Taste of DCU

As part of our commitment to being an Age-Friendly University (AFU), in September 2012, DCU ran a one-day programme, Taste of DCU, specifically designed for older adults from the local community. The event was organised to give participants a taste of the range and breadth of courses and other activities we offer, as well as providing an opportunity to visit the campus and meet with DCU staff and students.

Participants at Taste of DCU event The programme was delivered by leading experts in their respective fields and aimed at a general, non-specialist audience. There was an overwhelming response from older adults in the local community and greater Dublin area and over 150 people participated in the event. The President of DCU, Professor Brian MacCraith, gave a warm welcome to participants and emphasised DCU's commitment to providing opportunities for people of all ages to engage in education, wellness and cultural activities. Professor Maria Slowey, Director of HERC (Higher Education Research Centre) and Chair of the Age-Friendly University Working Group and Dr Trudy Corrigan, Director of the Intergenerational Learning Centre then introduced the programme for the day.

Taste of DCU Programme

On the day, participants could select from a wide range of topics, including: Intergenerational Learning Programme, DCU Wellness Programmes, Drugs and Freedom, The Study of Psychology, Fun with Physics, An Introduction to Terrorism and Political Violence, Online Learning with Oscail, Small Business Research, School of Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies – Extra Mural Courses, Becoming a University Student, Genealogy, Cognition and Ageing – what's healthy and what's not?, What is Cloud Computing?, Transferable Skills; What they mean for you, Lifewriting, The Irish Home Care System, The Study of Psychology, The Irish Legal System, Blogging, International Relations and Security, American Political System, Storying Lives, Tour of BDI Research Laboratory, Tour of the Helix.

Experiences

Ninety-six of the participants that took part the event kindly gave written feedback on their experiences of the day. While there was a wide range of age groups, over half of the participants that attended the day were between the ages of 65 and 74. For around 40 of the respondents this was their first time to come to DCU -and for many of them this was their first time in any university. Others were already engaged with us on intergenerational learning courses, sports and wellness activities and/or language courses and wished to learn about other activities on offer.

Professor Brian McCraith addressing Taste of DCU Event

Professor Brian McCraith, President of DCU addressing participants at the event, with Professor Maria Slowey, Chair of the Age Friendly University Working Group, and Dr Trudy Corrigan, Intergenerational Learning Programme

When asked to rate the Taste of DCU event on a 5 point scale, 96% rated their experience as either excellent or very good. Participants were also asked to provide suggestions of courses and skills that they would like provided by DCU in the future. Suggestions included Apple computing skills, photography, writing/journalism, acting, public speaking, and musical activities.

One participant proposed that the AFU initiative at DCU should aim to help older adults to develop "…learning skills and capabilities anew with a view in making a possible contribution to society…"

Other comments include:

"The opening session - welcome and introduction was excellent. A real privilege to be addressed by the president of the university. Many Thanks."

"Not enough hours in week-would love to do so many courses"

"I had a very enjoyable afternoon I think it's a wonderful initiative I hope all the institutions follow."

The university tutors, and younger student ambassadors and assistants also thoroughly enjoyed the day, commenting that they found engagement with adults with extensive life and work experience most rewarding. With positive feedback from participants, tutors and the younger student ambassadors and helpers we look forward to expanding this area of work in the future as part of our commitment to DCU as an Age Friendly University.