"The Uaneen Module is a unique experience unlike any other module in DCU. Taking the module as contributory made it possible for me to be stand out from my fellow AF Classmates. It enabled me to escape from the numbers, accounting theory and taxation and do something different.

Having been actively involved in extra curricular activities over the past three years, Uaneen gave me the perfect opportunity to reflect on my time in university and how I have changed as a person. I found myself looking at how being a DCU Student has shaped me and helped me discover a future career path.

Being involved in extra-curricular activities has helped me develop my employability skills. Participating in clubs and societies and in campus life has helped me improve my communication skills, time management, problem solving skills as well as working in a team. By becoming a committee member of societies and sitting on the S.U Executive, my leadership skills have also increased significantly. The Uaneen Module highlights all these skills that employers look for from today's Graduates.

The Portfolio itself consists of a reflection process. This can raise self-awareness and understanding of ones desires and passions while allowing their creativity and vision to shine through in their individual portfolio. The workshops are a great opportunity to come up with ideas for the portfolio and how to approach your own particular writing style. Within the workshops you meet DCU Students from other Faculties that you may not have known previously. You may learn about other things to include in your portfolio after discussions with other students. Every student is assigned a mentor who provides support and guidance. For me, this was one of the highlights of the Module and not only did I gain a new friendship, she kept me motivated and on the right path throughout the entire experience.

All DCU students are given the opportunity to register for the Uaneen Module. I would strongly encourage all students to do so – it is an incredible experience that will ultimately add to the value of your degree and give you an edge over your fellow classmates."

Name:	Ian McGlynn
Course:	Accounting & Finance 2011

"Extra-curricular activity was a huge part of my time in DCU, and taking the Uaneen module as a non-contributory module was hugely affirming of these experiences I had outside the lecture hall. For me, college was about learning to balance all my interests with academic commitments, and learning from when I succeeded or failed in doing this. It wasn't until I sat down to start work on my Uaneen report that I fully saw the magnitude and impact of what I had done.

Also, as a mathematics student, I loved developing my reflection and writing skills. There were many useful workshops held to help writing novices like myself to learn the basics of academic writing at third level, as well as techniques in concisely conveying information in more visual ways. It was refreshing and exciting to have the freedom to express myself in a way I felt appropriately reflected my experience.

The Uaneen module is another hallmark of DCU's commitment to innovation, which is valued very highly by modern employers. Undertaking this module has definitely helped me stand out from the crowd and was a huge factor in securing employment in a difficult job market.

Undertaking this module consolidated all the skills I attained during my University experience as a whole, and in this way has equipped me for the future, both professionally and personally."

Name:	John Harney
Course:	BSc in Financial & Actuarial Mathematics 2011
Employer:	Towers Watson, Consultant Trainee Actuary

"The Uaneen Module was the first mark I looked for on my final year results sheet. It meant so much to me, as it was an embodiment of my development through University.

I am currently looking for employment in the UK, and the mention of the module is always met with positive reactions in interviews. I think it shows more than any of my academic achievements, as it is a symbol of going above and beyond your capabilities and what is expected of you in Third level education. Going the extra mile on ones own initiative is extremely important to employers, which is why I think the Uaneen Module is so worthwhile. I made a scrapbook as part of my submission, and it is something I know I will always have to look back on in years to come, and the fun memories will never fade. My extra curricular life forced me to become more responsible,creative,involved and gave me invaluable teamwork skills, but it also gave me some of my closest friends.

I would recommend the module to everyone who can take it as a contributory module- where else can you be academically recognised for your participation in Clubs and Socs?, and for others to take it as non-contributory as it is an amazing additive to your CV. In my opinion, and from the reactions I have received during interviews, I believe the Uaneen Module shows your capabilities and uniqueness more than any other final year module. It is what sets you apart from the crowd, and your specific needs and specialities are shown through involvement in extra curricular life.

DCU have given a new dimesion to my academic achievements. It is a great feeling to have my extra curricular work recognised, I just wish I could go back and do it all again!"

Name:	Joanne Halpin
Course:	B.A. in Communication Studies 2011

"I took the Uaneen module as a non-contributing module. Some people couldn't understand why I would possibly do the module without the benefit of gaining academic recognition for it, but that didn't bother me. What was important to me, and what appealed to me was that it was a module that recognised an individual's positive contribution to life at DCU.

My extra-curricular life in DCU is certainly that which I will take most from in my three short years in DCU. In first year I viewed this part of college as an opportunity to do something I love and meet new people. This is something which has undoubtedly been fulfilled. What I didn't expect or realise was the confidence, skills, and untapped potential that I gained from these activities. The beautiful thing about the Uaneen module is that it allows you to reflect on all this, and to make you realise what you learnt, did, witnessed, achieved...

I have, in three years, through extra-curricular life learnt how to present a radio show, produce a TV programme, operate a camera, organise a group trip, lead a large dynamic team, organise a large scale event, meet some of the top media industry professionals in Ireland, interview Russell Brand, make my class's voice heard where it matters, build up a host of important contacts and manage to organise some pretty decent parties. This is only a tiny sample of what I have loved from my time in DCU life outside the classroom. From this I will take forward so many memories, and skills which I have no doubt I can transfer to any potential career.

The simple fact is that all this does take up an incredible amount of time and effort, and to be rewarded for it in such a prestigious and constructive way is something which I feel makes DCU stand out, and is a mark of how highly it views the work done by students to make DCU a better, more rounded institution."

Name:	Paul Carr
Course:	Communications, 2009-10

"DCU has a reputation as Ireland's Innovation University and the Uaneen module is just another example of how DCU leads the way in the development of a truly holistic education. The Uaneen model recognises and rewards students for the skills they developed through their social and extra curricular activities both within university and community life. Socrates once said "Education is the kindling of a flame and not the filling of a vessel". For me, the Uaneen Model epitomises perfectly such a philosophy. Uaneen was a truly unique experience allowing me to reflect back upon the skills, lessons and more importantly the passions I developed from being involved in a number of clubs, community and extra curricular initiatives.

I would strongly encourage every student to take the Uaneen module. Today leading employers don't just look for graduates with outstanding academic success but also for well-rounded individuals with key differentiators such as Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Innovation, Communication, Teamwork and Entrepreneurship. By participating in the Uaneen Workshops and completing the Uaneen Log, you will soon realise the skill sets developed in college and community life that have shaped your personal development and made you who you are today. "

Name:	Cianán Clancy
Course:	Bachelor of Business Studies - 2008
Employer:	Accenture, Strategy Consultant

“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 aspirations of students, parents and educationalists; it equips individuals with the skills necessary to maximise their prospects of having fulfilling and rewarding careers, and this will be a major factor in determining their quality of life.

Name:	Siobhan Masterson
Employer:	IBEC, Education Policy
Position:	Chair of Uaneen Module Committee

“Without the Uaneen Module and my extracurricular activity, I wouldn't be where I am today. My employers were familiar with the Uaneen, and as such were impressed with my level of extracurricular activity in college. I took it as a contributory module and it did bring up my marks; it felt brilliant to be academically recognised for my work outside of the classroom! Read more

Name:	Roibeárd Ó Mhurcú, Mature Student
Course:	B.A. Communications 2004-07, M.Sc. Multimedia 2008
Employer:	D.I.T. Mature Student Support Officer

…..“University is about gaining experience and doing so in a balanced way. Finding the balance is hard and is one of life’s challenges. The joy of DCU was not only having a great course and lecturers, but also being able to get involved in the many clubs and societies with so many opportunities to learn and get involved (and have FUN!). For me, finding the balance was hard. I worked part time throughout college, I had full time studies and I had part time committee commitments. Sometimes, one of these would suffer! But through all four years of college, without even realising it I was learning skills such as; Communication, delegation, time management, preparation, prioritization, how to stay motivated and focused. I had to learn these skills in order to maintain a successful time in college, in work and in my clubs and socs. As a graduate, having started my career I now truly realise the benefit of the recognition the Uaneen module gives students. It provides a conduit for recognising our own achievement and ultimately allows us to be proud of ourselves in a way that will benefit not only our careers but our lives.”

Name:	Jessica Ní Chonchúbhair
Course:	FIONTAR / BSc Entreprenurship, Computing & Applied Irish, 2008
Employer:	Facebook, User Analyst

…..“I look back on the time I spent in college and realise how much I have grown as a person and I think that a large part of that is because of the extra curricular work I did over the 4 years at DCU. I think we can agree that there are things that you just cant learn in the lecture hall or in the library and DCU gave me the opportunity to get involved in different things that propelled my own personal development and that gave me the skills and know-how that I carry with me and will continue to carry with me throughout my career. Its great to see that the Uaneen awards are still going strong and that DCU recognises all the extra curricular work students do along with their academic studies.

Name:	Keith O’Brien
Course:	Business Studies, 2004
Employer:	River Island Press Office, International Press Officer

"The Uaneen module allowed me to be recognised for my extra curricular efforts. It felt extremely rewarding to be able to write about and be graded on work outside of academic life. My Uaneen project is something I still take out on occasion and flick through with pride. The Uaneen module not only gives you a sense of personal gratification but it also is recognised by employers around the country and gives you that extra competitive edge that you will carry into your career."

Name:	Laura Wall
Course:	BA in Communitcation Studies, DCU, 2009, MA in Public Relations, DIT 2010
Employer:	Internship with Weber Shandwick PR
Date:	August 2010