Priorities:University of Galway Student Priorities

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Strategy Description: Enhancing Student Innovation & Entrepreneurial skills through Industry Integration and Mentorship

Tactic #1: Strategic Mapping and Industry Collaboration

The first tactic involves incorporating industry expertise into every degree program. This is achieved by identifying potential career paths associated with each degree and presenting this information to students at the beginning of their course. To ensure alignment with industry needs, the university engages in proactive communication with professionals across various sectors. By understanding what qualities and skills these industries seek in graduates, the university can tailor its programs effectively. Moreover, collaborations with industry experts are explored, opening avenues for mutual partnerships and valuable insights.

Tactic #2: Mentorship Program Facilitation

The second tactic centers on creating a mentorship program facilitated by professionals within partner companies. Professors supervise this initiative, ensuring its seamless integration into the academic curriculum. To gauge student interest and participation rates, professors actively engage with students. Additionally, the university collaborates with the Career Development Center to ensure the mentorship program complies with all necessary regulations and provides adequate insurance coverage for students during their shadowing experiences.

Tactic #3: Structured Mentorship and Skill Enhancement

The third tactic establishes a structured mentorship system where students are paired with industry mentors. Through weekly one-hour calls, students can seek guidance, advice, and insights from their mentors, fostering a personalized learning experience. Concurrently, the university offers specialized classes such as design thinking, career planning, and problem-solving workshops. These workshops are designed in collaboration with relevant industries to address the practical challenges faced in workplaces. By integrating these classes into the curriculum, students gain hands-on problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges.

Overall Outcome

By implementing these tactics, the university creates a holistic environment where theoretical knowledge is complemented by practical insights. Students not only gain a clear understanding of their career options but also benefit from personalized mentorship, enhancing their soft skills and problem-solving abilities. This strategy ensures that graduates are well-equipped to enter the workforce, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications.

Strategy Description: Empowering Students through Curated Soft Computer Skill Development and Strategic Networking

Tactic #1: Curated Skill Development Hub

In the first tactic, the university establishes a comprehensive online platform that compiles extracurricular courses taken by successful graduates. These courses, both extracurricular and accredited, are curated and organized on a single website, complete with specific timeframes for completion. To enhance their allure, these courses are exclusive and esteemed, providing students with a sense of accomplishment upon completion. Additionally, the university secures a free computer lab timeslot, ensuring students have dedicated, hands-on access to these courses on a weekly basis.

Tactic #2: Industry-Sponsored Practical Learning

The second tactic involves partnering with companies offering these online courses. The university seeks sponsorship and arranges for in-person guest sessions, transforming virtual learning into interactive, small-sized weekly classes. Upon successful course completion, students receive certificates, enhancing their credibility on platforms like CVs and LinkedIn. Concurrently, these courses are integrated with design thinking workshops, providing students with a holistic understanding of applying their skills in practical scenarios.

Tactic #3: Strategic Networking

The third tactic emphasizes the importance of networking and real-world application of acquired skills. One dedicated class is assigned to networking, where students actively engage by finding job advertisements aligned with their learned skills. This equips students with practical strategies for securing relevant positions within companies.

Overall Outcome

By implementing these tactics, the university creates a dynamic learning ecosystem. Students gain access to a curated selection of courses, offering practical skills that are highly sought after in the job market. The blend of online learning, interactive in-person sessions, and workshops ensures a well-rounded educational experience. Moreover, the strategy emphasizes the power of networking and practical application, preparing students not just academically but also professionally. As a result, graduates emerge with a robust skill set, industry-recognized certifications, and the ability to navigate the job market effectively, setting them on a successful career trajectory.

Strategy Description: Enhancing Student Well-Being and Engagement Through Comprehensive Information Dissemination

Tactic #1: Resource Compilation and Student Feedback

In the first tactic, the university takes a proactive approach to gather essential resources that cater to student well-being. This includes identifying mental health resources available on campus, ensuring that the university is aware of any confidential and anonymous mental health support services. Additionally, anonymous surveys are conducted to gather student recommendations on well-being resources. Beyond this, the strategy extends to finding information on local driving instructors and providing guidance on the voter registration process, empowering students beyond their academic pursuits.

Tactic #2: Information Dissemination and Collaborative Promotion

The second tactic revolves around effectively disseminating the gathered information to the student body. A pamphlet is created to compile all the relevant details, making it a one-stop resource for students. Eye-catching posters are designed to capture attention, and these are strategically placed in high-traffic areas on campus, including popular spots like cafés, the library, and the on-campus restaurant "An Bialann." The strategy promotes collaboration with student societies and the career development center to maximize the reach of this pamphlet and poster. Moreover, university clubs and societies are engaged to further promote this valuable resource, ensuring that every student is aware of the support and information available to them.

Overall Outcome:

By implementing these tactics, the university demonstrates a commitment to the holistic well-being of its students. The comprehensive resource compilation ensures that students have access to essential information, from mental health support to practical life skills like driving and voter registration. The pamphlet and posters serve as effective tools for information dissemination, making it easy for students to find the help they need. Collaborative efforts with student societies and the career development center reinforce the importance of this initiative and ensure that every student, regardless of their background or interests, is aware of the available resources. Ultimately, this strategy aims to foster a supportive and informed campus environment, promoting the well-being and active engagement of all students.


Strategy Description: Reducing Student Loneliness through Academic Monitoring and Faculty Engagement 2024

Tactic #1: Proactive Monitoring of Academic Performance

This first tactic focuses on monitoring student academic performance at the end of each semester, using grades as a measurable factor that may be correlated with student well-being and social connection. By analysing the grade data, students whose grades fall within the lower 20% of their cohort will be identified as potentially at risk for feelings of loneliness, isolation, or disconnection from university life. Academic struggles can often serve as early indicators of deeper challenges, such as social disengagement, personal stress, or lack of support networks, and the goal is to use academic performance as a non-intrusive, data-driven method to identify students in need of extra support. This system positions the university as an institution that actively cares for students beyond their academic performance, acknowledging the importance of mental and emotional well-being.

Tactic #2: Faculty-Student Engagement

The second tactic centers on meaningful faculty-student engagement. Once students are identified through the academic monitoring system, they will be paired with a faculty mentor. This faculty member will serve as a supportive guide rather than an authority figure enforcing academic discipline. The core principle of this mentorship is care and empathy, something that we learned throughout this process. The faculty member will reach out to the student, initiating conversations to check in on their well-being, asking if they are managing their coursework and personal life well, and offering support or resources where necessary. These interactions are designed to feel non-judgmental and to avoid placing any pressure on the student regarding their academic performance. Instead, the focus will be on fostering a connection, where the student feels seen and valued as an individual. By creating this safe space, the faculty member helps reduce the student's feelings of isolation and disconnection from the university community.

Tactic #3: Pilot Implementation and Program Scaling

The third tactic focuses on testing and refining the program through a pilot initiative. Initially, the program will be implemented within one year group and a single course, making it easier to manage and evaluate its effectiveness. This controlled rollout will allow the university to gather valuable data on how the program functions in practice, including how students respond to the academic monitoring, how effective faculty engagement is in reducing feelings of loneliness, and the overall impact on student well-being and retention rates. Throughout the pilot phase, the university will closely monitor outcomes and gather feedback from both students and faculty to make necessary adjustments. Evaluation criteria will include changes in student engagement, feedback on the quality of faculty-student interactions, and academic performance trends. After a successful pilot, the university will explore opportunities to expand the program to other courses and departments. Scalability will be a core focus, ensuring that as the program grows, the same level of personalised support and attention can be maintained.

Overall Outcome:

By implementing these tactics, the university seeks to create a supportive, responsive, and empathetic academic environment that actively addresses the potential link between academic struggles and student loneliness. The program’s early intervention approach, combined with personalised faculty engagement, aims to reduce the emotional burden many students feel when disconnected from their peers or university life. This strategy enhances not only students' academic performance but also their emotional well-being, offering them the tools and resources they need to succeed both personally and professionally.

The program is expected to result in increased retention rates, improved student satisfaction, and a campus culture where students feel supported and understood. By bridging the gap between academic performance and emotional health, the university will position itself as a leader in student well-being, demonstrating that it cares about more than just academic success—it cares about the whole student.


Strategy Description: Fostering Student Collaboration and Reducing Isolation through a University Connection App 2024

This strategy aims to create a culture of collaboration, reduce loneliness, and spark innovation by building a mobile app that connects students based on shared interests, characteristics, and practical factors like commuting routes. The app encourages in-person connections, offering opportunities for socialisation and collaboration, especially for those who may feel isolated due to social anxiety or other challenges.

Tactic #1: Interest-Based Matchmaking and Innovation Collaboration

The app’s primary feature will allow students to connect based on shared academic interests, hobbies, and personal characteristics. By matching students who share a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, the app fosters collaboration on creative projects. Students can use the app to find peers interested in working together on side projects, hackathons, or innovation challenges, encouraging collaboration and the formation of student-led initiatives.

Tactic #2: Connecting Commuting Students

The app will feature a section dedicated to connecting students who commute from the same areas. By matching students based on their commuting routes, it allows them to organise carpools, share transportation advice, and build social connections with peers traveling from similar locations. This helps commuter students feel more integrated into the campus community, reducing isolation and encouraging conversations with others who understand their experiences.

Tactic #3: Meetups and Event Discovery

To foster in-person interactions, the app will include a “Meetups” page where students can discover events and activities happening on campus. Whether it’s a casual meetup in a common area, a study group, or a student-run event focused on innovation, the app encourages students to attend and connect with others who share similar interests. This feature supports spontaneous and organised gatherings, creating more opportunities for students to meet face-to-face and collaborate on innovative projects.

Overall Outcome:

By implementing this strategy, the university creates a supportive environment where students can easily form meaningful, in-person connections. The app not only reduces loneliness and isolation by facilitating connections based on shared interests and commuting routes, but it also encourages innovation through collaboration on student-led projects. With features that promote organic interactions and meetups, students have a tool to forge lasting friendships and collaborate on creative ideas, contributing to a more connected and innovative campus community.

Strategy Description: Enhancing Student Well-being through Empathy and Emotional Intelligence Development 2024

Tactic #1: Structured Emotional Intelligence Curriculum

The first tactic focuses on designing and implementing a structured workshop curriculum that targets the key aspects of emotional intelligence (EI) and empathy. This curriculum will include essential skills such as self-awareness, active listening, emotional regulation, and empathy-building exercises. These workshops will not only help students develop these critical soft skills but also encourage them to apply empathy in their interactions with peers, improving their interpersonal relationships and promoting a more compassionate campus environment.

Each workshop will be tailored to the different needs of various student groups, from first-year students adjusting to university life to more advanced students preparing for leadership roles. By incorporating interactive exercises, role-playing scenarios, and reflective practices, students will actively engage in learning empathy as a vital skill for their personal and professional development.

Tactic #2: Collaboration with Mental Health Experts and Faculty

The second tactic involves collaborating with professionals such as psychologists, counselors, and faculty members to lead the workshops. Their expertise in emotional intelligence and student well-being will ensure that the workshop content is scientifically sound and impactful. This team will work together to tailor the workshops based on the unique challenges faced by students across different disciplines and year groups.

The involvement of mental health professionals will add credibility and depth to the program, ensuring that students receive guidance from individuals who understand the complexities of emotional well-being. Moreover, professors will act as facilitators and role models, showing that empathy is a critical skill both inside and outside of the classroom.

Tactic #3: Follow-up Sessions and Continuous Support

To enhance the effectiveness of the workshops, the third tactic emphasises offering follow-up sessions and ongoing emotional support. After attending the workshops, students will have access to peer support groups, individual coaching sessions, or additional workshops designed to help them continue developing their empathy and emotional intelligence.

These follow-up initiatives will focus on helping students practice what they’ve learned in real-world situations, whether in group projects, social activities, or personal challenges. Additionally, the university will collaborate with student groups and well-being services to provide consistent support through facilitated discussions, check-ins, and mentoring, ensuring that emotional intelligence remains a long-term focus for student development.

Overall Outcome:

By implementing these tactics, the university will foster an emotionally intelligent and empathetic student body, contributing to an inclusive and supportive campus culture. Students will benefit from improved self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, which will not only enhance their academic and social experiences but also prepare them for emotionally intelligent leadership in their future careers. Additionally, by integrating empathy into daily campus life, students will be more equipped to handle stress, foster strong connections, and contribute to a positive, collaborative university environment.

Strategy: Creating Designated Social Spaces to Foster Community and Connection on Campus 2024

This strategy aims to enhance student well-being, foster a sense of belonging, and encourage organic socialisation by creating designated, flexible spaces on campus. These spaces will be designed to support both casual interactions and structured social events, promoting community building and reducing isolation.

Tactic #1: Designated Spaces for Organic Socialisation

The university will create flexible, open areas on campus that are intentionally designed to encourage casual and spontaneous interactions. These spaces will include comfortable seating, versatile furniture, and calming aesthetics, allowing students to naturally gather, study together, or engage in conversations. These designated areas will be placed in strategic locations, such as near libraries, cafeterias, or central walkways, encouraging foot traffic and drop-in visits. The aim is to provide informal settings where students can meet new people and build connections through unplanned social encounters.

Tactic #2: Spaces for Planned Social Events and Group Activities

In addition to organic socialisation, these designated spaces will be equipped to host a variety of planned social events. Whether for student society gatherings, collaborative projects, or innovation workshops, the spaces will be designed with flexibility in mind. Modular furniture and available technology will allow students to transform the space for different purposes—whether it’s hosting a film night, a group brainstorming session, or a community game. This flexibility makes it easier to facilitate social gatherings that cater to a range of student interests, fostering a sense of belonging across diverse groups.

Tactic #3: Promoting Use of Spaces Through Campus Initiatives

To ensure these spaces are well-utilised, the university will run campaigns to promote them as hubs for community engagement. Posters, digital screens, and app notifications will highlight upcoming events or suggest times for students to meet in these areas. The app could also be integrated to support student-driven meetups, allowing them to easily organise and join events happening in the spaces. By encouraging both casual visits and structured activities, these spaces will become central to campus life, promoting a vibrant social environment.

Overall Outcome:

By implementing this strategy, the university provides students with designated, flexible spaces that serve as both social hubs and event venues. These areas will support spontaneous interaction, allowing students to meet and connect naturally throughout the day, while also accommodating planned events that bring the community together. Ultimately, these spaces will enhance campus culture by fostering a stronger sense of community, encouraging deeper connections, and reducing student isolation.


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