DEVELOP - Digital Resource Hub

DEVELOP is the digital resource hub hosted by Student Support & Development. Here you will find all the latest resources to support you throughout your journey at DCU.  Themes include digital skills, wellbeing, life skills, mental health, and study skills.

To access all these resources, log onto Loop at loop.dcu.ie and enter your username and password.  At the top toolbar, you will see a link for DEVELOP.

Engagement Award

The DCU Engagement Award formally recognises student engagement with university life and civic society. It provides you with a clear and structured approach to self-development and achievement outside of the formal curriculum. This is a great way to make the most out of your university experience and get to meet new people. Through participation in the Award, you will develop personal and professional skills, gain confidence, enrich your University experience and boost your career prospects. 

There are 3 levels of the DCU Engagement Award. Although you may step on board at any level, we strongly recommend you start in the First Year and build towards the final Award.

Bronze (First Years only) The bronze DCU Engagement Award recognises engagement with the transition to the third level and the journey towards independent learning and self-development. During this year, you will cultivate personal, professional, and academic skills and begin to reflect on your university journey.

Silver (Second or Third Years only, not final years).  The silver DCU Engagement Award focuses on the development of your employability skills and introduces you to the DCU Graduate Attributes which you are beginning to develop as part of both the formal and informal curriculum. 

Gold (Uaneen - Final Years only).  The final level of your award is the Uaneen Award, the gold standard in commitment to extra-curricular activity and engagement. Some students can take this as an integrated part of their studies, others will take it in addition to their studies – either way, it is a testament to your commitment to reaching your full potential and enhancing your community. Gold Award Icon Each student will receive a Certificate upon completion of each level of the award.

Life Coaching

Students face many demands when attending university and need the relevant resources to meet their demands.  Research has shown that coaching is a beneficial approach to enhance resilience and self-efficacy (Grant, Curtayne and Burton, 2009).  Strengths development when connected to coaching can have a positive impact on engagement, well-being and performance (Miglianico et al., 2019).

The coaching process addresses specific personal projects, successes, goals and transitions your student life, by examining what is going on right now, discovering what your obstacles or challenges might be, and choosing a course of action to help you move forward in life. You can work with a coach in DCU to help you reach your potential and achieve the goals you have set for yourself at university. If you are interested, you can book a one-to-one session using the 'Book and Appointment' section.

Pathways to Success

Begun in October 2014, the award-winning Pathway to Success programme is a four-week programme that empowers students to take time for themselves and look at what they want from their life. The core learning outcomes are increasing wellbeing, resilience, motivation, self-esteem, self-confidence, goal-setting skills, and self-awareness. All of which are necessary components of student engagement and success.  Those who attend the four weeks are presented with a 'Certificate of Completion for a CV.

The following topics are covered each week:

• Week 1: Beginning your journey and finding your way
• Week 2: Building a structure and setting goals
• Week 3: Building confidence and a growth mindset
• Week 4: Growing your strengths and achieving your goals

Out of 205 respondents who completed the programme, 67% mentioned the programme increased their motivation, 74%  goal-setting skills, 52% self-belief, and 50%  self-awareness.  Additionally, 82% of attendees gave the programme 8 or more out of 10.

"Thank you so much for everything. I wasn't sure what to expect from the course, but I feel I gained some excellent insights and hope to go back to my workbook in the future to refresh my learning. Top marks for the transition to working online!" (Student participating online).  Video Testimonial from Former DCU SU President, Niall Behan

You'll hear about the upcoming Pathways to Success programme in our weekly newsletter. To register for the programme, visit the myeventshub.dcu.ie. 

Register for Student Support and Development Events by visiting: myeventshub.dcu.ie.