Student Handbook 2021/22 - AIT
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Student Handbook 2021/22
1
Your Student Resource Centre
A Warm AIT Welcome to all our
New and Returning Students
The AIT Student Handbook will soon be replaced
by our new TUS:MM Student Handbook following
our assignment date on October 1st 2021. In the
meantime, please take the time to familiarise yourself
with the details contained herein as a guide for your
first month of term.
Attending college can be some of the best years of your life however it is not always
smooth sailing. AIT is renowned for the care and attention given to our students especially
in helping them navigate through difficult times and challenges. Did you know that in a
national survey of students in Ireland our students said they were the most satisfied out of
all students who completed the survey? We’re not surprised as we pride ourselves on our
friendly and professional staff.
You will find most of the Student Resource Centre supports on the corridor running
parallel to the canteen and coffee dock. Supports are offered on a no (or low) cost basis
to students and include careers, financial support, mature student support, disability
and learning support, tutor support, health and counselling. You will learn about these
supports throughout your time here and we look forward to getting to know you and
help you in any way we can. If you are not sure who to talk to, drop into any of our
offices and we will point you in the right direction.
Check us out on the main AIT website in the Life@AIT section.
Like us on @AITStudentResourceCentre and follow us on Facebook for notices, events
and activities related to making the most out of your time in college.
Sarah La Cumbre
Student Resource Centre Manager
2
Your Community
As a student here, you will learn that we share our space and our college with a
wonderfully diverse community who look out for each other and treat each other with
Dignity and Respect. You will have the opportunity to stretch your mind, grow as a person
and get to know people from all walks of life, race, ethnicity, age, ability, language,
nationality, gender, religion and sexual orientation.
We celebrate and are proud of our diverse culture at AIT, it brings innovation, strength
and collaboration. We are committed to dispelling negative stereotypes, building trust and
understanding all perspectives. Contributions from all groups are encouraged; people are
empowered to achieve their full potential; and differences are celebrated.
How can you support cultural diversity and grow as a person while you are in AIT?
• Increase your level of understanding about other cultures by interacting with people
outside of your own culture.
• Avoid imposing values on others that may conflict with cultures other than your own.
• When interacting with others who may not be proficient in English, recognize that
their limitations in English proficiency in no way reflects their level of intellectual ability.
• Recognize and understand that concepts such as family, gender roles, spirituality, and
emotional well-being, vary significantly among cultures and influence behaviour.
• Intervene in an appropriate manner when you observe others engaging in behaviours
that show cultural insensitivity, bias, prejudice or unequal treatment.
• Be proactive in listening, accepting, and welcoming people and ideas.
3
Your First Year
AIT has devised a whole range of supports to HEAR and DARE
help you get off to a flying start and help you AIT participate in the HEAR and DARE
in your transition to third level education. programmes which offer students additional
support in accessing and making the most
New Student Induction out of third level.
New Student Induction is a series of
workshops and activities which take place Ready, Steady, Connect
just before classes commence. Induction You will be contacted by staff from
is followed by the Connect & Engage the Disability/ Access offices to make
programme which is designed with your arrangements to meet each one of you. Our
needs in mind to help get you off to a flying objective is to help make the transition into
start in your first few weeks here. During college as comfortable for you as possible.
Induction you will meet designated Student You will be supported throughout your time
Leaders who are fellow students who know in college not just in first year. We look
the ropes and will be available to answer your forward to meeting you.
questions through out social media channels.
Are fellow students in more advanced years
who know the ropes and will be available
to answer your questions through our social
media channels.
4
Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS)
Coming to college for the first time can be If PASS is available on your course it
both an exciting and a worrying prospect. will appear on your timetable. First year
There are new people to meet, new friends students will meet with their PASS Leaders
to make, and the opportunity to study in during New Student Induction and at their
depth a subject you enjoy. At the same weekly PASS sessions. Further information
time, you will probably be wondering can be found at: www.ait.ie/pass. Email
whether you can keep up with your studies, your questions to PASS@ait.ie.
write assignments to an appropriate
standard, organise your time effectively and
have the confidence to present your ideas in
front of other people.
PASS is designed to help first year students
cope better with all these aspects of life
at third level. It encourages first year
students to support each other and learn
cooperatively under the guidance
of trained PASS Leaders from the second
year of your programme.
5
Your Health and Wellbeing
Your well-being and health is of vital Counselling Service
importance and AIT has invested in providing AIT Student Counselling Service offers
you with a range of services and supports a professional psychological counselling
which we encourage you to utilise. We aim service which is FREE to registered students.
to support you in making informed decisions Counselling is provided by a team of
about your health and encourage you to professionally qualified counsellors/
integrate healthy practices in your daily life. psychotherapists and a psychologist.
Confidentiality is guaranteed
We are very proud to be the first Tobacco
Free 3rd level campus in Ireland. This What issues do counsellors deal with?
has been achieved through the help The short answer is everything, really! We
and cooperation of our entire campus deal with a wide range of issues including
community of staff and students. We ask depression, anxiety/panic attacks, mental
that you respect this policy by refraining from health problems, bereavement and loss,
smoking/vaping on campus. interpersonal or relationship problems, family
difficulties, self-esteem, sexual trauma/
Student Health Service rape /sexual abuse, academic issues, eating
The Student Health Service provides disorders and substance misuse. Whatever
accessible, affordable, high-quality healthcare your issue, if you are in emotional distress we
and health education to enhance your encourage you to seek help.
learning experience and support your
academic success and sustained wellness. Mon- Wed 9.00am -9.00pm
Our nurse-led service is available via a walk-in Thurs-Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm
or appointment basis Monday - Friday during For appointments email counsellor@ait.ie.
the academic year. Your student contribution For further information and further resources
fee provides funding for the service; therefore please go to https://www.ait.ie/life-at-ait/student-
charges at the student health service are supports/
minimal.
Nurse Consultation: FREE
Doctor Consultation: €15
Athlone Campus
Laura Tully,
New Health Centre Location for:
Institute Nurse
• Doctor
• Nurse
• Counselling Services
6
Counselling Staff:
Treasa Fox, Mick McGann,
Head of Student Counselling; Senior Counsellor
Psychologist
Helen Carberry, Deirdre Hanamy,
Counsellor/ Psychotherapist Counsellor
MAIN CAMPUS
DU
BLI
NR
D
HC
DU
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D
Healthy Campus Sports facilities
Healthy Campus is a partnership with the AIT International Arena boasts an array of
HSE working to support a healthy working, options for health conscious students,
learning and living environment for the beginners and elite athletes alike. Our
college community. The Healthy Campus outdoor facilities provide for most sports
office provides information and support including an eight-lane IAAF-approved
on all aspects of health. We also offers a outdoor athletics track which also features
number of programmes and workshops a full-size international dimension soccer
throughout the year. All events and pitch in the infield area (floodlit), sand
workshops are advertised through the based multi-sport grass training field and
Healthy Campus Office, Students’ Union, 2km floodlit cross country trail.
email and Facebook.
The AIT sports gym has a dedicated team
The Healthy Campus Co-ordinator is Lisa of qualified instructors who will provide
Hanlon. To make an appointment or get you with excellent guidance, advice and
advice contact the Healthy Campus office, comprehensive fitness programmes to
room D1122 (behind the coffee dock). match your fitness level, from complete
Email: lhanlon@ait.ie. beginners to elite athletes. Students can
avail of discounted membership rates or
can use the facilities on a pay as you go
basis. A wide array of fitness classes are
Healthy Campus offered in our state of the art studios.
Lisa Hanlon
Email: lhanlon@ait.ie. For more information
phone: 090 64 71803, check out
www.aitsport.ie or email aitgym@ait.ie
Download the AIT Sport App free of charge
to see and learn more about our facilities
and instructors.
Sports Scholarships
AIT has operated a sports scholarship
scheme since 1996 for students who have
reached, or have the potential to reach, a
very high standard of performance in your
chosen sport.
Sports scholarship recipients must adhere
to the institute’s sports scholarship
regulations, a copy of which may be
obtained from the Sports Department
located above the Students’ Union.
For more information contact Gordon
Brett, Sport & Recreation Manager.
Phone: 090 64 4256; email gbrett@ait.ie.
8
AIT International Grand Prix
World Class Gym
9
Great Outdoor Facilities
Your Academic Life
Registration: Exam tips and tricks:
It is your responsibility to ensure that you • Ensure you read and familiarise yourself
have completed online registration and with the Institute’s Exam Regulations.
that you are fully registered and have paid
all fees. Failure to do so will result in the • You are required to bring your student
implementation of penalties as per institute ID to all examinations.
guidelines. If you are awaiting grant
confirmation, it is important to present your • You are expected to follow the
documentation at the Student Enquiry Desk. instructions of the invigilation staff.
If you have any problems or queries please • Check the details on the timetable
contact the Student Enquiry Desk in the regularly as they are subject to change.
main building, email: registration@ait.ie or The timetable will be available online 4
090 64 83044 / 090 64 68004 weeks before each exam period.
Opening times: Monday to Friday • Non-exam related items are not
9.00- 10.30 11.00- 13.00 14.00- 16.00 permitted in an exam venue. This
includes mobile phones, smart watches,
Student Enquiry Desk Services: programmable calculators, notes or
• Stamping of official forms (e.g. medical books of any kind, pencil cases, cans or
card applications, child benefit forms, labelled bottles, wallets, bags etc.
etc.)
• Issue letters of registration • Log tables, statistics tables and graph
• Processing student withdrawal forms paper will be supplied by the exam
• Responding to queries relating to invigilator, where required.
admissions, registration and student
finance • Always check that you have received
the correct exam paper.
Please note:
• Your student email account will be used • Make sure you have completed the
for official institute communication. cover sheet of your answer booklet
Check your email regularly for before returning it to an invigilator.
important emails regarding your course,
registration, fees and examinations.
• Remember to alert an invigilator if you
Assessments & Exams: have any queries during the exam, are
AIT utilises a variety of assessment methods feeling unwell or have forgotten an
and you will be advised what methods are item of stationery.
used for each module. These may include
end of term examinations, continuous • If you require a special accommodation
assessment including tests, assignments for an exam, you must make contact
and project or essay submission and will with the Disability and Learning Support
normally form part of the overall final grade. Service on the corridor which runs
Assessment information is available through parallel to the main canteen.
your academic department.
10Unexpected Absence from an Exam Appealing your results
We understand that sometimes a student There are specific grounds under which
is absent from an examination due to an appeal can be made. These grounds
unforeseen circumstances. If this happens, are outlined in Section N of the Standards,
contact your Faculty Office as soon as Assessment and Awards Policy. Application
possible and provide either a medical forms for an appeal are available online
certificate or other certification explaining or from the Exams Office. Please contact
your absence. the relevant faculty member if you wish to
discuss your specific case.
Applying for a deferral
If you feel that circumstances beyond your Transcript of Results
control may have had an impact on your A certified copy of your transcript will be
studies or exams, you may wish to make available to view via a secure electronic
your Faculty Office aware of this so it can document system. Each semester your
be considered when the Exam Board is new transcript will be added to this online
reviewing your grades. These circumstances portal providing you with an electronic
can include bereavement, illness, personal record of your results, which you can access
issues, an accident or other exceptional throughout your time in AIT and in the
events. future.
Service to Students You will receive an email to your AIT
Lecturing staff from all faculties are available student email account once this document
to discuss your results and provide feedback is available to view. This email will be sent
on your academic progress during the once your grades have been ratified by
Service to Students period, following the Academic Council and will contain the steps
release of results. Ordinarily you are required for accessing your documents.
to contact your lecturer via email to arrange You can share this document with other
an appointment. Details will be available academic institutions and employers to verify
through your academic department. your academic achievements
Applying for Repeats
Viewing Examination Scripts Registration for repeats takes place following
Examination scripts may be viewed the release of Semester 2 results. You will
during the Service to Students period. receive the instructions by email.
The responsibility for requesting an
opportunity to view an examination script For further details on examinations please
lies with the student who sat that exam. visit: https://www.ait.ie/life-at-ait/registry/
The student should contact the individual examinations
lecturer to make an appointment. In the
event of a student wishing to view their If you have any queries the Examinations
script independent of the lecturer, he/she Office is located in the Registration
should contact the Faculty Office to make Department or can be contacted by emailing
appropriate arrangements. The student will exams@ait.ie.
be supervised while viewing the script and
will not be permitted to make copies or take
photos of your script. Viewing is limited to
the current semester results only.
11Student Card
The AIT card is the official identification card for students and staff at AIT and is used for
numerous services on campus e.g. Identification, Photocopying, Printing, Library Facilities,
Student Health Centre and Access Control.
Using your smartphone, laptop, tablet or PC you can top-up your AIT card on-line from a
debit or credit card. Log on to http://aitcard.ie
You can track and view your transaction history on http://aitcard.ait.ie.
• If you have lost or had your AIT card stolen, please log on to the AIT card site
http://aitcard.ait.ie and block your AIT card. (If your card turns up, it is also possible to
have your card unblocked at the Card Office).
• A replacement can be printed at the Card Office and costs €10.
• If you require specified door access control on your card please contact one of the
administration staff in your faculty.
For queries regarding AIT student card please email aitcard@ait.ie. The Card Office is
located in the Registration Department in the main building. The card office will operate
Monday 9am-1pm and 2pm-4pm, Tuesday to Thursday 9am-1pm for September and
October. From November onwards the card office will be operation Monday 9am-1pm
and 2pm to 4pm, Tuesday 9am to 1pm and Thursday 9am to 1pm
STUDENT
Connect & Discover
Name: BRIAN KELLY
ID Number: A00007700
aitcard Expiry: 31/10/2015
We care about your personal data
Athlone Institute of Technology uses your personal data for various purposes. We are
committed to complying with our obligations under data protection laws. It is important
that you inform yourself by reading the student privacy policy available at
https://www.ait.ie/about-ait/gdpr/student-privacy-policy-agreement
If you have any queries, you can email: dp@ait.ie
1213
Your Finances
Fees and Grants 090 64 68134/8135.
The student contribution is €3,000. If
you have been awarded a grant this Financial Support
may be paid on your behalf. If you have The Access Office, located on the corridor
previous third-level educational history, or running parallel to the coffee dock and
circumstances particular to you, you may be canteen, supports students from socio-
liable for further tuition costs. economic and educationally disadvantaged
groups in coming to third level. This office
Some courses also attract a course specific also administers the Student Assistance
fee; details are available at www.ait.ie/life- Fund (SAF) from which qualifying students
at-ait/registry/fees. may receive a small financial support
to help them during the semester. This
Fee Payment Options fund is limited and applications are needs
Option 1 Full Payment assessed, priority is given to those students
€3,000 & Tuition (if applicable) before 30th in most financial need. Details are available
October here https://www.ait.ie/life-at-ait/student-
supports/finances
Option 2 Instalments
First Instalment €1,500 & 50% Tuition (if
applicable) before 31th October Access Officer
Second Instalment €1,500 & 50% Tuition (if Jenny Cooper Burke
applicable) before 20th January Email: jcooper@ait.ie
Phone: 0906468123
Penalties will apply for the late payment
of fees. Please see www.ait.ie/uploads/
downloads/Student_Undergrad_Fee_
Payment_Information for more details.
All grant applications should be made
by the student to www.susi.ie. which is
the national grant awarding authority.
Students are advised to apply early for
grant support as approval must be in place
in advance of fee payment deadlines.
Failure to do so may result in penalties
being applied.
If you grant has not been approved before
30th October or for general queries about
fees, email studentfinance@ait.ie or phone
14Accommodation:
It can be daunting finding suitable accommodation, whether it is for the first time, or for
your return to college.
The Students’ Union works closely with local landlords and have an approved list of
accommodation providers as a first place to start looking.
Do’s and Don’ts
• When handing over money, ensure you always get receipts.
• Read the lease carefully before singing it.
• Be aware that if you sign up for a 1 year lease you are obliged to pay the rent for the full
duration of the lease.
• If you have a fixed term lease, you can’t be asked to vacate unless you are in breach of
your obligations.
For further information regarding your rights and obligations as a tenant check out
www.Threshold.ie and your Students’ Union.
15Your Welfare
Often it is personal aspects of coming to Dolan or Student Resource Manager Sarah
college that prove challenging for students La Cumbre. “Don’t Drop Out, Drop In”
in addition to keeping up with your studies. Please note: Students remaining in their
The Student Resource Centre is your go to course after October 31st are considered
place for all aspects of welfare and student
active so if you are thinking of leaving
supports including counselling, health,
financial support, mature student support, please talk to a staff member before that
disability and learning support and tutor date. You will need to complete a
support. de-registration form before that date to
ensure you don’t incur additional tuition
You may hit a rough patch along the way, fees should you embark on a new course of
and we are here to help. The Student study in the future. You may also be entitled
Resource Centre offices are located primarily to fees reimbursement through the Student
along the corridor running parallel to the Enquiry Desk. Students considering leaving
main canteen, no matter which office you a programme after 31st October should also
go into or who you ask for help, we’ll be complete the Withdraw process to ensure
sure to get you to the right person accurate records are maintained and to limit
any future fee liability.
Students at Risk of Leaving
It is essential that you speak to a staff Mature Students
member if you are thinking of leaving your The Access Office provides support and
course. Often we can help students address assistance to mature students at pre-entry
the issues they face and help solve and post-entry stages. Whether students are
problems together. If you still feel you need attending our Access course or mainstream
to leave, we can assist you in exploring courses, we are here to help and recognise
your options. Please talk to your relevant that mature students have unique and
Head of Department, Careers Officer Denise multi-faceted needs.
Relevant withdraw dates:
Official Withdrawal Dates Refund Fee Liability
Up to 31 October Full Refund of Fee No Fee Liability
Excess of liability
01 November – paid (50% Student 50% Student Contribution Fee
31 January Contribution and 50% Tuition Fee (where applicable)
50% tuition)
After 31 January No Refund Full Fees
16Students’ Union (SU):
Your Students’ Union is an organisation run Deputy President for Postgraduate
by students to cater for students’ needs. We Students: Shelly Ann Buckingham. This
are elected by you the students each year role is TU wide across the six campuses
representing your voice and contributing to with responsibility for representing and
building on your student experience in the advocating for students Level 9 and over in
college. The overall policy and direction of the TU structure.
the Students’ Union is decided by students,
at Union General Meetings and at Student Deputy President for the Midlands
Council meetings. Class Reps are elected Region (Athlone campus): Niall
annually by each class to represent your Naughton. This role is central to Athlone
classes’ needs and organise social events and acts as line manager for the Athlone
for your class to mix and get to know each campus, working with the officers and
other. Make sure to follow our social media managing the student issues in the Athlone
to keep updated on what is happening in campus on behalf of the organisation.
the college.
Vice President for Education – Kevin
Your Students’ Union team consists of 9 Pakenham. This role is central to Athlone
full-time officers and 8 part-time officers students assisting them with their education
across the TU Students’ Union structure. queries on campus, SUSI grants, what
The team available for students in Athlone supports are available to students in relation
consist of: to their education on campus. They also
hold seats on relevant committees and
The President: Áine Daly. This role is TU boards and work with the educational
wide and elected by students across the supports on campus.
six campuses. The President is the chief
officer, spokesperson and team lead for the
organisation.
17Vice President for Welfare: Saoirse committees and working groups in your
Mulvihill. This role provides support and TU. The SU is a key point of contact for
advice in all areas relating to your welfare any students experiencing difficulties. With
in the Athlone campus such as mental your agreement, we can work closely with
health, sexual health, physical health, the staff in the Student Resource Centre
safety and accommodation. They work and the Counselling Service in supporting
very closely with the welfare supports on students through mental health difficulties.
campus and hold seats on committees We also administer an Emergency fund
advocating for your welfare needs. (together with chaplain Fr Shay Casey
and Access Officer Jenny Cooper Burke)
Student Experience officer – Darcy whereby students can apply for short term
Lawless. This role’s purpose is to enhance financial assistance if they are in financial
your student experience on campus and difficulty – details are available through the
will chair a working group to grow your SU office.
student experience in your new TU.
Social Life
Equality Diversity and inclusion College life is not all about study and
Officer: Joseph Burke. This role is to exams; your social life is an important part
promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion of your development. Safety permitted,
opportunities or students in your new we organise in person social events for
TU. They will chair a working group to you to get to know each other and make
get students involved and become active lifelong memories of coming to college.
citizens. We encourage everyone to get involved in
clubs and societies in the college; it builds
International Student Officer - you so much an individual and gives you
Massimiliano Zanotto. This role will many opportunities to make friends with
advocate on behalf of international similar interests in different courses. Within
students and will chair a working group to the SU there are many different working
promote international students’ interests groups to get involved with, such as
and promote social events for integration. areas relating to your Student Experience,
In the Midwest Region we have a Deputy Welfare and Equality, International Students
President for the Midwest Region who and so much more. You can run for
manages the day-to-day operations election to become a part of our executive
for the Limerick campuses, with three as a student. The Students’ Union is located
Vice Presidents responsible for Welfare in the John McCormack building. It’s a
& Education. The Midwest region also great space to meet friends, hang out and
has a student experience, EDI officer, of course meet your SU! We have chill out
international student officer and Lifelong areas, pool tables, we often run lunchtime
Learning officer. Make sure to follow us on events and our WIFI is excellent! We, the
social media for a chance to get to know team, look forward to meeting you.
the team.
‘MIND YOUR MATES’
What We Do College can be the best years of your
We provide support, advice, and life, including furthering your education,
information on a wide variety of issues developing your skills and having fun
including Education queries, welfare with new and interesting people. This
and accommodation. We also represent experience can also be quite daunting
students throughout the many different especially as you start out on your new
18journey. Some people find it more difficult Pastoral care:
to make friends and can find themselves Led by the chaplain Fr Shay Casey, this
feeling lonely and excluded. team is made up of students and staff
As a student in AIT you should remember who work together to help create an
that you are all in the same boat, and atmosphere where personal growth
it’s important to make sure everyone is facilitated. The team deals with
feels included! Your Students’ Union are emergencies of all kinds and at any hour.
committed to helping and supporting
you and have developed the Mind Your Contact details: Email scasey@ait.ie; phone
Mates programme as a solution to some of 090 64 68065 or 087 240 2514.
these issues. The programme has been so Clubs and Societies:
successful they even won a national award! At the start of each academic year, the
Mind Your Mates has three core areas of SU and Sports Office run Clubs and Socs
focus, with the main message being that Day in the Multi Purpose Hall adjacent
people look out for each other: to the SU. At this event you will have the
opportunity to see what clubs and societies
• Involve people you may not really are in AIT, explore an existing or new hobby
know, the person who always sits and meet new friends.
alone in class or lunch and seems
excluded. Invite them to join your With over 65 Clubs and Societies, you
group, sit beside them or maybe ask have plenty of options and if you find
them for a tea/coffee. A small gesture your hobby is not catered for, the Student
from you can have a hugely beneficial Resource Centre can provide a small start-
impact others (though of course up stipend to anyone who wishes to start
they may be too shy to tell you that). up a new society - drop in to the Student
Imagine how grateful you would feel Resource Centre admin office just outside
if you were lonely and unsure how to the coffee dock on the D corridor or the
reach out to others. Sports Office adjacent to the gym to find
out more.
• Look out for your friends, if they
seem down or under seem pressure. Students are encouraged to post notices on
Especially in sports teams and around the Socs Box notice board on the Student
exam time. Remember, it’s okay to Resource Centre corridor parallel to the
ask “are you ok?” On a night out coffee dock in the main building.
make sure everyone gets home safely.
If a friend becomes unwell or out of
control while you are out, please look
out for them and do your best to
ensure they don’t get into bother.
• Mind your Mates Wristbands are
available in the SU. These wristbands
signal that you’re open to having a
conversation, it doesn’t matter what
it’s about, you might just want to have
a bit of banter or offer some friendly
support.
19Your Learning Supports
AIT Library Photocopying and printing:
The library is a great resource for you Photocopying/Printing facilities are available
and should be your first port of call for at the following locations:
information and academic assignment • Open Access area E1200
support. AIT’s library is located in the • Library L Block
main building on AIT campus with study • Nursing Library J Block
spaces, computers, printers & photocopiers • On the IT Laboratories’ corridor –
books & other collections for your learning outside roomsL2386 and L2389
& leisure during college. The Nursing • Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure
Library is located in the main Library with Building RoomF2688
dedicated collection area & space. Library • E Block
staff offer support to students onsite at • Students’ Union
the library desk, online via Live Chat, email • Design Department
support and calls to give the best advice for
the questions students have. The Students’ Union also provides
photocopying, colour printing, laminating
Online Library Through the library and binding services.
website https://library.ait.ie/ students have
24/7 access to thousands of full-text &
searchable academic e-books, articles and Disability and Learning Support Service:
scholarly databases. Sign up for library A range of supports are available to
training in searching & information clinics & you through the Disability and Learning
classes to develop your skills. Support Service. We currently support
students with the following disabilities:
Opening Hours & Collections ADHD, ASD, Sensory Disabilities, DCD,
https://library.ait.ie/ Mental health Difficulties, Neurological
Services https://ait.libguides.com/services Conditions, Physical Disabilities, Medical
Conditions, Speech and Language
Guides https://ait.libguides.com/home
Difficulties and Specific Learning Difficulties
Watch out for library campaigns on
i.e. dyslexia.
Instagram, Twitter & Facebook all year.
If you feel that you will need support as a
Virtual learning environment:
student, you should make contact with the
Moodle is a virtual learning portal where
Disability Office to arrange a meeting to
AIT staff upload course materials such as
chat about the range of supports available.
notes, web links, details of assignments
Supports/reasonable accommodations
etc. Within Moodle, students and staff
available for students include examination
can communicate about subjects using
support, learning support and assistive
forums and chat. Staff can also create
technology.
surveys, quizzes, questionnaires and blogs
on Moodle. Moodle can also be used to
submit assignments. Links to AIT’s Moodle
can be accessed via the institute website
www.ait.ie under the Student Learning
Portal link.
20Your tutors are:
Maths Tutor:
Bernie Langtry Dr Brian Mullarney
Disability Officer email: bmullarney@ait.ie
blangtry@ait.ie.
Science Tutor:
Iain Murray,
email: sciencetutor@ait.ie
Roisin Kelly,
Learning Support Tutor
Business Tutor:
Elaine Kelly, Brian Kelly,
Learning Support Tutor email: briankelly@ait.ie
Academic Writing Centre:
Aoife Walsh, Students often face challenges with
Assistive Technology Tutor researching and writing. You may have
always struggled with writing or perhaps
you want to improve your writing skills
Tutors: for the level of writing required at 3rd
You are not alone if you are experiencing level. During your time in AIT you can avail
difficulties with your coursework or find a of one-to-one consultations and group
part of it particularly challenging. Rather academic writing workshops to
than stick your head in the sand, we help improve your writing skills. The centre
encourage you to reach out for help earlier is geared towards students of all writing
rather than later. Tutors can assist with a abilities.
number of elements of your studies and
coursework i.e. study techniques, time We aim to build students’ confidence
management, tackling an assignment or and competence in your writing ability
questions about referencing or writing. and writing skills. We are located
A team of tutors are available free of just off the main canteen – drop in
charge, all year round, for Maths, Business to make an appointment or email
and Science, and Academic Writing Skills academicwritingcentre@ait.ie.
Support is available during term time. We have an extensive writing skills resource
available on Moodle.
Writing Skills Tutor:
Emer Connolly,
email econnolly@ait.ie
21IT resources Wi-Fi on Campus
AIT students are provided with a wide variety WIFI is provided through Wireless Network
of IT resources. For information on these Eduroam (education roaming) which is a
resources students should visit the Student secure, worldwide roaming access service
Learning Portal. developed for the international research and
education community.
https://www.ait.ie/life-at-ait/campus-services/
student-learning-portal To use this facility you may need to
download/ install the Eduroam installer for
This learning portal provided links to the your particular computer/laptop (depending
other student IT resources, including Moodle on its age). Links to various installers can be
and a Microsoft Office 365 account which found on the AIT website on the Student
includes student email, OneDrive (where Learning Portal page. You must use your AIT
you should store all your files) and access to email address to login to Wi-Fi.
Microsoft Office applications such as Word,
Excel and PowerPoint. Students are advised Computer Account & Registration
never to use USB keys for storing files as they Account
can be lost or can stop working. In AIT, students have 2 separate logins. Both
use the same username. Let’s refer to them
Email as a computer account (described above)
All registered students are set up with a and a Registration account. Computer
student email account. Your email address is accounts have a password associated with
in the format of Student ID @student.ait.ie. them, Registration accounts have a PIN.
Example: A00123456@student.ait.ie. Your computer account is used to access
Correspondence from lecturers or other the following applications: logging on to a
institute staff will be sent to your computer in AIT, Office 365 (including email),
student email account so it is essential that Moodle, the Library and on Campus Wi-
you check your account regularly to avoid Fi. ALL OF THE ABOVE APPLICATIONS USE
missing important course or exams related THE SAME PASSWORD i.e. your computer
information. password.
Computing Resources: It is initially set to your 8 digit date of birth,
For project and research work, the institute followed by the initial letter of your first name
provides a 100-seat open access area in upper case (i.e. a capital letter), followed
for students, located in E1200 which is by the initial letter of your surname in lower
next door to the Department of Lifelong case e.g. for a student whose name is Joan
Learning (opposite the main reception). Bloggs with a date of birth of 12 May 1999
The Engineering and Informatics building the password will be 12051999Jb )– you are
also has an Open Access area running a full strongly recommended to change it and to
suite of applications to assist you in your include numbers, letters and symbols.
learning. All registered students are set up
with a Computer account for logging into It can be changed on a computer in AIT or
computers in AIT. online if you have registered for self-service
password reset (https://aka.ms/ssprsetup).
If changed, it automatically changes for
all of the above applications. Students
with password issues can log a ticket on
the Student IT Help Form (link on Student
22Learning Portal mentioned above).
Your Registration account uses a PIN (not a
password and not related to your computer
password). It is initially set to your 6 digit
date of birth – students are required to
change this on first login when registering.
It can only contain numbers. Use your
Registration account to gain access to the
“Secure Area” to access the following:
Online registration, Payment of fees,
Accessing Exam Results. Login page is:
https://ssb.ancheim.ie/ait/app/twbkwbis.P_
WWWLogin.
23Your Career and Work Readiness
Careers Office Placements
The Careers Office helps students put Many of our programmes feature work
their best foot forward and build your integrated learning or placements. As
personal brand through how you present part of AIT’s strategic plan, we aim to have
yourself in your CV, on application forms, at placements available on all programmes
interviews and on social media. This office within the next few years. You will be
will also offer advice on your next steps informed about placements procedures,
and planning your future both from a job responsibilities and timings on your course
or further education standpoint and also through your lecturers and academic
will offer support and advice to students department.
thinking of leaving their course prematurely
Garda Vetting
We provide a vital link to industry with Some placement opportunities require
weekly updated job opportunities on the Garda Vetting – please connect with your
main AIT website, employer presentations lecturers to ensure that you engage with
and an annual Career and Postgraduate this process as soon as possible so as not to
Study Expo. delay your placement where appropriate.
Students are also offered ample opportunity
to fine tune your job hunting skills with
career boot camps, workshops, in-class
presentations, one-to-one career advice
and further study guidance for students.
Register with us through Target Connect on
the Careers Section of the main website or
through this link https://careers.ait.ie/home.
html to access a wealth of supports or
arrange an appointment to see the Careers
Officer Denise Dolan.
Check out up to date fulltime and part-time
job vacancies at: https://www.ait.ie/life-at-
ait/careers-office/vacancies-for-students
Careers Officer:
Denise Dolan,
Email ddolan@ait.ie
2425
Your International Office
AIT is committed to fostering an Improving your English
international climate for enhanced learning English language classes are available,
through new cultural experiences. We free of charge, in addition to hours for
are proud of our diverse community and registered programmes of study. Students
the richness this brings to the learning who are experiencing language difficulties
experience at AIT. The International Office in your programme of study can meet with
works to develop links with international a tutor to provide assistance outside of
institutions and coordinates host normal class contact hours.
programmes for incoming students and
academic staff. The International Society, was set up
with the aim of integrating international
Appointments can be arranged with students into the student community at the
international office staff by sending an institute. A number of fun cultural events
emal: If you are a Non-EU student, please and trips are held during the academic year
email international@ait.ie If you are an and are attended by international and Irish
Erasmus/EU student or would like to discuss students.
Erasmus or study abroad opportunities
for AIT registered students, please email Clubs and Societies events are subject to
Annette Buckley: abuckley@ait.ie. public health guidelines.
Virtual orientation and virtual tours of
AIT campus will be planned for new Phone 090 64 71818 or email
international students this September. international@ait.ie with any queries.
Appointments with the Immigration Officer
in Athlone are organised for all non-EU
students within two weeks of arrival at the
institute.
26Your Facilities
There are five locations across the campus Bus and train timetables are posted on the
where you can refuel, so whether it’s a Students’ Union notice board in the John
wholesome meal, a fresh made to order McCormack building. More information
sandwich or Barista made speciality coffee (including timetables) can be found at
it’s never too far away. The food court in www.irishrail.ie, www.buseireann.ie and
the main building offers the most extensive www.athlone.ie.
variety with over seven hot options every
day to choose from. The cafes in the The SU also operate a car pool notice board
Engineering building and Nursing building for those wishing to team up with others
offer less variety but plenty of healthy commuting to the campus.
options. Each outlet offers great value for We encourage all students to opt for
money, with all products competitively healthy options like cycling or walking
priced. Our newest establishment, the where possible. Bike racks are available in
Grumpy Mule, is located near the library multiple locations on campus and they’re
offering a range of hot and iced beverages. FREE. Also you won’t have the hassle of
All coffee served in AIT is 100% Fairtrade. trying to find a parking space. Local bike
shops offer a bike rental scheme and
Postal Service discounted bike purchase rates for students
A post box is available for outgoing post so you won’t have to worry about getting
in the entrance to the Administration area your bike to Athlone if you live further
B Block. Post is collected from Monday to away. Further info available at Buckley’s
Friday at 3.15 pm. Cycles 090 646 78989.
Lockers Student Travelcard:
Lockers are available in the main building The Student Travelcard is a secure photo ID
and cost €20 for the year, with €10 refund that will entitle you to discounted Irish Rail,
on return of you locker key. Call to the Dublin Bus and Luas tickets. The Student
Students’ Union where they will be happy Travelcard is also a national discount card
to supply you with a key. Lockers are entitling the holder to many discounted
limited, apply early. goods and services. You may also use
your Student Travelcard to securely book
Getting Around: a student flight to anywhere in the world
Athlone is superbly located and well online.
serviced by public transport links Private
and public bus services operate to, from Application forms for the Student
and within Athlone. Bus Éireann operates Travelcard and further details are available
a number of services in the region which online at www.studenttravelcard.ie.
include local and national commuter
services.
Bus stops operate just outside the campus
gates. Athlone is easily accessible by rail as
it is on the main Dublin-Galway, Dublin-
Westport and Dublin-Ballina lines and is
serviced by over 20 trains per day (Monday-
Saturday) and by 14 trains on a Sunday.
27Parking:
Parking permits may be purchased for
an annual fee of €20 online through the
APCOA website www.permits.apcoa. P
ie. Go to the ‘Park with us’ tab, click
on Purchase a Permit and follow the
instructions from there.
Parking Permits in AIT are ‘virtual’
permits. There is no printed permit; the P
vehicle registration number is recorded
and maintained electronically by the AIT
Parking Management Services provider.
Your permit is only valid in the student
signposted zones. Check out the map
to familiarise yourself with the student
parking zones at: https://www.ait.ie/life-
P
at-ait/campus-facilities/estates/parking
Parking is usually available on the East DU
Campus if you find the main campus is BLI
NR
full, bear in mind you will need to give D
yourself a few minutes to walk from
there to the main campus. Otherwise
paid parking is available for a flat rate of
€3 per day in the underground carpark
beside the International Arena – have
your change ready as you need to pay on
the way in.
P Student Parking
P Staff Parking
P GYM Parking
P Pay As You Go Par
Bus Stop
28MAIN CAMPUS
P
Y RD
ONTRO
P
CARTR
P
P EAST
CAMPU
S
P
P
DU
BLI
NR
D P
P
rking P
29Your Rules & Regulations
General Office. If you lose your card you must
obtain a replacement card from the
1. Each student will be invited to register Card Office, for which a fee will be
online before the commencement charged.
of the academic year and they are
expected to remain in good financial 6. Some programmes and/or modules
standing with the institute. Non-EU within programmes require that
students must have a valid visa to enter students maintain satisfactory
Ireland at the time of registration. levels of attendance and academic
Membership of the college for learners performance. Please refer to individual
is contingent on registration. faculty course manuals for details.
2. The right of a student to continue on 7. Students are responsible for
a course of study, to sit examinations, ascertaining and fulfilling all
to be issued with results and/or to requirements for entry to all relevant
graduate depends upon the payment examinations, for ascertaining
of all fees and/or charges. the dates, times and locations of
examinations, and are subject to the
3. A student, in any session, may relevant ‘Examination Regulations and
undertake only the course/subject for Procedures’.
which they are registered and in the
appropriate year. 8. The formation and continuation of
all classes is subject to adequate
4. Any institute fees and/or charges enrolment and attendance. The
prescribed for each academic year institute reserves the right to
must be paid in accordance with the discontinue, divide or combine
timelines outlined by the Institute classes, and to vary class times as
Student Finance Office, and the circumstances require. The institute
institute must be satisfied that accepts no liability for consequential
payment will be made on behalf of losses resulting from such changes.
the student within such a period as
the institute may allow. If a course at
the institute is cancelled, a letter is 9. Postgraduate research students are
sent to participants and a full refund is required to comply with these current
automatically given. institute rules and regulations and any
subsequent regulations as approved
5. An institute identity card is provided e.g. the postgraduate research charter.
to students on registration and is valid
for the duration of your programme. Disciplinary Procedures
This card may be requested by a The aim of the Code of Discipline (the
member of staff, or any other person Code) is to ensure that a suitable academic
authorised by the institute where proof environment is maintained in the institute.
of identify is required. If the cardholder All students are required to observe the
withdraws/deregisters, the institute Code of Discipline. For full details see
the card must be returned to the Card https://www.ait.ie/uploads/downloads/
Student_Code_of_Discipline_Approved.pdf
30Examination Regulations communication to Academic or other AIT
The institute’s examination policies and staff is not sufficient.
procedures are detailed in the Standards,
Assessment & Awards document (October
2020) which is available to view at Plagiarism - Academic Integrity Policy
https://www.ait.ie/contact/staff/quality AIT aims to foster and maintain an ethos of
In exceptional circumstances regulations honesty and academic integrity.
will be developed, as appropriate, where ‘Plagiarism’ is the practice of taking
there is a requirement to provide alternative someone else’s work or ideas and passing
terminal assessments them off as one’s own. Plagiarism is
an offence and it undermines academic
It is the responsibility of each student integrity.
to read and familiarise themselves with
the content of these regulations. The Support regarding the appropriate use
institute reserves the right to modify these of referencing and academic writing is
regulations and procedures during the available through your Academic Writing
academic year. Centre and the Library. AIT’s policy
regarding academic integrity is available
Withdrawal from your course at https://www.ait.ie/contact/staff/quality/
Students who, for various reasons, do policies-procedures.
not wish to continue your studies for the A copy of the Plagiarism Policy and a copy
current academic year must withdraw/ of Rules and Regulations are available in
deregister from the institute. Students the 2 hour loan area in the Library.
contemplating leaving a course should
discuss the matter fully with the relevant Course Requirements
Head of Department. Confidential support Students who fail to comply with specific
and advice is offered through the Careers course requirements e.g. completion of
Officer, Counsellors, and the Student schedule of practicals, placements, project
Resource Centre Manager. work, essays, assignments, minimum
attendance requirements, where applicable
Students withdrawing from the institute etc. for a course or for a subject shall have
should be aware of the relevant cut-off examination results withheld from the
dates and are required to: Examination Board until such time as the
required work is completed.
• Complete a withdrawal form, which can
be accessed using the following link: http:// Students are advised that it may not be
www.ait.ie/feesandgrants/ (scroll down to possible to repeat such requirements
withdrawing from a programme) until the next academic year, that they
• Submit the completed student will be required to pay fees to re-attend
withdrawal form, together with the a course of practicals etc. and that where
Student Identity Card, to the Registration examination results are withheld from a
Department, Athlone Institute of Board Meeting, it will be counted as an
Technology. attempt and in the consideration of results
for Merit/Distinction/Honours.Some courses
Note: Failure to complete a student have minimum attendance requirements
withdrawal form may have consequences and you should consult your faculty manual
for any future state funding i.e. payment for specific requirements.
of fees, receipt of grants, etc. Note: Verbal
31Fitness to Practice the processing, you can change your mind
The Institute is fully committed to helping and withdraw your consent at any time,
you flourish and successfully participate without any negative impact on you. If
and complete your programme of study. you choose not to allow the processing
Some of AIT’s programmes often require then you will not receive any further
students to undertake practical training communication relating to that particular
that entails working in a professional purpose.
environment with patients, other service
users or environments requiring competent Necessary Sharing - HEA
technical skills. AIT has a duty to ensure The Higher Education Authority is
the student is fit to practice whilst responsible for funding higher education
undertaking an educational programme. institutions and advising the Minister for
It is your responsibility to make yourself Education and Skills on policy formulation
aware of the Institute Student Fitness to develop the highest standards in our
to Practice Policy which is available at higher education system. This means that
https://www.ait.ie/contact/staff/quality/ AIT is legally required to share some of
policiesprocedures your personal information with the HEA.
A copy of the HEA Data Collection Notice
Data Protection is available at https://www.ait.ie/about-ait/
AIT is a data controller of student personal gdpr/student-data-journey
data. We must process personal data in
compliance with the Data Protection Acts Equal Opportunities
1988 to 2018, General Data Protection Athlone Institute of Technology has a
Regulation (GDPR)- Regulation (EU) policy of equality of opportunity, which it
2016/679, and all relevant data privacy actively implements. An essential element
guidelines issued by the EDPB and the DPC. of this policy is the promotion of a positive
AIT publish a student privacy notice which learning environment so that all students
outlines how we process the personal are assisted to achieve your full potential.
data of our past, current and prospective In all its educational procedures and
students. arrangements, the Institute ensures that
equal opportunities are afforded to all.
This privacy notice is available to view at Applications are welcome from students
https://www.ait.ie/about-ait/gdpr/student- of all nationalities, socio-economic
privacy-policy-agreement backgrounds and marginalised groups. See
We recommend that you familiarise our equality policy here:
yourself with the contents of this https://www.ait.ie/uploads/downloads/
privacy notice and contact HYPERLINK Gender_Identity_Gender_Expression_
“mailto:dp@ait.ie” dp@ait.ie for any APPROVED.pdf
queries or concerns you may have.
Harassment
The institute recognises the problems
Other Purposes
caused by personal harassment, bullying,
Where AIT wish to process your personal
sexual harassment and racial harassment
data for a purpose outside that for which
in the learning environment. The institute
it was collected, for example to take part
is committed to a working and learning
in surveys, we will contact you to request
environment that is free from harassment
your consent, and provide you with all
of any kind. Incidents of harassment are
the necessary information to make an
regarded by the institute as being very
informed choice. If you choose to allow
32serious and may lead to disciplinary action Freedom of Information
being taken against the perpetrator. Under Irish Freedom of Information
Legislation, every person has the following
For further details, see legal rights:
https://www.ait.ie/life-at-ait/student- • The right to access official records held
supports/bullying-harassment by public bodies as defined by the Act
Complaints Procedure • The right to have personal information
AIT is wholly committed to excellence in held on them corrected or updated
education and to providing a supportive, where such information is incomplete,
fair, and appropriate environment in pursuit incorrect or misleading
of the highest educational attainment
and holistic development of our students. • The right to be given reasons for
Students are advised to bring any decisions taken by public bodies that
complaints to a relevant staff member such affect them.
as your Students’ Union, relevant Head
of Department, Student Resource Centre Application for information under FOI:
Manager or Registrar. A complaint will • All applications must be in writing and
always be taken seriously and while most should indicate that the information
complaints can be resolved at an informal is sought under the Freedom of
level, we also have a formal mechanism Information Act
which may be employed. Further details
are available on • Requests should be as specific as
possible to enable the relevant
https://www.ait.ie/uploads/downloads/ information to be efficiently identified
Student-Complaints-Policy1.pdf and retrieved
Sources of Internal Assistance • If information is desired in a particular
Student Resource Centre Manager, phone: format i.e. photocopy, computer disk,
090 64 68139 etc. the requester should also indicate
Institute Chaplain, phone: 090 64 78318 this in their application
Institute Counsellor, phone: 090 64 68064
Registrar, phone: 090 64 68106 • The requester may be required to
Head of Department - Faculty of Business & prove his/her identity, particularly
Hospitality, phone: 090 64 68290 when requesting personal information
Head of Department - Faculty of using an acceptable form of
Engineering & Informatics, phone: 090 64 identification, i.e. passport, driving
68150 licence, birth certificate, etc.
Head of Department - Faculty of Science &
Health, phone: 090 64 42587 The Freedom of Information Officer of
Possible External Sources of Assistance: the Institute will be happy to assist the
The Equality Authority, LoCall 1890 245 requester in the formulation of their
545, email info@equality.ie request at all times. If you would like to
The Rape Crisis Centre, phone 1800 exercise one or more of the FOI rights in
778888. relation to information that may be held by
AIT, send a request either in writing or by
email, to:
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