Many students enjoy the intellectual stimulation which their programme offers. However, they may have concerns about what is expected of them academically. Plagiarism, citing and referencing are all new terms and there are a range of student supports available on campus.
Registration
Before term begins, students need to register to their degree programme. This is an online step by step process that shouldn’t cause difficulties. However, if you do encounter problems the Student Desk is the first point of contact. They operate a Connector into which you type your query. If staff at the Student Desk can’t assist you directly, they will refer you to the appropriate channels.
However, if your query relates specifically to your area of study you might like to contact your College/School Office directly. International Students will find a wealth of information on the International Office portal.
Once term begins, students should check out the following supports;
Exam Tips
Maths Support Centre
The tutors here are all experienced tutors from UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics. Check out the schedule and tutor profiles. A short video clip explains what the Maths Support Centre can do for you, as well as listing the modules they will be able to assist you with.
The Writing Centre
Most assessments at University are submitted in written form, either as essays, reports, exams. So, writing skills are very important. The Writing Centre, based in the Library, provides free, one-on-one tuition on any aspect of writing, as well as a range of workshops on writing, to all undergraduate and postgraduate students. Bring an assignment you are working on, a paper that has been graded, or just a draft or an essay question, and we'll talk to you about your writing process and offer strategies for improving your writing skills. Check the website for the full range of services provided.
Sourcing Information
Sourcing information in the Library can be a daunting task initially. However, the library staff have compiled a range of useful e-guides to help. Whether you’re looking for a textbook, journal article or video image, there is a tutorial to help.
Plagiarism
All academic writing must be cited and referenced. It is important that you know what style is used by your school and the Library portal has extensive information on citing and referencing.
Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement. All published and unpublished material, whether in manuscript, printed or electronic form, is covered under this definition. Plagiarism may be intentional, or unintentional. Under the regulations for examinations, intentional or reckless plagiarism is a disciplinary offence. The library staff have prepared a short tutorial which may be accessed here.
Jargon Buster
Like all large organisations, UCD can seem to have a language of its own! This jargon buster will explain some of the more frequently used terms.
Policies and procedures
Like the jargon buster, this is a really useful source of information. With policies on everything from data protection to dignity & respect, Academic Secretariat is the source of this data.
UCD IT Services free online training
UCD has online IT training that's available for students to take on MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel through their Microsoft Office Beginner to Advanced courses. These courses are free of charge and completing each of them will increase IT proficiency levels to help with coursework and future employability prospects.
Enhancing your Digital Skills
The Enhancing Digital Teaching and Learning (EDTL) Project aims to enhance the digital attributes and educational experiences of Irish university students. Follow this link for more information and to access free materials.
