Connect and Engage Induction Schedule

Programme Overview

TUS Connect and Engage Programme is designed to provide students with the necessary support and guidance to enhance their college experience. Over the 7 weeks, the programme offers a wide range of events and activities tailored for both new and returning students. You will get the opportunity to meet staff, connect with your peers, and access key information to support your academic journey.

The 7 week induction incorporates the following themes:- 

Week 1

Week 1: Welcome Back Students & First Year On-Campus Induction (10^th– 12^th September)

Returning Students

In the first week of term, we will welcome our returning students back on campus. This week is a great time to reconnect with the TUS community, friends, faculty, and student support services. To support your return to university life, the following workshops and drop-in clinics will take place throughout the week on our Midwest campuses:

Student Supports Services drop-in Clinics – Midwest Campuses.

• TUS Midwest Access Service
• Student Finance
• Disability
• Pastoral Care
• Health Unit
• Learning Support
• Meet the Student Leaders on our Midwest Campuses

 First -Year On-Campus Induction and Orientation

Week 2

Week 2 – “Get Connected” – Induction Activities – 15^th – 19^th September

During “Get Connected” week there will be a variety of workshops to help students get off to a flying start at TUS. This week is all about settling in and engaging with fellow classmates, as well as connecting with the academic and professional services staff, who are here to help students throughout their time at TUS.

Student Leaders will be onsite to ensure our new students know where to go and help our Freshers in their first week on campus. Student Leaders are TUS graduates and will be based on every campus. and will be available to answer queries, guide students to services and classrooms, connect with students on social media and encourage students to get engaged with college life at TUS. The Students’ Union will be hosting a fun line-up of events and Clubs and Societies activities will also kick off, providing a great way to meet new friends and develop new interests.

• Student Supports Drop- in and in-Class Information Sessions
• Student Leaders Information Desks – All Midwest Campuses
• Student Support Services In-Class Induction Sessions -Midwest Campuses
• Student Supports Instagram Campaigns – tusstudentservices
• TUS Midwest Sports Office – Activity Registration.
• Careers and Employability Clinics – CV and Interview Preparation Sessions
• TUS Students Union Freshers Activities.

Week 3

Week 3 – “Financial Fitness” – Induction Activities – 22^nd – 26^th September

This week students will be offered information and advice relating to third level financial supports. Drop-in clinics will be held on our Midwest throughout the week, to facilitate students’ financial queries and advice on available supports. Keep an eye on our social media for campus updates.

TUS understands the financial pressures that many of our students and their families face when it comes to going to college. At TUS we provide students with as much financial support as possible to ensure that they can enjoy the experience of going to college. The following supports are available to registered TUS students. Further information can be found in the Student Finance section of the TUS Website.

If you have any queries in regards any of the funds above, email access.midwest@tus.ie.

Further details on the student financial supports:-

• 1916 Bursary
• Student Assistance Fund
• Laptop Loan Scheme
• TUS Midwest Grants and Fees Office.

Week 4

Week 4: “Mind Your Health” – Induction Activities –  29^th September – 3^rd October.

Health and wellbeing are of vital importance and Mind Your Health week will focus on promoting our comprehensive health and wellness resources. From fitness and eating well, to managing illness and sexual health, we are committed to fostering a healthy and balanced lifestyle and encourage students to participate in events and opportunities to look after all aspects of their health while they study at TUS.

During Mind your Health week, many external organisations will be on campus to deliver awareness and promote health and wellbeing.

If students have a pre-existing condition or if they have any health concerns, they are encouraged to register with the Student Health Unit on a confidential basis. Please email nurses.midwest@tus.ie.

Week 5

Week 5:    Mental Health Matters – Induction Activities –  6^th – 10^th October.                 

“Mental Health Matters”

Our Counselling Service will deliver activities and workshops to promote student engagement in proactively managing their mental health.

Students are encouraged to register for free mental health support with Togetherall, a safe online peer support community for all students which is moderated by mental health professionals, and which can be accessed 24/7. 

During this week, Student Counselling Service will deliver awareness campaigns across each campus. Keep an eye on our Social Media for event updates. Please email counselling.midwest@tus.ie.

Week 6

Week 6: Boosting Academic Success & TUS Careers Expo – Induction Activities   13^th– 17^th October.

Week 6 is all about learning and boosting academic success. Students will be invited to engage with the Library to learn about all the wonderful resources and supports which will benefit students throughout their academic journey.

TUS will provide information on Academic Integrity, to ensure that assignments and projects follow the correct guidelines for using academic sources, referencing, and avoiding plagiarism. Student will also learn about tutoring supports available to TUS Students. Information sessions on time management, getting organised and settling into a routine of good study habits will be provided.

The Annual TUS Careers Expo takes place this week. The Expo offers students the chance to explore career opportunities available to them during and after their studies. This is an excellent opportunity for students to meet with over 100 key local, national and international employers and find out about life after college.

During this week, initiatives will be delivered across TUS including;

• National Academic Integrity Week takes place 13^th – 17^th October
• Online Databases and e-Resources on Campus Sessions
• Introduction to Harvard Referencing and e-books
• Learning Support Workshops on Academic Writing/Study Skills/Maths for Science and Maths for Engineering.
• Monday 13^th and Tuesday 15^th October Careers Fair – Moylish Campus

Week 7

Week 7: Community and Culture – – Induction Activities – 20^th – 24^th October.

For our final week of Connect and Engage we switch the focus from surviving to thriving. Community and Culture week is all about unlocking students’ full potential personally, academically, and professionally. We take a holistic approach, acknowledging that student growth and development also happens outside the classroom. This week students’ can engage with a tapestry of opportunities to help them thrive and engage with their own development. We promote an array of community oriented and cultural opportunities including food, music, clubs and societies and the arts.

This is a great time to explore volunteering and take the opportunity to celebrate each other and the wonderful diverse community and culture at TUS. By engaging beyond a disciplinary focus, students will broaden their horizons and begin to build their own narrative and personal brand. We believe that a well-rounded university experience and fostering wider holistic development will enhance the student experience and will contribute positively to graduate attributes.

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