Student Charter | Dublin City University

Introduction

Dublin City University (DCU) is a leading innovative European University distinguished by the quality of the student experience and the impact of our teaching and research on our stakeholders and on issues of global concern. With a mission to ‘transform lives and societies’, DCU develops exceptional ‘career-ready’ graduates who are eager to use their knowledge and skills for positive impact in a broad range of settings. The DCU graduates’ benefit from a unique set of academic, professional and personal development opportunities that differentiates them from those of other institutions.

Here at DCU, we are committed to maximising the developmental opportunities we offer you, in a welcoming, progressive and dynamic environment. We take great pride in cultivating the future policy makers, linguists, technology innovators, practitioners and entrepreneurs, who will shape our society in the future. We cannot do this on our own, however. To reach your full potential, it is your responsibility to engage fully in the entirety of the DCU programme to ensure that you make the most of your time at the University. To help you better understand the relationship that exists between you and the University, we have created this ‘Student Charter’. It is designed to provide a framework which will help steer you along your DCU journey and make the most of your university experience. The Charter outlines the supports, services and academic quality that you can expect from the University, and what DCU expects of you in terms of your academic and social engagement and your personal conduct (Note Below).

Note: The Student Charter does not constitute a Charter pursuant to Section 31 of the Universities Act 1997 and does not impose legal obligations on the part of the University.

Section 1 - The University Environment

Studying at DCU is an exciting venture. We aim to develop an equal, diverse, and inclusive community that is resilient and adaptable and that has a positive impact on our staff, students, and society. We promote a non-judgemental university environment that enhances the living and learning experience for all members of the student community. We strive to clearly communicate the behaviours, boundaries and actions required to fulfil DCU's mission and vision, thus creating a positive and inclusive culture.

1.1 What Students can expect from the University	1.2 What the University can expect from Students
That staff will be courteous and professional and maintain a study environment that is safe, supportive and inclusive, thus respecting your visible and invisible differences.	That you take responsibility for your behaviour, and conduct yourself, both online and in person, in a manner that is respectful and courteous towards university staff and fellow students and in line with the rules, regulations and policies of the University.
That you be provided with opportunities to engage with the environment beyond DCU to help you develop your personal and professional skills.	That you act as good ambassadors for the University when engaging with local and global communities, whether on placement, study abroad or volunteering.
That you have accessible and clear communication channels to academic, administrative and professional staff and are informed about relevant School structures and staff roles.	That you commit to regularly checking your email accounts and other relevant sources of information to ensure that you are aware, at all times, of relevant communications from the University.
That you are supported both academically and personally to complete your studies within an acceptable timeframe.	That you make the University aware when you are facing serious academic or personal challenges, and make use of the relevant resources, supports and mechanisms which support this.
That DCU aims for the highest standards in its management of the University’s academic, administrative and social activities, which are underpinned by higher education good practice and national frameworks.	That you respect the opinions and values of staff, fellow students and visitors, and embrace the diversity of the DCU Community, of which you are an integral part.
That effective policies and procedures are implemented, which clearly communicate the behaviours, boundaries and actions required to fulfil DCU's mission and vision, thus creating a positive and welcoming culture.	That you conduct yourself in a manner that is conducive to the vision of the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline, the Dignity and Respect at Work and Study Policy and the Sexual Misconduct and Work and Study Policy.
That sustainability is embedded at the core of the University through the implementation of the DCU Sustainability Charter.	That you embed sustainability and healthy choices into your university experience by choosing sustainable options for travel, eating, drinking, and your health and wellbeing.
That the University provides the secure and innovative digital solutions and infrastructure needed to empower your learning and student experience.	That you practice good digital citizenship and are familiar with the Digital Resources Acceptable Usage Policy. This includes engaging safely, respectfully and responsibly in a university digital environment; respecting others online; protecting yourself and the University from cybersecurity risks; and working with the University to stand up to inappropriate behaviour.
That the campus environment is maintained and fit for purpose, energy efficient, ecologically sensitive and accessible to the whole DCU community.	That you respect the physical environment and facilities in the University and report any potential risks to the relevant DCU Office.
That an environment is provided to support and encourage free speech, independent thought, academic freedom and academic integrity.	That you recognise that rights to freedom of expression come with a shared responsibility to uphold and acknowledge the rights of others.
That students with disabilities have access to reasonable adjustments, where required, to enable full participation in academic learning.	That you make the University aware, in a timely fashion, of any disabilities for which you may need reasonable adjustments.

Section 2 - The Academic Experience

DCU is committed to providing you with a learning environment that is conducive to academic success. It values an open, collaborative, ambitious and student-focused learning environment that is positive, inclusive and engaging. You will be supported to achieve your programme learning outcomes through robust academic activities along with suitable assessment, guidance and feedback.

2.1 What Students can expect from the University	2.2 What the University can expect from Students
That you are provided with a learning and research environment that is conducive to academic success - positive, inclusive and engaging, as captured in the DCU Threshold Expectations of Academic Experience Statements, and the DCU Dignity and Respect at Work and Study, and related policies.	That you take ownership of your own learning and personally contribute towards creating and maintaining an atmosphere and environment that is conducive to learning for all.
That you are supported to achieve programme learning outcomes.	That you attend and take an active part in lectures, seminars, laboratories, classes, and supervision, along with transversal skills training as required by your programme of study.
That you have opportunities to meet and engage with academic staff.	That you establish a productive working relationship with your faculty, school and/or supervisory team, and take responsibility for proactively seeking any support you need.
That you are supported to plan your engagement with academic activities by being provided with key academic dates and clarity about the mode of engagement, as well as accurate timetabling information and schedules of assessment.	That you respect and uphold academic integrity by informing yourself about what this entails and being aware of the Academic Integrity Policy and regulations, and ensuring that examination, assessment and specific programme regulations are adhered to, including the DCU Academic Regulations, the Student Code of Conduct and Behaviour and Research Academic Regulations.
That you are supported to manage your workload by the appropriate design of assessment schedules across your programme or research, provision of information relating to each assessment or piece of research, and full use of the academic calendar.	That you take proactive measures to thrive academically, manage your workload, take feedback on board, and seek out the appropriate resources, advice and supports when needed.
That you are provided with suitable assessment(s), guidance and feedback, i.e. your experience reflects the DCU Assessment and Feedback in Teaching and Learning policy or suitable feedback in relation to graduate training or supervision.	That you actively engage in feedback from academic staff and seek clarification where necessary.
That you have opportunities and appropriate mechanisms to provide formal feedback on your learning experience and have easily accessible and clear communication channels to academic staff to escalate issues.	That you engage with opportunities to provide feedback, including via the student survey of teaching, the national student survey and other relevant DCU Committees and fora.
That you are provided with clear, up-to-date advice and guidance on the use of AI in an academic environment.	That you use AI responsibly, ethically and in line with module-specific guidelines.
That you benefit from a research-informed teaching experience that will prepare you for a career in your chosen discipline.	That you engage fully in opportunities presented to you to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities for the career of your choice.

Section 3 - Supports, Services & Facilities

DCU is committed to providing support, services, processes and facilities that are of high quality and fit-for-purpose and aims to foster a culture of sustainability through education and engagement in the University community. It will achieve this by providing you with access to sporting, cultural and community activities and opportunities to develop transversal skills that will enable you to build resilience and become a well-rounded graduate. Additionally, we will provide you with academic processes and services that support student engagement.

3.1 What students can expect from the University	3.2 What the University can expect of Students
That you are offered a comprehensive orientation programme and ongoing support to help you thrive in the University.	That you engage fully with the orientation programmes and support that is offered to create a sense of belonging and connection to DCU, so that you can settle in and thrive at university.
That you are provided with the opportunity and facilities to take part in a broad programme of social, cultural and sporting activities that will further your personal skills and talents.	That you explore and engage in the extensive range of extra-curricular activities available via the social, cultural and sporting programmes offered to all students and treat university facilities and infrastructure with respect and consideration for other users.
That you are provided with a Students’ Union that is elected by you and represents the student voice.	That you make good use of the resources and support available through DCU, your Students' Union and Student Leaders, and use them as a conduit of the student voice.
That you are offered a broad range of opportunities, supports and resources, including opportunities to develop your transversal skills, to enhance your personal and professional development and allow you to flourish in university.	That you engage with the support and services provided to you to enhance your student experience and enable you to reach your potential.
That you are provided with excellent Library Services that are a trusted source of information, content and collections.	That you make good use of the Library Services and respect the learning spaces and materials provided.
That you are provided with academic services that support your student journey from application through to graduation, and clear policies and procedures to navigate issues that may arise along that journey.	That you engage with academic services, processes and systems in a timely and appropriate manner (enrolment, fees, appeals, placement services, extenuating circumstances, etc).
That the University will invoke relevant policies to address instances of racism, sexual violence, bullying or harassment and any other behaviour which is deemed unacceptable by the University.	That you will actively intervene in incidents of inappropriate behaviour if safe to do so, and report issues to the relevant university unit.

Section 4 - The Postgraduate Research Experience

DCU is committed to providing postgraduate research (PGR) students with leadership and support excellence by working with staff, the research student community and external partners. It will achieve this by providing strategic leadership, academic governance and process improvement to enable Graduate Researchers to thrive intellectually and professionally, achieving academic excellence and enhancing their student experience. The postgraduate research experience is unique in the university environment and involves additional expectations of the University and the student. In addition to the expectations outlined in the 'University Environment', the 'Academic Experience' and the 'Supports, Services & Facilities' sections, expectations of the 'research experience' in DCU are outlined below.

4.1 What students can expect from the University	4.2 What the University expects of Students
That you are provided with a supervisor appropriate to your research topic and receive regular verbal and written feedback on your work.	That you actively and regularly engage with your supervisory team and with the verbal and written feedback provided.
That adequate training in doctoral supervision is provided for supervisors.	That you actively participate in training and other research-related opportunities and positively contribute to the research culture within the School.
That up-to-date information on regulations, policies and procedures is available.	That you stay informed of all regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to PGR students and act accordingly.
That a suite of training opportunities is provided, related to research methods, research integrity, and a range of transversal skills.	That you conduct research ethically and responsibly.
That opportunities to participate in teaching and learning support activities are provided, along with appropriate support and training to carry out teaching duties to a high standard.	That you actively participate in teaching and learning support activities, in keeping with policies and funder terms and conditions.
That opportunities for entrepreneurship and career development are provided.	That you engage in discussions on and plan personal and career development.
That there are adequate study space, equipment and materials for research students.	That you respect the University’s property and equipment.

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