What is the Uaneen Module?
DCU formally recognizes and rewards a fully rounded education by accrediting a final year module in extra-curricular activities - the Uaneen Module. The Uaneen Module assesses your work, involvement and learning. You will participate in a number of workshops, keep a learning diary of all extra-curricular activities and submit a portfolio for assessment. Extra-curricular activities include involvement with University and outside clubs and societies, sports, recreation, hobbies, community activities and all forms of non-academic activity.
Aims of the Uaneen Module
-To recognize the commitment that you put in to extra-curricular activity as well as the personal development derived form this activity.
-To encourage you to participate and get actively involved in extra-curricular activity so as to achieve that personal development.
History of the Uaneen Module
These awards were named in memory of Uaneen Fitzsimons, the late RTE presenter, who played an active role in society and campus life in DCU.
Uaneen progressed from DCU to carve out a successful career in the entertainment industry before her untimely death in 2000.
Application Procedure
To apply, you should register for the module at the beginning of the first semester, or as a change of mind at the beginning of the second semester. You can register for the Uaneen Module as one of your 5 credit electives, or as an additional module. You will be required to submit your portfolio to the Awards Board, demonstrating your significant involvement in extra-curricular activities while at DCU and outlining your learning reflection. The submission date is usually towards the end of Semester 2.
Why get involved in Extra-Curricular Activity?
In addition to personal development, active involvement in extra-curricular activity can be a real boost to future careers. You can gain transferable skills that will set you apart from other applications in an interview or work environment. In recognition of this, IBEC (the employers' organization) has been instrumental in the development of the Uaneen Module, which is the first of its kind in Ireland.
How will the awards be assess?
Portfolios are assessed by the Awards Board and an External Examiner. The Awards Board is made up of a cross section of staff from the University as well as an independent chairperson from IBEC. To assist you in the compilation of you portfolio, it is recommended that you keep a log of you activity and learning during your time at DCU. In addition to the marks awarded by the Awards Board, to be included in your transcript, you will receive an Uaneen Certificate in addition to you degree parchment on Graduation Day.
Workshops
Students must attend a number of compulsory workshops to aid their preparation for the submission of their portfolios. The details of these workshops will be e-mailed directly to registered students via their DCU student e-mail account and will be posted on www.dcu.ie/uaneen .
The Portfolio Overview
The portfolio should consist of two sections:
The Log of Activities:
This should incorporate a summary of the activities and events, duration of involvement, leadership roles and skills required and applied.
Reflection Section:
This section should include a reflective analysis on the learning acquired and should include thoughts on personal development, details of the challenges, the impact on others and the importance of the activity on your future social, personal, and professional development.
Siobhan Masterson, Education Policy, IBEC
"Irish Business does not simply want the education system to produce good workers with specific work-related skills but adaptable individuals who can think for themselves and with an appetite to learn. This means that in addition to academic achievement, higher education should reward students for entrepreneurship, exploration and risk taking and should encourage graduates to prepare themselves for a life of learning. The Uaneen Module at DCU provides exactly what business wants while also meeting the aspiration of students, parents and educationalists. It Equips individuals with the skills necessary to maximize their prospects of having fulfilling and rewarding careers, and this will be a major factor in determining their quality of life"
Further information on the Uaneen Module can be obtained form:
Audrey Power
Uaneen Administrator
Office of Student Life,
Dublinb City Universiry,
1st Floor, The Hub,
Dublin 9
Tel: 353 (0) 1 700 6163
Email: uaneen@dcu.ie
Una Redmond
Manager, Office of Student Life
Dublin City University,
1st Floor, The Hub,
Dublin 9
Tel: 252 (0) 1 700 5280
Email: una.redmond@dcu.ie
Dr. Margaret Farren
The School of Education Studies
Dublin City University,
1st Floor, The Hub,
Dublin 9
Tel: 353 (0) 1 700 5539
Email: margaret.farren@dcu.ie