UCD Students' Union 'What If?' Guide

‘What If?’ Guide

Answers to some frequently asked questions

able th

e information UCD Student Health Service

(01) 7163133

WhatIfGuide.indd 3 1/19/10 12:48 AM

‘What If?’

T HE STUDENTS’ UNION provides various supports for students throughout the entire academic year. The Education Officer, Donnacha Ó Súilleabháin, and the

Welfare Officer, Scott Ahearn, are available to assist you at any time.

Answers to some frequently asked questions:

1. What if I am finding it difficult to cope in university or something is affecting my studies? Is there anyone I can talk to?Yes, there are many different people you can talk to:

• The SU Education Officer Donnacha on (01) 716 3111 or [email protected].• The SU Welfare Officer Scott on (01) 716 3112 or [email protected].• Your Student Adviser (www.ucd.ie/advisers)• Your Chaplain (www.ucd.ie/chaplain)• Niteline is a listening service run by students for students. They offer a non-judgemental, non-directive

listening service. They can be contacted on 1800 793 793.• The Please Talk website (www.pleasetalk.ie) contains some helpful tips if are finding university life

difficult and it also has information on other people you can turn to for help.

2. What if my family income has unexpectedly changed and I am struggling to afford university?You may be entitled to financial assistance from the university and other bodies.

• Welfare Fund: This fund offers financial assistance to students who encounter unexpected difficulties

during their time in UCD. Forms are available at www.ucd.ie/studentadvisers or you can get in touch with the SU Welfare Officer, Scott, or a Student Adviser for more information. The Student Welfare Fund Committee meets on a regular basis throughout the academic year. Students can, therefore, apply at anytime within the academic calendar.• Emergency Fund: The SU and the UCD Saint Vincent

de Paul Society offer financial assistance up to

Applicants must attend a clinic as part of their application, which is held on Tuesdays from 11am-

1pm, in Room G005, ground floor, Newman Building.

• UCD Student Health Service Fund: The SU is running a specific Student Health Service fund that will help

UCD students pay for their Student Health charges if they are

unable to do so. Contact the SU Welfare Officer, Scott,

if you’re interested in applying.


3. What if I think I have been marked incorrectly in an assessment?The university has an appeals policy in place for any student who wishes to get an exam script re-assessed. All the information is available at www.ucd.ie/appeals.

4. What if I don’t like my course and want to change?The university has a number of transfer options, depending on whether you want to change to another similar course within UCD, or whether you want to re-enter the first year of another course. Check out myucd.ucd.ie/programme_info/transfer.ezc for a full list of options. Changing courses has implications for tuition fees and maintenance grants so be sure to explore all options fully.

5. What if I am struggling with a module? Can I get help?The SU keeps a comprehensive list of tutors on www.ucdsu.ie/grindsfile.

6. What if I have a legitimate reason why I can’t hand in my coursework on time? You can apply for an extension. Contact your school, and then fill in a Late Submission of Coursework Form.

7. What if I’ve just realised my module registration is incorrect and this has repercussions for my end-of-semester exams?Speak to your School office/Programme Office immediately about rectifying any problems with your registration. If you have any difficulties solving this, speak to the SU Education Officer, Donnacha.

8. What if I miss an assessment because of circumstances beyond my control, such as being sick, or for personal/family reasons? You can declare that you have encountered extenuating circumstances. Contact your school let them know your situation and then get an Extenuating Circumstances Form from your Programme Office and fill it in – the SU Education/Welfare Officer can assist you with this. Get your Student Adviser or a medical professional to sign it, and then hand it in to your Programme Office.

9. What if I’m late for an exam?Head along to the exam hall regardless, and ask one of the staff if you can speak to the Chief Invigilator, who will make arrangements for you to sit the exam.


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10. What if I’ve noticed a classmate/friend is feeling a bit down, or acting out of character?These could be signs of depression that could lead to the student wanting to drop out of university or it could lead to a drug or alcohol problem. If you know of someone showing signs of depression, please drop into the Student Counselling Service or the SU Welfare Offi cer Scott for advice on how to help a friend. The Please Talk website (www.pleasetalk.ie) will also be able to assist you.

11. What if I didn’t get involved with any UCD clubs or societies during Freshers’ Week?

Most clubs and societies accept members at any point during the year. Drop into the Student Consultative Forum offi ce upstairs in the Student Centre to get contact information for societies, and visit www.ucd.ie/sport for information on sports clubs.

12. What if I have an issue with my lecturer, or another member of UCD staff?The Student Complaints Policy offers students a way of making their complaints known and having them dealt with. Visit www.ucd.ie/complaints for more information.


UCD Students' Union 'What If?' Guide

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