WIDENING PARTICIPATION AT MAYNOOTH

The Maynooth University Access Programme (MAP) promotes higher education as a real option and encourages under-represented groups to enter third level. MAP provides a number of initiatives to remove barriers and to create realistic expectations for educational progression among schools, parents, adult learners and communities who historically do not access higher education.

These groups include school leavers from long-term socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, mature students and students with disabilities. MAP provides access routes and a range of personal, academic and financial supports that enable students to become more independent in their learning, thereby easing the transition from school to university and from university to career.

MAP supports for all students include a MAP Academic Advisor in every department, daily MAP advisory drop-in, an extended orientation before and through the first semester and a technology training module to introduce useful educational apps and tools.

Visit us online to find out about the entry routes and the supports available through MAP at www.maynoothuniversity.ie/access-office

Maynooth University strives to create an inclusive campus community where all students have the same opportunities to learn, socialise, participate and progress.

TACKLING EDUCATIONAL DISADVANTAGE

School leavers from long-term socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are resident in the Republic of Ireland can apply through the CAO to the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR), which offers places on reduced points at Maynooth University. HEAR entrants receive extra college support through MAP (the Maynooth University Access Programme) that is personal, academic and financial in nature and designed to promote confidence and independence, as well as opening up employment prospects. HEAR supports include the Launchpad orientation programme, a dedicated HEAR advisor and financial support. For more information on the Higher Education Access Route, see page 206 and visit www.maynoothuniversity.ie/hear.

MATURE STUDENTS

Maynooth University is the leading institution in the country for welcoming and encouraging mature applicants, and in providing a learning environment that is supportive and inclusive of mature students. A mature student is a person who is at least 23 years of age on January 1 of year of entry and there is no upper age limit. Maynooth University greatly values the particular contribution of mature students to the academic and social environment of the University, and reserves up to 10% of places on all undergraduate programmes for mature students. Currently up to 250 mature students begin their studies here each year.

Supports for mature students include a unique selection process with interviews for many courses, summer academic skills courses, preparatory courses with guaranteed progression to degrees, advice and guidance on the application/selection process and a dedicated Mature Student Advisor. For more information on the mature entry route, see page 208 and contact the Mature Student Office at www.maynoothuniversity.ie/mature.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The Disability Office offers a range of supports to ensure that students with disabilities have the same opportunities for participation and progression as the rest of the University community. Students with disabilities comprise over 8% of the student body at Maynooth, which is one of the highest participation rates in the country. Supports available include an advisor, examination accommodations, Educational Support Workers (e.g. academic personal assistant, note taker or sign language interpreter), the Student Central academic support programme for students with significant learning needs and work placement supports. Students can register with the Disability Office under any of following disability categories: autistic spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, blind or low vision, Deaf or hard of hearing, DCD/dyspraxia, mental health conditions, neurological conditions including brain injury and speech and language disabilities, significant ongoing illnesses, physical disability and specific learning difficulties including dyslexia and dyscalculia.

School leavers with a disability who are resident in the Republic of Ireland can apply through the CAO to the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE), which offers places on reduced points at Maynooth University. For more information on the Disability Access Route, see page 206 and visit www.maynoothuniversity.ie/dare. A Maynooth University student with a disability can register with the Disability Office at any time regardless of their entry route, but early registration is strongly recommended. Visit the Disability Office website for information on the documentation required, the consultants/specialists that can verify a disability and the age limits on reports. www.maynoothuniversity.ie/disability.