
October 2015 Thematic Working Groups formed: (i) Governance (WG1), (ii) Research and Innovation (WG2), (iii) Learning and teaching (WG3), and (iv) External Engagement (WG4).
June 2016
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Introductory Issue
CUA Timeline (continued)
CUA appoints a new Project Manager.
November 2017
Steering Group Terms of Reference agreed. Terms of Reference and Operational Guidelines agreed for Working Groups.
March 2018
Steering Committee appoints three institute based CUA Project Managers.
January 2019
Data Sharing Agreement document developed to comply with GDPR legislation.
March 2020
Establishment of the CUA PMSS Industrial Relations Forum.
September 2020
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March 2017
Higher Education Landscape Funding Allocation of €1.2m to support the work of CUA.
February 2018
The Technological Universities Act 2018 is signed into law.
May 2018
CUA collaborative project ‘iNOTE’ developing digital capability receives funding of €2.84m from HEA Innovation and Transformation Funding.
March 2019
CUA Executive Project Lead appointed. Due Diligence process commenced.
April 2020
Inaugural Joint Governing Body sub-committee meeting.
WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
CUA awarded €12.4m for its Higher Education 4.0 project to further develop the agility and flexibility to deliver increased access to higher education.
October 2020 Completion of Corporate Services Due Diligence and Legal Due Diligence Reviews.
March 2021 Agreement reached between CUA and TUI on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) incorporating 12 Position Papers.
May 2021 Submission of application to the Minister for Further & Higher Education, Simon Harris TD, for designation as a Technological University (TU).
May 2021 CUA and PMSS Unions agree Letter of Understanding.
June 2021
International evaluation panel visit.
January 2022
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
October 2020 CUA awarded funding of €5.7m to the CUA under the HEA’s Technological University Transformation Fund (TUTF).
October 2020 Each of the three CUA Institutes received the Athena SWAN Bronze award.
April 2021 CUA TUI MoU endorsed by TUI members voting via an online ballot.
May 2021 CUA engages branding consultants McCann Dublin to support the TU Naming and Branding process.
June 2021 CUA holds a mock panel evaluation in preparation for the TU international evaluation panel.
July 2021
Potential designation date.
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Introductory Issue
Photo caption: The CUA Alliance submits its application to the Minister for Further & Higher Education, Simon Harris TD, for designation as a Technological University (TU).
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WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
What will the new TU be called? Developing a new brand is a complex process that requires consultation with internal and external stakeholders. Our TU brand will aim to best represent what our stakeholders including students, staff, graduates, employers, and funders expect of our new university. The CUA started an internal consultation process focusing on developing a name for the TU in April 2019. CUA staff and students were invited to respond to an online survey. In June 2019, the findings of the survey were presented to the CUA Steering Group. The total number of responses received were 2,662. 1,895 of these were from our students. A range of potential names emerged. While the survey represented very positive engagement with staff and students, the responses were limited to internal stakeholders. We decided to seek input from our external stakeholders such as potential students, schools, guidance counsellors, public bodies, government agencies, industry partners, community, alumni, and professional bodies. In April 2021, following a tender process, an external company McCann Dublin, was chosen to assist with the selection of a name and the creation of a brand platform for the new TU. The CUA along with McCann are currently engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders as part of the TU naming and branding project. We hope to finalise our title and brand in Quarter 4 of 2021.
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
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Introductory Issue
The CUA Application for TU Designation The submission document details the context for the CUA Technological University application, gives an overview of the new TU, and work completed to date. It also presents an academic profile, research, innovation and engagement activities, the support infrastructure for the new TU and a financial overview. Some highlights from the submission document: • The new Technological University will be structured to reflect both its geographic spread and its academic ambitions. It will comprise three colleges and four university-wide academic faculties. • There will be one president for the new TU. • Engagement with the staff unions (TUI, SIPTU, Forsa and Unite) and student union representatives has been vital in bringing the CUA TU project to its current state and will continue to play a key role in the establishment of the new TU. • The TU will be one of the largest employers in the region with considerable purchasing power. As a consortium, the CUA supports 2,310 jobs while institute expenditure results in a direct economic impact of €234.3m. • A high proportion of key positions in enterprises throughout the region are held by CUA graduates. To read a copy of the document go to the CUA website: www.cualliance.ie
Westport Town Clock, Co. Mayo
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WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
CUA Project Governance and Management The CUA project is overseen by a steering group and four main working groups covering the thematic areas of Mission, Vision and Positioning, Governance, Organisation and Communication and related Joint Governing Body Sub-Committee
Engagement; Research, Knowledge Exchange and related Engagement; Academic Planning and Strategy and related Engagement; Corporate Services and related
CUA
Steering Group
Engagement. Each working group has several sub-groups. Over 150 staff from three institutes, eight campuses are working together to bring this project to completion.
Joint Academic Council Sub-Committee
CUA Presidents & Chair of CUA Steering Group
Executive Project Lead: Dr. Seán Duffy
CUA TUI IR Forum
CUA PMSS IR Forum
CUA Data Analyst: Anne-Marie McCormack
GMIT PM: Dr. Shirley Wrynn
LYIT PM: Dr. Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin
IT Sligo PM: Ann Higgins
CUA Administrator: Patrice Dolan
GMIT Administrator: Tracy Madden
LYIT Administrator: Catherine McNally
IT Sligo Administrator: Patrice Dolan
Working Group 1 Mission, Vision & Positioning, Governance, Organisation & Communication
Working Group 2 Research & Innovation
Working Group 3 Academic Planning, Strategy
Working Group 4 Corporate Services
Communications
Post Graduate Research Education
Transition
Submission Drafting
International
Students Union
Learning & Teaching
Heads of School/Faculty
Student Services
iNOTE Steering Committee
Enterprise & Knowledge Exchange
Human Resources
Health & Safety
Corporate Procurement
Finance
Corporate Governance & Data Protection
Information Technology
Higher Education 4.0 Estates
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
EduCampus Forum
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Introductory Issue
Eight Campuses – One Technological University 2,215 staff working together Since its inception the CUA has approached the development of an application to become a TU in a manner which builds trust and co-
operation and will serve as the basis for a future cohesive organisation. This approach has permeated the activities of all CUA groups since 2012.
iNOTE Project
INDEx Survey
PDF Portfolio Project
UNLOCK Project
RPL My Experience
Joint Due Diligence Procurement
Collaboration Fund
Joint Supervision
Student Transfer
Teaching and Learning
Research and Innovation
Corporate Services
Joint Project Procurement and Comms Framework
Common MAPP
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Joint Bursaries
Joint CPD Platform
HCI Project Higher Education 4.0
The diagram below gives examples of how they are acting as one coherent entity, in preparation for the coming merger.
Joint Video Conferencing Procurement
CUA Educampus Forum
Postgraduate Research Training Centres
Staff Researchers
Joint Programme Board
Grad Ed/ Staff Training
CUA Research Conferences
Joint Research Code of Practice
WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
When will TU designation be achieved?
Will we still retain our links with our local campus?
We submitted our application to the Higher Education Authority for designation as a TU on the 21st of May 2021. A formal audit and review of the application by an international panel is taking place in July 2021. We hope that formal designation will be in place by the 1st of January 2022.
Yes, we are committed to maintaining close links with our local and regional stakeholders. Increased emphasis on the inclusion of professional practice and industrial placement modules in our programmes affords greater opportunities for liaison with stakeholders. Our networks are key to maintaining relevance through programme review and development. They are also critical to the identification of emerging trends and future developments.
Diamond Hill, Connemara National Park, Galway
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
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Introductory Issue
Collaborative Project Spotlight Building our Digital Learning and Teaching Capabilities In January 2019, the CUA was awarded a HEA Transformation Innovation Award for the iNOTE project. This project builds digital capability for flexible learning delivery in the West and North-West Region. Staff from each of the institutes have worked together to: • Develop a quality assurance policy for flexible delivery. • Build digital capabilities amongst CUA staff. • Develop a range of digitally enhanced student supports for those undertaking programmes through flexible delivery.
• Develop and deliver workbased programmes utilising digital capabilities for flexible delivery. • Mainstream, disseminate, and evaluate CUA digital capabilities for flexible delivery. The team have developed a Blended and Online Learning Policy Framework, which facilitates the provision of blended and online programmes across all the campuses. The use of blended and online learning will further extend the reach of the TU to industry, employers,
Initial outcomes of this project (which runs to 2022) ensured the CUA was prepared to provide timely supports for staff and students in relation to emergency remote teaching following the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. and prospective students who wish to upskill and reskill through engagement with lifelong learning opportunities
Will bespoke courses continue to run for local and national industry?
Yes, one of the main growth areas in recent years has been the development of Special Purpose Awards and Minor Awards. These programmes are of shorter duration than degree programmes and are aimed at providing specific sets of skills. Many of these have been designed in response to initiatives such as Springboard and are aimed at upskilling, reskilling, and cross-skilling. Engagement with our business, industry and community stakeholders will ensure that we continue to provide industrial relevant programmes that are focused on the practical application of knowledge.
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WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
President in Profile This is an exciting time for higher education in the region, the establishment of a new Technological University comprising LYIT, GMIT and IT Sligo will open up new opportunities for the founding institutes and for the people of the wider West and North-West Region.
Mr Paul Hannigan, President of Letterkenny Institute of Technology Paul Hannigan has been President of Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) since January 1998. He graduated from UCD with a Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Business Studies and began work in Dundalk IT in 1987. In 1992, Paul became Head of Department of Business Studies at Dundalk, until his appointment to Letterkenny. He subsequently completed an MSc in Management Practice at Trinity College Dublin (TCD). In January 2008, he was appointed as President of LYIT for a further ten years. Paul commenced a new five-year contract as LYIT President in January 2018. Paul is a former member of the Higher Education
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
Authority (HEA) and a former Director of Central Applications Office (CAO). He currently serves on the Donegal Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and the North West Regional Executive of IBEC. He is a board member of Eurashe, the European Association for Technological Higher Education Institutions. He has also served as one of two first time independent Directors of Swim Ireland from 2016- 2020.
Paul has been involved with the TU application submission process since the publication of the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 in 2011. He has contributed strategically to the development of the CUA submission through his leadership at an institutional level in LYIT but also at a collaborative level with IT Sligo and GMIT.
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Introductory Issue
President in Profile Joining forces with our partners in IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT as a new Technological University will not only lead to enhanced choice, flexibility and access for all kinds of learners, but also generate the critical mass in research and innovation capacity that will make a real difference to regional enterprise. This includes our significant cultural and creative sectors.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of GMIT Orla commenced her role as President of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology in March 2020, having been Vice President for External Affairs at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) for the previous six years. Prior to that she led the CIT Crawford College of Art and Design for 8 years following periods as Head of School of Humanities (3 years) and Head of Department of Media Communications (5 years) at CIT. She was a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Computing for 13 years before that at CIT.
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Orla holds undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in Mathematical Physics and Computer Science from University College Cork, an MA in Management in Education from WIT, and a PhD from the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick. She is a Director on the Boards of THEA, HEANet, and Galway Chamber of Commerce.
Orla has been a member of Working Group 1 (WG1) since joining GMIT and has participated fully in the Steering Group and the IR fora. She is Chair of the GMIT Academic Council, a member of the GMIT Governing Body, and the CUA Joint GB Subcommittee.
WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
President in Profile
Dr Brendan Mc Cormack, President of IT Sligo
In collaboration with our CUA partners, IT Sligo is really looking forward to being part of the new TU for the Northern and Western region. As a new university, together we will be able to offer much greater access to higher education to everyone across the region and further afield through our online and blended learning platform. A key objective for us is employee education, ensuring that the talent of the workforce is maintained at the highest level so that our SMEs can compete globally.
Brendan has led IT Sligo through a significant period of growth which has seen a student increase from 5,800 to 8,500 in 4 years. Under his leadership, IT Sligo has been awarded the Athena Swan Bronze award, Green Flag award, and regional engagement funding. He was awarded a BE from UCD in 1980, an MS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), USA in 1983, and a PhD from UCD in 1997. With 6 years industry experience in product design/manufacturing, he lectured in the Faculty of Engineering at UCD for 10 years. He has published 200 articles in medical device design, biomaterials and biomechanics over 20 years and is named on 6 patents. He also co-founded the
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
UCD-TCD Bioengineering Research Centre. During his time at IT Sligo, he has worked in various positions including Head of Department, Head of School, and Registrar. He was also the first CUA Project Manager from 2012-2016. Brendan has provided strategic leadership, systematically bringing IT Sligo Governing Body and Joint GB along the TU process.
As a CUA Registrar, he developed the initial plans to create the CUA following from the Hunt Report. During his tenure as CUA Project Manager he led with the CUA submission and approval of Stage 1 of the TU designation process. Since 2016, Brendan has led IT Sligo in achieving the TU metrics, preparing the submission, and has fully participated as a member of Working Group 1.
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Introductory Issue
A Students’ Union President in Profile Jason Quinn, President of IT Sligo Students’ Union Jason is a graduate of the BBS (Hons) Business in IT Sligo. He has served two terms of office in the students’ union in Sligo, one as Vice President for Education and the other as President. As president of the SU, Jason has actively engaged students with the ConnachtUlster Alliance Project and submission process relaying information to them about the significant milestones met.
students from IT Sligo, as well as working to the benefit of the wider CUA student body, in the development of the new cross-regional Students’ Union Structure, Constitution and Funding Model.
Jason’s main role has been as a member of the Students’ Union sub-group which represents the views of
As a member of IT Sligo’s Governing Body, Jason sits on the CUA Project Steering Group. He previously sat on
the learning, teaching and assessment sub-committee, which reports into WG3 (VPAARs). Jason played an active role in the recruitment of an external consultant, who is assisting the Student Union in the development of their strategies, plans, policies, and structures.
Our three Students’ Union presidents, Victor O’Loughlin (GMIT), Mary Hernandez (LYIT), Jason Quinn (IT Sligo), on the application for designation as a Technological University.
GMIT Students’ Union, LYIT Students’ Union and IT Sligo Students’ Union collectively welcome the announcement of this submission. It allows our members to become part of a much larger inclusive, collaborative community which will empower them to reach their potential socially, academically, and professionally through their engagements with the Students’ Union. The Students’ Unions looks forward to representing one united voice across the West and North-West region.
Victor O'Loughlin
Mary Hernandez
Jason Quinn
GMIT SU President
LYIT SU President
IT Sligo SU President
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WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
Learning and Teaching Profile - Facts and Figures
140 Degree (Level 7) Programmes
198 Honours Degree (Level 8) Programmes
35 Master Research Programmes (Level 9)
35 Taught Masters Programmes (Level 9)
1160 International Students from 84 Countries
100+ clubs and societies
29% of new entrants study Engineering & Design
39% of new entrants study Business, Humanities, Social Science & Tourism
32% of new entrants study Science
26.1% study remotely/online
10.2% study part-time
63.8% study full-time
20,273 Students
Doctoral (Level 10) Programmes in 5 discipline areas
46 Higher Certificate (Level 6) Programmes
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Introductory Issue
Our Student Stories Maeve Keane, Bachelor of Business in Rural Enterprise and Agri-Business, GMIT One of the highlights of the course for me was going out on placement for a full semester. Growing up on our family farm in Waterford I always had a passion for agriculture, but I also loved studying business. Studying Rural Enterprise & Agri-Busines in GMIT Mountbellew Agriculture College allowed me to do both. It’s a small Agri-college where it was easy to settle in and get to know everyone. One of the highlights of the course for me was going out on placement for a full semester. I went to the Teagasc office in Clonmel and got to work alongside the advisors. I organised discussion groups for farmers and advisors, and travelled to the other Teagasc offices
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in Tipperary. I really enjoyed learning about the different schemes, such as GLAS, KT, and how to fill out Basic Farm Payment forms. After my work placement I started my third year on the GMIT Dublin Road campus in Galway city. There were
so many clubs and societies to get involved in. This was a great way to make new friends. GMIT class groups are small. Lecturers know everyone by name and are always there to give you a hand. I’m glad I chose to study in GMIT.
WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
Our Student Stories Maria Thomas, BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing, LYIT What is great about computing at LYIT is that you can move between the courses after first year. There is so much flexibility and support in the Department of Computing. Maria Thomas returned to education at Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) as a mature student in 2016. She originally applied to study Business at LYIT. But at the last-minute changed her mind and enrolled in Computing at LYIT. At the end of her first year in the Bachelor of Science in Computing programme, she took up a three-month paid internship with All-State. Maria says: “When I took up the initial internship with All-State, I was delighted to win a competition that gave me the opportunity to travel and work in the United States on behalf of All-State. I took a year out and embraced
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
this placement opportunity. I returned to LYIT to study the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing programme. What is great about computing at LYIT is that you can move between the courses after first year. There is so much flexibility and support in the Department of Computing.” The practical method of teaching, combined with academic theory, is what
stands out most for Maria. She says: “In the Java Script module, you are given really practical tasks. I enjoyed his method of delivery and this happens across many of the modules. My third-year team project was awarded best project in 2020 and now, in fourth year I am working on developing a mobile application that scans bank notes to support the visually impaired.”
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Introductory Issue
Our Student Stories Nathan Wray, BSc (Hons) in Construction Projects Management and Applied Technology. IT Sligo There are no silly questions – we are all here to learn and the staff at the college are brilliant with helping us. Growing up, I have always had a keen interest in construction, inspired by my dad. He runs his own joinery business. I loved helping him in the shed working on different projects. In school, my favourite and best subject was construction, and I knew that was the career I wanted to follow. I decided I would study in IT Sligo after attending the open day and seeing the amazing facilities. I love the course. I find myself getting more and more interested in the modules and subjects associated with Construction Project Management. The small class size is great. Everything we
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need to know is explained to us clearly, and our lecturers help each student as we progress through the course. We spend a lot of time in the workshop. My favourite module is Applied Construction Technology. We draw, design, and construct our own projects, from roofs and stairs to model houses. I have secured a position with a local Mechanical/Electrical Contractor, Jim McCabe (Ferm Engineering) for the summer months. Working on site with qualified electricians,
plumbers, and labourers, gives me a chance to learn more about the industry. Once I finish my degree at IT Sligo, I plan to take some time to travel. Luckily, with my qualification, there will be construction work all over the world for me. Long term, I would love to be a Construction Project Manager – it’s a vitally important role in the industry. I have no doubt that my degree from IT Sligo will help me to achieve all this and more.
WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
Research, Innovation and Engagement in the CUA Much of our research is carried out in collaboration with companies, communities, and other stakeholders in our region. We also participate in large-scale international networks, often bringing companies, communities, local authorities, and others from our region into those networks. We have recently introduced a range of taught Masters (Level 9 programmes) with a particular focus on research activity. These have allowed us to extend our reach into the workplace, with the research completed by individual students being co-designed with employers.
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Innovation/Incubation Success In 2017, Galway MedTech company Neuravi (later renamed Cerenovus) was acquired by US life sciences giant Johnson & Johnson / Codman Neuro. This landmark deal is reportedly the largest acquisition of a venture-backed MedTech Start-Up in Europe since 2009 and is understood to have been valued in the hundreds of millions. Neuravi became famous in 2015 when it raised €19m for its stroke therapy device, EmboTrap which is used in the treatment of acute ischemic strokes, which account for most of all strokes. The third-generation device has managed to secure around 30 per cent market share against established rivals Medtronic, Stryker, and a newer California company Penumbra, since gaining regulatory approval in Europe. Cerenovus currently employs approximately 50 people in Galway.
Research Centre Success The Wireless Sensor Applied Research Centre in LYIT is a centre of excellence in the Internet of Things (IOT) A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
Research Centres
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Technology Gateways
Research, Innovation and Engagement in the CUA
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Research Groups
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Incubation Centres
and through its research has developed a technology stack that has been used to drive innovation and employment in the region. A long-standing success story has been with Chameleon Colour Systems in Tuam, Co. Galway who manufacture and sell paint mixing machines with customers in over 50 countries. In 2015 the company was facing intense competition and made the decision to re-develop their product line to leapfrog the competition. Chameleon collaborated with
WiSAR in the development of a new technology platform which involved licensing IP from LYIT as a foundation for an advanced generation of IOT enabled paint mixing machines. Today Chameleon is the market leader in its field. The research centre continues to make advances in IOT technology, underpinned by data science, contributing to knowledge generation in fields such as Advanced Manufacturing, Medical Devices and Renewable Energy. 28
Introductory Issue
CUA Community Engagement Activities Community-Based Research We lead, collaborate, and support many community-based research projects. Projects are undertaken to support community development, inform social issues that may exist in communities, provide an evidence base for community development, and enhance the community for its citizens.
Work Integrated Learning Over 200 of our programmes have community supported learning placements.
Work Integrated Learning
Community -Based Research
CUA Community Engagement Activities
Volunteering Activities
Knowledge Transfer and Sharing Activities
Volunteering Activities within Communities Across all three institutes, large numbers of team members and students use their knowledge, skills, and competencies to support community initiatives and actions. They often raise much needed funds for local organisations such as the NW Simon Community, Focus Ireland, and Special Olympics Ireland.
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Knowledge Transfer and Sharing Activities
These are embedded across all three institutes. Knowledge sharing initiatives make an ongoing contribution to the economic, social, and cultural future of our society. Examples of recent activities include, Heritage Tourism and Social Value Creation, Inishowen Development Partnership, and Situational Health Needs Analysis.
WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
Meet the Project Management Team Dr Seán Duffy, CUA Executive Project Lead As CUA Executive Project Lead, I provide strategic and executive day-to-day leadership to ensure the CUA achieves its ambition to be designated as a TU. Dr Seán Duffy was appointed to his current role as Executive Project Lead in April 2020. Prior to that, from 2018, he was the LYIT Project Manager for the CUA. Previously he held the role of Head of School of Tourism at LYIT for 11 years. During this time, the Tourism College Killybegs (TCK) was amalgamated with LYIT. In 2000, Seán was appointed Head of Department at TCK. He spent six years in Switzerland lecturing and latterly as Director of the International Hotel and Tourism Management Institute in Lucerne. Seán holds a BA (Hons) from GMIT, a MSc from Ulster University and a PhD from the University of Limerick. He has been an External Examiner on a variety of Level
8 and 9 programmes in IoTs and Colleges in Switzerland. In 2005/2006, Seán was the first recipient of the Fáilte Ireland Tourism Research Fellowship. In 2009, he was elected a Fellow of the Irish Hospitality Institute. He has been engaged in higher education for over 25 years. Seán says: “I was assigned the role of LYIT CUA Project Co-ordinator in 2012, and LYIT CUA Project Manager in 2018 where I supported Working Group 3 (Academic) and co-ordinated the establishment of five subgroups. As CUA Executive
Project Lead, I provide strategic and executive day-to-day leadership to ensure the CUA achieves its ambition to be designated as a TU. In conjunction with the Working Groups and Project Management Team, I oversaw recent CUA developments including the achievement of the TU criteria and the submission of the CUA’s TU application document. I also chaired the negotiation meetings which resulted in the agreement of a Memorandum of Understanding between the TUI and CUA Management.”
Sligo Town
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
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Introductory Issue
Meet the Project Management Team Dr Shirley Wyrnn, GMIT CUA Project Manager I represent GMIT on the Project Management Team for the CUA. My role during the submission process was to coordinate and support the programme of work for Working Group 2 (Research & Innovation) and its sub-groups. I am also a member of the CUA Communications sub-group and attend the CUA Steering Group meetings. Shirley holds a BA (Int.) Hons. from NUIG, a MSc (Econ) in Information Studies from the University of Wales, and a PhD in Heritage Studies from GMIT. She has worked in higher education for over 18 years in information management and research support roles. Shirley has worked in a variety of roles in the GMIT libraries and also as an Academic Writing Tutor supporting undergraduate, postgraduate and staff researchers. Shirley has presented her work both nationally and
internationally and was most recently published in the Atlas of the Irish Revolution which was awarded the Bord Gáis Energy Book of the Year 2017. Her research has contributed to museum exhibitions and television documentaries. She coordinated and event managed the three CUA research symposia and collated the conference
book of proceeding and abstracts. Shirley was also responsible for coordinating and disseminating WG2 surveys, coordinating PRTP applications and associated activities, and managing the tender responses for the procurement of a CUAwide Research Information Management System.
Galway Arts Festival
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WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
Meet the Project Management Team Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin, LYIT CUA Project Manager My contribution to the TU submission process centres on the production of the Academic Profile for the new TU. My current focus is on two Work Packages within the TUTF project: Academic Planning and Student Support Services. Ciarán has worked in tertiary education, both public and private, for over 30 years in the Irish, UK, US, and Swiss education systems, predominantly working in the field of Hospitality and Tourism Business Management. He has held several academic management roles in Ireland and Switzerland for the past 20 years and is a member of a range of national advisory panels in both Hospitality & Tourism and Higher Education. He works extensively as an external examiner, and on programme validation and periodic programme evaluations for the sector. Ciarán holds a Higher Diploma in Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management from DIT (TUD), a BSc (Mgmt) from Trinity College Dublin, an MBS (MIS) from UCD (Smurfit Graduate School of Business) an MA
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
Management in Education (WIT) and an EdD from University of Sheffield. Prior to his current role, Ciarán worked as Acting Head of School of Tourism at LYIT. During this time, he engaged in the TU process through contribution to the strategic management of LYIT as a member of the Executive Board. He also provided academic leadership at school level with programme development, and the development of a research community of practice within the school team, across faculties and European partner institutions within the sectoral funding model. Ciarán represents LYIT on
the Project Management Team for the CUA TU submission. He has a specific remit of co-ordinating the workplan of a Working Group (Academic Planning and Strategy) comprising the 3 Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and Registry. Within that structure he co-ordinates the work of the sub-groups: Heads of School / Faculty; Heads of Department; Learning and Teaching; Student Services; International; and Students Union. He also contributes to other working groups across the organisation, particularly the Communications Subgroup, and he co-ordinates the iNote (Online and Flexible Learning) project for the CUA.
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Introductory Issue
Meet the Project Management Team Ms Ann Higgins, IT CUA Sligo Project Manager I have positively contributed to several CUA collaborative projects including Due Diligence, Risk Register, Brand Development and Naming, TUTF submissions , Resource Planning, and currently Designation Day Planning and MIS Integration Projects. Ann has worked in Irish tertiary education for 30 years, predominantly in the fields of marketing, economics, strategic management, and tourism. She holds a BBS (Hons) (ITS) and a MA Mgt in Education (WIT). Ann has contributed to regional development initiatives and advances in Higher Education through her membership of several local, regional, and national boards/ advisory panels. Prior to her current role, Ann worked as Head of Department of Marketing, Tourism and Sport at ITS for over 10 years and Acting Head of School. During this time, she engaged in the TU process and contributed to the strategic management of ITS through membership of
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the Executive Board, School Management Team, Senior Management Group, and Information and Consultation Forum. Ann represents IT Sligo on the Project Management Team for the CUA TU project. She has a specific remit of co-ordinating the workplan of Working Group 4 (Corporate Services and External Engagement) comprising the 3 Vice Presidents for Finance and Corporate Services. Within that structure she co-ordinates the work of seven sub-groups: Finance, HR, IT, Estates,
Corporate Governance & Data Protection, Corporate Procurement, Health and Safety. She is also a member of the CUA EduCampus Forum and the Communications Sub-group. Within ITS, she produced annual costed action plans to ensure the institute would achieve all relevant TU metrics. She has also been responsible for all internal communication and consultation sessions and has organised several institutewide events on key thematic areas relating to building a TU within our region.
WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
Meet the Project Management Team Ms Anne-Marie McCormack, CUA Data Analyst I provide regular updates on TU metrics to the CUA Steering Group and am responsible for gathering of data and preparing statistical reports for the various working groups and sub-groups and the executive members of the CUA. Anne-Marie has a BSc (Hons) in Computing in Information Systems (DCU) and an MSc in Software Engineering and Database Technologies (NUIG.) She has worked as the data analyst in the CUA Project Office since October 2014. Prior to that she was a technical officer in the IT Services department of IT Sligo. She has extensive experience of the student management records system including project implementation and primary technical support. AnneMarie was also the Acting MIS Project Manager in IT Sligo
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
with responsibility for the local support of the various MIS systems in use at the institute. She has held technical support roles in public sector bodies including Dublin County Council, Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council, the National Lottery, and Leitrim County Council, with specific expertise in database support. Anne-Marie is a member of the Communications sub-
group with responsibility for moderating content on the CUA website (cualliance.ie). She has also worked with the Corporate Procurement and Data Governance sub-group in the preparation of a Data Sharing Protocol to ensure GDPR compliance throughout the project. She prepared the methodology document and acted as primary contact for Deloitte during the audit of the CUA’s TU metrics.
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Introductory Issue
Recent CUA Conferences Over 500 attend UDL conference The inaugural CUA Universal Design for Learning (UDL) conference took place online on Wednesday, 26 May 2021 with over 500 attendees across all higher education institutions in Ireland. Partners from IT Sligo, LYIT and GMIT participated in investigating a myriad of approaches to UDL through an exploration of shared best inclusive practices and highlighting the need for conversations on allowing students to take ownership of their learning process. Keynote speakers tackled the shift needed in the teaching dynamic, digital enhancements using UDL, alternative assessment practices and removing further potential barriers to enable every student to participate fully and succeed within higher education. Dr Niamh Plunkett, Head of Teaching and Learning at IT Sligo and coordinator of the event said: “Many HEIs are now looking towards UDL as a framework, and we believe this will be a significant inclusion in the forthcoming National Access Plan. The next stage is to implement Universal Design Learning across programmes within a full Teaching and Learning Framework. CUA partners will start planning for the embedding of the principles of UDL in the upcoming TU.
Laura Hegarty, GMIT
Sheila Faherty, GMIT
Ailish Breen, IT Sligo
Pauline Logue, GMIT
Paul Ferry, IT Sligo
Eleanor Diver, LYIT
Cormac Flynn, GMIT
Jennifer Gilligan, IT Sligo
GerardMcGranaghan, IT Sligo
Lisa Cronin, IT Sligo
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WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
July 2021
CUA conference explores business in the hybrid working world To help businesses on this evolutionary path of the hybrid working world, the four CUA campus Innovation Centres recently (15 June) hosted a webinar titled, “Scaling Your Business in a Hybrid Working World - Working Locally, Trading Globally.” Dr Seán Duffy, CUA Executive Project Lead, said: “As the CUA institutes continue their work to become a Technological University, this webinar is another excellent example of working together as one for the benefit of the wider region. Developing knowledge and skills which will enable a locally employed work force with a global focus is a welcome challenge which the CUA is keen to support”. The webinar was addressed by Caroline Reidy, founder of The HR Suite, Mayo-based Paul McBride, Peroptyx, and Galway-based Louise Foody from Kingspan. Other panelists were David Gildea, Druva, from Donegal and Elaine Murphy, Livetiles, from Sligo. The Master of Ceremonies was Susan HayesCulleton, author of the “The Positive Economist” Maria Staunton, Manager of the GMIT Mayo iHub, said: “We wanted to focus on a topic of importance for start-ups, SMEs and MNCs. We also wanted to highlight how you can work in the West and North-West of Ireland, build a global team, and compete globally. There are so many new challenges around the areas of hybrid working that companies need to be aware of and so many good tips and ideas on how to manage teams globally.”
A NEWSLETTER FOR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
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The three CUA institutes, GMIT, LYIT and IT Sligo have a record of involvement in higher education which spans 50 years. Acting as partners, within the context of a dynamic and ever evolving higher education system, the CUA has submitted an application for designation as a Technological University that is robust and forward thinking.
Working together towards a Technological University
