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Project Objective
This project is responding to a noticeable decline in mature student applications to UCD, a trend pronounced for UCD and common across all third level institutions in Ireland. This project is dedicated to reviewing and improving the application and evaluation processes for mature students. The goal is to simplify the experience for prospective students, faculty and staff. This will be achieved by eliminating present obstacles, and ensuring an equitable, streamlined, transparent, fair, and accessible application pathway.
This project is currently in its consultation and piloting phase. A possible solution has emerged. The goal is to have a redefined pilot assessment process in place for the 2024 intake of mature students which will be further refined and developed with IT Services for 2025.
Project Benefits
Introduce an assessment methodology consistent across all programmes.
Reduce application assessment time for programme faculty and staff.
Enhance transparency for applicants on how their application will be considered.
Increase the percentage of applicants receiving offers.
Project Team
This effort is being led by Susan Mulkeen, Deputy Director Of Admissions, Registry and is a collaboration between UCD's Widening Participation Group. Stakeholders include faculty, staff and mature student applicants.
Project Owner
Susan Mulkeen
Project Manager
Deputy Director Of Admissions
UCD Registry - Admissions
Project Timeline
The timeline of the project effective October 2023.
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August 2023
Scoping concluded.
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October 2023
Applicant facing web pages prepared.
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March 2024
Initial implementation with programme areas.
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May 2024
Feedback from programme areas.
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October 2024
Review and scoping of long term solution to implement for 2025 intake.