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UCD CampUs Collective − Together, We Belong

The UCD CampUs Collective invites students to come together to develop small-scale projects that strengthen connection, foster inclusion, and create a sense of belonging at UCD. This is a collaborative, student-led programme that enables participants to:

  • Design projects that build student connection and inclusion.
  • Develop leadership, teamwork, and project management skills.
  • Contribute to creating a more welcoming UCD community.

Projects may be social, cultural, academic, creative, wellness-focused, or completely new, as long as they foster connection and inclusion. We will work together using the principles of Universal Design to generate ideas and run projects during the Spring trimester 2026.

Participants will be paid for their time and each project can receive up to €1,000 in seed funding. We will also provide training, mentoring, and workshops to support students with their projects.

The UCD CampUs Collective has been kindly funded by University for All as part of the Staff Partnership Programme.

Who can apply?

The UCD CampUs Collective is open to all registered UCD students (undergraduate and postgraduate, full-time and part-time).

We especially encourage applications from students who may feel under-represented or disconnected from campus life.

This is an exciting opportunity for students who want to:

  • Make a real difference on campus.
  • Work collaboratively to generate and deliver ideas.
  • Gain skills in leadership, teamwork, and project management.
  • Build community and connection with peers.
  • Contribute to positive change at UCD.

What is involved?

If selected, participants will:

  • Attend onboarding and collaborative workshop sessions.
  • Co-create projects with peers between February and April.
  • Submit a brief reflection on the project and its impact.

Timeline

  • Mon 19 Jan − applications open
  • Thu 22 Jan − online information session 
  • Thu 29 Jan − online information session 
  • Sun 9 Feb − application deadline
  • Thu 13 Feb − winners announced
  • Tue 17 Feb − Universal Design Online Training (time TBC)
  • Sat 21 Feb − UCD CampUs Collective Workshop (10am-2.30pm at UCD O’Brien Science Centre)
  • Tue 24 Feb − Project Management Online Training (time TBC)
  • Feb to Apr − Project Rollout 
  • Apr to May − Review & Reporting
  • Aug/Sep − Showcase Celebration (date TBC)

What funding and support is available?

The UCD CampUs Collective has been kindly funded by University for All, a whole-institution, evidence-based approach to mainstreaming inclusion in UCD, ensuring that all students feel welcome, belong, and are valued.

  • You will be paid €350 for your time as a participant.
  • Your group’s project will receive up to €1,000 in seed funding.
  • You will receive professional mentoring, guidance, and access to workshops.
  • You will have the opportunity to connect with UCD staff and student partners.
  • You can use your contribution to apply for the UCD Advantage Award and to add to your CV (references available on completion).
  • Your work will be recognised at a campus showcase event in August/September.

How do I apply?

To apply to join the UCD CampUs Collective, (opens in a new window)simply complete this short online form with basic information about yourself and your interests. No project idea is required in advance − we will develop ideas together in workshops.

Students who would prefer to submit a video or audio application can use this application form. Submissions should be no longer than XX minutes.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday, 9 February 2026.

All successful applicants MUST be available to attend the following:

  • Tue 17 Feb − Universal Design Online Training (time TBC)
  • Sat 21 Feb − UCD CampUs Collective Workshop (10am-2.30pm at UCD O’Brien Science Centre)
  • Tue 24 Feb − Project Management Online Training (time TBC)

Contact

If you have questions after reading this webpage and attending or watching one of our information sessions, please contact (opens in a new window)student.advisers@ucd.ie with UCD CampUs Collective in the subject line.