DCU Uaneen Module Award Reception
Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th November 2007

John Sheridan, at the Uaneen Awards ceremony, pictured with his mother

Seventy-two students received ‘Uaneen Module’ awards at DCU’s graduation ceremonies which took place in the Helix on 5th and 6th of November. The award scheme, which recognises the commitment and learning acquired by students involved in extra-curricular activities, is unique within the third-level sector. It was set up in 2000 in memory of DCU Communications Studies graduate, Uaneen Fitzsimons who played an active role in society and campus life, who died in November 2000.

This is the 4th year that the Uaneen Module has been given academic recognition. To celebrate this, a special reception was hosted each day between graduation ceremonies in the Helix which was attended by Nicola Horgan, Director of Graduate Placement Programmes at IBEC, and Uaneen’s parents, Mary and Brian Fitzsimons. The guest speaker at Monday’s reception was Professor Pat Barker and at Tuesday's reception was Brody Sweeney.

Nicola Horgan, who is the Chairperson of the Uaneen Module committee, remarked that “with an ever evolving employment market, the development of transferable skills and competencies within an academic framework is a key strength for Ireland’s future workforce. By recognising the importance of extra curricular activities through the Uaneen Module, DCU has shown foresight in ensuring that its graduates achieve a truly rounded educational experience.”

Brody Sweeney, Chairperson and founder of O’Brien’s Irish Sandwich Bars and member of the DCU Board of Trustees gave an open, honest and heartfelt talk to the graduates and their guests. He spoke about his support of the concept of the Uaneen Module, stating that he believed that 50% of our learning takes place within the classroom and equally important, 50% is life learning.

The ‘Uaneen Module’ is intended to encourage students to develop their extra-curricular activities along with their academic studies. The module recognises the commitment that students put in to extra curricular activity and the personal development and learning derived from this activity. The module aims to encourage students to participate and become actively involved through their work with University and outside clubs and societies, sports, recreation, hobbies, community activities and all forms of non-academic activity.

Successful applicants can take the module as a 5 credit elective module which contributes to the final year award for their programme of study or as an optional additional module with a 5 credit value which does not contribute to the final degree award.

In both cases, the credits and marks awarded are recorded on the applicants’ transcript. The credits can be used by students when applying for postgraduate programmes both in Ireland and in Europe, where the ECTS transfer system is fully recognised.

This year, twenty one students received 1st class honour Uaneen Module awards:

• John White
• Jennifer Dowling
• Lyndsey Fay
• Eoin O’Callaghan
• Roibeard O’Mhurcu
• Ellen Parikka
• Dave Rooney
• Lizanne Barnwall
• Gary Boylan
• Laura Hyland
• Mark Watson
• Eimear Mc Glade
• Eoghan Gaffney
• Gavin Maguire
• Hazel Hayes
• Russell O’Connor
• Aoife Thompson
• Richard Hoban
• Paula Fitzpatrick
• Alan Flanagan
• Elaine Bannon